Mary Rooke Commentary and Analysis Writer
Former President Joe Biden’s physician, Kevin O’Connor, pleaded the Fifth Amendment at his deposition before the House Oversight Committee on Wednesday, frustrating Republicans who believe there was “a conspiracy to cover up President Biden’s cognitive decline.” But there’s still a way to protect his constitutional rights in order to get the truth, if Republicans are brave enough to do it.
House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer seemed frustrated on X about O’Connor’s decision to refuse to answer the committee’s questions about Biden’s cognitive decline.
“President Joe Biden’s physician, Dr. Kevin O’Connor, just pleaded the fifth at his deposition before Congress today. 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.
“The American people demand transparency but Dr. O’Connor would rather conceal the truth. Dr. O’Connor took the fifth when asked if he was told to lie about President Biden’s health and whether he was fit to be President of the United States. Congress must assess legislative solutions to prevent such a coverup from happening again. We will continue to interview more Biden White House aides to get the answers Americans deserve,” he added.
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President Joe Biden’s physician, Dr. Kevin O’Connor, just pleaded the fifth at his deposition before Congress today.
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…
— Rep. James Comer (@RepJamesComer) July 9, 2025
There’s a simple solution to this issue. As Comer alluded to in his post, O’Connor reportedly had personal ties to the Biden family’s business dealings, which could explain why he remains loyal to Biden. If he was responsible for a cover-up of Biden’s mental decline, then that could lead to disciplinary action, hence O’Connor pleading the Fifth to save himself. (Sign up for Mary Rooke’s weekly newsletter here!)
So why isn’t the House GOP offering O’Connor immunity in order to get his testimony, which they believe will expose this cover-up? Because it wasn’t just Comer who took issue with O’Connor’s stall tactics and eventual refusal to testify.
Republican Arizona Rep. Andy Biggs posted on X that “O’Connor’s refusal to answer questions is not good for Joe.”
“Kevin O’Connor, Joe Biden’s White House physician, pled the Fifth to all questions—except his name—during his deposition. He’s covering up what could be our nation’s biggest scandal. Even radical Democrats agree: Dr. O’Connor’s refusal to answer questions is not good for Joe,” Biggs said, adding a screenshot of a post from Democrat New York Rep. Dan Goldman.
Kevin O’Connor, Joe Biden’s White House physician, pled the Fifth to all questions—except his name—during his deposition.
He’s covering up what could be our nation’s biggest scandal.
Even radical Democrats agree: Dr. O’Connor’s refusal to answer questions is not good for Joe. pic.twitter.com/DMaKVX92jO
— Rep Andy Biggs (@RepAndyBiggsAZ) July 9, 2025
Goldman was the lead counsel in the first impeachment of former President Donald Trump. During Trump’s New York trial, led by New York Attorney General Letitia James, regarding the Trump Organization’s financial practices, Trump also invoked the Fifth Amendment. But at the time, Democrats, including Goldman, claimed that his decision was an admission of guilt.
“The Fifth Amendment ensures that people are not forced to incriminate themselves,” Goldman posted on X. “But you don’t take the Fifth if you didn’t do anything wrong.” (ROOKE: Trump Admin Gives Renters Huge Help In Buying A Home)
The Fifth Amendment ensures that people are not forced to incriminate themselves.
But you don’t take the Fifth if you didn’t do anything wrong. https://t.co/xIKupKNMSo
— Daniel Goldman (@danielsgoldman) August 10, 2022
Of course, Goldman is incorrect. Despite being a lawyer, he clearly doesn’t understand that invoking the Fifth doesn’t mean someone is admitting guilt. However, Republicans clearly believe that O’Connor is hiding the truth behind Biden’s cognitive decline. If they want the answers, offer O’Connor immunity. And if he still refuses to comply, then it gives the House the power to hold him in contempt.
Besides, it’s not O’Connor that they want. It’s the truth.
Follow Mary Rooke on X: @MaryRooke