The Department of Justice has intensified its autopen investigation into former President Joe Biden’s use of the device for signing pardons. Sources familiar with the matter said the inquiry now spans both Delaware and Washington, D.C., reflecting increased scrutiny over the controversial practice.
A senior source confirmed that the investigation has “heated up” in recent weeks. Officials are focusing on whether the use of the autopen — a mechanical signature device — was appropriate for official presidential actions, including pardons and executive orders.
Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed on Tuesday that her team is actively reviewing the Biden administration’s reported use of the autopen for issuing pardons. She stated that the Justice Department would analyze whether any executive actions signed this way remain legally valid.
The investigation gained traction after the House Oversight Committee released a detailed 100-page report outlining potential irregularities. The report questioned whether Biden’s staff used the autopen to authorize pardons without his direct involvement. It also raised concerns about whether aides concealed possible signs of cognitive decline in the former president.
Committee members argued that without clear documentation confirming Biden’s awareness during these signings, the decisions could be deemed invalid. They described the record-keeping process as disorganized and lacking transparency, which fueled additional questions about presidential accountability.
The White House swiftly rejected those claims, dismissing the report as politically motivated. A Biden spokesperson asserted that the former president personally made all executive decisions and that no wrongdoing occurred. The spokesperson urged lawmakers to focus on resolving the government shutdown instead of pursuing “baseless political attacks.”
Biden previously addressed similar accusations in a July interview, stating that he made “every decision” during his presidency independently. Supporters of the former president have echoed that position, calling the controversy exaggerated and partisan.
The autopen investigation represents one of the most unusual legal reviews involving presidential procedure in recent memory. While the autopen has been used by multiple presidents for ceremonial or routine documents, questions about its application to pardons and executive orders have rarely been tested in court.
As the autopen investigation continues, officials expect additional interviews and document reviews to take place in both Delaware and Washington. The Justice Department has not commented publicly on potential timelines or outcomes.
