President Trump has raised serious questions about the legitimacy of Biden’s Federal Reserve appointments, claiming they may have been signed by autopen rather than personally authorized, potentially invalidating their positions on the nation’s most powerful financial institution.
Story Highlights
- Trump questions validity of all four Biden Fed appointments, suggesting autopen signatures make them unauthorized
- Fed Chair Powell and three other Biden appointees control majority of Federal Reserve Board
- President directs Treasury Secretary Bessent to investigate potential autopen usage
- Comments come as Fed prepares for third interest rate cut decision
Trump Challenges Fed Board Legitimacy
During a Pennsylvania economic speech on December 9, President Trump questioned whether Biden’s Federal Reserve appointments were legally valid. Trump stated he “just heard” that all four Fed positions filled by his predecessor may have been signed using autopen technology rather than Biden’s personal signature.
The president emphasized this could mean “they put people there that are not authorized to be there,” directly challenging the authority of officials controlling America’s monetary policy.
Trump says he 'heard' Biden Fed appointments were signed by autopen, tells aide to investigate https://t.co/QL3AR836YY
— CNBC (@CNBC) December 10, 2025
Biden Appointees Control Fed Majority
The stakes of Trump’s claims are significant, as Biden’s appointees comprise a controlling majority on the Federal Reserve Board. Fed Chair Jerome Powell, whom Biden reappointed in 2021, leads the central bank alongside Vice Chair Philip Jefferson, Michael Barr, and Lisa Cook.
These four officials have consistently resisted Trump’s calls for aggressive interest rate cuts throughout 2025. Powell’s term expires in May, while the other three continue serving as Biden holdovers in key monetary policy positions.
Presidential Investigation Ordered
Trump directed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to investigate the autopen allegations during his Mount Pocono appearance. The president publicly asked, “Would you check that, Scott?” while addressing concerns about commission signatures.
Trump acknowledged uncertainty but insisted the matter required immediate attention, stating “we’re going to check” the validity of these appointments. This investigation could potentially reshape the Federal Reserve’s composition if autopen usage is confirmed, giving Trump grounds to challenge sitting board members.
Monetary Policy Implications
The timing of Trump’s accusations coincides with the Federal Open Market Committee’s Wednesday rate decision, expected to mark the third cut since September. Trump has consistently criticized Powell as “Too Late” on rate reductions and claimed JPMorgan’s Jamie Dimon supports faster cuts.
The president’s autopen challenge represents a new strategy to potentially remove Fed officials who have resisted his economic agenda. If successful, Trump could install appointees more aligned with his vision for aggressive monetary stimulus and economic growth policies.
