Neera Tanden, head of the White House Domestic Policy Council, appeared before the House Oversight Committee on Tuesday for over four hours to answer questions related to the use of the autopen and concerns over former President Joe Biden’s mental capacity during his final years in office.
Tanden, who previously served as Biden’s senior adviser and staff secretary, acknowledged in her opening remarks that she had authority to approve autopen use between October 2021 and May 2023. The autopen, a device used to replicate a signature, was reportedly employed in signing a range of official documents including executive orders and proclamations.
“I was responsible for managing document flow to and from the president and was authorized to direct autopen usage,” Tanden testified. Speaking to reporters afterward, she said, “I was happy to answer the committee’s questions and discuss my public service.”
When asked whether there had been any attempt to hide President Biden’s physical or cognitive condition, Tanden firmly denied the accusation, responding, “Absolutely not.”
Focus on Executive Authority and Who Was in Charge
The committee, led by Chairman James Comer (R-KY), is investigating whether presidential powers were appropriately exercised and if Biden’s aides overstepped their roles by increasingly relying on autopen signatures—even on days when the president was reportedly in the White House.
The committee’s inquiry follows claims by President Donald Trump, who has alleged that Biden’s cognitive state was deliberately concealed from the public. Trump is pushing for an investigation into whether senior officials improperly used the autopen to carry out executive functions without Biden’s direct input.
“Who was really making the decisions in Biden’s final years?” Comer asked, pointing to concerns over transparency and legitimacy in the use of presidential authority.
Tanden is the first of several witnesses scheduled to appear this week. Anthony Bernal, a longtime adviser to former First Lady Jill Biden, is expected to testify on Thursday.
Biden Pushes Back on Allegations
In a recent statement, Biden defended his use of the autopen, asserting he remained in full control of his administration.
“I made the decisions about pardons, executive orders, and policy. Any suggestion otherwise is false,” Biden said. “These accusations are distractions meant to shift focus away from Republican efforts to cut essential services and support tax breaks for the wealthy.”
Trump Calls for Criminal Investigation
On Wednesday, Trump called on Attorney General Pam Bondi to launch a formal investigation, accusing Biden’s aides of potentially misusing the autopen to bypass presidential oversight.
In a memo, Trump argued that the power of the president’s signature is foundational to American governance and warned that its misuse could undermine the legitimacy of laws and appointments. He labeled the alleged actions “one of the most dangerous and concerning scandals in American history.”
“If it’s true that Biden’s aides used the autopen to mask his incapacity while pushing radical executive actions, that would be an unconstitutional use of presidential authority,” Trump claimed. “It would also cast doubt on the legality of many decisions made during his presidency.”
What Comes Next
The Oversight Committee is expected to continue its investigation throughout the week, as more witnesses come forward. At the heart of the inquiry is the broader debate over executive accountability, transparency, and whether modern technologies like the autopen can or should be used in matters of significant national importance.
As the inquiry unfolds, the political stakes remain high, with both parties framing the issue as central to American democracy and the proper use of presidential power.
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