In a bold and controversial move, President Donald Trump has raised doubts about the validity of several executive orders and pardons signed by former President Joe Biden, questioning whether they are legitimate due to Biden’s use of the autopen during the final year of his presidency. This revelation has sparked a wave of discussions about the implications of using an autopen for such crucial presidential decisions, with many questioning the legal validity of these actions. Trump’s comments have led to accusations of manipulating public opinion and a push for investigations into the matter.
Trump’s Statement on Biden’s Use of the Autopen
Trump took to Truth Social to make the following statements about Biden’s executive actions:
“The ‘Pardons’ that Sleepy Joe Biden gave to the Unselect Committee of Political Thugs, and many others, are hereby declared VOID, VACANT, AND OF NO FURTHER FORCE OR EFFECT, because of the fact that they were done by Autopen. In other words, Joe Biden did not sign them, but more importantly, he did not know anything about them! The necessary Pardoning Documents were not explained to, or approved by, Biden. He knew nothing about them, and the people that did may have committed a crime.”
Trump went on to criticize Biden’s lack of knowledge and involvement in the pardons, implying that those who were pardoned may not have truly benefited from the executive orders due to the circumstances under which they were signed. The mention of the Unselect Committee, a reference to the January 6th committee that investigated the Capitol riot, further fueled Trump’s rhetoric, claiming that the committee and others were involved in “destruction” and “deletion” of evidence gathered during their investigation.
A Disputed Process: The Use of Autopen for Signing Pardons
The use of the autopen — a machine designed to replicate a signature — for signing executive orders, pardons, or other official documents is not unprecedented. Former Presidents have occasionally used autopens to expedite the signing process, especially when they are unavailable due to travel or other duties. However, Trump’s comments on this matter question the authenticity of these legal documents, alleging that Biden’s declining mental health and cognitive state in the latter part of his presidency may have compromised his ability to properly approve and understand the pardons.
The autopen controversy has opened up a broader conversation about the legal and constitutional ramifications of using such technology for important presidential decisions. The key question revolves around whether an autopen-signed pardon can be considered legally binding or if the lack of direct involvement by the president undermines the process.
Trump’s Actions and the Revocation of Security Clearances
In addition to his commentary on Biden’s pardons, President Trump also made headlines last week by issuing a memorandum to revoke the security clearances of several high-ranking individuals, many of whom are associated with the Biden administration. Notably, this group included Antony Blinken, Jacob Sullivan, Hillary Clinton, Liz Cheney, and Kamala Harris, among others.
In his statement, Trump declared that it was no longer in the national interest for these individuals to have access to classified information. The move, which Trump framed as necessary to protect the national security of the United States, immediately drew criticism from those targeted, as well as from supporters of the former president.
“I have determined that it is no longer in the national interest for the following individuals to access classified information: Antony Blinken, Jacob Sullivan, Lisa Monaco, Mark Zaid, Norman Eisen, Letitia James, Alvin Bragg, Andrew Weissmann, Hillary Clinton, Elizabeth Cheney, Kamala Harris, Adam Kinzinger, Fiona Hill, Alexander Vindman, Joseph R. Biden Jr., and any other member of Joseph R. Biden Jr.’s family,” Trump’s memorandum stated.
The Implications of Security Clearance Revocations
Trump’s decision to revoke security clearances from these individuals is a direct challenge to the authority of the Biden administration, as well as a significant assertion of power over former government officials. The revocation of security clearances raises questions about the authority of the sitting president to unilaterally strip access to classified information, especially for former officials who are no longer in government service.
The move also included a special mention of Joe Biden, noting that he, too, would no longer receive access to classified briefings. This marks a dramatic escalation from the precedent set by previous presidents, where former presidents have generally continued to receive intelligence briefings as a courtesy, despite no longer holding office.
Trump’s justification for this action was rooted in concerns over Biden’s mental state and the potential security risks posed by his cognitive decline. Referring to a report by Special Counsel Robert Hur, Trump emphasized Biden’s “poor memory” and claimed that Biden could no longer be trusted with sensitive information, even if he once had the capacity to handle such matters.
In response to this revocation, critics have argued that the move was politically motivated and an attempt by Trump to undermine Biden’s authority. Hillary Clinton and Liz Cheney, among those whose clearances were revoked, have become focal points in the growing political rift between Trump’s supporters and Biden’s allies.
Liz Cheney’s Response and Political Fallout
One of the most prominent figures named in Trump’s security clearance revocation list is Liz Cheney, the former Republican congresswoman from Wyoming. Cheney, who played a significant role in the January 6th committee, has been a vocal critic of Trump and his role in the Capitol riot. Her inclusion in Trump’s revocation memo is not surprising, given her outspoken opposition to his political agenda.
However, Cheney’s political future remains uncertain. She was defeated in the 2022 GOP primary after her stance against Trump led to her falling out with many of her fellow Republicans. With Trump’s latest moves, it seems that Cheney is once again at the center of his ire. While Cheney has been quiet about the security clearance revocation, she has been vocal about her future political ambitions, hinting at a potential run for higher office in the future.
As Trump’s criticisms of the Biden administration intensify, Cheney is increasingly being seen as a key figure in the fight for the future of the Republican Party. Given her political history, there is speculation that she could pursue a 2024 presidential bid or seek a more prominent role in Congress once again. Trump’s move to revoke her clearance only adds fuel to this speculation, positioning her as a prominent adversary in his continued battle for influence in American politics.
The Debate Over Biden’s Pardons and Their Legal Standing
As Trump’s attack on Biden’s executive actions grows, the legality of the pardons granted by Biden remains an open question. Hunter Biden, Dr. Anthony Fauci, and other controversial figures who were reportedly pardoned in the final months of Biden’s presidency are at the center of this debate.
Trump’s statement that Biden “did not know anything about” the pardons implies that these actions were not taken with the full awareness of the president. Legal experts have weighed in, suggesting that if it’s proven that Biden’s approval was not obtained for these pardons, there could be significant legal ramifications. Critics of Biden’s pardons argue that they undermine the intent of the pardon power, which requires careful deliberation and presidential involvement.
Legal Challenges and the Road Ahead
In the coming months, it is likely that legal challenges will arise surrounding both the pardons and the revoked security clearances. While Trump has made his position clear on both matters, Biden’s legal team could argue that these decisions were politically motivated and therefore invalid. Republicans and Democrats alike are likely to clash in the courts over the legitimacy of the executive actions taken by both Trump and Biden in recent years.
As 2024 approaches, the political and legal battles between these two figures — who represent opposite ends of the political spectrum — will only intensify. The 2024 presidential election is shaping up to be a contentious and divisive contest, with issues like pardon validity, executive overreach, and national security concerns taking center stage.
Conclusion: A Political Tug-of-War
President Trump’s recent actions — from questioning the validity of Biden’s pardons to revoking the security clearances of several high-profile figures — have only added fuel to the partisan fire that has burned between Trump’s supporters and Biden’s allies. The legality of these decisions remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the battle between the two political titans is far from over.
As Liz Cheney and others begin to chart their paths forward in the increasingly fractious political environment, Trump’s attacks on their roles, combined with his continued influence on the GOP, are likely to keep both sides in a constant state of confrontation. The road ahead will undoubtedly be fraught with legal challenges, political maneuvering, and fiery rhetoric, as the 2024 election season looms ever closer. The public and legal consequences of these actions will shape the future of American politics for years to come.
