Former Biden administration aides have revealed concerns that a senior White House staffer may have improperly used the autopen to sign key documents without confirming Biden’s approval. The staffer allegedly exercised significant control over the decision-making process, with others fearing to question their authority.
According to insiders, this staff member would often state they were following Biden’s wishes, but many White House officials remained unsure whether the president had actually reviewed the documents. Some aides reportedly suspected the staffer of exceeding their authority but refrained from raising objections.
Who were the three staffers who had access to Biden's autopen? @gabbycuccia names names on @RealLindellTV.
Spoiler alert: one also had been a Susan Rice staffer. pic.twitter.com/0Rf71lEScC
— The Absolute Truth with @EmeraldRobinson (@AbsoluteWithE) March 11, 2025
The issue has gained attention following a review of Biden’s final days in office. Six pardons issued on December 30, 2024, all carried identical autopen signatures, even though Biden was away on vacation. This has raised new concerns over who was truly making decisions on behalf of the administration.
Former Biden aide claims top staffer abused autopen as president's cognitive abilities deteriorated https://t.co/XHhzUSk9sJ key staffer was suspected of unilaterally making decisions to sign documents as former President Joe Biden's cognitive abilities decreased.
— greg beanan (@gregbeanan) March 15, 2025
Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey has urged the Department of Justice to investigate whether Biden’s executive actions were made with his full awareness. In a letter to the DOJ’s inspector general, Bailey argued that if staffers signed documents without Biden’s approval, those actions could be unconstitutional and legally void.
In contrast, Trump’s administration has implemented safeguards against potential misuse. A memo from Trump’s staff secretary details that Trump personally signs all major decisions, including executive orders, appointments, and pardons. The autopen is used only for minor documents, with additional restrictions ensuring that no single office both drafts and signs documents.
Presidents have long used the autopen for minor administrative tasks, but reports of its use under Biden have led to renewed debates over the role of staff in shaping presidential decisions.
The Department of Justice has not yet commented on whether an investigation will be launched into these allegations.
