"Yes, numerous presidents have used the autopen, dating back to Thomas Jefferson, who used an early version of the device, according to the Shappell Manuscript Foundation. Harry Truman was rumoured to have used the pen, as well as Gerald Ford and Lyndon B Johnson, who allowed the device to be photographed in the White House. Other presidents include John F Kennedy as well as Barack Obama, who used the device to sign various legislation including the Patriot Act and an appropriations bill while overseas."
"According to a 2005 guidance from the justice department, the president need not personally perform the physical act of affixing his signature to a bill he approves and decides to sign in order for the bill to become law. Instead, the president may sign a bill by directing a subordinate to affix the president's signature to such a bill, for example by autopen."
Donald Trump claimed he will reverse everything signed by President Joe Biden with an autopen and alleged unauthorized operation of the device. The autopen is a robotic signature device patented in 1803 that replicates signatures with real ink and is commonly used to sign materials in bulk. A 2005 Justice Department guidance states the president need not personally affix a signature for a bill to become law and may direct a subordinate or use an autopen. Numerous presidents from Thomas Jefferson through Barack Obama have used autopens. There is no evidence detailing the extent of Biden's autopen use, though Republicans have investigated.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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