In what is likely to become a contentious move, President Donald Trump announced his plans to display a White House portrait of his predecessor, Joe Biden, in a manner that spotlights the autopen device currently under federal investigation. The revelation came to light during a Friday meeting with Daily Caller reporter Reagan Reese, where Trump showcased sketches of what he referred to as Biden's official portrait for imminent display.
The proposed location for the portrait is the "Presidential Wall of Fame" in the White House Rose Garden, as per Trump's demonstration to Reese. During the presentation, Trump also deliberated on the stylistic choices for the portrait, favoring a black and white version and dismissing a smiling depiction of Biden. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt and Communications Director Steven Cheung were present to assist Trump in showcasing various portrait options to the reporter.
The significance of the portrait lies in the ongoing investigation related to Biden's use of an autopen—a device utilized by presidents to sign documents in their absence. Trump's plans for the portrait appear to underscore the controversy surrounding its use during the Biden administration. Trump has previously criticized the use of the autopen as "disgraceful," and his administration, along with Congressional Republicans, have initiated separate inquiries into the matter.
The scope of these investigations is substantial, covering Biden’s entire term and scrutinizing documents including pardons, executive orders, judicial appointments, and proclamations to determine the authenticity of signatures. A memorandum issued by Trump described the situation as a severe scandal, alleging misuse of presidential authority and lack of oversight. It requires a forensic examination to assess the extent of autopen signatures on official documents.
The autopen device, though under scrutiny, is not new to the White House. Its usage spans across both Democratic and Republican administrations, recognized by the Justice Department for routine legislation and pardons. Trump himself acknowledged using the autopen for responding to citizen correspondence, suggesting its appropriateness for certain functions.
An extensive review by the Oversight Project indicated that nearly all documents from Biden's 2021-2025 presidency bore identical autopen signatures, except for a handwritten letter announcing his withdrawal from the 2024 presidential campaign. The reliance on the autopen coincided with Biden's reduced public engagements and scripted interactions, raising questions about transparency and authenticity in executive actions.
House Oversight Chairman James Comer has escalated the situation by demanding testimonies from Biden's former senior staff members and issuing subpoenas for Biden's physician and White House aides, further fueling the controversy. Allegations from a book titled "Original Sin" suggest a small group effectively governed, casting Biden's role into doubt.
In response to the allegations and the investigation, Biden has defended his decisions during his presidency, particularly regarding commutations and pardons. He clarified to the New York Times that the sheer volume of commutations necessitated the use of the autopen for efficiency, while ensuring he signed off on the overarching criteria for federal convict sentence reductions.
