Investigation targets alleged “cover-up” of Biden’s cognitive decline and controversial use of autopen for pardons
Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), chairman of the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, is demanding the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) hand over all documents related to former President Joe Biden’s mental and physical health — including internal White House communications about his cognitive abilities.
In a letter obtained by Fox News Digital, Johnson directed his request to acting archivist of the United States, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, as part of a broader investigation into what Johnson calls a “cover-up” of Biden’s decline during his presidency.
“My office has been reviewing allegations that former President Biden, his cabinet, and staff covered up his deteriorating condition,” Johnson wrote. “These claims raise serious concerns about who was actually making presidential decisions if he was no longer mentally fit to do so.”
Investigation Zeroes in on Clemency Powers, Use of Autopen
Johnson pointed to one specific area of concern: Biden’s use of the presidential pardon power — particularly whether decisions were made personally or delegated. The White House Counsel’s Office, along with the Department of Justice, is already conducting a separate investigation into Biden’s heavy use of an autopen, a machine that replicates handwritten signatures.
Fox News Digital previously reported that more than 27,000 documents related to the matter have already been turned over to investigators by NARA. Johnson said these files may represent just a fraction of what is actually available and relevant to the probe.
The senator is requesting all documents and communications referring to Biden’s health or the alleged cover-up, including those from top aides and former staffers, such as:
- Former White House Chiefs of Staff Ron Klain and Jeff Zients
- Advisors Mike Donilon and Anita Dunn
- Counselor to the President Steve Ricchetti
- Biden’s personal attorney Bob Bauer
- White House physician Dr. Kevin O’Connor
Johnson has given NARA a deadline of July 30 to comply.
Biden’s Final Actions Under Scrutiny
The investigation comes amid growing scrutiny of Biden’s final weeks in office, during which he issued more than 1,500 pardons — the largest single-day clemency action in U.S. presidential history.
Among them were controversial preemptive pardons for his son Hunter Biden, Dr. Anthony Fauci, Gen. Mark Milley, and members of the House January 6 Committee. Biden personally hand-signed only one pardon — for Hunter — despite pledging not to do so during his campaign.
The use of the autopen is now a major focus of both congressional and White House investigations. Although legal, its use raises constitutional questions if not personally authorized. The autopen can mimic a signature with precision, but critics argue it should not be used for major legal acts like pardons unless there’s clear proof of direct presidential approval.
In a recent interview with The New York Times, Biden insisted:
“I made every decision myself,”
while acknowledging he did not individually review all names for the broader, categorical clemency actions.
Trump, DOJ Join the Probe
In June, President Donald Trump ordered Attorney General Pam Bondi to investigate Biden’s use of the autopen and whether it was tied to mental decline. Trump has also challenged the legitimacy of the pardons, calling them “void” if they weren’t personally signed.
Meanwhile, the House Oversight Committee is also conducting its own investigation. A senior White House official told Fox News Digital that the internal review is “massive” and aims to be completed “as soon as possible,” but emphasized it is separate from congressional efforts.
A Trump spokesperson said the 45th president does not use an autopen for official business. It may only be used for non-binding correspondence like birthday notes or ceremonial letters.
