On Friday, former U.S. President Donald J. Trump declared the immediate nullification of all executive orders and official documents signed by Joe Biden with the aid of the autopen, a mechanical device that duplicates presidential signatures.
In a statement on Truth Social, Trump denounced all documents authorized in this manner during the previous administration as "illegal and void."
"Any document endorsed by 'Sleepy' Joe Biden using the Autopen—which accounts for approximately 92% of them—is now deemed invalid and has no legal standing. The Autopen cannot be utilized without the President of the United States' direct approval," Trump stated.
The former president further claimed that Biden was not directly involved in many of his administration's executive decisions and accused his team of “usurping the presidency” while “encircling him in the Oval Office.”
The autopen, a mechanical device employed since the 1950s, is traditionally used to reproduce a president's signature on letters and documents with authorization. However, its application to executive orders has sparked legal controversy, particularly during the pandemic when Biden signed several emergency documents remotely.
Trump contends that such use constitutes “a breach of presidential authority” and warned that those accountable could be charged with perjury if it is confirmed that Biden—whom he did not miss the chance to dub "Sleepy"—approved the procedure.
This action has ignited a widespread political and legal debate. While Democrats deem it "a political maneuver without legal foundation," several Republicans praise it as "a restoration of legitimate presidential authority."
White House sources have confirmed that a formal executive order is being prepared to implement the revocation, which will specify which documents are invalidated and under what conditions.
Documents signed with the autopen during the Biden administration include environmental measures, immigration programs, student debt relief, and health decrees.
If the cancellation is enforced strictly, thousands of federal program beneficiaries may be impacted.
This announcement follows other controversial decisions by Trump, such as halting migration from “Third World” countries and revoking citizenship from immigrants who “undermine national tranquility.”
Understanding the Implications of Trump's Executive Order Nullification
What is the autopen and how is it used?
The autopen is a mechanical device used since the 1950s to authentically replicate a president's signature on letters and documents. Its use for signing executive orders has led to legal debates, especially when used remotely.
Why does Trump consider documents signed with the autopen invalid?
Trump argues that using the autopen without the direct approval of the President represents a violation of presidential authority, making any document signed in this manner during Biden's term illegal and void.
What are the potential consequences of this nullification?
If enforced, the cancellation could impact thousands of beneficiaries of federal programs, as it affects documents related to environmental policy, immigration, student debt relief, and healthcare.