A report from the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform has revealed extensive efforts by President Joe Biden's inner circle to manage perceptions of his mental acuity. The 100-page document, titled "The Biden Autopen Presidency: Decline, Delusion, and Deception in the White House," outlines how aides and advisors allegedly prioritized political considerations over transparency regarding Biden's health.
The committee, chaired by Rep. James Comer, R-Ky., has requested a Department of Justice investigation into the actions of Biden's inner circle, particularly concerning executive actions signed by an autopen. The report states, "President Biden’s inner circle worked tirelessly and creatively to conceal the president’s bad days — whether it was through Hollywood filmmakers or aides disguised as the Easter Bunny."
One significant finding is that Biden's longtime physician, Dr. Kevin O’Connor, never conducted a cognitive exam on the president. Instead, the report claims he provided misleading medical assessments. The committee has recommended that the District of Columbia Board of Medicine review O’Connor’s actions for potential misconduct.
Anita Dunn, a senior advisor to Biden, testified that the president's team collectively decided against a cognitive exam, despite public calls for one. "The whole purpose – not the whole purpose, a goal of moving the debate forward was to show that that was not the case," said Jeff Zients, Biden's Chief of Staff, regarding the scheduling of the Biden-Trump debate to counter age-related concerns.
The report also highlights Biden's reliance on Hollywood figures, including Steven Spielberg and Jeffrey Katzenberg, to improve his public speaking skills. They assisted him in preparing for significant events, such as the State of the Union address in March 2024.
Biden's physical mishaps, including multiple falls while boarding Air Force One, raised concerns about his health. The report mentions that there were discussions about potentially using a wheelchair for Biden, but these were postponed until after the election.
The inner circle's management of Biden's public image extended to the First Lady's office, with Anthony Bernal, chief of staff to Jill Biden, invoking the Fifth Amendment when questioned about the involvement of unelected officials in presidential duties.
Despite observable signs of decline, White House officials have consistently denied any issues with Biden's mental fitness, labeling inquiries as "disgusting smear tactics." The report notes that Biden's communications team provided him with detailed notes and teleprompters to ensure he appeared coherent during public engagements.
The findings of the report have raised questions about the integrity of the Biden administration and its commitment to transparency regarding the president's health.
Key Facts:
- The report is titled "The Biden Autopen Presidency: Decline, Delusion, and Deception in the White House."
- The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform has requested a DOJ investigation into Biden's inner circle.
Beth Brelje is an elections correspondent for The Federalist.
Why it matters
- Primary documents and sources are linked for verification.
- The report reveals efforts by Biden's aides to manage perceptions of his mental acuity, raising concerns about transparency in the administration.
- Allegations of misleading medical assessments by Biden's physician highlight potential misconduct and ethical issues in presidential health reporting.
- The committee's findings could undermine public trust in Biden's leadership and prompt further scrutiny of his administration's integrity.
What’s next
- The House Committee has requested a DOJ investigation into Biden's inner circle regarding executive actions.
- The District of Columbia Board of Medicine is urged to review Dr. O’Connor's actions for potential misconduct.
- Public calls for a cognitive exam may intensify following the report's revelations.