Some clever internet sleuths have figured out that the signatures on a number of Biden White House pardons and executive orders are identical, which means they almost certainly came from an autopen.
You’ve probably received something at some point that was generated from an autopen. Autopens are actually kind of cool. In fact, they were invented by an American entrepreneur. They are analog physical devices, not digital, which means you literally put a pen of your choice in the rig and it duplicates your signature. You can change ink colors, change from ballpoint to rollerball, change from fine tip to medium tip, whatever you like. It’s not an image—it’s a mechanical signature. Just not from a pen held by the signer’s hand.
Autopens are commonly used by politicians and executives who want to imply that they care about the recipient by actually signing a letter or document in ink.
No president in memory has been as proud of his signature as is President Trump, who routinely stages signing ceremonies and proudly holds up the bill or memo or executive order bearing his large, bold signature in black felt tip marker. So it’s not surprising that the President is making an issue of Biden’s use of autopen.
But it’s silly to think that the use of an autopen somehow invalidates an order coming out of the White House.
The president is not a king, and not a ruler. There is no magic in his hand, or his ring, or his seal, or his staff. He has no divine right to rule. When presidents leave office, they are ordinary citizens again, just like you and me.
The president is chosen by the states to administer for a limited time (thank God) the Office of the President, the head of the Executive Branch. He doesn’t run the country, control the economy, create jobs, set the price of eggs or the rate of inflation, determine the course of the nation, or serve as the Tribune of the People or the Soul of the Nation. At least that’s what the Constitution says.
He's just this guy, you know?
So, if an order comes from the Executive Office of the President, it’s official, even if the president is asleep, or on an intergalactic cruise, in a stupor, or on the beach at Rehoboth.
Here’s the thing: If the current president is incapable, either physically, mentally or morally, our system gives both Congress and his own administration the power to put him on ice. Congress can impeach, and the cabinet can declare him unable to perform the duties of the office.
But if they don’t—if both Congress and the cabinet ignore their constitutional duties—we’re stuck with whatever chaos emanates from the White House.
Here’s the big takeaway: We have an enormous political problem right now with elected officials simply not exercising their duties under the Constitution. Election to Congress and confirmation to cabinet positions are not personal brand-building exercises—they are sacred, sworn duties accountable to an oath. If you are elected to the House, do your job. If you are elected to the Senate, do your job. If you are confirmed to a cabinet position, take your oath seriously and do your damn job.
Either way, we get the government we deserve. Don’t blame the autopen.
___________________________________________
You’ve probably received something at some point that was generated from an autopen. Autopens are actually kind of cool. In fact, they were invented by an American entrepreneur. They are analog physical devices, not digital, which means you literally put a pen of your choice in the rig and it duplicates your signature. You can change ink colors, change from ballpoint to rollerball, change from fine tip to medium tip, whatever you like. It’s not an image—it’s a mechanical signature. Just not from a pen held by the signer’s hand.
Autopens are commonly used by politicians and executives who want to imply that they care about the recipient by actually signing a letter or document in ink.
No president in memory has been as proud of his signature as is President Trump, who routinely stages signing ceremonies and proudly holds up the bill or memo or executive order bearing his large, bold signature in black felt tip marker. So it’s not surprising that the President is making an issue of Biden’s use of autopen.
But it’s silly to think that the use of an autopen somehow invalidates an order coming out of the White House.
The president is not a king, and not a ruler. There is no magic in his hand, or his ring, or his seal, or his staff. He has no divine right to rule. When presidents leave office, they are ordinary citizens again, just like you and me.
The president is chosen by the states to administer for a limited time (thank God) the Office of the President, the head of the Executive Branch. He doesn’t run the country, control the economy, create jobs, set the price of eggs or the rate of inflation, determine the course of the nation, or serve as the Tribune of the People or the Soul of the Nation. At least that’s what the Constitution says.
He's just this guy, you know?
So, if an order comes from the Executive Office of the President, it’s official, even if the president is asleep, or on an intergalactic cruise, in a stupor, or on the beach at Rehoboth.
Here’s the thing: If the current president is incapable, either physically, mentally or morally, our system gives both Congress and his own administration the power to put him on ice. Congress can impeach, and the cabinet can declare him unable to perform the duties of the office.
But if they don’t—if both Congress and the cabinet ignore their constitutional duties—we’re stuck with whatever chaos emanates from the White House.
Here’s the big takeaway: We have an enormous political problem right now with elected officials simply not exercising their duties under the Constitution. Election to Congress and confirmation to cabinet positions are not personal brand-building exercises—they are sacred, sworn duties accountable to an oath. If you are elected to the House, do your job. If you are elected to the Senate, do your job. If you are confirmed to a cabinet position, take your oath seriously and do your damn job.
Either way, we get the government we deserve. Don’t blame the autopen.
___________________________________________
Today's PolicyByte was written by Tom Giovanetti, president of the Institute for Policy Innovation.