WASHINGTON, D.C. – President Joe Biden’s longtime physician, Dr. Kevin O’Connor, refused to answer questions during a closed-door hearing with the House Oversight Committee this week, invoking his Fifth Amendment rights and citing doctor–patient confidentiality as part of his legal and ethical obligation.
O’Connor appeared before the committee as part of a Republican-led investigation into the president’s health, amid persistent questions about Biden’s cognitive state and reports that an autopen may have been used to sign documents during periods of illness. The inquiry is part of a broader effort by House Republicans to determine whether the public has been misled about Biden’s ability to fulfill the duties of the presidency.
According to his attorneys, O’Connor is cooperating within the limits of the law, but was unable to testify substantively due to potential legal exposure and ongoing Department of Justice matters. They further emphasized that medical confidentiality prevented him from discussing details of any treatment or diagnosis without explicit authorization from the former president.
House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) described O’Connor’s refusal as “deeply troubling” and claimed it added to concerns that there may have been a coordinated effort to conceal the true nature of Biden’s health condition. Comer has previously said the investigation aims to ensure transparency and accountability regarding the president’s medical fitness.
Democrats on the committee, including Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas), sharply criticized the hearing as a partisan exercise. Crockett, the only Democrat present during O’Connor’s appearance, defended the doctor’s decision to remain silent, pointing to long-standing medical ethics and constitutional protections.
The committee has already conducted or scheduled interviews with several high-ranking Biden aides, including former chief of staff Ron Klain and current senior adviser Anita Dunn. Investigators are examining whether there was ever a transfer of authority or unusual reliance on staff to perform official duties. White House officials have so far declined to comment on Dr. O’Connor’s testimony or the broader investigation.
O’Connor’s refusal to testify has not stopped the probe. Comer says more subpoenas may be issued in the coming weeks, and a final report is expected later this year. In parallel, the Department of Justice is believed to be conducting its own inquiry into issues related to the president’s health and possible document signing practices.
1. Who is Dr. Kevin O’Connor?
Dr. Kevin O’Connor is President Joe Biden’s longtime personal physician and served as the official White House doctor. He has overseen Biden’s medical care for years, including during his presidency.
2. Why was Dr. O’Connor called to testify before Congress?
The House Oversight Committee, led by Republicans, is investigating concerns about President Biden’s health and whether there were efforts to hide or downplay cognitive or physical decline. Dr. O’Connor was asked to testify about Biden’s medical condition and any potential irregularities.
3. Did Dr. O’Connor testify?
No. He declined to answer the committee’s questions during a closed-door deposition on July 9, 2025, citing doctor–patient confidentiality and his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination.
4. What legal reasons did Dr. O’Connor give for not testifying?
O’Connor’s legal team said that disclosing medical information would violate federal and ethical standards, and that speaking under oath could expose him to legal risk due to an ongoing Department of Justice investigation.
5. What are Republicans investigating exactly?
The committee is probing whether President Biden’s staff or physicians concealed information about his mental or physical health, and whether any official duties or documents were handled inappropriately, including use of an autopen for signing.
6. What is an autopen, and why does it matter?
An autopen is a device that replicates a person’s signature. Republicans allege it may have been used to sign official documents while Biden was potentially unfit or unavailable, raising questions about who was making decisions at the time.
7. What did Democrats say about the hearing?
Democrats, including Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas), called the hearing a politically motivated attack and defended Dr. O’Connor’s refusal, pointing out that medical ethics and constitutional rights should not be overridden by partisan inquiries.
8. Is Dr. O’Connor under criminal investigation?
It has not been officially confirmed whether he is a target, but his legal team cited an ongoing Department of Justice investigation as one reason he invoked the Fifth Amendment.
9. What’s next for the investigation?
The House Oversight Committee plans to continue its inquiry. More subpoenas and witness interviews are expected in the coming weeks. A final report could be issued later this year.
10. Has the White House responded?
As of now, the White House has not issued a public statement regarding Dr. O’Connor’s refusal to testify or the ongoing investigation.
