Donald Trump has announced his intention to cancel most executive orders signed by his predecessor Joe Biden, baselessly alleging that Biden did not personally authorize them. In a social media post, Trump claimed that aides used an autopen—a machine that replicates signatures—without Biden's approval, rendering approximately 92% of the orders invalid.
Trump asserted that the autopen was operated by “radical left lunatics” surrounding Biden, and threatened perjury charges if Biden claimed involvement. However, the Justice Department has stated since 2005 that presidents may direct officials to affix their signature via autopen, a device used by multiple presidents including Trump himself.
The announcement was welcomed by Republicans, including Congressman James Comer, who chairs the House oversight committee. The committee released a report in October alleging a cover-up of Biden’s cognitive decline but provided no concrete evidence of unauthorized autopen use. Democrats dismissed the report as a “sham,” and legal experts warned that voiding past actions could set a problematic precedent.
Conservative legal commentator Ed Whelan noted that while Trump can revoke executive orders, he cannot nullify bills enacted by Congress or pardons signed via autopen. The practical implications of Trump’s plan remain unclear, as no evidence has emerged that Biden was unaware of documents signed in his name.
