Fact check: Did biden approve all autopen signatures?

1. Summary of the results

The question of whether Biden approved all autopen signatures is a complex one, with various analyses providing different insights. According to ^[1], Biden insisted he authorized the wide use of his signature via autopen at the end of his presidency and made every decision, including those related to clemency and pardons, although some were signed using an autopen ^[1]. However, other sources, such as ^[2] and ^[3], do not provide direct evidence of Biden's approval of all autopen signatures, instead mentioning an investigation into the use of autopen by Biden's aides and the potential abuse of power ^{[2] [3]}. Similarly, ^[2] and ^[1] indicate that Biden approved the use of autopen for certain documents, including pardons and clemency actions, but do not provide evidence that he approved all autopen signatures ^{[2] [1]}. The use of autopen by presidents, including Biden, has a historical and legitimate basis, as explained in ^[4], which quotes a constitutional law professor stating that the autopen issue is a 'nonstarter' and a 'distraction' ^[4].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

A key missing context in the original statement is the historical precedent of autopen use by presidents, which is discussed in ^{[4] [4]}. Additionally, the fact that Rep. James Comer used digital signatures for official correspondence, similar to Biden's use of autopen, is highlighted in ^[2], potentially revealing hypocrisy in Comer's investigation into Biden's use of autopen ^[2]. Furthermore, the investigation into the use of autopen by Biden's aides and the potential implications for the legality and validity of certain executive actions, mentioned in ^[3] and ^[3], provide an alternative viewpoint on the issue ^[3]. The volume of clemency actions that required the use of autopen, as justified by Biden in ^[5], is also an important context to consider ^[5].

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original statement may be misleading in implying that Biden's approval of all autopen signatures is a clear-cut issue, when in fact, the analyses provide conflicting evidence. Sources such as ^[2], ^[3], ^[2], and ^[1] do not provide direct evidence of Biden's approval of all autopen signatures, while ^[5] suggests that Biden approved all autopen signatures ^{[2] [3] [1] [5]}. The framing of the issue may also benefit certain parties, such as Rep. James Comer, who is investigating Biden's use of autopen, while potentially being hypocritical in his own use of digital signatures ^[2]. On the other hand, Biden's defenders may benefit from the historical and legitimate basis of autopen use by presidents, as explained in ^{[4] [4]}.