President Autopen and the Crime of Forgery

Forgery, though less common today due to electronic payments, remains a significant crime. It involves signing documents without permission and can manifest in various ways, such as creating fake identification. This summary explores the implications of forgery, particularly in the context of using autopens for presidential signatures.

1. What is Forgery?

Forgery includes signing checks or documents in someone else's name without their consent. While digital transactions have reduced check writing, forgery can still occur with any signed document.

2. Types of Forgery Crimes:

• Most forgery cases are handled under state law, typically as felonies if the documents hold legal or financial weight.

• Forgery becomes a federal offense when it involves federal documents, U. S. currency, interstate commerce, or federal institutions.

3. Understanding Autopens:

An autopen is a machine that replicates signatures to save time for public figures who sign many documents. Some presidents have used autopens for routine documents or in urgent situations.

4. Executive Use of Autopens:

• President Trump reportedly used the autopen for unimportant documents, while President Obama used it once for urgent legislative needs.

• The legal framework allows the President to direct someone to sign on their behalf, provided they have already approved the document.

5. Concerns with President Biden’s Autopen Use:

Allegations suggest President Biden frequently used an autopen to sign official documents. This raises questions about whether he delegated authority for signing and who was responsible for decisions during his presidency.

6. Investigations and Allegations:

Concerns have arisen regarding Biden's cognitive abilities, prompting inquiries into the legitimacy of the documents signed by his autopen. Investigators are questioning who made decisions about pardons and orders, and if unauthorized actions occurred, it could signal forgery.

7. Potential Consequences:

If signatures made via autopen were unauthorized, they would be considered invalid, impacting the legal status of presidential pardons and other signed documents.

The issue surrounding the use of autopens by President Biden raises significant legal and ethical questions regarding forgery and the proper execution of presidential duties. Ongoing investigations aim to clarify these matters and determine the legitimacy of actions taken during his tenure. 

https://www.americanthinker.com/articles/2025/06/president_autopen_and_the_crime_of_forgery.html