Washington DC: US President Donald Trump declared all official documents signed by his predecessor Joe Biden, using an autopen, “null, void and of no further force or effect”.
Autopen is a device used to replicate a person’s signature with precision. The Autopen has been used by both Republican and Democratic presidents in the past.
“Any and all Documents, Proclamations, Executive Orders, Memorandums or Contracts, signed by Order of the now infamous and unauthorised “AUTOPEN” within the Administration of Joseph R. Biden Jr., are hereby null, void and of no further force or effect,” Trump said in a post on his social media platform, Truth Social.
“Anyone receiving ‘Pardons’, ‘Commutations” or any other Legal Document so signed, please be advised that said Document has been fully and completely terminated, and is of no Legal effect. Thank you for your attention to this matter!” he further added.
The US president has time and again claimed that Biden was unable to control the executive office, given his age and mental state. He has repeatedly criticised him for using an autopen during his presidency.
While the practice has been routine in the White House, Trump has claimed that Biden’s reliance on the device shows he was not in control of his presidency. He had earlier claimed that Biden aides made several decisions without his knowledge.
Before leaving the Oval Office, the former president issued a series of preemptive pardons for several of his family members and political persons.
The pardons served to protect individuals who have been vocal opponents of Trump and guarantee that Biden’s closest family members will not face prosecution by the incoming administration. This act was made in the final hours of Biden’s presidency and is considered a significant use of presidential power.
Biden announced clemency for high-profile people such as General Mark Milley, Anthony Fauci and members of the Congress who served on the committee investigating the January 6th Capitol attack.
These pre-emptive pardons were seen as a defensive measure against any retribution Trump might seek after his inauguration. In addition, the former president pardoned his family members, including his brothers James and Frank, his sister Valerie and their spouses.
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