Trump Vows to Invalidate Biden's Autopen-Signed Orders, Threatens Perjury Charges
Donald Trump plans to cancel all executive orders signed by President Biden via autopen, alleging illegality and threatening perjury charges, questioning their validity.
Trump cancels orders signed by Biden with autopen
Washington Examiner
Overview
- Donald Trump announced plans to cancel all executive orders and documents signed by President Biden using an autopen, declaring them terminated and lacking legal effect.
- Trump and his supporters, including House Republicans and the House Oversight Committee, allege Biden's inner circle used the autopen to sign decisions into law, questioning their validity.
- Trump falsely claimed 92 percent of Biden's documents were autopen-signed and warned Biden of perjury charges if he claimed involvement in the autopen process.
- President Biden refutes these accusations, asserting he made all decisions during his presidency and dismissing the claims as baseless.
- Historically, presidents have used autopens with legal backing, yet Trump intends to nullify Biden's orders despite legal reviews supporting the practice.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources cover this story neutrally by presenting Trump's claims alongside extensive factual and legal context. They explain the historical use and legality of autopens by presidents, including Trump himself, and clarify the actual legal mechanisms for reversing executive orders or pardons. This approach prioritizes objective information to inform readers about the validity of Trump's statements.
"Trump suggested without evidence that Biden was unaware of actions he signed by autopen, which he maintains would invalidate those signings."
USA TODAY"Trump's announcement to cancel Biden's executive orders signed by autopen reflects a contentious political climate and ongoing disputes over presidential authority."
NBC News"Mr. Trump has already rolled back dozens of Biden's executive orders."
CBS NewsArticles (18)
FAQ
An autopen is a mechanical device that replicates a person's signature, legally used by U.S. presidents to sign documents when they have personally authorized it. Legal precedent affirms that such autopen signatures are valid if personally and knowingly authorized by the president, with the authorization being the key legal act rather than the physical signing method.
Donald Trump alleges that President Biden’s inner circle used the autopen without Biden’s direct involvement to sign approximately 92% of his executive orders and documents, claiming these actions were illegal and that Biden was not aware or did not approve the use of the autopen. Trump also threatens to terminate all such orders and accuse Biden of perjury if he claims involvement in the process.
President Biden refutes the allegations, asserting that he made all the decisions during his presidency and dismisses the claims of unauthorized autopen use as baseless, reaffirming his personal approval and involvement in the actions signed with the autopen.
Yes, previous presidents such as Barack Obama and George W. Bush have used the autopen. Although there has been debate, the use of the autopen by presidents has legal backing and has not been struck down in courts solely on that basis, provided the president personally authorizes the use.
Critics raise concerns about President Biden's mental capacity to fully comprehend and approve documents signed via the autopen, questioning whether he had full consent and awareness for each signature. These concerns are tied to his advanced age and perceived cognitive decline, leading to debates about transparency and legitimacy of executive actions taken during the later part of his presidency.
History
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12 articles