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Fact check: Did joe biden rule like a king?

Checked on June 30, 2025

1. Summary of the results

Based on the analyses provided, there is no substantial evidence that Joe Biden ruled like a king in the traditional sense of monarchical power. The sources primarily document Biden's use of standard presidential executive powers through executive orders, presidential memoranda, and proclamations - all of which fall within constitutional presidential authority [1] [2] [3].

However, the analyses reveal concerning allegations about potential abuse of presidential authority. Source p1_s1 suggests that Biden's aides may have abused presidential signature power by using an autopen to conceal Biden's cognitive decline while asserting Article II authority. This allegation gained further attention when President Trump ordered an investigation into Biden's use of autopens, with Trump's team suggesting that Biden's aides were "usurping presidential authority" [4].

Notably, Biden himself warned against "kinglike power" when discussing the Supreme Court's presidential immunity decision, indicating awareness of the dangers of excessive executive authority [5].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The original question lacks several crucial pieces of context:

  • Constitutional framework: The analyses show that Biden's documented actions - executive orders, memoranda, and proclamations - are standard presidential tools used within constitutional bounds [2] [3]
  • Cognitive decline allegations: Source p3_s1 discusses concerns about Biden's inner circle and family concealing information about his cognitive decline from the public, which could represent an attempt to "consolidate power and control" - though this would benefit his inner circle rather than Biden himself
  • Comparative perspective: The question fails to establish what constitutes "ruling like a king" versus normal presidential governance. Biden's documented use of executive power appears consistent with previous presidents rather than representing unprecedented monarchical behavior
  • Political motivations: Those who benefit from promoting the "ruling like a king" narrative include political opponents seeking to delegitimize Biden's presidency and those investigating potential autopen abuse [4]

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The question contains inherent bias by framing Biden's presidency through the loaded metaphor of "ruling like a king" without providing evidence or context for such a characterization. This framing:

  • Presupposes authoritarian behavior without establishing baseline criteria for what constitutes monarchical rule versus standard presidential authority
  • Ignores constitutional constraints that differentiate presidential power from monarchical rule
  • Conflates legitimate executive actions with potential abuses of power, when the analyses show Biden's documented actions fall within normal presidential parameters [1] [2]

The most substantive concern raised in the analyses involves potential autopen abuse [6] [4], but this represents possible procedural violations rather than evidence of "kinglike" rule. The question's framing may serve to amplify political narratives rather than seek factual assessment of presidential conduct.

Want to dive deeper?
What are the constitutional limits on presidential power in the US?
How many executive orders has Joe Biden signed since taking office in 2021?
What are the key differences between a presidential system and a monarchical system?
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How does the US system of checks and balances prevent presidential overreach?