Republicans have issued a subpoena to former President Joe Biden’s White House physician. The subpoena is part of an investigation into what Republicans are calling a cover-up of Biden’s cognitive decline, along with potentially unauthorized pardons and executive actions signed with an autopen.
What do Republicans want to know?
Chairman Rep. James Comer, R-Ky., wants to ask specifically about the circumstances surrounding Dr. Kevin O’Connor’s assessment in February 2024 that former President Biden was a “healthy, active, robust 81-year-old male, who remains fit to successfully execute the duties of the Presidency.”
O’Connor’s business ties to the Biden family
Republicans also want to ask Dr. O’Connor about his alleged financial ties to the Biden family. The committee claims to have evidence that O’Connor counseled President Biden’s brother, James, when he was working with Americore Health. James Biden received $600,000 in payments from Americore, of which he allegedly gave Joe Biden $200,000. They also claim to have evidence that shows Americore Health made those payments to James because he’s a Biden.
The committee said it is concerned that the positive medical assessments of Biden could be tied to his private business endeavors with the family.
A transcribed interview
The subpoena requires O’Connor to sit for a transcribed interview on June 25, 2025.
The committee first requested that O’Connor testify in July 2024, but the Biden White House blocked the request. Republicans asked O’Connor to appear voluntarily in May 2025, but he declined. This time, the committee has issued a subpoena, legally compelling him to appear.
Can doctors talk about their patients?
If O’Connor shows up, it’s unclear exactly what he is legally allowed to say about his former patient.
According to a medical malpractice and injury law firm, doctor-patient confidentiality requirements continue even after the patient leaves the doctor’s care. Doctors cannot disclose medical opinions and assessments, medical records or any communications regarding the patient.
There are very few exceptions that require doctors to make disclosures, like if the patient has a communicable disease that’s dangerous to the public or if the doctor finds signs of abuse.
