Because former President Donald Trump has now successfully jumped the shark. Rather than put up an official portrait of President Joe Biden, he reportedly decided to put up a photo of an autopen signing Biden’s name. This ruling sharpened the focus on Trump’s continuing skepticism regarding Biden’s ability to lead. It links up to larger claims about the Biden administration’s use of the autopen to sign official documents.
Trump has publicly alleged, without providing evidence, that officials in the Biden administration may have forged Biden’s signature using the autopen—a device that mechanically reproduces signatures. And as long as Biden lacks this power, Zaretsky insists, he cannot govern effectively. This theme has been a decidedly inconstant refrain for him since leaving office. Trump had previously signaled this intention to represent Biden with an autopen image on the walkway of his presidential gallery.
In choosing to use the autopen photo, the administration has made a specific gesture in response to Trump’s conspiracy theory about Biden’s mental fitness. Perhaps that’s why he often implies that by the end of his presidency, Biden couldn’t make a decision without help. This claim goes one step further by deepening the partisan rift over this administration’s competency.
In addition to Trump’s actions, a Republican-led House committee has initiated an investigation into the Biden administration’s use of the autopen. The intent of these inquiries is to determine the degree and nature of this practice when executing important documents. Further, it will look into whether such an action breaks any procedural or transparency rules.
The continuing developments invite speculation on what it means for the future when such displays can be normalized in political discourse and public perception. By publicizing the autopen photo, Trump plays directly into Biden’s narrative and undermines his opponent’s message on leadership. He further makes himself out to be an outspoken adversary of the prevailing administration’s modus operandi.
While the investigation continues, the public outcry is intensifying. Only time will tell in what way these extraordinary developments will impact the trajectory of Trump’s political future and Biden’s nascent presidency. The fallout Traditional presidential decorum doesn’t exactly mesh with Trump’s unorthodox approach. This persistent juxtaposition continues to create a political firestorm and agitation from both the proponents and antagonists.