Pushing Ahead with White House Remodeling, Including Creation of a Banquet Hall
Consistent Allegations That Biden Used an Autopen
President Donald Trump of the United States is pursuing a White House remodeling project during his second term, which includes establishing the Presidential Walk of Honor, as well as transforming the White House Rose Garden into a banquet hall by replacing the lawn with marble and other stone materials. Amid these changes, President Trump recently created a commemorative space in the White House displaying portraits of former presidents. However, instead of a photo of former President Joe Biden, he hung a picture of an 'Autopen' (an automatic signature machine), sparking controversy.
Trump looking at the photo of 'Autopen' hung instead of Biden's face on the White House 'President's Walk of Honor.' White House X
On the 24th (local time), the White House posted two photos on its official X (formerly Twitter) account. One photo showed three picture frames hanging on a wall, with two frames for the 45th and 47th President Trump, and in the center, where the 46th President Biden's portrait should have been, a photo of an Autopen signing his name was displayed instead. Another post featured a photo of President Trump looking at this image. The decision to display an Autopen photo in place of Biden's portrait is widely interpreted as a blatant attempt by President Trump to mock and criticize his predecessor.
President Trump Has Consistently Raised Allegations of Biden Using an Autopen Since the Presidential Campaign
President Trump has long alleged, even during his candidacy, that former President Biden did not sign documents himself while in office, instead relying on an Autopen. In March, when former President Biden issued mass pardons near the end of his term-including his son Hunter, as well as anti-Trump figures within the Republican Party such as Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger-Trump claimed, "Biden didn't even sign them himself and didn't really know what actions were being taken."
Such allegations have been linked to concerns about former President Biden's advanced age throughout his term. Conservative circles have argued that Biden suffered significant cognitive decline while in office, rendering him incapable of properly carrying out his duties, which led to the use of the Autopen. In June, President Trump signed an executive order calling for a thorough investigation, expressing suspicion that Biden's aides exploited his cognitive decline to secretly enact major policies using the Autopen without his knowledge. However, at the time, former President Biden countered, "Let me be clear: I made all decisions regarding pardons, executive orders, and legislation during my presidency." The White House also failed to provide any evidence that former President Biden used an Autopen, despite a comprehensive investigation.
Photo of 'Otto Pen' displayed instead of Biden's face on the White House 'Presidential Walk of Fame'. White House X (formerly Twitter)
Meanwhile, in March, Trump posted an illustration on his own social media platform, Truth Social, depicting an Autopen signing in place of Biden's portrait. This image became a popular meme among MAGA (Make America Great Again) supporters, and many expressed surprise when Trump brought it to life in the actual White House.
Benny Johnson, a conservative influencer, commented, "Biden's portrait is literally an Autopen. The president was not lying." The White House also shared a video posted by Martin on its official account, using a series of laughing emojis, and released a photo of Trump staring intently at the Autopen.
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