Here’s how many autopen signatures were in Biden’s final batch of pardons

Former President Joe Biden’s use of an autopen to sign pardons and concerns about his mental acuity in his final months in office have sparked controversy and a Justice Department review. During his last weeks in office, Biden signed over 1,500 pardons, with only one being signed by hand, and it was his most controversial one.

Among the pardons granted by Biden were preemptive pardons for members of his family, Dr. Anthony Fauci, Gen. Mark Milley, and members and staff of the House committee investigating Jan. 6. However, the former president signed one by hand for his son, Hunter Biden. This decision came after Hunter was found guilty of three felony gun offenses and federal tax crimes, leading to a surprise guilty plea.

In December 2024, Biden announced a blanket pardon for Hunter Biden for any offenses committed between Jan. 1, 2014, and Dec. 1, 2024. Despite facing criticism for this pardon, Biden defended his decision, citing unfair prosecution and selective attacks on his son. Special counsel David Weiss, who charged Hunter Biden, criticized the former president for maligning Justice Department officials and undermining the criminal justice system.

Furthermore, President Donald Trump directed Attorney General Pam Bondi to investigate Biden’s use of an autopen for signatures, raising concerns about deception regarding Biden’s mental state. Trump highlighted the importance of the presidential signature in shaping laws, policies, and appointments, and alleged that Biden’s aides used the autopen to conceal his cognitive decline.

Trump argued that Biden’s cognitive issues and mental decline were concealed from the public through restricted media appearances and scripted interactions. The Department of Justice’s conclusion that Biden should not stand trial due to his mental state further fueled suspicions of a cover-up.

The investigation into Biden’s use of the autopen and concerns about his mental acuity have raised questions about transparency and accountability in the highest office. As the Justice Department reviews the pardons granted by Biden, the controversy surrounding his final acts as president continues to unfold.