Former Biden Aide Testifies Before House Oversight Committee Amid Allegations of Cover-up over President’s Mental Health and Executive Actions
A high-ranking advisor to former President Joe Biden is scheduled to testify before the House Oversight Committee on Thursday, as part of the panel’s probe into allegations of a cover-up regarding the president’s perceived mental decline. The committee is also investigating potential unauthorized issuance of pardons and other executive actions.
Ian Sams, who previously served as a special assistant to the president and senior adviser in the White House Counsel’s Office, and later worked for Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign, will appear voluntarily.
Several witnesses, including Biden’s White House physician, Dr. Kevin O’Connor, were compelled to testify but invoked their Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination. Other aides have vigorously defended the president.
Anita Dunn, former senior adviser for communications to the president, stated in her testimony obtained by CNN that while she observed Biden age physically during his tenure, he consistently demonstrated mental clarity and engagement. She added that she did not witness White House staff making decisions or exercising presidential powers without Biden’s knowledge or consent.
Steve Ricchetti, a former Biden counselor, stated that he is cooperating with the inquiry because he believes it is crucial to refute the false narrative surrounding the Biden presidency and their roles within it. He asserted that there was no malicious conspiracy among senior staff and no attempt to conceal the president’s mental condition from the public.
According to CNN, Ron Klain, who served as chief of staff to Biden, informed the committee that former National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton had raised concerns about Biden’s reelection prospects.
Sams did not respond to CNN’s request for comment regarding his upcoming testimony. CNN’s Annie Grayer contributed to this report.