Investigation into Biden’s Mental State Sparks Request for Aides’ Testimonies
House Observation Committee Chairman James Comer (R-KY) has initiated a request for interviews with several key aides from President Biden’s circle as part of an investigation focused on the president’s mental condition.
In a letter dispatched on Friday, Comer outlined the need for insights from White House Press Secretary Carine Jean-Pierre, Advisor’s Office Spokesman Ian Samus, Senior Deputy Director Andrew Bates, and Chief of Staff Jeff Zients, stating that this was crucial for an ongoing inquiry into allegations surrounding Biden’s cognitive decline.
He emphasized the importance of both official responsibilities and personal interactions within the Oval Office, suggesting that there’s substantial evidence indicating that Biden may be struggling with his mental acuity.
Comer expressed concern that if White House staff have been employing long-term strategies to obscure the president’s state, Congress may need to explore legislative options.
In his letter to top aides, Comer is probing whether some enforcement decisions were made without Biden’s approval. Notably, former President Trump has repeatedly claimed, without presenting proof, that Biden utilizes an autopen for signing significant documents like executive orders.
Jean-Pierre and Bates are highlighted as primary defenders of Biden’s mental capacity. Jean-Pierre, who became Biden’s second press secretary after Jen Psaki’s departure in May 2022, often faces questions about the president’s mental fitness, particularly following a notably challenging debate performance last year and amid growing calls for him to withdraw from the 2024 race.
A former spokesperson recently announced a shift from the Democratic Party to independence, sharing plans to author a book detailing her experiences in a “broken” White House, including her reflections on Biden’s decision not to pursue a second term.
Bates has been with Biden for four years and was a prominent figure spreading reports regarding the former president’s health concerns around December 2024.
Samus served as chief spokesman for Biden in 2023 and later was a spokesperson for former Vice President Harris’s campaign after Biden exited the race. In his correspondence, Comer characterized Samus as the chief defender against any adverse narratives concerning the president.
Zients, who became Biden’s second chief of staff in January 2023, succeeded Ron Klain and previously led the administration’s coronavirus response. Comer has also sought Klain’s testimony.
Requests for comments from Samus, Bates, and Jean-Pierre went unanswered, and attempts to contact Zients were not successful.
The investigation has gained traction, especially following revelations by CNN and Axios about the White House allegedly covering up aspects of Biden’s decline, characterized as “The Original Crime: President Biden’s decline, cover-up, and the unfortunate choice to run again.”
Several interviews with the president’s nearest advisors are lined up, with Neela Tanden, former director of the National Policy Council, giving her testimony earlier this week. Ashley Williams, former special assistant and deputy director of Oval Office Operations, is scheduled to testify on July 11, followed by Annie Tomasini, former president and vice-chief of staff, on July 18.
Furthermore, Comer has requested interviews with senior advisor Anita Dunn, former counselor Steve Ricchetti, and aides Michael Donilon and Bruce Reed. The committee also issued subpoenas following resistance from some individuals regarding transcribed interviews.
Notably, subpoenas were also sent to Anthony Bernal, Biden’s former assistant and senior advisor to the First Lady, as well as to Biden’s physician, Kevin O’Connor.
