Calls for Testimony on Autopen Use During Biden’s Presidency

On Tuesday, Senator Josh Hawley, a Republican from Missouri, urged Congress to bring in Stephanie Feldman, who served as Secretary to President Biden, to testify regarding the use of autopens during Biden’s administration.

A recent article from The New York Times disclosed that Biden utilized an autopen for issuing pardons, indicating that Feldman was the one who managed its use. Hawley suggested that her testimony could reveal that Biden may not have actually approved the pardons he issued, which he contended could lead to a significant scandal.

During an appearance on “Bannon’s Warroom,” Hawley emphasized the necessity of hearing from Feldman, asking what Biden had actually authorized. He seemed to express doubt, hinting that perhaps Biden didn’t approve anything, which, if true, would be highly concerning.

“There should definitely be a paper trail,” he continued, referring to a recent Senate hearing. Hawley mentioned that there should be explicit documentation each time an autopen was used. He argued that the president should at least provide verbal consent for its use, suggesting that all relevant documents should be easily available in Biden’s archives.

Biden reportedly informed The New York Times that he had instructed his staff to use autopens generously, asserting that he did approve all pardons and commutations at the end of his presidency. He also addressed the pardons granted to his family members and prominent figures like General Mark Milley and Dr. Anthony Fauci, claiming he had personally discussed these matters with his staff.

“Everyone knew how vindictive they were, so they knew they would act accordingly,” Biden told the Times, revealing that his intent was to shield beneficiaries from significant legal expenses arising from potential charges from former President Trump’s Justice Department.

Biden insisted that he was aware of and consciously made all decisions regarding pardons, though the only signature he personally applied was for his son, Hunter, between December 2024 and January 2025. Biden issued a total of 25 pardons and commutations during that timeframe, of which some were processed using the autopen.

Emails reviewed by The Times indicated that a specific process ensured Biden’s staff would provide verbal consent each time the autopen was used. Although Biden granted broad pardons towards the end of his term, he did not, according to the emails, approve the guidelines personally, yet still authorized them.

Political analyst Mark Halperin criticized The New York Times for not including Republican perspectives and legal experts in their coverage. He expressed concern that the article lacked necessary balance, especially since it touched on such a contentious legal matter.