A curious alteration has been made to the "Presidential Walk of Fame," a display presumably honoring past occupants of the highest office, stirring quite the conversation. Instead of former President Joe Biden's official portrait, a picture of an autopen now occupies the space designated for him. This substitution, seemingly a deliberate act, has sparked debate and raised eyebrows across the political spectrum.
For those unfamiliar, an autopen is a machine designed to replicate a person's signature. It's often used by busy executives and, indeed, presidents to sign documents efficiently when their physical presence or ability to sign individually is limited. The implication of replacing Biden's portrait with an image of this device carries a specific message, one that alludes to questions about his active role in decision-making during his presidency.
The replaced image was positioned between two portraits of Donald Trump, adding another layer of intrigue. This placement seemingly frames Biden's representation within the context of Trump's tenure, further fueling the narrative that Trump has been trying to push.
The reveal of this change occurred on the White House's Instagram page, through a video posted by Margo Martin. Captioned "the new walk of fame," the video showcased the black-and-white portraits, with the autopen picture standing out amidst the presidential visages. This use of social media for such a symbolic alteration speaks to the modern way political messages are disseminated and consumed.
Donald Trump has been a vocal critic of Biden's presidency, frequently referring to it as an "autopen presidency." This stems from Trump's insinuations that Biden's aides were using the autopen extensively to sign legislation and pardons on his behalf. Trump has even suggested that the autopen effectively ran the country, raising concerns about Biden's capacity to lead.
After the 2020 election, these claims intensified, with Trump repeatedly alleging that Biden, who was 82 when he left office, was not fully in control and that his staff was manipulating the autopen to conceal his purported cognitive decline. These accusations formed a cornerstone of Trump's criticism of Biden's administration, casting doubt on the legitimacy of his decisions and actions.
In a highly unusual move, Trump even launched an investigation into the use of Biden's autopen in June. He appointed Ed Martin, a U.S. pardon attorney and known Trump supporter, to lead the inquiry. The stated goal was to determine whether Biden was truly "competent" or if his aides were exploiting the autopen (or other means) to take advantage of him. This investigation underscored the depth of Trump's suspicion and his willingness to challenge Biden's authority.
Biden, unsurprisingly, responded to these allegations with strong denial. "Let me be clear, I made the decisions during my presidency," he stated. "I made the decisions about the pardons, executive orders, legislation, and proclamations. Any suggestion that I didn't is ridiculous and false." This forceful rebuttal aimed to dispel any doubts about his leadership and control over his administration.
It's worth noting that the use of autopens in the White House is not unprecedented. George W. Bush first approved their use in 2005, and Barack Obama was the first president to use one for signing legislation in May 2011. Trump himself has conceded to using an autopen during his presidency, though he claims it was only for "unimportant papers."
Despite leaving office, Trump has continued to target Biden. At a funeral service for conservative influencer Charlie Kirk, Trump couldn't resist taking another swipe. He mocked Biden's speeches, questioning his ability to articulate words, further perpetuating the narrative of cognitive decline.
"We will stop MAGA, we will stop MAGA. He could barely get the words out," Trump reportedly said, seemingly taking pleasure in highlighting perceived stumbles in Biden's communication. This continued criticism demonstrates the ongoing political tensions and the lingering animosity between the two figures.
The replacement of Biden's portrait with the autopen image has elicited varied responses. Some have criticized the move as petty and disrespectful, while others have supported it as a fitting representation of their perception of Biden's presidency. The online commentary reflects the deep divisions within American society and the polarized views on political leadership.
One commenter expressed disbelief at Trump's actions, stating, "Imagine being 80 years old and still THIS insecure." This sentiment reflects the view that the move was driven by personal animosity rather than a genuine concern for historical accuracy or presidential decorum.
In contrast, another commenter, identifying as conservative, argued that Biden deserved respect as a democratically elected president, regardless of political ideology. This view emphasizes the importance of civility and respect for the office of the president, even when disagreeing with the individual holding it.
Other observers expressed feelings of living in an "alternate universe," highlighting the surreal and often divisive nature of contemporary American politics. They found Trump's actions immature and indicative of a lack of respect for the traditions and norms of the presidency.
Unsurprisingly, Trump supporters flooded the comments section with messages of support. "God Bless Our President," one person wrote, while another declared, "This is what I voted for! God bless this man." These comments reflect the unwavering loyalty of Trump's base and their approval of his actions, regardless of criticism.
Beyond the portrait incident, Trump has also been accused of snubbing other world leaders recently. French President Emmanuel Macron and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan were reportedly delayed by Trump's motorcade in New York, causing significant traffic disruptions.
A video circulating online shows a visibly frustrated Erdoğan surrounded by bodyguards as he waited on the street. He had been attending the UN's 80th-anniversary event in Manhattan when Trump's motorcade allegedly caused the delay.
Reports suggest that police officers directed pedestrians to the side of the road to clear the way for Trump's motorcade, further exacerbating the traffic congestion. Erdoğan's security team reportedly had to negotiate with the police to resolve the situation, highlighting the inconvenience and potential disruption caused by the motorcade.
Similarly, Macron was allegedly left stranded in New York when his car was blocked by Trump's motorcade. An NYPD officer was reportedly overheard apologizing to Macron, explaining that everything was "frozen."
Macron apparently took matters into his own hands and called Trump directly to address the situation. He was reportedly heard saying, "Hey, how are you? Guess what, I am waiting in the street because everything is..."
Eventually, Macron was forced to walk approximately 30 minutes to the French embassy, navigating the Manhattan streets on foot. Another video purportedly shows Macron still on the phone with Trump as he walked, underscoring the unusual circumstances and the diplomatic complexities involved. These incidents, along with the replaced portrait, contribute to a narrative of disregard for protocol and a willingness to challenge established norms, further solidifying Trump's controversial image.