Mike Donilon’s Role in the Investigation

Mike Donilon, a former senior advisor to President Joe Biden, is set to provide testimony to House investigators as part of an ongoing probe led by Oversight Committee Chair James Comer. This investigation seeks to uncover whether top White House aides concealed any signs of mental decline in President Biden, potentially leading to executive actions being signed via autopen without his knowledge. Donilon, who served as a senior advisor throughout Biden’s presidency, is expected to participate in a closed-door transcribed interview that could extend for several hours.

Donilon’s Longstanding Relationship with Biden

Donilon’s involvement in this investigation is significant due to his extensive history with President Biden. His career with Biden began in 1981 when he worked as a strategist, pollster, and media advisor during Biden’s tenure as a senator from Delaware. He later served as the chief strategist for Biden’s 2020 and 2024 presidential campaigns. Despite Biden withdrawing from the 2024 race, Donilon remained a loyal ally, publicly criticizing the Democratic Party for its reaction to Biden’s debate performance against President Donald Trump.

Voluntary Testimony and Previous Appearances

Donilon is appearing voluntarily before the committee, joining four other former aides who have done so without subpoenas. This contrasts with three other ex-Biden officials who were compelled to testify under subpoena and invoked the Fifth Amendment during their appearances. The voluntary interviews conducted so far have been extensive, lasting over five hours each, as both Democratic and Republican staff engage in rounds of questioning.

Implications of the Investigation

The investigation led by Comer aims to determine if there was a deliberate effort by White House staff to shield President Biden from negative information or manage his duties without his direct involvement. If such actions are confirmed, it may prompt Congress to consider legislative measures. Donilon’s testimony is anticipated to shed light on these allegations and his role within the administration.