Trump Displays Autopen Image of Biden on New Presidential Walk of Fame, Sparking Controversy and Investigation
President Trump displayed an autopen image instead of Joe Biden's portrait on the new White House Presidential Walk of Fame, sparking controversy and a House committee investigation.
Trump swaps Biden for autopen in new presidential walk of fame
Washington Examiner
Subscribe to unlock this story
We really don't like cutting you off, but you've reached your monthly limit. At just $5/month, subscriptions are how we keep this project going. Start your free 7-day trial today!
Get StartedHave an account? Sign in
Overview
- President Trump displayed an autopen signature image of Joe Biden, replacing his actual portrait, on the newly unveiled Presidential Walk of Fame at the White House.
- The controversial display, located on the West Wing Colonnade, was promoted by White House staff, with Margo Martin posting a video of Trump hanging it on September 24, 2025.
- Trump's action is seen as a snub, stemming from his refusal to accept the 2020 election results and his criticism of Biden's autopen use, alleging void pardons.
- The incident sparked significant online controversy and trolling, with critics accusing former Biden staffers of illegally using the autopen without proper authorization.
- A Republican-led House committee is investigating the Biden administration's autopen use, specifically probing whether documents were signed without President Biden's full awareness.
Report issue
Read both sides in 5 minutes each day
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame this story by portraying Donald Trump's actions as a deliberate "snub" and an attempt to "delegitimize" Joe Biden. They use evaluative language like "falsely chalking up" and "alleged without evidence" to discredit Trump's claims, while also noting that other presidents used autopens, collectively shaping a narrative critical of Trump's motives and factual basis.
"Instead of a headshot of Joe Biden, the Republican incumbent instead hung a photo of an autopen signing the Democrat’s name — a reference to Trump’s frequent allegation that the former president was addled by the end of his term in office and not really the one making decisions."
Associated Press"Trump is using a new "Presidential Walk of Fame" in the White House to troll his predecessor."
USA TODAYArticles (10)
FAQ
Joe Biden's portrait was replaced with an image of his autopen signature as a political snub by President Trump, reflecting claims by the Trump administration that Biden was not fully aware of decisions during his presidency.
The Presidential Walk of Fame is a hallway in the West Wing Colonnade of the White House featuring official portraits of former presidents arranged in chronological order.
The replacement has sparked controversy and widespread criticism online, with accusations of disrespect and political trolling targeting Biden and his administration.
A Republican-led House committee is investigating whether documents signed using Biden's autopen were authorized by Biden himself and if this use was appropriate.
The unveiling was promoted by White House staff, notably Margo Martin, special assistant to the president and communications adviser, who posted a video of the installation.
History
- 1M
3 articles