US President Donald Trump has ordered an investigation into Joe Biden’s actions during his presidency, alleging a “conspiracy” to “deceive the public about Biden‘s mental state.” Trump took aim at the use of an autopen to sign executive actions, claiming that the American public had been “purposefully shielded from discovering who wielded the executive power.” “This conspiracy marks one of the most dangerous and concerning scandals in American history,” Trump said.
Biden’s Response
Biden slammed Trump’s move as “ridiculous,” saying his claims are aimed at distracting Americans as his administration works to extend tax breaks for the wealthy. “Let me be clear: I made the decisions during my presidency,” Biden said. “I made the decisions about the pardons, executive orders, legislation and proclamations. Any suggestion that I didn’t is ridiculous and false.”
Scrutiny over Biden’s Mental Capacity
Scrutiny over Biden’s mental and physical capacity has intensified in recent weeks, with a new book accusing an inner circle within the former administration of covering up his “physical deterioration” during his ill-fated re-election campaign last year. Biden abruptly ended his re-election campaign last July shortly after weeks of pressure following his disastrous debate performance against Trump.
Trump’s Motivations
Trump’s move is seen as another attempt to discredit his predecessor, with some speculating that it’s aimed at distracting Americans from his own administration’s policies. The investigation ordered by Trump will likely be led by a Republican-led panel in the House of Representatives, which has sought testimony from some of Biden’s closest aides on his “mental and physical faculties” while he was leading the country.