New concerns have emerged over the use of an autopen to sign official documents during President Joe Biden’s administration, with former staffers alleging that a key aide may have acted without clear authorization. The controversy has raised questions about whether Biden personally approved all decisions bearing his signature.

According to multiple reports, a former Biden staffer frequently used the autopen to approve documents, claiming to act on the president’s behalf. Other White House aides reportedly suspected the staffer of exceeding their authority but refrained from confronting them. One former official described the staffer as holding immense power within the administration, to the point where few dared to challenge their decisions.

Who were the three staffers who had access to Biden's autopen? @gabbycuccia names names on @RealLindellTV.

Spoiler alert: one also had been a Susan Rice staffer. pic.twitter.com/0Rf71lEScC

— The Absolute Truth with @EmeraldRobinson (@AbsoluteWithE) March 11, 2025

The controversy intensified after an investigation into six pardons issued by Biden on December 30, 2024. All six documents bore identical autopen signatures, despite Biden vacationing at the time. Critics argue that these pardons, and other executive actions, may have been approved without Biden’s full awareness.

Former Biden aide claims top staffer abused autopen as president's cognitive abilities deteriorated https://t.co/XHhzUSk9sJ key staffer was suspected of unilaterally making decisions to sign documents as former President Joe Biden's cognitive abilities decreased.

— greg beanan (@gregbeanan) March 15, 2025

Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey has demanded a Justice Department investigation, arguing that if Biden’s aides were making policy decisions without his approval, those actions should be considered invalid. In a letter to DOJ Inspector General Michael Horowitz, Bailey called for transparency regarding who actually approved the administration’s executive orders and pardons.

Unlike the Biden White House, Trump’s administration has placed stricter rules on autopen usage. A document released by Trump’s staff details clear restrictions, prohibiting the device’s use for executive orders, presidential memos, or any decisions that carry significant policy weight. Instead, Trump personally signs all key documents in the presence of witnesses.

While autopens have been used by presidents for decades, primarily for ceremonial purposes, concerns about Biden’s cognitive decline have fueled debate over whether his administration relied on it too extensively for critical decisions.