Former White House Aide to Testify in GOP Investigation

A former senior advisor from the Biden administration is set to testify before the House Oversight Committee as part of an ongoing Republican investigation. The probe seeks to determine whether top aides of former President Joe Biden concealed evidence of his alleged mental and physical decline. Ashley Williams, who served as deputy director of Oval Office Operations, is scheduled for a closed-door, transcribed interview with investigators at 11 a.m. on Friday. Her testimony marks the third appearance by a member of Biden’s inner circle in recent weeks.

Focus on Alleged Cover-Up and Use of Autopen

The investigation, led by Representative James Comer, is examining claims that senior aides may have hidden Biden’s purported decline. Additionally, the committee is investigating whether any presidential orders were signed using an autopen without Biden’s knowledge. While these allegations have been denied by Biden’s allies, Republican investigators cite a problematic debate performance in June 2024 and subsequent media reports suggesting greater concerns about Biden’s fitness for office than previously disclosed.

Williams’ Previous Summons and White House Response

Williams was among three aides summoned by Comer’s committee in July 2024 to discuss Biden’s mental state. At the time, the White House dismissed the inquiry as a “baseless political stunt,” according to NBC News. Her upcoming testimony follows that of Dr. Kevin O’Connor, Biden’s former physician, who recently appeared before the committee.

Dr. O’Connor’s Testimony and Legal Concerns

Dr. O’Connor’s brief session with investigators lasted approximately 30 minutes, during which he invoked the Fifth Amendment for all questions except his name. Comer criticized O’Connor’s refusal to answer questions about Biden’s health, suggesting a conspiracy to cover up cognitive decline. O’Connor’s lawyers argued that revealing confidential patient information would breach doctor-patient privilege and could lead to legal repercussions.

Implications for Future Legislative Measures

Comer emphasized the need for legislative solutions to prevent potential cover-ups of presidential health issues. The committee plans to continue interviewing former Biden aides to uncover more information. Meanwhile, O’Connor’s legal team maintains that disclosing confidential medical details would violate ethical duties and risk civil liability.