House Republicans have demanded that President Biden’s personal physician, Kevin O’Connor, explain whether he can provide “accurate and independent” assessments. This demand comes amid concerns over O’Connor’s refusal to order a cognitive test for the 81-year-old president and other issues related to the Biden family.
Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.), who chairs the House Oversight Committee, sent a letter to O’Connor on Sunday. Comer stated the committee is investigating O’Connor’s February assessment, which described Biden as a “healthy, active, robust 81-year-old male” fit to perform presidential duties.
Questions about Biden’s cognitive health emerged following his performance in a debate with Donald Trump last month, where Biden struggled with some answers and seemed to lose his train of thought. Comer’s letter also mentioned reports of Biden’s recent mental lapses, suggesting the president sometimes appears confused or listless in private meetings.
Comer has requested O’Connor to sit for a transcribed interview with the committee, noting the physician’s refusal to grant media interviews. He emphasized the need for answers regarding O’Connor’s independence due to conflicting messages from the White House about Biden’s ability to perform his job.
The White House has defended Biden, saying his debate performance was an exception and that he remains alert and energetic in private. They did not immediately comment on whether O’Connor would testify. The committee has previously used subpoenas to compel testimony from uncooperative individuals.
O’Connor, a retired Army colonel and current White House medical unit member, has been Biden’s personal physician since 2009. In his February report, O’Connor stated that Biden underwent a detailed neurological exam with reassuring results, showing no signs of disorders like Parkinson’s disease.
Some medical experts, including O’Connor’s former White House colleagues and Ira Monka, president of the American Osteopathic Association, have questioned the decision not to conduct a cognitive test for Biden. They suggested that Biden’s debate performance warranted at least an initial cognitive review.
Comer also referenced testimony from James Biden, the president’s brother, who said O’Connor gave him advice while he worked with Americore Health LLC, a company now in bankruptcy proceedings. Comer expressed concern that O’Connor’s medical assessments might be influenced by his connections to the Biden family and requested documents related to Americore and James Biden.
The White House dismissed these concerns, labeling them as conspiracy theories. Ian Sams, a White House spokesperson, suggested Republicans examine former White House physician and current Congressman Ronny Jackson (R-Tex.) instead.
Attempts to contact Americore were unsuccessful, as emails bounced back and phone calls went to voicemail.
