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A stunning development out of Washington has raised fresh questions about who was truly in charge during President Joe Biden’s final years in office.
Neera Tanden, a longtime Democratic operative and former director of the White House Domestic Policy Council, testified before the House Oversight Committee on June 25, admitting she was authorized to direct the use of an autopen to sign presidential documents on Biden’s behalf.
Tanden, who also served as White House staff secretary from 2021 to 2023, confirmed under oath that she oversaw the use of the device used to replicate Biden’s signature—even while he was reportedly present at the White House.
“I was responsible for handling the flow of documents to and from the president,” she said, adding, “I was authorized to direct that autopen signatures be affixed to certain categories of documents.”
While Tanden emphasized that the system was inherited from previous administrations and legally permissible under a 2005 DOJ opinion, Republicans on the committee are focused less on legality and more on transparency. They’re asking the core question: Was Joe Biden actually making the decisions being signed in his name?
Oversight Chairman James Comer (R-KY) said the panel is investigating whether any executive actions were approved without Biden’s explicit involvement. “The committee wants answers about who was calling the shots,” he said.
Many of the documents signed via autopen—including controversial pardons—were authorized while Biden was reportedly in the building, raising alarms about the true extent of his engagement.
Tanden insisted she saw no reason to doubt Biden’s capacity to lead, saying she “had no experience in the White House that would provide any reason to question [his] command.”
However, the investigation continues, with several former Biden aides scheduled to testify in the coming weeks—including senior adviser Anthony Bernal and Biden’s physician, Dr. Kevin O’Connor.
While Democrats on the committee called the probe a political sideshow, Comer made clear that this is just the beginning. “I think the American people want to know,” he said. “This is about accountability.”
As the autopen controversy grows, critics argue that unelected aides may have wielded extraordinary power—while voters were kept in the dark.
Sarah Mitchell is a bestselling novelist recognized for her insightful and emotionally resonant stories that explore the complexities of human relationships. Originally from Denver, Colorado, Sarah grew up in a family of teachers who nurtured her curiosity and love for storytelling. She studied psychology at Stanford University, where she became fascinated by the intricacies of human behavior—an interest that would later shape her writing career. Sarah’s novels are praised for their nuanced characters, intricate plots, and ability to capture the subtle tensions that define love, friendship, and family ties. Her breakthrough novel, The Spaces Between Us, became an instant bestseller, lauded for its honest portrayal of strained family relationships and the fragile bonds that hold people together. Since then, she has published several works that continue to captivate audiences around the world. Outside of her writing career, Sarah is passionate about mental health advocacy and often partners with organizations to promote awareness and support for those struggling with emotional well-being. Her personal life is quieter—she enjoys hiking in the Colorado mountains, practicing yoga, and spending time with close friends. With each new book, Sarah Mitchell cements her reputation as a writer who illuminates the beauty and struggles of human connection.
