House Investigators Set to Interview Former Biden Officials
Former White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre is scheduled to meet with House Supervisory Committee investigators in September, according to sources. An aide to the House Oversight Committee indicated that Jean-Pierre is one of four prominent former Biden officials slated for interviews.
Alongside her, Ian Sams, who was a special assistant to the president, is also expected to appear soon. Other key figures include Andrew Bates, who served as a deputy press secretary, and Jeff Zients, a former White House Chief of Staff.
Chairman James Comer, a Republican from Kentucky, is conducting an investigation into allegations that the Biden administration concealed signs of the president’s mental and physical decline. There’s also scrutiny over whether decisions were made via autopen without Biden being fully aware. Biden’s allies have pushed back against these claims.
In a recent interview, Biden asserted he “made all the decisions,” as concerns about his cognitive state continue to arise.
The four former officials will participate in voluntary, transcribed interviews, with Jean-Pierre set for September 12, Sams on August 21, Bates on September 5, and Zients on September 18.
With Zients’ expected participation, both former chiefs of staff will have met with House investigators. Ronald Crane, who managed Biden’s White House staff in the early days, has also agreed to a voluntary interview.
Thus far, Comer has interacted with four ex-Biden aides, which includes two individuals who received subpoenas: former doctors Kevin O’Connor and Anthony Bernal. Both invoked the Fifth Amendment during their depositions, though they denied it indicated guilt.
Annie Tomasini, a former Deputy Chief of Staff, was initially slated for a transcribed interview but had to reschedule at her attorney’s request.
While staff-led interviews are expected, some members of the House Oversight Committee may occasionally attend, including Rep. Jasmine Crockett from Texas, who has been notably present at recent sessions.
Meanwhile, Rep. Byron Donald from Florida has publicly urged Comer to call Jill Biden for questioning following Bernal’s deposition.
Insiders close to the Biden camp suggest the Republican inquiry is seen as “dangerous” and an attempt to create embarrassment. There are concerns that a single contradiction among witnesses could be used politically, as Trump’s Department of Justice continues its pursuit of former presidential rivals.
