The Justice Department has concluded its review of whether former President Joe Biden and his aides misused the autopen to sign presidential documents, following requests from former President Donald Trump to initiate an investigation. According to sources familiar with the situation, the department was unable to develop sufficient evidence to pursue a criminal case against Biden and his team.
This decision underscores a broader trend where the Justice Department has found it increasingly challenging to act on Trump’s demands for criminal investigations into Biden and others associated with him. Previously, some of Trump’s calls for investigations have resulted in grand juries declining to indict, decisions made by judges, or, as in the case of the autopen, prosecutors deciding to drop the matter altogether.
The investigation into the autopen was led by the U.S. attorney’s office in Washington, which is overseen by Jeanine Pirro, a known ally of Trump. This inquiry has reportedly been placed on hold in recent months, coinciding with a similar case involving six Democratic lawmakers. In that instance, a grand jury opted not to issue indictments after the lawmakers had posted a video reminding military and intelligence personnel of their obligations not to follow unlawful orders, which angered Trump.
In both instances, seasoned prosecutors expressed skepticism about the viability of pursuing criminal charges, indicating that the evidence was insufficient from the outset. This growing hesitance within the Justice Department reflects ongoing tensions and challenges in navigating requests influenced by political motivations.
The future of the investigation remains uncertain, as it is unclear whether the current administration will seek to reactivate the inquiry or push for renewed efforts from the U.S. attorney’s office in Washington. A spokesperson for Pirro has stated that her office would not confirm or deny any details regarding ongoing criminal investigations. The Justice Department has yet to respond to requests for further comments on the matter.
This situation highlights the complex dynamics between political agendas and legal processes, as the Justice Department balances its duty to uphold the law amidst political pressures.