Trump unveils presidential portraits with Biden’s autopen image

In a striking display of historical tribute and subtle critique, the White House has introduced the “Presidential Walk of Fame,” featuring portraits of U.S. presidents along the West Wing colonnade in the Rose Garden.

Breitbart reported that this initiative, marked by the inclusion of an autopen image for President Joe Biden, showcases a chronological arrangement of presidential portraits while sparking discussion due to former President Donald Trump’s involvement and recent renovations.

The project, one of several updates to the White House under Trump’s oversight, began with the installation of these portraits, which were shared in a video by Special Assistant to the President Margo Martin on Wednesday.

Unveiling History in the Rose Garden

The portraits are arranged in order of presidential terms, with Trump’s images from both his first and current terms prominently displayed.

Between them lies an autopen image representing Biden, a choice that has drawn attention due to Trump’s previous criticism of the technology.

In July, Trump described the use of an autopen as a major issue, calling it “maybe one of the biggest scandals that we’ve had in 50 to 100 years.”

Autopen Controversy Sparks Debate

He further expressed disdain, stating, “They’re no good. They’re sick people. And I guarantee you he knew nothing about what he was signing. I guarantee it.”

The controversy stems from a July report by The New York Times, which noted that Biden did not personally approve each name for categorical pardons affecting large groups.

Instead, as the report explained, “Mr. Biden did not individually approve each name for the categorical pardons that applied to large numbers of people, he and aides confirmed. Rather, after extensive discussion of different possible criteria, he signed off on the standards he wanted to be used to determine which convicts would qualify for a reduction in sentence.”

Behind the Autopen Decision Process

A former aide, quoted in the same report, clarified the reasoning, stating, “Rather than ask Mr. Biden to keep signing revised versions, his staff waited and then ran the final version through the autopen, which they saw as a routine procedure.”

This decision came after Biden approved specific criteria for sentence reductions, and the Bureau of Prisons provided updated inmate data that required list revisions.

Using the autopen avoided repeatedly seeking Biden’s signature for each update, a move staff considered standard practice.

Trump’s Personal Touch on Display

Following the installation, Trump personally inspected the portraits, ensuring the display met his vision for honoring presidential history.

Later on Wednesday, Trump welcomed Cabinet members and senior White House officials to view the “Presidential Walk of Fame” alongside him.

Breitbart News confirmed that he hosted a dinner for these guests at 7:00 p.m. ET in the newly revamped Rose Garden Club, marking a celebratory moment for the project.

Transforming the White House Landscape

This display is part of a broader series of renovations spearheaded by Trump, including last month’s replacement of the Rose Garden sod with a white stone patio adorned with white chairs and yellow-umbrella-topped tables.

Additionally, nearly 100-foot-tall flagpoles now stand on the North and South Lawns, enhancing the grandeur of the White House grounds.

Trump is also overseeing the construction of a ballroom off the East Wing, designed to accommodate up to 900 guests, with funding from Trump and his donors estimated at around $250 million, as he announced last week.