Steve Richetti, a longtime Democratic lobbyist and advisor, met with investigators from the House Oversight Committee on Wednesday. He’s closely tied to former President Joe Biden and is said to have played a significant role in dismissing concerns regarding Biden’s mental fitness, both publicly and privately.
Interestingly, Richetti was involved in drafting Biden’s announcement about stepping back from the 2024 election, which took place in July.
Before his current role, Richetti graduated from the University of Miami in Ohio and obtained his Juris Doctor from George Mason University. His political career began as executive director for the Democratic Senate Election Committee from 1990 to 1992. He later worked as Congressional Liaison Officer during Bill Clinton’s presidency, contributing to various efforts supporting House Democrats during tough times.
He founded his lobbying firm, Richetti, in 2001 and began working with Biden in 2012 as a counselor during the Obama administration—a notable move considering former President Obama’s promise to limit K-Street influence. Richetti became Biden’s Chief of Staff in late 2013 and was part of a tight-knit group of advisors who influenced White House operations.
It’s worth noting that several members of Richetti’s family have also been involved in the Biden administration, with his children holding various roles within the White House and State Department. The administration has maintained that any employment was based on merit, not his relationship with Biden.
Richetti also has been linked to minimizing doubts about Biden’s mental health. After a particularly challenging debate with Donald Trump, he was reportedly involved in a heated discussion with lawmakers raising concerns about Biden’s suitability for politics—it’s a complicated scenario.
In the ongoing investigation by House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer, Richetti is the seventh former Biden aide to be questioned about potential obfuscation regarding signs of Biden’s decline.
