Washington, D.C. – Former President Donald Trump announced his intention to feature a "portrait of Joe Biden’s autopen" within a newly established "Presidential Wall of Fame" in the renovated White House Rose Garden. The provocative declaration, made during an interview with The Daily Caller's Reagan Reese, signals a continued political jab at his predecessor, with Trump stating the display would be "up in about two weeks." This move comes amidst ongoing renovations to the White House grounds, including the Rose Garden.
Trump's decision to highlight an autopen is a direct continuation of his long-standing criticism regarding former President Biden's use of the automated signature device for official documents. He has previously alleged that Biden's reliance on the autopen indicated cognitive decline and a lack of personal oversight on presidential actions. These accusations have been central to Republican narratives questioning the legitimacy of Biden's decisions during his tenure.
The use of an autopen by presidents is not unprecedented, with both former President Barack Obama and Trump himself having utilized the tool for various official signings. However, Trump has previously initiated investigations into Biden's autopen use, framing it as a significant scandal. Biden has consistently denied any wrongdoing, asserting that he made all decisions personally and used the autopen for efficiency, particularly for high volumes of documents like clemency pardons.
The "Presidential Wall of Fame" is described as a new feature within the White House, intended to display portraits of past U.S. presidents. Trump's choice to represent Biden with an autopen portrait, rather than a traditional likeness, underscores his critical stance on the former administration. Trump told Reese that the planned display would be "very controversial," acknowledging the likely strong reactions from political opponents.
The exact appearance of the "autopen" portrait and its precise location within the Rose Garden remain unclear, as the outdoor setting is not typically conducive to displaying framed artwork. Nevertheless, the announcement has already generated significant discussion, highlighting the persistent political tensions between the two former presidents. The move is widely seen as a deliberate act of political trolling, intended to provoke a reaction from Democrats and Biden supporters.