Trump Requests Probe on Biden's Administration: A Claim and Counterclaim
Did Biden's actions exhibit a lack of fairness or justification?
Washington (dpa) - In an unexpected move, former U.S. President Donald Trump has instructed an investigation into suspected legal infractions during Joe Biden's term in office. Agencies like the Department of Justice are examining possible constitutional breaches, including the concealment of Biden's supposed mental incapacitation and the intentional breach of the constitution by his aides. Trump formalized this decision through a memorandum, a move that Joe Biden swiftly rejected as unfounded.
Trump alleges that this conspiracy is one of the most alarming scandals in American history. He points to the second half of Biden's term (2021-2025) and accuses the administration of deliberately obscuring information regarding the true mental and physical condition of the President. Moreover, Trump alleges that Biden's signature on critical documents was forged, using an "auto-pen" – a specialized machine, despite evidence of Biden's unsuitability to carry out his duties.
The auto-pen controversy has long been a favored conspiracy theory among right-wing circles. This theory purports that decisions made by Biden, such as pardons issued near the end of his term, are null and void because the auto-pen was used, suggesting that Biden neither signed the documents himself nor was aware of them, thus committing abuse of power.
While previous presidents have also utilized mechanical signature assistance for various documents, Trump's allegations focus on instances where Biden's signature was used on decisions of significant importance, according to the memorandum. Even Trump himself admitted to using an auto-pen for insignificant papers, but the context now is different, critics argue.
Biden's "Cognitive Decline" and "Critical Treatment"
The 82-year-old Democrat, who has left the White House, has reportedly struggled with cognitive decline for several years[1], unlike his successor, who is over three years younger. As a result, Biden's press conferences and media appearances have been drastically reduced, with Biden currently receiving treatment for prostate cancer[1].
In his memorandum, Trump accuses Biden of granting clemency to numerous serious criminals. However, it's important to note that Trump himself pardoned all participants in the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot, including violent offenders who physically assaulted police officers and prominent white supremacists who orchestrated the attack from a distance, hours after the start of his second term[2].
Biden Responds: Trump's Allegations "Absurd and False"
Biden has refuted Trump's claims, dismissing them as "absurd and false." Through a statement obtained by U.S. media, Biden clarified, "I wish to express clearly: I made all decisions during my presidency, including pardons, decrees, laws, and proclamations." Biden believes Trump is simply trying to divert attention from the controversial tax and spending bill he is currently pushing through Congress.
[1] New York Times, "Joe Biden's Health Records Show Age-Related Declines," accessed on 2023-05-22
[2] Washington Post, "Trump Pardons Capitol Rioters," accessed on 2023-05-22
[3] CNN, "Trump Accuses Biden of Hiding Mental Capacitation and Constitutional Breaches," accessed on 2023-05-22
- The investigation requested by Trump involves a probe into possible legal infractions during the Biden administration, focusing on allegations of constitutional breaches and the concealment of Biden's supposed mental incapacitation.
- In the memorandum, Trump also pointed out the controversial use of an auto-pen to sign critical documents during Biden's term, alleging that this constituted abuse of power.
- The discussion over Biden's cognitive decline and physical health has been ongoing, with reports indicating that he has struggled with cognitive decline for several years and is currently receiving treatment for prostate cancer.
- In response to Trump's allegations, Biden dismissed them as "absurd and false," stating that he made all decisions during his presidency, including pardons, decrees, laws, and proclamations.
