Former Biden aide Neera Tanden has admitted to Congress that she authorized the use of an autopen to sign presidential documents without knowing who gave final approval, raising serious questions about who was truly making decisions in the White House.
Key Takeaways
- Neera Tanden, former director of Biden’s Domestic Policy Council, testified she was authorized to direct autopen signatures but couldn’t identify who in Biden’s inner circle gave final clearance
- The House Oversight Committee is investigating whether executive actions were signed without Biden’s explicit knowledge or approval, amid concerns about his cognitive capacity
- Tanden was authorized to use the autopen from October 2021 to May 2023, even when Biden was physically present in the White House
- Additional former Biden aides will be interviewed as part of the investigation, including his former White House physician Dr. Kevin O’Connor
- While Republicans describe the investigation as productive, Democrats dismiss it as politically motivated and lacking substance
Congressional Testimony Raises Questions About Presidential Authority
The House Oversight Committee’s investigation into the Biden administration’s use of an autopen has intensified following testimony from Neera Tanden, former director of Biden’s Domestic Policy Council. Tanden appeared before the committee to answer questions about her role in directing the use of an autopen – a mechanical device that automatically reproduces a person’s signature – for signing executive documents. Committee Chairman James Comer is leading this investigation to determine whether important executive actions were authorized without Biden’s explicit approval, amid growing concerns about his mental capacity during his presidency.
During her testimony, Tanden confirmed she was authorized to use the autopen from October 2021 to May 2023 while serving as staff secretary and senior adviser to Biden. However, she was unable to identify who in Biden’s inner circle provided final approval for these signatures. This revelation has raised significant concerns about the decision-making process within the White House and whether Biden was fully aware of all documents being signed in his name. Despite these concerns, Tanden insisted there was no impropriety in the process, claiming the practice was inherited from previous administrations.
Expanding Investigation Into White House Operations
Chairman Comer described the meeting with Tanden as productive and indicated this is just the beginning of a broader investigation. “This is the first of what will be many interviews with people we believe were involved in the autopen scandal in the Biden administration,” said Committee Chairman James Comer. The committee plans to interview additional former Biden aides without subpoenas, including Anthony Bernal, Ashley Williams, and Annie Tomasini. More significantly, Dr. Kevin O’Connor, Biden’s former White House physician, is scheduled for a closed interview under subpoena on July 9, which could provide critical insights into Biden’s cognitive state during his time in office.
“I answered every question, I was pleased to discuss my public service, and I think it was a thorough process, and I’m glad I answered every question,” said Neera Tanden.
Republicans are also seeking interviews with former chief of staff Ron Klain and former senior advisor Anita Dunn, who likely had significant influence over White House operations. The investigation specifically aims to uncover why the autopen was used even when Biden was physically present at the White House – a particularly troubling detail that suggests Biden may not have been capable of performing basic presidential duties. Comer has promised transparency throughout this investigation and pledged to provide updates as more information becomes available.
Political Divide Over Investigation’s Merit
The investigation has predictably split along partisan lines. While Republicans view it as essential oversight into potential deception about Biden’s fitness for office, Democrats have dismissed it as politically motivated. Representative Wesley Bell called the investigation “an extraordinary waste of time” and suggested it lacks substance. Tanden herself criticized the investigation, implying it was designed to distract from more pressing issues related to the Trump administration. This dismissive attitude from Democrats only heightens suspicion that they may be attempting to cover up serious concerns about Biden’s capacity during his presidency.
“Absolutely not,” responded Neera Tanden when asked if there was any effort to disguise Biden’s condition.
The committee has announced that transcripts of all interviews will be released after the investigation concludes, which should provide Americans with a clearer picture of who was actually making decisions during the Biden administration. Tanden’s admission that she directed autopen signatures without knowing who gave final approval creates a troubling gap in the chain of command and accountability. If Biden wasn’t making these decisions himself, the American people deserve to know who was actually running the country during his administration.
