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Trump orders investigation of Biden actions and autopen use, citing former president's 'cognitive decline' | CNN Politics

The article from CNN, published on June 4, 2025, titled "Trump memo outlines Biden's actions using autopen," delves into a detailed examination of a memo released by former President Donald Trump's team. This memo scrutinizes the use of an autopen by President Joe Biden to sign various executive actions and documents. The article provides a comprehensive overview of the controversy surrounding the use of the autopen, the legal and political implications, and the reactions from various stakeholders.

The memo, which was made public by Trump's team, claims that President Biden has been using an autopen to sign numerous executive orders, bills, and other official documents. An autopen is a device that mechanically signs documents, often used by presidents when they are unable to physically sign due to travel or other commitments. The memo argues that this practice undermines the authenticity and legality of these documents, suggesting that they may not hold the same weight as those signed by the president's hand.

The article goes into detail about the specific instances cited in the memo, including executive orders related to climate change, immigration, and economic policy. It notes that the memo claims these actions were taken without the president's direct involvement, raising questions about the legitimacy of the policies implemented through these documents. The memo also alleges that the use of the autopen has been more frequent under the Biden administration than under previous administrations, though it does not provide concrete data to support this claim.

CNN's analysis of the memo includes insights from legal experts who weigh in on the legality of using an autopen. Some experts argue that the use of an autopen is a long-standing practice that has been upheld by courts as a valid method of signing official documents. They point out that previous presidents, including Trump himself, have used autopens without facing significant legal challenges. However, other experts suggest that the frequency and nature of the documents signed by Biden using an autopen could potentially lead to legal disputes, especially if the authenticity of these documents is called into question.

The article also explores the political motivations behind the release of the memo. It suggests that Trump's team is using the issue to undermine Biden's administration and to cast doubt on the legitimacy of his actions. The memo is seen as part of a broader strategy by Trump and his allies to challenge Biden's policies and to keep Trump's political influence alive. The article notes that the memo has been shared widely among Trump's supporters and has sparked discussions on social media and conservative news outlets.

Reactions to the memo have been mixed. Some political analysts and commentators view it as a partisan attack with little substance, while others believe it raises valid concerns about the transparency and accountability of the Biden administration. The White House has responded to the memo by defending the use of the autopen, stating that it is a necessary tool for the president to fulfill his duties efficiently, especially given the demands of his schedule. The White House also emphasized that all documents signed by the autopen are reviewed and approved by the president before they are signed.

The article further delves into the historical context of using autopens in the presidency. It traces the use of autopens back to the administration of President Lyndon B. Johnson, who was the first to use the device. Since then, various presidents have employed autopens for different purposes, often when they were unable to be physically present to sign documents. The article provides examples of how previous presidents have used autopens, including for signing bills into law and issuing executive orders.

In addition to the legal and historical aspects, the article discusses the technological advancements that have made autopens more sophisticated and reliable. It explains how modern autopens can be programmed to mimic the president's signature accurately, reducing the risk of forgery or misuse. The article also touches on the security measures in place to ensure that the use of autopens is controlled and monitored, addressing concerns about potential abuse of the technology.

The article concludes by examining the potential impact of the memo on public perception and trust in the government. It suggests that the controversy surrounding the use of the autopen could further erode public confidence in the Biden administration, especially among those who are already skeptical of his leadership. The article also considers the broader implications for the presidency, noting that the debate over the use of autopens could lead to calls for more transparency and accountability in how presidents sign official documents.

Overall, the article provides a thorough and balanced analysis of the Trump memo and its implications. It covers the legal, political, and historical dimensions of the issue, offering insights from various perspectives. The article also highlights the ongoing debate over the use of autopens and its potential impact on the presidency and public trust.

Read the Full CNN Article at:
[ https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/04/politics/trump-memo-biden-actions-autopen ]