Washington, D.C. — An undercover investigation by O’Keefe Media Group has uncovered a potentially criminal abuse of power involving U.S. Senator Ed Markey’s office. A senior staffer, identified as Jordan Jefferson, was caught on hidden camera admitting to routinely using an autopen device to sign sensitive federal documents — without always informing the senator.
This practice, according to federal law, could constitute fraud or forgery.
Jefferson, who describes himself as the man who “does all [of Senator Markey’s] operations,” told an undercover OMG journalist that he frequently uses the mechanical signature device to process visa requests, veterans affairs cases, and other official matters — often without Markey’s direct review or approval.
What Is an Autopen, and Why It Matters
An autopen is a mechanical device that uses a stylus to mimic a person’s actual signature. While legal under the 2000 Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce (E-SIGN) Act, it can only be used when the person whose signature is being replicated has given prior approval for each individual use.
Jefferson’s casual admission that staffers sometimes sign without informing the senator — paired with his belief that “nobody knows who [staff] are,” so blame is easily deflected — suggests possible violations of that federal requirement.
“It’s easy to blame your staff,” Jefferson says in the footage. “Even if you did sign it, be like, ‘Oh, I didn’t know.’ Lie. Lie.”
A Pattern of Abuse?
The revelation follows recent scrutiny of former President Joe Biden’s use of the autopen. In 2025, Biden signed 14 executive orders — all using the device. Critics allege some pardons may have been processed without the President’s full knowledge, raising alarms about the unchecked use of automated signatures in the executive branch.
In total, according to Pew Research, Joe Biden issued a total of 80 pardons and 4,165 commutations during his Presidency which is more than any other President since atleast 1901. On Jan. 17 alone, he granted 2,490 commutations, which was more in a single day than any prior chief executive had granted over their entire presidential term.
Now, with Jefferson’s on-camera confession, those concerns extend to the U.S. Senate — specifically to the office of a lawmaker who has served in Congress for over 40 years.
Drunk Driving, Racist Jokes, and Disdain for Voters
The OMG investigation also uncovered disturbing comments made by Jefferson regarding his behavior around Senator Markey. In the same conversation, Jefferson admitted to driving the senator home while under the influence.
“I was f***ed up,” he says, laughing. “He didn’t know.”
Jefferson also made racially charged jokes, mocked Markey’s wife as a “Karen,” and claimed that white people are “afraid of Black people,” referring to himself as a “Black Karen.”
These statements raise serious concerns about the professionalism and fitness of a man who openly claims to handle a sitting U.S. Senator’s most sensitive affairs.
Legal and Ethical Fallout
Legal experts say Jefferson’s admission may amount to fraud, forgery, or abuse of official capacity. The E-SIGN Act requires “intent to sign” and awareness of the contents being signed — both of which Jefferson admits are not always present.
