Trump Moves to Nullify Biden’s Autopen-Signed Orders, Citing Alleged Illegality
Four days ago, former President Donald J. Trump issued a public statement declaring that he intends to cancel all executive orders and other official actions that were not personally signed by President Joe Biden. According to Trump, the use of the autopen—a device that allows signatures to be mechanically reproduced—was conducted illegally. “I am
hereby cancelling all Executive Orders, and anything else that was not directly signed by Crooked Joe Biden, because the people who operated the Autopen did so illegally,” Trump wrote. Trump’s announcement comes amid ongoing debates over the legality and authority of autopen-signed documents. While the autopen has been used by multiple presidents in recent years to expedite approvals, Trump’s statement suggests he considers such actions invalid unless personally signed by the sitting president. The White House has yet to issue an official response to the former president’s claim. Legal experts note that executive orders and official documents signed via autopen are generally considered legally binding, though Trump’s comments highlight a politically charged challenge to that precedent. Trump’s remarks have quickly circulated on social media, drawing reactions from both supporters and critics. Many supporters have praised the move as a stand for procedural integrity, while opponents have dismissed it as an unfounded challenge to established presidential practices. This latest statement adds to the ongoing narrative of Trump actively critiquing the Biden administration, even months into its tenure, and underscores the former president’s continued influence in political discussions.
