Kevin O’Connor, who served as Joe Biden’s physician while the former president was in office, is refusing to testify in a closed-door interview as part of the House GOP probe into Biden’s mental acuity.
O’Connor asserted doctor-patient privilege and his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination, according to a statement from his attorneys. He had repeatedly argued his duties as a doctor complicated his testimony and prevented him from sharing some sensitive information. But House Oversight Committee chair James Comer (R-Ky.), who is leading the investigation, has rejected those claims.
“On the advice of his legal counsel, Dr. O’Connor refused to answer questions that invaded the well-established legal privilege that protects confidential matters between physicians and their patients,” the statement read. “His assertion of his right under the Fifth Amendment to decline to answer questions, also on the advice of his lawyers, was made necessary by the unique circumstances of this deposition.
The statement also cited President Donald Trump’s own invocation of his Fifth Amendment right before his deposition with New York State Attorney General Letitia James, quoting Trump’s suggestion that only “an absolute fool” would refuse to take the Fifth.
Despite refusing to answer questions, O’Connor arrived at the Rayburn House office building on Wednesday, following a subpoena issued by the committee last month, compelling his appearance. In recent days, he sought to delay his interview to continue negotiations with the committee.
The Trump White House earlier waived executive privilege for O’Connor in an effort to compel his cooperation.
Comer’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
