House Oversight Chairman James Comer is dramatically escalating his investigation into what he calls a “historic cover-up” of President Joe Biden’s cognitive decline, demanding interviews with key former senior White House officials—accused of shielding the president’s health status and misusing executive authority.
At the heart of the controversy: the autopen scandal—a growing concern that key executive orders and presidential decisions were signed without Biden’s direct involvement, during a period when insiders allegedly concealed the severity of his condition.
Who’s Being Called to Testify?
Chairman Comer’s latest letters demand transcribed interviews with the following five senior Biden aides, all of whom reportedly played central roles in managing White House operations during Biden’s decline:
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Michael Donilon – Former Senior Advisor to the President
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Anita Dunn – Former Senior Advisor for Communications and longtime Democratic strategist
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Ron Klain – Former White House Chief of Staff and close Biden confidant
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Bruce Reed – Former Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy
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Steve Ricchetti – Former Counselor to the President and influential aide
These individuals are dubbed by Comer as the “autopen gatekeepers”—a term reportedly coined by DOJ Pardon Attorney Ed Martin, who claims these officials sold access to Biden’s signature and executive authority during periods of cognitive uncertainty.
Comer’s Statement: “Who Was Calling the Shots?”
“The cover-up of President Biden’s mental decline is one of the greatest scandals in our nation’s history,” Comer said.
“These five former senior advisors were eyewitnesses to President Biden’s condition… They must provide truthful answers about who was calling the shots.”
Broader Scope: Health, Decisions, and Pardons
This phase of Comer’s investigation comes weeks after he subpoenaed:
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Dr. Kevin O’Connor – Biden’s White House physician
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Neera Tanden – Director of the Domestic Policy Council
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Anthony Bernal – Senior Advisor to First Lady Jill Biden
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Annie Tomasini – Deputy Chief of Staff
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Ashley Williams – Deputy Director of Oval Office Operations
These aides are believed to have played roles in facilitating day-to-day functions and shielding public perception, even as concerns about the president’s lucidity mounted.
The Alleged Scandal: Executive Power by Proxy
At issue is whether critical decisions—including sweeping pardons for Biden family members, executive orders, and national security moves—were truly authorized by the president, or if others were effectively running the executive branch while using Biden’s name and mechanical signature (autopen) to legitimize them.
According to Ed Martin, the real decision-makers behind the scenes included not only Klain and Dunn, but also Biden’s personal attorney Bob Bauer and even First Lady Jill Biden—raising constitutional concerns about the integrity of executive action.
Obstruction Warning: No More Stonewalling
Comer issued a sharp warning to the White House:
“Any continued obstruction will be met with swift and decisive action. The American people demand transparency and accountability now.”
In the previous Congress, the Biden administration blocked these individuals from testifying, citing executive privilege. That shield may now face its toughest test yet.
What Comes Next?
If these witnesses cooperate, the Oversight Committee could soon obtain firsthand accounts of internal White House conversations about Biden’s health, decision-making capabilities, and autopen use.
If they refuse, expect Comer to follow through with subpoenas and possible contempt proceedings, setting the stage for a dramatic showdown just months ahead of the 2026 midterms.
At stake is not just a president’s legacy—but public faith in who is truly leading the nation.
