In a dramatic move that threatens to upend recent political history, former US President Donald Trump has declared a wide range of official actions by his predecessor, Joe Biden, as legally invalid. The controversy centres on the use of an autopen, a mechanical device used to replicate a signature.
The Decree on Truth Social
On Tuesday, Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, to issue a sweeping declaration. He stated that all documents signed by Joe Biden using an autopen are now "null, void, and of no further force or effect." This proclamation covers a vast array of official papers, including executive orders, memorandums, proclamations, contracts, and notably, presidential pardons.
"Anyone receiving 'Pardons,' 'Commutations,' or any other Legal Document so signed, please be advised that said Document has been fully and completely terminated, and is of no Legal effect," Trump wrote in his post. He labelled Biden's use of the autopen as "unauthorized," challenging its legitimacy despite the device's long history of use by presidents from both major parties.
Targeting Biden's Final Actions and Pardons
This declaration appears directly aimed at a series of contentious actions taken by Biden in the final days of his presidency. According to reports, Biden issued a batch of pre-emptive pardons for several close associates and family members just before leaving the Oval Office.
The list of pardon recipients was said to include high-profile figures such as:
- General Mark Milley, former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
- Dr. Anthony Fauci, the former chief medical advisor.
- Members of the congressional committee that investigated the January 6 Capitol riot.
Furthermore, Biden's immediate family—brothers James and Frank, sister Valerie, and their spouses—were also named as beneficiaries of this clemency. These pardons were widely described as a precautionary shield against potential legal actions anticipated under the new Trump administration.
Political Motivations and Potential Fallout
Trump's latest salvo is rooted in his long-running narrative questioning President Biden's capacity for office. He has repeatedly suggested, without evidence, that Biden's aides and staff make key decisions for him and that tools like the autopen are overused due to the President's age and health.
By invalidating documents signed with the autopen, Trump is attempting to retroactively erase a segment of Biden's presidential legacy. However, this unilateral declaration sets the stage for significant legal and political battles. The autopen has been a standard tool in the White House for decades, used for routine signings when the president is traveling or otherwise unavailable. Its legal standing for official documents is well-established.
Legal experts are likely to challenge the authority of a former president to nullify the official acts of a sitting president. This move could create confusion and uncertainty around policies, contracts, and the legal status of those who received the now-contested pardons. It represents an unprecedented escalation in the political conflict between the two leaders and foreshadows a complex struggle over the boundaries of presidential power.
