The Department of Justice continues to navigate a sensitive investigation surrounding former President Biden’s use of an autopen device, despite reports suggesting the inquiry had been halted. Sources indicate that the investigation, led by a U.S. Attorney’s office, remains active, even after news surfaced claiming prosecutors couldn’t establish grounds for criminal charges.
The initial reports indicated the inquiry was “quietly shelved” due to the difficulty in building a viable criminal case against Biden and his staff. However, a statement from the DOJ acknowledged the ongoing nature of investigations, subtly confirming the probe hadn’t been officially closed.
Legal experts, like George Washington University law professor Jonathan Turley, previously assessed the likelihood of successful legal challenges to the autopen’s use as extremely low. Courts generally accept presidential use of autopens, dismissing concerns of a “dead-hand conspiracy.”
While the use of autopens isn’t unprecedented – former President Trump also utilized the device for “unimportant” documents – Biden’s use became a focal point amid growing questions about his cognitive abilities during his time in office. This scrutiny fueled a deeper investigation.
The House Oversight Committee, led by Republicans, conducted a thorough investigation, interviewing former Biden staffers. Their report alleged an abuse of the autopen and a lax oversight process, suggesting executive actions may have lacked proper authorization and documentation.
The committee specifically raised concerns about pardons issued in Biden’s final days, particularly five granted to family members, citing a lack of “contemporaneous documentation” proving Biden’s direct involvement. They formally requested the DOJ investigate all executive actions, especially clemency cases.
Former President Trump has publicly demanded accountability, claiming any staff member using the autopen on Biden’s behalf acted “illegally” and even threatened Biden with perjury charges. The situation has become highly politicized.
Biden has vehemently denied any wrongdoing, asserting he remained fully in charge of all presidential decisions. He stated unequivocally that he personally authorized pardons, executive orders, and legislation, dismissing accusations to the contrary as “ridiculous and false.”
The White House has consistently deferred questions about the investigation to the DOJ, which has declined to provide further comment. The investigation’s future remains uncertain, but the questions surrounding the autopen’s use continue to linger.
