Former President Joe Biden fired back at Republicans over allegations that his aides exploited his cognitive state by using an autopen to carry out presidential actions without his direct involvement.
In a new interview with The New York Times, Biden dismissed the claims as “lies” and said the use of the autopen — a device that replicates a person’s signature — was entirely legal and previously used by other presidents, including Donald Trump.
“There were a lot of clemency decisions to be signed,” Biden said. “As you know, other presidents used it, including Trump.”
The remarks come as congressional Republicans, emboldened by Trump, continue to probe Biden’s record and question the legitimacy of several actions taken during his administration. Some GOP lawmakers argue that the frequent use of the autopen signals Biden was not in control, citing what they claim is his “documented cognitive decline.”
Biden rejected those assertions outright.
“They’re liars. They know it. They know, for certain,” he told the Times. “This is about changing the subject. That’s what this is.”
According to the report, Biden used the autopen to sign 25 pardon and commutation warrants between December and January. Despite criticism, he maintained that he personally made all decisions related to clemency, and that the autopen was merely a tool used for efficiency — not deception.
Trump has called for an investigation, suggesting Biden’s use of the autopen, combined with alleged cognitive issues, calls into question the validity of many official decisions. Biden has previously called those accusations “ridiculous and false.”
In the Times interview, Biden also stood by his controversial last-minute pardons issued just before Trump’s second inauguration. These included preemptive pardons for:
His brother James and sister-in-law Sara
His sister Valerie and her husband John Owens
His brother Francis Biden
His son, Hunter Biden, who had recently been convicted on tax and gun charges
Dr. Anthony Fauci
Ret. Gen. Mark Milley
Members of the now-disbanded House Select Committee investigating the Jan. 6 Capitol riot
“I know how vindictive [Trump] is,” Biden said. “Everybody knows it. So we knew they’d do what they’re doing now.”
According to a Pew Research Center analysis, Biden issued more clemency actions than any modern president, setting a record during his time in office.
Meanwhile, questions about Biden’s health continue to circulate in GOP circles. His former physician, Dr. Kevin O’Connor, declined to answer questions before the House Oversight Committee last week, citing patient confidentiality and invoking the Fifth Amendment.
Committee Chair Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.) claimed the move pointed to a wider cover-up:
“It’s now clear there was a conspiracy to cover up President Biden’s cognitive decline,” he alleged.
More of Biden’s former aides are expected to be called to testify in the coming weeks as the investigation escalates.