**Steve Ricchetti**, a longtime Democratic political strategist and former assistant to former President Joe Biden, is testifying before the House Oversight Committee as part of an ongoing probe into claims that White House officials deliberately obscured concerns about Biden’s mental health and fitness for office. Ricchetti, who served as Biden’s **chief of staff** during the Obama administration and later as a key advisor during the Biden presidency, is among **seven former aides** to appear before the committee, which is led by Rep. James Comer, R-Ky. The investigation stems from allegations that officials **downplayed public and private concerns** about Biden’s cognitive decline, potentially affecting his ability to govern effectively. Ricchetti’s role in the controversy has been underscored by multiple reports, including those from the **New York Times** and **The Times**, which suggest that he played a pivotal role in **navigating both political and personal concerns** about Biden’s mental fitness.
Ricchetti’s involvement in Biden’s political career dates back to 2012, when he was appointed as the vice president’s counselor under former President Barack Obama. He quickly rose to become Biden’s **chief of staff**, a position he held from 2013 until the end of the Obama administration. After Biden became president in 2021, Ricchetti continued to play a central role in the White House, reportedly serving as part of a tightly knit **’Politburo’** of close advisors who helped **manage and influence government operations**. His influence extended beyond the White House, as his family members also held key roles in the Biden administration, including two sons and a daughter who worked in the Treasury, State Department, and White House respectively. While the administration has argued that **these appointments were based on merit**, critics have pointed to the **close ties between Ricchetti and Biden** as a potential source of **conflict of interest**.
Ricchetti’s most controversial role, however, came in the wake of **Biden’s disastrous 2024 presidential debate performance** against then-president Donald Trump. According to **New York Times** reports, Ricchetti became embroiled in a public dispute after Rep. Pete Aguilar, D-Calif., raised concerns about Biden’s political viability following the debate. Ricchetti allegedly **argued with Aguilar in a heated exchange**, calling into question the **internal discussions** about Biden’s mental fitness. The controversy has been further deepened by reports that Ricchetti **denied any concerns about Biden’s health** in an off-the-record conversation, prompting fears that White House officials might have **concealed critical information** from the public. This incident has placed Ricchetti at the center of the current probe, with investigators aiming to **uncover whether Biden’s team systematically suppressed** information about his cognitive state, potentially **affecting the election outcome** and national governance.
In addition to his political roles, Ricchetti has also had a **significant lobbying career**, founding the firm **Ricchetti Inc.** with his brother in 2001. His work in Washington has been a subject of **criticism and scrutiny**, particularly after former President Barack Obama’s administration vowed not to hire K Street operatives but still appointed several former lobbyists, including Ricchetti, to senior positions. This has sparked debates about **ethical standards** and **transparency** in the political process. Nonetheless, Ricchetti’s influence, both in and out of government, has remained substantial, with his **political and family connections** shaping key aspects of **Biden’s administration and strategy**. As the Oversight Committee continues its investigation, Ricchetti’s testimony may provide critical insights into **the extent of internal decision-making** and the **potential for government misconduct** in handling a former president’s health concerns.