President Trump has raised serious questions about the legitimacy of Biden’s Federal Reserve appointments, claiming they may have been illegally signed by autopen rather than by the former president himself.
Story Highlights
- Trump questions validity of Biden’s Fed appointments, suggesting autopen signatures invalidate their authority
- Four Biden appointees including Fed Chair Powell could be serving without proper authorization
- President directs Treasury Secretary Bessent to investigate potential constitutional violation
- Fed meeting scheduled amid growing concerns over appointment legitimacy
Trump Challenges Biden Fed Appointments
President Donald Trump delivered bombshell allegations during a Pennsylvania speech on December 9, 2025, claiming Biden’s four Federal Reserve appointments were signed by autopen rather than personally authorized.
Trump stated he “just heard” about the potential illegitimate signings, directing his administration to investigate whether Fed Chair Jerome Powell and three other Biden appointees are serving without proper constitutional authority.
The timing proves significant as the Federal Open Market Committee prepares for its Wednesday rate-setting meeting.
Trump says he 'heard' Biden Fed appointments were signed by autopen, tells aide to investigate https://t.co/QL3AR836YY
— CNBC (@CNBC) December 10, 2025
Constitutional Authority Questions Emerge
Trump’s allegations target the heart of federal appointment procedures, suggesting Biden used autopen technology to bypass personal signature requirements for critical financial positions.
The president specifically questioned Vice Chair Philip Jefferson, Michael Barr, and Lisa Cook alongside Powell, who together form a majority of the Fed’s Board of Governors.
Trump emphasized that if autopen signatures were used, “they put people there that are not authorized to be there,” raising fundamental questions about the legitimacy of recent Fed decisions affecting American families.
Administrative Investigation Launched
During his Mount Pocono address, Trump directly instructed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to verify the signature authenticity, stating “Would you check that, Scott?” The president indicated willingness to challenge even partial findings, declaring “We’ll take two” if only some appointments prove invalid.
This investigation could fundamentally reshape Federal Reserve leadership at a critical time when interest rates directly impact American mortgage holders, savers, and small businesses struggling with economic uncertainty from previous mismanagement.
Trump’s Fed criticism extends beyond signature questions to broader concerns about Powell’s rate policies. The president repeatedly pressed for rate cuts throughout 2025, criticizing Powell as “Too Late” in addressing economic pressures facing working Americans.
With Powell’s term expiring in May and three consecutive rate cuts expected, the legitimacy question adds constitutional weight to ongoing monetary policy debates that affect every American household’s financial future.
