Washington’s latest scandal erupted Wednesday when former White House physician Kevin O’Connor clammed up before the House Oversight Committee. In a closed-door interview that barely lasted 30 minutes, O’Connor invoked the Fifth Amendment repeatedly, dodging questions about former President Joe Biden’s health, as Fox News reports. The abrupt silence has fueled suspicions of a White House cover-up.
The House Oversight Committee, led by its chairman, James Comer (R-KY) grilled O’Connor on whether Biden’s inner circle hid evidence of mental or physical decline during his presidency. Comer’s probe targets former top aides, with O’Connor’s tight-lipped performance adding weight to claims of stonewalling. Biden’s allies, predictably, dismiss the allegations as baseless.
O’Connor’s legal team insisted his Fifth Amendment plea was about protecting physician-patient privilege, not guilt. They argued that disclosing confidential details could result in O’Connor losing his medical license or sparking lawsuits. Nice try, but Comer wasn’t buying it, pointing out that pleading the Fifth often screams liability.
The interview kicked off with Comer asking, “Were you ever told to lie about the president’s health?” O’Connor’s response? A swift Fifth Amendment dodge, leaving jaws on the floor. The follow-up—whether he thought Biden was unfit for duty -- got the same stonewall treatment.
“This is unprecedented,” Comer declared, suggesting O’Connor’s silence “adds fuel” to cover-up theories. His refusal to engage lasted less than an hour, with O’Connor and his lawyers bolting after 30 minutes. The brevity only deepened the committee’s skepticism.
Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) and the lone Democrat present, tried to spin O’Connor’s silence as prudent. She cited a concurrent Trump-era DOJ criminal probe involving O’Connor as justification. Convenient timing, but it smells like a distraction from the real issue: transparency.
O’Connor’s lawyers leaned hard into the physician-patient privilege defense, claiming Comer’s demands threatened ethical duties. “Revealing confidential patient information would violate the most fundamental ethical duty,” they stated. Yet, their high-minded rhetoric feels like a shield for something murkier.
Comer shot back, noting that “most people invoke the Fifth when they have criminal liability.” His blunt assessment cuts through the legal fog O’Connor’s team tried to spin. The American people deserve answers, not excuses.
The committee’s investigation isn’t slowing down, with Comer vowing to keep digging. He’s already hauled in former Biden staff secretary Neera Tanden for questioning. More aides are on deck for depositions, signaling a relentless push for the truth.
Crockett’s mention of the DOJ’s criminal probe raised eyebrows, hinting at deeper trouble for O’Connor. The doctor's lawyers even begged the committee to pause its investigation because of it. Sorry, but justice doesn’t wait for convenient scheduling.
“We have a constitutional right,” Crockett said, defending O’Connor’s Fifth Amendment play as standard under legal pressure. Her courtroom experience notwithstanding, the optics of a White House doctor ducking questions don’t inspire confidence. The public’s trust is eroding fast.
Comer’s team is undeterred, promising transparency as they chase down leads. “We’ll do everything in our ability to be transparent with the American people,” he pledged. That’s a bold commitment in a town where secrets are currency.
The committee’s next steps involve more interviews with Biden’s former aides, each a potential crack in the wall of silence. Comer’s dogged pursuit suggests he smells blood in the water. If O’Connor’s performance is any indication, the truth might be uglier than expected.
Biden’s defenders continue to cry foul, insisting there’s no cover-up to uncover. Yet, O’Connor’s refusal to answer basic questions -- like whether he was told to lie -- speaks louder than their denials. The American people aren’t dumb; they can connect the dots.
This probe is far from over, and Comer’s resolve signals more revelations to come. O’Connor’s Fifth Amendment stunt may have bought him time, but it’s lit a fire under the Oversight Committee. Washington’s swamp just got a little murkier.
