Trump Initiates Investigation into Biden's Presidency
Former President Donald Trump has issued an executive order calling for an investigation into President Joe Biden's administration, alleging that Biden’s cognitive abilities have been compromised and that his aides may have acted on his behalf without his full awareness. The directive specifically tasks Attorney General Pam Bondi and White House counsel David Warrington with leading the inquiry.
Concerns Over Use of Autopen
A significant focus of the investigation centers on Biden’s use of an autopen, a device that replicates presidential signatures, which has been utilized by U.S. presidents for decades. Trump’s order claims that the autopen could have been used by aides to execute critical documents without Biden's direct authorization, potentially invalidating actions such as presidential pardons and policy decisions.
Trump described the situation as "one of the most dangerous and concerning scandals in American history," accusing Biden's team of obscuring the true wielders of executive power.
However, a 2005 legal opinion from the Justice Department’s Office of Legal Counsel supports the constitutional use of the autopen when authorized by a president, affirming the legality of documents signed via this method.
Expanded Scrutiny on Biden’s Fitness for Office
This investigation emerges amid ongoing Republican efforts to question the legitimacy and fitness of Biden’s presidency. The House Oversight Committee, led by Republican Representative James Comer, has sought testimony from several of Biden’s top aides, including his former chief of staff, regarding the president’s mental and physical condition.
Additionally, a separate Department of Justice probe has been launched into clemency decisions made by Biden in his final days, targeting pardons issued to death row inmates and family members.
The GOP has long raised concerns about Biden’s cognitive health, a narrative that intensified following his 2024 election debate performances.
Democratic Response and Political Context
Democratic leaders have condemned the investigation as politically motivated. Former President Bill Clinton publicly defended Biden’s mental capacity, stating he observed no decline during their recent conversations.
Biden, currently 82 years old, is close in age to Trump, who will turn 79 later this month.
The Department of Justice has yet to provide details on the legal scope or validity of the investigation launched by Trump’s executive order.
