Former Biden administration official Neera Tanden admitted to House Oversight Committee investigators that she authorized the use of an autopen to sign executive documents but couldn’t identify who gave final approval for those signatures.
Key Takeaways
- Neera Tanden testified she was authorized to direct autopen signatures from October 2021 to May 2023 but was unaware of who in Biden’s inner circle gave final clearance
- House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer is investigating whether Biden’s mental decline led to executive actions being authorized without his explicit approval
- Tanden defended the autopen practice as a continuation from previous administrations, denying any effort to disguise Biden’s condition
- Additional former Biden aides and his White House physician are scheduled for upcoming interviews as part of the investigation
- Democrats on the committee dismissed the investigation as politically motivated and lacking substance
Autopen Authorization Without Accountability
In a closed-door session with the House Oversight Committee, former Biden administration official Neera Tanden confirmed she was authorized to use the autopen for presidential signatures between October 2021 and May 2023 while serving as staff secretary and senior adviser. However, Tanden’s testimony revealed a troubling gap in accountability when she admitted she couldn’t identify who in Biden’s inner circle provided final approval for these executive actions. This revelation raises serious questions about decision-making processes and chain of command within the former administration.
Committee Chairman James Comer characterized the interview as “productive” and described it as “the first of what will be many interviews with people we believe were involved in the autopen scandal in the Biden administration.” The investigation centers on determining whether executive actions were being authorized without Biden’s explicit knowledge or approval, potentially indicating his staff was covering up mental decline. Republicans have long questioned who was actually making decisions during Biden’s presidency, especially given his obvious cognitive deterioration.
Denials and Deflections
Following her testimony, Tanden attempted to downplay concerns, telling reporters, “I answered every question, I was pleased to discuss my public service, and I think it was a thorough process, and I’m glad I answered every question.” When specifically asked if there had been any effort to disguise Biden’s condition, she responded with a firm “Absolutely not.” Despite her assurances, the inability to identify who provided final authorization for presidential signatures suggests a lack of transparency in the administration’s operations.
Tanden’s defense relied heavily on claiming the autopen process was simply inherited from previous administrations. However, the investigation seeks to determine why the autopen was frequently used even when Biden was physically present at the White House. This pattern suggests possible efforts to minimize situations where Biden would need to demonstrate mental acuity or make decisions independently. The committee is particularly concerned about who was truly making presidential decisions when Biden appeared incapable.
Expanding Investigation
The House Oversight Committee is widening its inquiry, with several more former Biden aides scheduled for interviews. These include Anthony Bernal, Ashley Williams, and Annie Tomasini, all of whom have agreed to appear without subpoenas. Most critically, Dr. Kevin O’Connor, Biden’s former White House physician, is scheduled for a closed interview under subpoena on July 9. His testimony could provide crucial medical insights into Biden’s actual cognitive state during his presidency and whether staff were concealing his condition.
“I just spoke with the House Oversight Committee, Majority and Minority Council. I answered every question, was pleased to discuss my public service and it was a thorough process. And I’m glad I answered everyone’s question,” Neera Tanden told reporters.
Republicans are also seeking interviews with former chief of staff Ron Klain and former senior advisor Anita Dunn, both of whom were in Biden’s innermost circle. The committee has promised to release transcripts of all interviews after the investigation concludes. Meanwhile, Democrats on the committee have predictably attempted to dismiss the investigation. Representative Wesley Bell characterized it as an “extraordinary waste of time,” reflecting the left’s consistent pattern of deflection when faced with legitimate concerns about their leadership’s competence.
