By John Q. Hosedrinker 
The Justice Department initially posted pardons online featuring identical copies of President Trump’s signature, later replacing them after a “technical error” was identified. The original copies showed striking similarities in the president’s signature across multiple pardons dated November 7th, confirmed by forensic document experts. The administration attributed the error to staffing and technical issues, despite Trump’s history of criticizing his predecessor’s use of an autopen. Legal experts maintain that the use of a signature, whether by hand or electronic, has no bearing on the validity of the pardons, as the intention of the president is the determining factor.
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Trump, who mocked Biden’s use of autopen, caught posting identical signatures on pardons, and the irony is truly rich. It’s almost as if he’s incapable of resisting the urge to criticize others for the very things he does himself. This isn’t just a minor slip-up; it’s a pattern, a consistent thread woven throughout his actions and words. Remember how he practically weaponized the autopen issue, lambasting Biden for supposedly using it to sign documents? Now, the world learns that Trump himself was employing a similar tactic, churning out identical signatures on pardons.
This situation perfectly exemplifies the well-worn phrase, “every accusation is a confession.” It’s almost a hallmark of his persona. He throws stones, and then the world discovers his own house is made of glass, and sometimes, those stones are actually autopen-generated signatures. It’s a blatant display of hypocrisy that has become so commonplace it almost seems expected. Yet, it still manages to generate a sense of bewilderment.
The sheer volume of pardons issued during his time in office adds another layer to this spectacle. Did anyone seriously believe that he personally hand-signed each one? Given his well-documented aversion to work and his preference for delegating tasks, the notion that he meticulously crafted individual signatures on hundreds, maybe even thousands, of pardons seems far-fetched. The evidence suggests otherwise, of course, with the repetitive nature of the signatures becoming glaringly obvious.
It’s fascinating, in a darkly comedic way, to witness the lengths he goes to project his own failings onto others. He didn’t just “mock” Biden’s autopen usage; he made it a focal point of his attacks. He even suggested that Biden’s actions might be invalidating legal actions. Now, he’s hoist by his own petard, the ultimate embodiment of “do as I say, not as I do.” It raises questions about the validity of those very pardons, doesn’t it? Based on his own standards, shouldn’t they be considered, well, null and void?
The situation also casts a light on the core of his appeal. It’s not just about policy or ideology. It’s about cultivating a personality that can seemingly transcend rules. His supporters don’t care about the contradictions. They seem to view this behavior as a sign of strength and defiance, a sign that he’s somehow above the petty constraints that bind everyone else. It’s part of the power fantasy, a narrative where he can bend the rules, while everyone else has to follow them.
This reliance on projection, of criticizing others for his own flaws, has become his modus operandi. He accused others of actions he was also undertaking, and it’s always been about deflecting and creating a false sense of superiority. He criticizes American workers, makes fun of others, and it all serves a purpose. It’s a game of smoke and mirrors, designed to distract from his own actions.
It’s tempting to see a certain comedic genius in the whole thing, the unintentional self-sabotage, the constant stream of contradictory actions. It’s difficult not to chuckle at the image of him, the self-proclaimed master of everything, caught in a very obvious lie. The reality is that the average person is likely unaware of the ins and outs of autopen use. However, when the issue is framed by Trump, it becomes a point of contention and fuels the MAGA base.
The story of the “Art of the Deal” signed art piece that turned out to be autopen is an excellent reminder of all the tricks. This isn’t just about the autopen; it’s about the broader pattern of dishonesty and the willingness of his supporters to overlook it. It’s a testament to the power of personality, branding, and manufactured outrage, even when exposed.
Ultimately, this whole episode serves as a reminder to be skeptical, to examine actions critically, and not to blindly accept what is being presented as truth. In a world of ever-shifting narratives, it’s more important than ever to be aware of the tricks, the projections, and the blatant hypocrisy that has become the hallmark of his political career. The man who declared Biden’s actions were invalid because of the autopen now finds himself in the same predicament, showcasing the inherent irony.