Overview

• Trump’s memorandum directs DOJ and the White House counsel to investigate if aides used an autopen to sign pardons, executive orders and other documents without Biden’s authorization.
• Subpoenas have been issued to Anita Dunn, Bob Bauer and Ron Klain along with Biden’s White House physicians to testify on autopen use and his cognitive condition.
• Justice Department Office of Legal Counsel opinions under both parties have long affirmed that autopen signatures are valid when explicitly approved by a president.
• Biden has denied any unauthorized autopen use and insists he personally made all decisions on pardons, executive orders and legislation during his presidency.
• Democrats in Congress dismiss the investigation as a partisan ploy lacking evidence and warn it threatens the legitimacy of Biden’s executive actions.