The Republican-led House Oversight and Government Reform Committee has concluded its much-awaited investigation into former President Joe Biden’s alleged cognitive decline, but the findings lack concrete evidence of a coordinated cover-up. The report, unveiled on Tuesday, accuses senior Biden administration officials of concealing signs of the former president’s mental deterioration, though it stops short of providing definitive proof. The probe’s recommendations now rest with the Department of Justice to determine whether Biden’s executive actions merit legal scrutiny.
House Oversight Chair James Comer (R-Ky.) has directed the DOJ to examine whether Biden’s executive orders should be voided, arguing that the president’s mental state at the time of signing could have been compromised. Comer’s letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi emphasizes the need for an investigation into the legal implications of Biden’s use of the autopen, a practice long used by presidents to sign documents. However, the committee’s report concludes that the burden of proof remains unmet, and the GOP has failed to present a smoking gun.
The probe, which spanned June to September, involved depositions from over a dozen Biden aides, including former chiefs of staff Ron Klain and Jeff Zients. While the Trump administration waived executive privilege to facilitate cooperation, several witnesses invoked their Fifth Amendment rights, complicating the inquiry. The Republicans argue that this resistance is itself evidence of obstruction, but the failure to secure unambiguous testimony continues to limit the committee’s ability to draw conclusive conclusions.
Comer’s recommendations also include a request for the District of Columbia Board of Medicine to investigate Dr. Kevin O’Connor, Biden’s White House physician, for alleged misconduct. The committee cites O’ Connor’s refusal to cooperate, citing physician-patient privilege, as proof of his failure to provide accurate information about the president’s health. O’Connor was also criticized for not subjecting Biden to a cognitive exam during his tenure. The report also calls for investigations into two senior aides, Anthony Bernal and Annie Tomasini, for potential criminal conduct. These recommendations could have significant legal and reputational repercussions for all involved.
Comer’s leadership of the probe coincides with his own political ambitions, as the Kentucky Republican prepares to enter the 2027 governor’s race. A Trump endorsement could play a decisive role in his bid, and the investigation may be part of a broader effort to position himself as a key figure in the Republican Party’s future. Comer previously co-led an impeachment inquiry into Biden, which produced a lengthy report accusing the former president’s family of engaging in a “global influence peddling racket.” Despite these findings, no impeachment vote was ever brought to the House floor.
Biden’s weak performance in the June 2024 presidential debate triggered widespread scrutiny of his mental acuity, ultimately leading to his withdrawal from the presidential race. Despite stepping back from public life, Republicans have continued to press the party’s leadership for evidence of potential health issues within the administration. Comer’s report adds to a growing narrative of political intrigue, with Trump separately launching an investigation into whether Biden’s aides concealed his decline and authorized illicit use of the autopen. Trump has described the autopen use as the “biggest political scandal in American history,” though no conclusive evidence has emerged to support these claims.
The Justice Department and Biden’s legal team have not yet responded to requests for comment. The report also includes findings that Biden was advised by senior aides to consider dropping out of the presidential race following the June debate and that his son, Hunter Biden, participated in discussions around pardons. These revelations underscore the contentious nature of the probe and its potential to reshape the political landscape in the years to come.