President Joe Biden's announcement of a forthcoming memoir has triggered a wave of criticism on social media, with opponents questioning the authenticity of the book and reviving accusations of his alleged use of an autopen.
The memoir, titled "PROMISE ME, AMERICA," is slated for release on November 17 and is described as chronicling Biden's presidency and the "deeply agonizing calculation" behind his decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race. Biden announced the book in a video shared on X, formerly Twitter, also stating that his cancer treatment has been progressing well.
Critics swiftly responded to the announcement, with many on platforms like X expressing skepticism about Biden's direct involvement in writing the book. Former Deputy Assistant Attorney General Tom Dupree commented on the controversy, while individuals like former Los Angeles mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt and Outkick founder Clay Travis questioned who authored the memoir.
"This guy couldn't even sign his own name. He's not writing books. LMAO," wrote Pratt on X. Conservative communicator Steve Guest posted, "The first lie of Joe Biden’s book launch: ‘I’ve written a book.’"
Several social media users referenced the ongoing controversy surrounding the autopen, a device previously used by presidents to sign official documents. Former President Donald Trump had previously raised questions about Biden's autopen usage, suggesting that many pardons were void due to the method of signing. A framed image of an autopen in the White House, which previously replaced a portrait of Biden in the Presidential Walk of Fame during Trump's administration, was shared by users in response to the book announcement.
Republican Missouri Rep. Jason Smith questioned, "Who do we think wrote this book," adding "Did the autopen write this too?" Republican candidate for Congress in Florida Mark Kaye also simply wrote "Auto pen."
Biden stated in his announcement video that the book would cover the challenges facing the nation, the decisions he made during his presidency, rebuilding the economy, restoring democracy after the January 6th attack, ending the war in Afghanistan, strengthening NATO, and supporting Ukraine. The White House and the Office of Joe Biden were contacted for comment.