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Autopen use by US Presidents

The use of autopens by US Presidents to sign documents, including legislation, executive orders, and pardons, and the controversy surrounding this practice.

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Feb 5, 2026

Which documents (e.g., pardons, letters, proclamations) historically have been signed using an autopen by presidents and vice presidents?

have been used by U.S. presidents for decades to affix signatures on a range of documents—most commonly routine, bulk correspondence and memorabilia, but also on legislation, executive orders and othe...

Feb 5, 2026

Which presidents besides Trump and Biden have used autopens and for what types of documents?

—and their 19th‑century predecessor, the —have been used by presidents for routine and high‑volume signing for well over a century, including by , , , , and others, to sign everything from corresponde...