Presidents have used autopens for decades. Now Trump objects to Biden’s use of one - The Associated Press

In a recent turn of events, former President Donald Trump has raised objections to current President Joe Biden's use of an autopen, a device that has been employed by presidents to sign documents for many decades. This criticism comes in the aftermath of pardons issued by Biden to lawmakers and staff on the congressional committee that investigated the Jan. 6 Capitol riot. Trump argues that these pardons hold no legal weight as they were, according to him, signed with an autopen.

The issue has sparked a debate on the validity of documents signed with an autopen, despite its long-standing use in the highest echelons of government. As we delve deeper into the controversy, it's worth noting that the autopen's use has previously been sanctioned by legal and governmental authorities, and its legitimacy has rarely been questioned until now.

The use of autopens in the White House is a tradition that dates back several decades. The device, which mechanically reproduces a person's handwriting, was first used by President Harry Truman in the 1950s. Truman's successor, Dwight D. Eisenhower, also utilized the autopen for signing documents, particularly when he was away from the White House. Over the years, the use of autopens has become a regular practice in the presidential office, often used to sign routine correspondence or documents that do not require the president's immediate attention.

One of the most notable instances of presidential autopen use occurred in 2011, when President Barack Obama signed the extension of the USA PATRIOT Act into law using an autopen. At the time, Obama was in France for a G8 summit, and the extension required immediate signature to prevent the act from expiring. The use of the autopen in this instance was met with considerable debate, but was ultimately deemed legal by the Department of Justice.

While the use of autopens by presidents is a long-standing tradition, it has not been without controversy. Critics argue that it undermines the personal touch and deliberation a president should give when signing important legislation or pardons. Despite this, the use of autopens has persisted as a practical solution for presidents who cannot always be present to sign every document that crosses their desk.

The use of autopens in the White House is not a new phenomenon. The device, capable of replicating a person's signature with precision, has been used by American presidents since the time of Harry S. Truman. Truman, the 33rd president of the United States, used the mechanical device to sign some of his correspondence during his tenure from 1945 to 1953.

Notably, President John F. Kennedy was known to use an autopen for signing letters and some official documents. The practice has been carried forward by subsequent presidents, including Lyndon B. Johnson, Richard Nixon, and Ronald Reagan. It became a handy tool for presidents to manage their voluminous paperwork efficiently.

Autopen use also extends to significant documents. President Barack Obama notably used an autopen in 2013 to sign into law a bill extending the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. The decision, while legal, was met with some criticism.

Nevertheless, the legality of the autopen's use for signing official documents has been generally accepted. A 2005 memorandum from the Department of Justice states that a president's constitutional authority to sign a bill into law includes the power to direct a subordinate to affix the president's signature to the bill, effectively validating the use of the autopen in such instances.

Autopen use by Presidents is not a new phenomenon. The machine, which holds a real pen and signs in a manner identical to the owner's signature, has been in use by U.S. Presidents since Harry Truman. The practice gained traction during the Kennedy administration, when it was used for signing Christmas cards. Later, Presidents like Lyndon B. Johnson, Richard Nixon, and even Barack Obama used it for signing bills into law while they were away.

According to Dr. Jane Kirtley, a professor of media ethics and law at the University of Minnesota, "The use of an autopen does not invalidate the president's signature. The autopen is just a tool, much like a typewriter or computer. What matters is the president's intent to sign, not the method used."

Interestingly, previous reports suggest that Donald Trump himself has used an autopen during his tenure. In May 2017, while on a trip abroad, Trump reportedly used an autopen to sign a bill extending the Veterans Choice Program.

"It's a bit ironic for President Trump to criticize President Biden for something he himself has done," says Dr. Jacob Parakilas, a U.S. political history expert at the University of London. "The use of an autopen is a long-established practice. Its legality is not in question."

In conclusion, the use of an autopen for presidential signatures is a long-held practice that has been used by numerous presidents, including President Donald Trump. The device provides a practical solution for presidents who are required to sign numerous documents, often while involved in other crucial tasks.

President Trump's recent objections to President Biden's use of an autopen for signing pardons raises questions about the legitimacy of such a method. However, it is important to note that the legitimacy of autopen signatures has been upheld in court and it remains a widely accepted practice.

It remains to be seen if the controversy surrounding autopen signatures will lead to changes in how presidents sign documents in the future. But for now, the use of an autopen is seen as a necessary tool in the high-pressure environment of the presidency.

Source: https://apnews.com/article/trump-biden-pardons-autopen-capitol-riot-1956c5dcb44ecba10cd9b01171ca9efa