Biden Autopen Scandal Escalates as Questions Mount Over Executive Actions

The Biden administration's use of an autopen to sign thousands of clemency actions has sparked fresh controversy, with revelations that key decisions were made without direct authorization from President Joe Biden. The Oversight Project initially exposed the scandal, revealing that six criminals were pardoned on December 30, 2022, while Biden was vacationing in St. Croix. Biden defended the practice, claiming he "orally granted all the pardons and commutations" and accused former President Trump of lying about the autopen's use.
New York Times reporting, based on emails from the National Archives, showed Biden's staffers signed pardons without his explicit instructions. Biden admitted he did not individually approve each name for large-scale pardons but signed off on the criteria used to determine eligibility. However, even after changes to the inmate list, Biden did not review or approve the final version, which was processed by the autopen.
Documents revealed that at a January 19, 2023, meeting, White House Chief of Staff Jeff Zients authorized the autopen for pardons, including one for Dr. Fauci. The Oversight Committee, led by James Comer, has subpoenaed Biden aides, though some, like Jill Biden’s chief of staff Anthony Bernal, have skipped depositions. Dr. O’Connor, the White House physician, invoked the Fifth Amendment during questioning about Biden’s health.
Further, Neera Tanden, Biden’s domestic policy director, testified she controlled the autopen and used it without verifying Biden’s authorization, though she denied abuse. These developments have intensified scrutiny over the administration’s use of executive powers and raised questions about accountability in the pardon process.

Published: 7/14/2025