The White House has issued a memorandum directing an investigation into actions taken during the presidency of Joe Biden. The memorandum, addressed to the Attorney General and the Counsel to the President, outlines concerns regarding the use of a mechanical signature pen, known as an autopen, for executing presidential actions.
The document states that former President Biden's aides may have used the autopen to mask his cognitive decline while asserting Article II authority. It describes this as "one of the most dangerous and concerning scandals in American history," alleging that it misled the public about who wielded executive power.
Despite documented issues with Biden's cognitive health, over 1,200 presidential documents were issued, 235 judges appointed to the Federal bench, and more pardons and commutations granted than any other administration. Notably, just before Christmas in 2024, sentences for several federal death row inmates were commuted.
The memorandum questions whether these decisions reflect Biden’s own will or awareness. It claims that many executive actions during his later years were signed using an autopen due to apparent cognitive decline.
The investigation will be conducted by the Counsel to the President in consultation with the Attorney General and relevant agencies. It aims to determine if there was a conspiracy to deceive the public about Biden's mental state and unlawfully exercise presidential powers.
Specific areas of focus include any activities shielding information about Biden’s health from public view, agreements among aides regarding false representations of his capabilities, and details on policy documents signed with an autopen.
President Donald J. Trump authorized this directive but clarified that it does not create legal rights enforceable against any U.S. entity or individual.
