Using an autopen, US President Donald Trump proclaimed all official documents signed by Joe Biden, his predecessor, “null, void, and of no further force or effect.”
Autopen is a gadget used to recreate a person’s signature with precision. The Autopen has been utilized by both Republican and Democratic presidents in the past.
“Any and all Documents, Proclamations, Executive Orders, Memorandums, or Contracts, signed by Order of the now infamous and unauthorized “AUTOPEN,” within the Administration of Joseph R. Biden Jr., are hereby null, void, and of no further force or effect.” Trump said in a post on his social media platform, Truth Social.
Anyone obtaining ‘Pardons,’ ‘Commutations,” or any other Legal Document so signed, please be advised that said Document has been entirely and completely terminated, and is of no Legal effect. I appreciate you taking the time to consider this. he further added.
Trump has repeatedly asserted that Biden’s age and mental health prevented him from running the executive branch. He has frequently chastised Biden for using an autopen while in office.
While the practice has been routine in the White House, Trump has argued that Biden’s reliance on the gadget shows he was not in control of his presidency. He has earlier claimed that Biden aides made various decisions without his knowledge.
Before departing the Oval Office, former President Joe Biden ordered a series of preemptive pardons for some of his family members and political colleagues.
The pardons served to safeguard individuals who have been prominent opponents of President-elect Donald Trump and assure that Biden’s closest family members will not face prosecution by the next administration. This move was made in the dying hours of Biden’s presidency and is considered a significant exercise of presidential power.
Biden declared mercy for prominent individuals like Anthony Fauci, General Mark Milley, and members of Congress who were part of the committee looking into the attack on the Capitol on January 6. These pre-emptive pardons were considered as a defensive strategy against any retaliation Trump might seek after his inauguration. Furthermore, Biden pardoned his family members, including his brothers James and Frank, his sister Valerie, and their spouses.
