Biden used notecards with names, photos of prominent Dems such as Hillary Clinton at public events

Recently revealed note cards from the Biden administration indicate that the White House had cataloged the names and images of prominent Democrats, including former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, for President Joe Biden to reference during public engagements as revealed by documents procured by Fox News Digital.

The investigation into National Archives materials related to the Biden administration’s autopen usage uncovered five distinct “palm cards,” which politicians often utilize as quick prompts or talking points during speeches or events. Fox News Digital acquired these documents recently.

Four of the five palm cards feature a disclaimer stating, “PRESIDENT HAS SEEN,” whereas the fifth card, which contained a question from an ABC News reporter directed at Biden during a press briefing, did not bear this stamp.

Whether Biden utilized all of the cards in his public appearances remains uncertain.

Clinton was one of several individuals to be awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, towards the end of Biden’s administration. One palm card from this batch highlighted the “Presidential Medal of Freedom Recipients” and included photographs and brief summaries of these honorees, featuring a picture of Clinton alongside a note explaining her role as Secretary of State under Obama and Biden.

The card also displayed an image of acclaimed actor Denzel Washington, who was similarly honored in January, and included a note describing him as an actor, director, and producer lauded by the New York Times as “one of the greatest actors of the 21st century.” It further contained names and brief profiles of less recognized recipients such as celebrated chef José Andrés and philanthropist David Rubenstein.

Another palm card labeled “Judicial Confirmations Milestone Speech” featured a photo of Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer along with a separate image of Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin, detailing their Senate roles, party affiliations, and representing states. This card too bore the marking, “PRESIDENT HAS SEEN.”

Biden acknowledged his administration’s success in appointing 235 judicial nominees during a speech in the State Dining Room in January, where he was joined by Schumer and Durbin. They had also participated in other public engagements celebrating judicial confirmations earlier in Biden’s presidency.

A former staff member from Biden’s team informed Fox Digital that detailing noteworthy attendees and their backgrounds is a standard procedure for briefing materials.

“Shouldn’t the staff have made the President aware that Chuck Schumer was present?” the ex-staffer questioned.

Another palm card listed notable family members of the legendary filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola in advance of the 47th Kennedy Center Honors, which recognized the director of “The Godfather” in December 2024.

A separate palm card was dated “Saturday, January 18 Greets,” featuring the image and brief bio of the President of the White House Historical Association, Stewart McLaurin. It also listed the “Pritzker Family,” showcasing a photo and information on Democratic Illinois Governor JB Pritzker along with images and descriptions of his immediate family. Another stamp on this card read, “PRESIDENT HAS SEEN.”

It remains unclear if Pritzker actually visited the White House on that Saturday, January 18.

The fifth card comprised a question posed by ABC News reporter Mary Bruce. A handwritten note on the card noted “Question #3.”

The card inquired, “2024: How do YOU view the path forward? How do YOU think about YOUR place in history?” and continued, “Speaker McCarthy/Debt Limit: Depending on what happens with the House vote on the Speaker’s debt limit bill tomorrow, do YOU anticipate moving forward?”

A review by Fox News Digital confirmed that during a joint press conference with the South Korean president on April 26, 2023, Bruce asked Biden about his re-election campaign. She was the third reporter to pose a question at this conference, coinciding with the day House Republicans passed a bill to elevate the debt ceiling.

Biden acknowledged, “My turn to ask a question? I think the next question is Mary Bruce, ABC,” during the press gathering.

Bruce followed up with, “You recently launched your re-election campaign. You have acknowledged that inquiries regarding your age are ‘legitimate.’ Your response is generally, ‘Just watch me.’ But the nation is watching, and recent polls indicate that 70 percent of Americans, including a majority of Democrats, believe you should not seek reelection. How do you respond to them? What do you say to those Americans who are not convinced?”

A former Biden staffer emphasized that it’s ‘normal’ practice for the press team to prepare for likely questions as part of their briefing routines.

“You’ve expressed confidence in your ability to defeat Trump again. Do you regard yourself as the only candidate capable of doing so?” she further queried.

Biden’s use of palm cards has been a continuous point of discussion, particularly during the April 2023 press conference with Bruce. Previous reports indicate that Biden referenced a different card that displayed the name and photo of Los Angeles Times journalist Courtney Subramanian, indicating it was part of “Question #1.”

Biden also displayed another palm card showcasing images of journalists along with their respective outlets during a press conference with the Australian prime minister in October 2023. At his initial formal press event as president in March 2021, he was observed with a card containing statistics and critical points to reference.

Additionally, Biden was seen going through a list of reporters’ profiles, as previously reported by Fox Digital.

The use of palm cards by politicians has a long-standing tradition during campaigns. Biden’s use of these cards while in office has intensified worries about his cognitive health, with Axios reporting in 2024 that some donors expressed concerns regarding Biden’s reliance on notes.

The White House has pointed to public appearances by President Donald Trump, where he habitually fields questions from journalists spontaneously, when asked about the potential use of palm cards by Trump.

“President Trump gives unrestricted access to the media and addresses every conceivable question without pre-filtering press inquiries or collecting reporters’ palm cards beforehand, unlike his inept predecessor,” stated White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers when contacted by Fox Digital for comments. “In stark contrast to Joe Biden, President Trump is effectively governing the country and never shies away from confronting the media to present the truth.”

A senior member of the White House press team clarified to Fox News that the press office “does not create any reporter palm cards” and does not “request that reporters submit questions to the president in advance.”

The Biden administration is currently under scrutiny for utilizing an autopen to sign official papers—including clemency decrees, executive orders, and more. This method has raised ongoing concerns regarding President Biden’s cognitive abilities and health, which notably escalated during the 2024 election cycle after a particularly troubled debate against Trump.

Ultimately, Biden withdrew from the presidential race amidst growing concerns on this front.

Since regaining the White House, Trump has criticized Biden’s use of the autopen, alleging that the latter’s staff is using it to sign official documents without Biden’s awareness. In June, Trump also called for an investigation into the autopen’s use during the Biden administration.