Biden’s Ex-Doctor Cites Fifth, Declines Testimony in Mental Probe/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Biden’s former White House physician, Dr. Kevin O’Connor, refused to answer House GOP questions about Biden’s mental health, citing medical privacy and Fifth Amendment rights. Republicans allege possible presidential incapacity tied to autopen document signings. The probe continues amid political tension and heated calls for transparency.
Quick Look
- Key Figure: Dr. Kevin O’Connor, Biden’s former White House doctor
- Key Issue: House GOP probing Biden’s mental fitness, autopen use
- Doctor’s Move: Invokes patient confidentiality and Fifth Amendment rights
- GOP Response: Rep. Comer accuses cover-up, demands transparency
- Next: More subpoenas, potential report on Biden’s mental health
Biden’s Ex-Doctor Declines Questions in GOP Mental Fitness Probe
Deep Look
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden’s former White House physician, Dr. Kevin O’Connor, refused to answer questions from House Republicans probing Biden’s mental fitness, citing doctor-patient confidentiality and his Fifth Amendment rights during a tense Capitol Hill session Wednesday.
The move throws a fresh obstacle into Republicans’ sweeping investigation into Biden’s health and use of an autopen—a device that signs documents automatically—which they claim could cast doubt on the legality of certain presidential actions if Biden were incapacitated during his presidency.
Biden has repeatedly denied any mental impairment while in office, calling GOP claims “ridiculous and false.”
Doctor Cites Legal and Ethical Limits
Appearing under subpoena before the House Oversight Committee, O’Connor’s attorney, David Schertler, submitted a statement saying his client could not violate medical confidentiality or speak while a Department of Justice investigation remains open.
“The pending Department of Justice criminal investigation leaves Dr. O’Connor no choice but to invoke his constitutional rights under the Fifth Amendment of the Constitution,” Schertler said.
Republican Rep. James Comer of Kentucky, who chairs the committee, blasted O’Connor’s refusal to testify, alleging it pointed to a cover-up.
“The American people demand transparency, but Dr. O’Connor would rather conceal the truth,” Comer said.
GOP Seeks Records, Staff Testimony
Comer has subpoenaed O’Connor, Anthony Bernal (former chief of staff to first lady Jill Biden), and requested testimony from nearly a dozen senior Biden aides—including former White House chiefs of staff Ron Klain and Jeff Zients, and other high-ranking officials.
House Republicans argue that medical privilege under the American Medical Association’s code of ethics doesn’t override congressional subpoenas. Comer insists physicians are obligated to disclose information when legally compelled.
“Our subpoena meets the AMA’s own standards,” Comer said in his June letter to O’Connor.
President Donald Trump’s administration has waived executive privilege for these former staffers, potentially clearing the way for them to testify about Biden’s time in office.
Investigation Continues Amid Political Tensions
The probe has drawn criticism from Democrats, who say Republicans are weaponizing Biden’s personal health for political gain as the 2026 midterms loom.
Meanwhile, Neera Tanden, Biden’s former domestic policy director, voluntarily testified last month. Comer has vowed to release a full report once the investigation concludes.
Despite the political firestorm, Biden has maintained his stance that he was fully capable during his presidency, while GOP figures continue to pursue evidence to the contrary.
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