Poll Results

YES: 84% | NO: 16%

We recently asked our readers:

“Would you support a formal investigation into Biden Administration autopen use?”

This poll follows growing public interest in how presidential authority was delegated — and whether the use of the autopen, a mechanical signature device, was properly managed and disclosed. The concern is not with the tool itself, but with the possibility that it may have been used to sign off on key government actions without the President’s direct awareness.

Why This Question Matters

The President’s signature carries legal force — from signing bills into law to authorizing executive orders. The autopen, while legally recognized for decades, becomes controversial if there is reason to believe it was used without direct presidential knowledge or instruction.

This issue has surfaced alongside broader concerns about transparency, decision-making in the executive branch, and the role of senior staff. For many, it’s not just about a device — it’s about who is really in charge, and whether the public was properly informed.

Arguments from Those Who Said “Yes – I Support an Investigation”

• Transparency and Accountability:
  Supporters argue that the public has a right to know whether the President was personally involved in key decisions. If staff used an autopen without his knowledge, that could represent a serious breakdown in executive accountability.
• Recent Insider Reports Raise Red Flags:
  Revelations from journalists like Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson in Original Sin suggest that President Biden’s staff tightly managed his public exposure and may have shielded him from aspects of daily governance. This has fueled speculation that signatures may have been applied without his full awareness.
• Legal and Ethical Implications:
  While autopen use is legal, many respondents believe the threshold for use should be very high — and clearly authorized. If used inappropriately, it could raise constitutional questions about who is making the final call on official acts.
• Setting a Precedent:
  A formal investigation could clarify the boundaries for future administrations and help define what counts as acceptable delegation. Without oversight, critics argue, the power of unelected staff could quietly expand.
• Public Trust at Stake:
  This issue isn’t just administrative — it’s symbolic. If Americans lose confidence that the President is personally making decisions, it weakens faith in democratic leadership.

Arguments from Those Who Said “No – I Wouldn’t Support an Investigation”

• Autopen Use is Longstanding and Legal:
  Multiple presidents — including George W. Bush and Barack Obama — have used the autopen for routine documents. Supporters argue that this is standard practice and not worthy of a full investigation.
• No Proof of Misuse:
  Opponents say that there’s no clear evidence the autopen was used improperly. Without concrete examples of unauthorized use, an investigation could be seen as politically motivated.
• Focus on Bigger Issues:
  Some voters believe that resources should be directed toward more urgent matters — such as economic policy, border security, or foreign affairs — rather than administrative tools.
• Presidents Often Delegate:
  Like other top officials, the President must rely on staff. Autopen use — if done with general authorization — is seen by some as a functional necessity, not a breach of power.

Conclusion

This poll indicates that a large majority of respondents support a formal investigation into the Biden Administration’s use of the autopen. For many, it’s about more than the device — it’s about confidence in presidential leadership, transparency in government operations, and the principle that decisions with legal consequences should be made by elected leaders themselves.

Thank you to all who participated in this poll. Your voice plays an important role in shaping the public dialogue around how our institutions operate — and who is truly at the helm.