President Joe Biden’s former White House physician, Dr. Kevin O’Connor, declined to answer questions Wednesday during a closed-door interview with the House Oversight Committee, invoking his Fifth Amendment rights. The move comes amid a Republican-led investigation into Biden’s health and mental fitness during his presidency.
Committee Chair Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.) alleged the refusal “makes it clear there was a conspiracy,” while O’Connor’s lawyer, David Schertler, argued the doctor was obligated to protect patient privacy and cited an ongoing Department of Justice investigation into Biden’s use of the autopen.
Republicans issued a subpoena for O’Connor last month, asserting Biden may have been mentally unfit while executive actions were signed via autopen. Biden has rejected the claims as “ridiculous and false.”
Witnesses routinely invoke the Fifth before Congress. Several of Donald Trump’s allies did the same during the January 6 investigations. Comer’s probe has expanded to nearly a dozen former Biden aides and staff, including Ron Klain and Jeff Zients.
Democrats have dismissed the inquiry. Rep. Robert Garcia (D-Calif.) called it a “waste of time,” saying the panel should focus on current issues.
Sources:
Associated Press – MBFC Rating
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