Former President Donald Trump has raised new questions surrounding the use of an autopen during Joe Biden’s presidency, shortly after Biden publicly shared news of his prostate cancer diagnosis. As emotions stir nationwide over the health of the former president, Trump’s remarks have added a layer of political curiosity about who was truly behind key executive decisions.

On Tuesday, Trump, while arriving at the Capitol to address ongoing negotiations within the GOP on the reconciliation bill, made pointed comments about Biden’s use of an autopen — a mechanical device used to automatically sign official documents. Though its use is not new, Trump’s concern lies not in the tool itself, but in who may have been behind the decisions it was used to enact.

“It’s very sad, what happened to him,” Trump began, referring to Biden’s health. “But we’re going to start looking into who really signed off on these things. Who opened the borders? Who signed legislation that changed the country? It certainly wasn’t him.”

Trump emphasized that Biden may have been unaware of key legislation “signed in his name,” suggesting that the former president’s signature was applied to policies he may not have personally reviewed or authorized. “He autopenned almost everything,” Trump claimed. “He didn’t even know what he was signing.”

This isn’t the first time Trump has questioned the use of the autopen. Earlier, he raised doubts about the legitimacy of some of Biden’s final pardons, arguing that their legal standing might be questionable if they lacked direct presidential awareness or approval.

While the claims remain politically charged, the broader implications reflect a growing concern about the transparency and accountability of presidential decision-making, especially during periods of declining health or cognitive capacity. Trump took this further, implying that others in the administration — possibly ideologically different from Biden — were effectively making decisions behind the scenes.

“No one sane would sign some of these policies. You know who did? Radical ideologues. And the autopen was their tool,” Trump said. “They wanted someone else. But they found out after a few weeks, Biden wouldn’t stop them. And they started using the pen.”

Despite the controversy, Trump expressed empathy after Biden’s cancer diagnosis. On his Truth Social platform, he issued a personal statement: “Melania and I are saddened to hear about Joe Biden’s recent medical diagnosis. We extend our warmest and best wishes to Jill and the family, and we wish Joe a fast and successful recovery.”

Vice President Kamala Harris also expressed support, offering a message of unity and hope. “Doug and I are saddened to learn of President Biden’s prostate cancer diagnosis. We are keeping him, Dr. Biden, and their entire family in our hearts and prayers during this time,” she wrote on X. “Joe is a fighter — and I know he will face this challenge with the same strength, resilience, and optimism that have always defined his life.”

The White House released a medical update following Biden’s diagnosis, stating that he had been experiencing ongoing urinary symptoms, which led to the discovery of a prostate nodule. After further evaluation, it was confirmed to be an aggressive form of prostate cancer with metastasis to the bones. However, the cancer is reportedly hormone-sensitive, which allows for management and treatment moving forward.

“President Biden is consulting with his physicians and reviewing treatment options,” the official statement said.

Support from figures across the political spectrum began to emerge as the announcement reached the public. Former President Barack Obama shared a message of encouragement, writing, “Michelle and I are thinking of the entire Biden family. Nobody has done more to find breakthrough treatments for cancer in all its forms than Joe, and I am certain he will fight this challenge with his trademark resolve and grace.”

While questions continue to swirl about the use of the autopen and its broader implications, the moment also marks a more human reality — one of health, fragility, and the challenges of leadership. In the face of a serious diagnosis, the nation, regardless of political leaning, is reminded of the common thread that connects its leaders: mortality.

And while Trump’s criticism may prompt future investigations into how decisions were made in Biden’s final months, the unfolding story now balances on a line between political scrutiny and personal compassion. The autopen may yet become a symbol of something larger — a presidency in question, a man in decline, and the systems that persist around them.