Trump waives executive privilege, allowing House GOP to question ex-Biden aides over alleged cover-up of Biden’s mental health.

White House Clears Path for Oversight of Former Biden Advisors

House Republicans are moving closer to answers in their investigation of alleged efforts to conceal Joe Biden’s mental decline, after President Donald Trump’s administration announced it would not block key former Biden aides from testifying before Congress. The decision, made public Wednesday, removes the executive privilege shield that could have limited the scope of questioning by the House Oversight Committee, chaired by James Comer, R-Ky.

Deputy Counsel to the President Gary Lawkowski sent letters to several prominent former Biden administration officials—including former Chief of Staff Ron Klain and senior advisors Anita Dunn, Steve Ricchetti, Mike Donilon, Annie Tomasini, Bruce Reed, Ashley Williams, and Anthony Bernal—informing them that the Trump administration would not allow their White House work to be used as a legal defense against congressional inquiries.

“In light of the unique and extraordinary nature of the matters under investigation, President Trump has determined that an assertion of executive privilege is not in the national interest, and therefore is not justified,” the letters stated. “Those subjects include your assessment of former President Biden’s fitness for the office of the President and your knowledge of who exercised executive powers during his administration.”

Congressional Inquiry and Testimony Begin

The focus of the inquiry is whether senior Biden aides played a role in keeping concerns about the president’s mental acuity hidden from both the public and lower-level staff. While it is not clear if the named aides intended to invoke executive privilege, the administration’s preemptive waiver sets a precedent for their forthcoming testimony.

Neera Tanden, a former Biden aide, was the first to appear for a sworn deposition with House investigators. She told reporters that there was “absolutely not” any coordinated effort by senior staff to conceal Biden’s condition. “I answered every question, was pleased to discuss my public service, and it was a thorough process,” Tanden said following her testimony. She also noted that her interaction with Biden had been minimal, primarily limited to sending decision memos to the president’s inner circle for approval.

Anthony Bernal, another close advisor, is scheduled to provide his own testimony to the committee on Thursday. The developments come as the probe intensifies, with congressional Republicans aiming to determine the extent of any alleged cover-up or whether executive powers were exercised by individuals other than Biden during his administration.

The waiving of executive privilege by the Trump White House is not without precedent. The Biden administration took similar steps for previous congressional investigations, such as the inquiry into the January 6 Capitol attack. In the current case, both Congress and the White House are seeking clarity on the handling of concerns about Biden’s capacity to serve as president.

As the investigation continues, the testimony of these former aides is expected to play a significant role in shaping the findings of the House Oversight Committee. The outcome could have lasting implications for standards of presidential transparency and accountability.