Undercurrents Biden’s doctor REFUSES to testify on ex-president's mental fitness
Fifth Amendment Raises Transparency Concerns
- Dr. Kevin O'Connor pleaded the Fifth Amendment during a Congressional hearing on President Biden's health.
- The refusal to answer simple questions about truthfulness raises deeper concerns about transparency and possible cover-up.
Biden's Doctor Pleads the Fifth Creating Political Firestorm
Dr. Kevin O'Connor, President Biden's White House physician, invoked the Fifth Amendment during a House Oversight Committee hearing when asked if he was told to lie about Biden's health or if he believed Biden was unfit to execute his duties.
Committee Chairman James Comer highlighted the significance, noting the Fifth Amendment is typically invoked when there is risk of criminal liability. However, O'Connor's legal team cites physician-patient confidentiality as their reason, denying any implication of wrongdoing.
Emily Jashinsky argues that answering "no" to whether he was asked to lie could be done without violating confidentiality, making O'Connor's refusal notable. The issue echoes politically, inciting calls from Republicans to hold him in contempt, likening it to past unprecedented detentions of figures like Peter Navarro and Steve Bannon.
This controversy remains significant because it undermines public trust and has ongoing political ramifications for Democrats, posing a notable challenge for O'Connor and Biden's administration.
Complex Doctor-Patient Confidentiality Issues
- Answering whether O'Connor was told to lie could be done without violating doctor-patient confidentiality.
- But questions about Biden's fitness to execute duties are more complex and sensitive for confidentiality.