Donald Trump mocks Biden with photo hanging
In a new political jab, Donald Trump has reportedly replaced Joe Biden’s official White House portrait with an image of an autopen. This device, used to replicate a signature mechanically, is at the center of Trump’s ongoing criticism of his predecessor.
This act continues a political feud stemming from the 2020 election. The two were anticipated to be opponents again in the 2024 race until Biden withdrew, citing health concerns, leading to Kamala Harris becoming the Democratic nominee.
Trump has consistently questioned Biden’s fitness for office. The autopen has become a key symbol in his attacks, which have intensified over recent months.
Reports indicate that Biden used the autopen for a significant number of executive actions. Trump has seized on this, framing it as evidence of cognitive decline and questioning the legitimacy of the resulting documents.
In response, Biden has asserted that he personally made all presidential decisions. His administration has clarified that the use of the autopen was only for the physical act of signing, not for the decision-making process itself.
The use of the autopen is not without precedent; several past presidents have employed it legally. The Department of Justice has also confirmed that presidents are permitted to delegate the mechanical signing of certain documents.
Despite this, Trump maintains that the practice undermines governmental transparency. He has called for reviews of various documents signed with the autopen, including executive orders and clemency grants.
