Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wisconsin, has demanded the National Archives release all records related to former President Joe Biden’s mental and physical health, citing potential cover-ups. The request comes as Johnson’s Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations examines allegations that the White House concealed Biden’s declining mental state during his presidency. Johnson’s letter to Acting Archivist Marco Rubio, who is currently overseeing NARA, seeks records related to Biden’s cognitive decline and any possible cover-ups. The inquiry also includes the use of an autopen, an electronic device used to mimic Biden’s signature, which has become a focal point in the probe. Johnson is asking for all communications between Biden’s team, Cabinet members, and key aides, emphasizing the need for transparency in presidential decision-making during this period.
Biden’s use of the autopen, which has been under scrutiny, has drawn attention from multiple entities, including Trump’s directive to the DOJ. Trump, in a June memo, ordered the Department of Justice to investigate the autopen’s use and its link to Biden’s mental state. The White House Counsel’s Office is currently reviewing over 27,000 documents provided by NARA, which may not encompass the full scope of records under consideration. Johnson has given Rubio until July 30 to fulfill his request, arguing that the records could reveal critical insights into decisions made during Biden’s presidency, such as the use of clemency powers. The ongoing investigations by Congress and the White House Counsel’s Office highlight the seriousness of the issue, though officials have clarified that the White House’s review is separate from congressional probes. The matter remains a significant point of contention in the ongoing political landscape.
Johnson’s concern is rooted in the allegations that Biden’s mental and physical state may have impacted key decisions, such as the granting of clemency or pardons. The White House Counsel’s Office is reviewing Biden’s use of the autopen, which has raised questions about the validity of several pardons, including those for family members, Dr. Anthony Fauci, Gen. Mark Milley, and members of the House committee investigating the January 6, 2021, Capitol riots. The probe into the autopen’s use has also drawn scrutiny from former President Donald Trump, who directed the DOJ to investigate the matter, suggesting a potential link between Biden’s alleged cognitive decline and the pardons. Biden, in a recent interview with The New York Times, defended his use of the autopen, stating he made all decisions independently. However, the Times reported that Biden did not personally approve each name for the pardons, raising further concerns about the process.
Congressional committees, including the House Oversight Committee, have also launched investigations into the autopen’s use and Biden’s health during his presidency. A senior administration official acknowledged the simultaneous efforts but emphasized that the White House Counsel’s investigation is separate from any congressional probes. The official noted that the White House is conducting a “massive effort” to complete the review as soon as possible. Trump’s office clarified that he does not use the autopen for any official business, though it is available for unofficial purposes, such as personal correspondence or birthday cards. This distinction highlights the potential differences in how each administration has handled the use of such devices, with Biden’s use being a focal point for legal and political scrutiny.
The broader implications of this probe extend beyond the individual use of the autopen and into concerns about the transparency of presidential decision-making. The demand for records from NARA and the Senate Subcommittee reflects a growing interest in examining the extent to which former presidents may have influenced policy and governance while their mental health was in question. The legal and ethical implications of using an autopen for executive actions have sparked debate, with some arguing that the device does not replace personal decision-making, while others contend that the lack of signature verification raises significant concerns. The ongoing investigations underscore the complexity of balancing presidential authority with public accountability, especially in cases where the individual’s cognitive abilities have been called into question.