Analysis: Biden Unaware of Executive Orders ‘Signed’ by Autopen

A recent report has raised questions about President Joe Biden's awareness of the executive orders signed during his time in office, suggesting that many were signed using an autopen, a device that replicates a signature without the individual's physical presence.

1. Executive Orders and Autopen Usage:

President Biden issued 162 executive orders, with a report indicating most were signed by autopen, potentially allowing staff to influence policy more than the president himself. The report from Power the Future highlighted that there was no record of Biden discussing or acknowledging specific climate-related orders.

2. Biden's Possible Lack of Awareness:

Daniel Turner, Executive Director of Power the Future, emphasized the need for transparency regarding who was behind the executive orders. House Speaker Mike Johnson recounted an instance where Biden seemed unaware of signing an order on liquefied natural gas, leading to concerns about his knowledge and involvement.

3. Call for Investigation:

The Oversight Project stated that it is essential to investigate who controlled the autopen and the protocols in place. They expressed that it is feasible to determine this information through the right legal processes, especially given Biden's past actions regarding executive privilege.

4. Historical Context of Autopen Usage:

Autopens have been controversial, with their use traced back to early American presidents. While other presidents like George W. Bush opted not to use the device for important legislation, recent presidents, including Barack Obama, have employed it for signing while away. In contrast, Donald Trump criticized Biden's extensive use of the autopen for legal documents, suggesting it might render them void if the president was unaware of signing them.

5. Current Status and Reactions:

The Washington Stand reached out to the Department of Justice about possible investigations regarding Biden’s use of the autopen but received no comment.

Amid growing scrutiny over executive orders signed by autopen, there are serious questions about President Biden's awareness and involvement in these decisions. The discussions highlight the need for accountability in the signing processes and the implications for the legitimacy of these orders. 

https://washingtonstand.com/news/analysis-biden-unaware-of-executive-orders-signed-by-autopen