Republicans on Capitol Hill are stepping up their investigation into former President Joe Biden’s top White House aides, using every tool at their disposal to uncover possible wrongdoing.
The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, led by Chairman James Comer, has recently escalated the probe, signaling a serious effort to dig into claims about Biden’s mental fitness and other controversies during his time in office.
Subpoena Issued to Biden’s Former Physician
On Thursday, Comer announced that he formally subpoenaed Dr. Kevin O’Connor, Biden’s former White House physician.
This subpoena requires Dr. O’Connor to appear for a deposition on June 27 before the committee.
This step marks a clear intensification of the inquiry, as Comer aims to hold Biden’s inner circle accountable for what he describes as a “cover-up” of the president’s mental decline.
Multiple Biden Aides Called to Testify
Comer’s committee isn’t stopping at the doctor.
Five additional senior Biden aides have been summoned for transcribed interviews, following an earlier wave of requests in May.
Those asked to testify include:
- Michael Donilon, former Senior Advisor to the President
- Anita Dunn, former Senior Advisor for Communications
- Ronald Klain, former Chief of Staff
- Bruce Reed, former Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy
- Steve Ricchetti, former Counselor to the President
Comer made it clear that if these aides do not comply voluntarily, subpoenas will be issued to compel their appearances.
Focus on Alleged Cover-Up and Autopen Use
The investigation digs deep into allegations of a cover-up surrounding Biden’s cognitive health and also looks into claims about unauthorized use of an autopen — a device used to sign documents electronically — during Biden’s presidency.
Comer described the situation as “one of the greatest scandals in our nation’s history,” emphasizing the need for full transparency.
Chairman Comer Demands Accountability
In a strong statement to the press, Comer stressed the importance of the American people receiving clear answers.
He said these five former aides “were eyewitnesses to President Biden’s condition and the inner workings of the White House” and must provide honest testimony regarding Biden’s cognitive state and decision-making process.
Background on Previous Testimony Requests
This latest round of interviews follows earlier requests involving other key figures, including Dr. O’Connor, Neera Tanden (former Director of Domestic Policy Council), Anthony Bernal (former Assistant to the President and Senior Advisor to the First Lady), Annie Tomasini (former Deputy Chief of Staff), and Ashley Williams (Deputy Director of Oval Office Operations).
Several of these aides had already been subpoenaed in the previous Congress, but the Biden administration blocked those efforts.
Obstruction and Pushback from Biden’s Team
The investigation has faced roadblocks, including former Attorney General Merrick Garland refusing to hand over audio records tied to the investigation of Biden’s handling of classified documents.
Comer warned that any further obstruction would be met with “swift and decisive action,” underscoring the committee’s determination to get to the bottom of these issues.
Outside Pressure and Media Attention
Conservative voices, including Fox News host Jesse Watters and MAGA supporters, have pressured Comer to bring Dr. O’Connor in for testimony, claiming that the public deserves answers about Biden’s health.
Comer echoed these calls, saying the committee needs testimony from White House physicians and advisors to “begin to uncover the truth.”
What Lies Ahead?
The scope of the alleged cover-up is so wide that it’s even the subject of a new book titled Original Sin.
According to someone with insight into the Biden White House, “five people were running the country, and Joe Biden was at best a senior member of the board.”
With subpoenas issued and testimonies demanded, the coming weeks will reveal whether the Oversight Committee can shine a light on the inner workings of Biden’s administration — and what that means for the president’s legacy.