House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chair James Comer has directed a formal request for interviews with former President Joe Biden’s physician and several former White House officials as part of an investigation into the former president’s mental health and ability to carry out his duties. The letters, dated Thursday, were sent to Kevin O’Connor, Biden’s physician; Neera Tanden, former Domestic Policy Council director; Anthony Bernal, former senior adviser to the first lady; Annie Tomasini, former deputy chief of staff; and Ashley Williams, former deputy director of Oval Office operations. Comer alleged that these individuals may have engaged in actions that could have obstructed the former president’s capacity to manage his responsibilities. The Oversight Committee chair, a conservative critic of Biden, has been a leading force in efforts to assess the former president’s fitness for office, including previous demands for interviews and the exploration of Biden’s use of the autopen to conduct presidential business.
This latest development comes as Washington continues to focus on an anticipated new book by CNN anchor Jake Tapper and Axios journalist Alex Thompson. The book is expected to reveal details about efforts by Biden’s allies to shield him from scrutiny regarding his age. The book’s release adds to the ongoing tensions surrounding Biden’s eligibility for office, with Comer asserting that the issue remains central to the committee’s investigations. Comer’s demands are also part of a broader effort to question the influence and actions of Biden’s advisors, suggesting possible misuse of their positions to support the former president’s interests.
Comer, who is currently considering a bid for the Kentucky governor’s position, has long been a vocal critic of Biden, having previously led the push for formal impeachment proceedings in the previous Congress, although the matter never reached a vote. His recent focus on Biden’s fitness for office aligns with longstanding conservative concerns about the former president’s ability to fulfill his responsibilities. The current interviews are part of an extended probe into whether Biden’s advisors may have exceeded their roles by assisting in the administration of presidential tasks. This investigation represents a continuation of efforts to scrutinize the former president’s capacity and the integrity of those in his inner circle.
As the investigation continues, the potential outcomes may include further public scrutiny of both Biden’s health and the roles of his former aides. The Oversight Committee’s actions are likely to be closely observed by political analysts and the public, given the significant implications for how former presidents’ responsibilities are managed and monitored. Comer’s persistent focus on these issues suggests a strong commitment to what he views as a critical examination of the former president’s conduct, even as the broader political landscape shifts with the upcoming gubernatorial race in Kentucky.