What is an autopen that former US president Joe Biden allegedly used to sign pardon documents? Here's how it works

US President Donald Trump has declared that all pardons signed by his predecessor, Joe Biden, are invalid because they were executed using an autopen.

“The ‘Pardons’ that Sleepy Joe Biden gave to the Unselect Committee of Political Thugs, and many others, are hereby declared VOID, VACANT, AND OF NO FURTHER FORCE OR EFFECT, because of the fact that they were done by Autopen. In other words, Joe Biden did not sign them but, more importantly, he did not know anything about them!” Trump posted on Truth Social.

"The necessary Pardoning Documents were not explained to, or approved by, Biden. He knew nothing about them, and the people that did may have committed a crime. Therefore, those on the Unselect Committee, who destroyed and deleted ALL evidence obtained during their two year Witch Hunt of me, and many other innocent people, should fully understand that they are subject to investigation at the highest level. The fact is, they were probably responsible for the Documents that were signed on their behalf without the knowledge or consent of the Worst President in the History of our Country, Crooked Joe Biden," he continued.


Trump's decision is expected to face legal challenges. Notably, while former President George W. Bush refrained from using an autopen due to legal uncertainties, Barack Obama officially adopted it to sign critical legislative bills, including the 2013 fiscal legislation.

What is an autopen?

An autopen is a machine designed to automatically replicate a handwritten signature, commonly used by politicians, executives, and celebrities for signing large volumes of documents.

How It Works:

The individual's signature is digitally recorded and stored.
A robotic arm or mechanical pen replicates the signature on documents.
The final result closely resembles a handwritten signature but is machine-generated.

Common Uses:

Government & Politics: US presidents and officials use an autopen to sign bills, executive orders, and official correspondence.
Corporate & Legal Documents: CEOs and executives rely on it for signing contracts and approvals at scale.
Celebrity & Fan Merchandise: Used to produce autographs on posters, books, and memorabilia.

Fun Fact:

The first US president to use an autopen for legislation was Barack Obama in 2011, when he signed an extension of the Patriot Act while traveling abroad.