Senator Discusses Biden Autopen Use
Thousands of presidential actions and pardons signed during Joe Biden’s presidency may not have been personally authorized by him, according to recent revelations. Instead, they were executed by an autopen — a mechanical device that reproduces a signature — raising serious legal questions about their validity. Both the House Oversight Committee and the White House Counsel’s Office are investigating whether the use of autopen for these actions was lawful and whether Biden was even aware of what was being signed in his name.
Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) is among those challenging the legitimacy of these pardons. He has proposed a direct test of their legality: prosecute someone who received one and see if the courts uphold it. Paul, who chairs the Senate Homeland Security Committee, specifically targeted Dr. Anthony Fauci, the former Chief Medical Advisor to the President, as a prime candidate.
The DOJ needs to charge Anthony Fauci with a felony for lying to Congress. Then the Courts can decide if the pardon stands.https://t.co/IFJ0VMCiUD
— Rand Paul (@RandPaul) July 23, 2025
“I do believe Anthony Fauci committed a felony by lying to Congress,” Paul said during an appearance Tuesday on The Charlie Kirk Show. “So you have to charge him with a felony; take him to court, and then the court will decide whether or not the pardon is upheld.”
Paul’s comments reflect his long-standing belief that Fauci misled lawmakers regarding gain-of-function research related to COVID-19. The senator first issued a criminal referral to the Department of Justice in 2021, accusing Fauci of perjury, and reissued that referral in 2023. Fauci has consistently denied lying to Congress.
Paul also named Hunter Biden as another figure who could face charges, but he emphasized that Fauci’s case would be the strongest test of the disputed pardons. “Someone has to be charged,” he said.
🚨 BREAKING: Rand Paul will be re-issuing his CRIMINAL REFERRAL to the DOJ for Anthony Fauci, after his “pardon” was confirmed to be issued by a late-night autopen
Fauci lied REPEATEDLY in front of Congress and shaking while doing so.
He’s guilty of perjury. LOCK HIM UP. pic.twitter.com/dmNSLnEClt
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) July 14, 2025
With Attorney General Pam Bondi now leading the Justice Department, Paul suggested the political landscape has shifted enough for new action to be taken.
If the DOJ were to pursue charges, the courts would be forced to determine whether Biden’s autopen-issued pardons hold legal weight. The outcome could set a major precedent for executive actions made by proxy signatures and could significantly reshape the debate over accountability for both the former administration and those who benefited from its final acts.
