In a striking display of defiance, Dr. Kevin O’Connor, former White House physician to President Joe Biden, has refused to answer questions during a closed-door interview with the House Oversight Committee.
According to Breitbart, the investigation, led by House Republicans, centers on concerns over Biden’s health and mental fitness during his presidency, with a specific focus on the legitimacy of policies signed using the White House autopen.
The House Oversight Committee, under Republican leadership, has been probing whether President Biden was mentally fit to carry out his duties during parts of his term. This investigation has raised questions about the validity of certain policies enacted through the White House autopen, a device used to replicate a signature remotely. If Biden was incapacitated at times, Republicans argue, such actions could be considered illegitimate.
Last month, the committee subpoenaed Dr. O’Connor to provide insight into Biden’s condition during his time in office. During the recent closed-door session, however, O’Connor declined to respond to inquiries, citing doctor-patient privilege as a key reason. He also invoked his Fifth Amendment rights, a legal protection against self-incrimination, to avoid answering questions.
David Schertler, one of O’Connor’s attorneys, explained that his client had “no choice” but to take this stance. Schertler pointed to O’Connor’s duty to safeguard patient privacy as a primary concern. He also noted an ongoing Justice Department investigation into the use of the autopen during Biden’s term as a factor in the decision.
Rep. James Comer of Kentucky, who chairs the Oversight Committee, expressed frustration over O’Connor’s refusal to cooperate. Comer insisted that “the American people demand transparency,” accusing the doctor of choosing to “conceal the truth.” He further suggested that O’Connor’s silence hints at a “conspiracy” surrounding Biden’s health status.
The scope of the Republican-led investigation extends beyond O’Connor, with Comer seeking testimony from nearly a dozen former Biden aides. Among those called to testify are prominent figures like Ron Klain, Jeff Zients, Mike Donilon, and Anita Dunn. Others include Bruce Reed, Steve Ricchetti, Annie Tomasini, and Ashley Williams, all of whom served in key roles during Biden’s administration.
Additionally, Comer issued a subpoena for Anthony Bernal, who previously served as chief of staff to former first lady Jill Biden. The committee hopes to gather information from these individuals about Biden’s capacity to govern during his term. Comer has promised that a comprehensive report detailing the investigation’s findings will be released once the probe concludes.
In a notable development, the Trump White House has waived executive privilege for most of the subpoenaed senior staffers. This waiver allows these individuals to discuss conversations they had with Biden while he was in office. Such a move could potentially reveal critical details about the president’s condition during his tenure.
President Biden has firmly rejected the allegations of mental incapacity raised by the committee. He has described the claims as “ridiculous and false,” dismissing any notion of diminished capability. His response underscores a sharp divide between the administration and Republican investigators.
Democrats on the Oversight Committee have criticized the investigation as a misplacement of priorities. Rep. Robert Garcia of California, the top Democrat on the panel, argued that Republicans should focus on current issues like reducing costs for families. He accused them of being “obsessed with the past” instead of addressing pressing concerns or oversight of other matters.
The invocation of Fifth Amendment rights is not uncommon in congressional testimonies. During investigations into the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack, several allies of former President Donald Trump similarly declined to answer questions. This precedent highlights how witnesses often use legal protections to avoid potentially incriminating statements.
The House Oversight Committee’s probe into Biden’s health continues to stir debate over his presidency. Republicans remain focused on uncovering whether any lapses in mental fitness affected key decisions or policy actions. The outcome of this investigation could shape public perception of Biden’s time in office for years to come.
As the investigation unfolds, the public awaits the promised report from Rep. Comer and his committee. This document is expected to compile all findings related to Biden’s health and the use of the autopen. Its release may provide clarity or further fuel the ongoing political controversy surrounding these issues.