In a stunning twist to the ongoing investigation into President Joe Biden’s cognitive fitness, Dr. Kevin O’Connor, the president’s personal physician, appeared before Congress on Wednesday — and then refused to answer questions.
After weeks of pressure from lawmakers, Dr. O’Connor testified in a closed-door deposition before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee. But according to the committee’s chairman, Rep. James Comer (R-KY), the long-awaited testimony turned into stonewalling.
“President Joe Biden’s physician, Dr. Kevin O’Connor, just pleaded the Fifth at his deposition before Congress today,” Comer posted on X. “It’s now clear there was a conspiracy to cover up President Biden’s cognitive decline after Dr. Kevin O’Connor, Biden’s physician and family business associate, refused to answer any questions and chose to hide behind the Fifth Amendment.”
Comer said O’Connor declined to respond to questions about whether he was ever instructed to mislead the public about Biden’s health or fitness to serve. “The American people demand transparency,” Comer added. “But Dr. O’Connor would rather conceal the truth.”
The deposition was part of a broader probe into whether senior White House officials knowingly misrepresented Biden’s mental and physical state in the run-up to key political events — including his reelection campaign announcement.
O’Connor’s lawyer, David Schertler, defended the decision, saying his client invoked “physician-patient privilege” and his constitutional right under the Fifth Amendment. According to ABC News, O’Connor refused to answer all questions except for confirming his name.
But for Comer and other GOP lawmakers, the silence was deafening.
“This behavior is unprecedented,” Comer said after the hearing. “It adds more fuel to the fire that a cover-up was orchestrated at the highest levels of government.”
Rep. William Timmons (R-SC) echoed the sentiment: “By pleading the Fifth, Dr. Kevin O’Connor just confirmed what we all suspected — a coordinated effort to hide the truth about Joe Biden’s condition and who’s really been running the show behind the scenes.”
Prior to the hearing, Comer had already questioned O’Connor’s legal footing. “I don’t believe he can hide behind doctor-patient confidentiality,” he said. “This is the president of the United States. Americans deserve the truth.”
The hearing comes amid increasing scrutiny of Biden’s health following a string of public gaffes, whispers of internal concern, and the president’s recent debate performance that left even loyal Democrats rattled. The administration has repeatedly brushed off concerns, insisting Biden is mentally sharp and physically capable of leading.
But the optics of his personal physician refusing to testify only intensify speculation.
Comer concluded that Congress must now explore legislative measures to prevent future administrations from concealing a president’s health status. “This isn’t just about politics,” he said. “It’s about national trust and transparency.”
Dr. O’Connor did not speak to reporters as he exited the hearing room.