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President Trump has made allegations that President Biden used an autopen to sign pardons, stirring up political controversy. The autopen, a machine that automates a person’s signature, has been used throughout U.S. history, with past presidents including John F. Kennedy and Barack Obama also having utilized it. President Trump himself admitted to using the machine for “very unimportant papers”, but considered its use for pardons to be “disgraceful”.
Political discussions are highlighting the historical autopen, a machine that duplicates signatures, owing to President Trump’s accusations that ex-President Biden used one to authorize pardons, sparking intrigue about autopen function and its current controversial standing.
Autopens are utilized to mechanically apply a person’s signature on a variety of documents, effectively simplifying tasks like a college president signing hundreds of graduation certificates. Mr. Trump has currently ignited conversation by alleging that Biden’s pardon signatures pertaining to the House select committee for the January 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol assault are “null” due to autopen use.
The ex-president reignited the issue on his Truth Social post, labeling autopen usage as “THE BIGGEST POLITICAL SCANDAL IN AMERICAN HISTORY”. The right-leaning Heritage Foundation’s Oversight Project also scrutinizes Biden’s alleged autopen use due to his cognitive issues.
Despite allegations, the autopen isn’t new to politics; the Shapell Manuscript Foundation notes Thomas Jefferson bought one in 1803. Various presidents have utilized autopens, albeit discretely.
What is an autopen?
Autopens, or robot pens, mechanize a person’s signature, unlike a scanned signature which digitalizes it. These machines, capable of replicating high volumes of signatures, never tire, as per Automated Signature Technology, an autopen maker. Its Ghostwriter model stores signatures on a smart card or USB and can utilize a variety of writing tools.
Another manufacturer, the Autopen Company, mentioned its machines can be used for a myriad of documents, with premium models costing up to $20,000.
Have other presidents used autopens?
Yes, numerous presidents have used autopens, including Johnson, Kennedy, and Obama. They have been used for standard correspondence, legislation, and pardons. In 2005, President George W. Bush sought legal advice on the constitutionality of autopen usage, with the Justice Department affirming its legality.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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