Representative Jasmine Crockett, a Democrat from Texas, has publicly stated that she harbors no concerns about President Joe Biden’s mental acuity during his time in office. Her comments came during a closed-door session with former White House physician Kevin O’Connor, which was attended by only one other lawmaker, House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer, a Republican from Kentucky. Crockett attributed Biden’s verbal missteps to his lifelong struggle with a stutter, rather than any decline in cognitive function due to age.

Crockett emphasized that while she did not interact with Biden daily, her encounters with him left her confident in his mental sharpness. She acknowledged the natural differences between an 80-year-old and a 20-year-old Biden but insisted that his understanding of complex issues remained intact. Crockett pointed out that Biden’s ability to navigate foreign policy discussions demonstrated his continued mental acuity, contrasting it with what she perceives as the current president’s lack of awareness regarding international alliances.

The discussion also touched on President Donald Trump’s mental faculties, with Crockett raising questions about his cognitive abilities. She criticized Trump’s foreign policy approach, suggesting that he is more aligned with adversaries than allies, a stance she believes poses risks to national security.

Crockett’s presence at O’Connor’s deposition was unexpected, and she later accused Chairman Comer of misrepresenting O’Connor’s decision to invoke the Fifth Amendment. She argued that having a Democrat in the room was crucial to prevent selective narratives from emerging. Comer’s committee is investigating claims of a cover-up concerning the former president’s mental health by his top aides. The White House has been contacted for comment on these proceedings.