GOP Probes White House Doctor on Biden’s Health

The Republican-led House Oversight Committee is scrutinizing White House physician Dr. Kevin O’Connor following his February health assessment of President Joe Biden. Dr. O’Connor’s report described Biden as “healthy, vigorous,” and “fit to successfully execute the duties of the presidency.” This comes amid increasing bipartisan concerns about Biden’s mental fitness, particularly after a shaky debate performance.

On Sunday, Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.), the chair of the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability, sent a letter to Dr. O’Connor requesting detailed answers about his recent evaluation of the President. The letter indicates that the committee will investigate the context and details of Dr. O’Connor’s assessment.

Dr. O’Connor’s February exam reported no new health issues and included a “highly detailed neurologic exam” that raised no red flags. However, Comer is questioning why Dr. O’Connor did not recommend further cognitive testing for the President. The committee will explore whether Dr. O’Connor can provide “accurate and independent reviews of the President’s fitness to serve.”

The letter also criticized Dr. O’Connor for possible conflicts of interest, alleging that his professional decisions might be influenced by “private business dealings” with the Biden family. Specifically, it questioned his associations with James Biden, the President’s brother, and Americore Health, LLC. The committee has demanded all documents and communications related to these connections.

The scrutiny surrounding President Biden, 81, intensified following his debate performance against former President Donald Trump on June 27. Biden’s performance, marked by frequent stumbles and confusion, drew criticism from various quarters. The New York Times editorial board urged Biden to step aside in an opinion piece titled “To Serve His Country, President Biden Should Leave the Race.” Since then, calls for Biden to withdraw from the race have emerged from both Democrats and Republicans, though Biden has insisted on continuing his campaign. He attributed his debate performance to fatigue and illness, referring to it as a “bad episode” in an ABC News interview. Biden also dismissed the need for additional cognitive tests, stating, “No one said I had to,” and adding, “every day I have that test.”

On Sunday, Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) told NBC News that it is up to Biden to decide whether to continue his presidential bid. Schiff refrained from urging Biden to withdraw but noted that Vice President Kamala Harris could be a strong candidate and raised concerns about Biden’s prospects against Trump in the November election.