We are well aware that the current legal procedure against Joe Biden is about his autopen signatures in Government documents. Moreover, the Judge associated with this case has agreed with the propositions set forth by the Department of Justice. The Judge has agreed with the claims made by the Department of Justice that the use of an autopen is officially accepted. Trump and his administration have been constantly active to find matters to defame Joe Biden, as his political competitor. However, even after his medical resignation, he doesn’t seem to budge from his objectives. These claims and official matters against Joe Biden started a few weeks before he officially posted the resignation letter.
Autopen Controversy: What is it about?
Many people might be unaware of the recent controversy raised by Trump on Joe Biden’s use of an autopen. Firstly, an autopen is an electronic device that helps officials to use their similar signatures in case of multiple documents. Moreover, it is not the first time a Government official has used it in Washington for signing various documents. This device is a lifesaver, as it might not be possible for the President to sign some urgent papers if he is away. By using it, they can sign them without the issue of being at the administrative office.
However, Trump thinks of every impossibly possible aspect, just like using an autopen to question Joe Biden’s competency. He used an autopen in several late-term presidential papers and executive orders, which Trump used to challenge his ethics as a President. Moreover, he even called for an investigation by the DOJ into the illegitimate usage of an autopen by Joe Biden.
Judge’s response to the Autopen case
This week’s court hearing observed an acceptance and agreement of the long-said statement of the DOJ. According to the law, it is completely fine for the President to sign official documents with an autopen, due to its legal permission. Other than that, several evidence, including the 2005 DOJ memo, were presented in the court to support the proposition. The court has clarified that the Constitution does not allow a successor to change a pardon issued by the previous President. This is a way to secure the actions taken by a government official in office, even after their term.
Department of Justice’s take on Trump’s challenge
From the beginning of this case, the Department of Justice has been arguing about the irrelevance of the challenge. According to it, there is no way a legally acceptable method of signature can be an issue in administrative measures. Moreover, it’s not mentioned anywhere in the Constitution that a President cannot rely on an autopen for a signature. Therefore, anyone who challenges the integrity and relevance of an autopen directly questions the reforms issued to now. This explanation was accepted by the court, which says that a President’s signature is valid both digitally and manually.
More Political Drama from Trump?
The statement given by the court in this matter is loud and clear, but not to President Donald Trump. This is a perfect example of political agendas and dirty games played by politicians to retain their power. Even after the court’s ruling, he and his allies are determined to find out more about the autopen controversy. This is not it; his allies seem to target Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson if found using an autopen for his signatures.
Trump is using all of his authority to find something about Joe Biden’s last days as President to present against him. His rivalry with Joe Biden doesn’t seem to have a full stop, as several officials in the White House have turned against Biden. This makes the controversy something that has expanded severalfold and doesn’t seem to end so quickly.
Moreover, whatever the Government officials say about the invalid use of an autopen, the DOJ has kept its word. The legal experts find this case pointless, as an autopen doesn’t steal the authorization of a President’s signature. This device has been used all over the world since the early 2000s, but nobody has ever questioned its legitimacy.
A Final Thought
The case is legally closed from the court and the DOJ’s perspective, but Trump has not given up on it. According to him, he’ll continue to gather more information about the last weeks of his Presidency. However, the legal experts are convinced by the court’s ruling and find nothing wrong with an autopen. While the Judge’s statement is clear enough to take a hint, we will know the future discussion on this matter anyway.
