Historic scandal: Biden's ex-chief of staff breaks silence on cognitive state allegations

Joe Biden's former chief of staff Ron Klain faced congressional investigators on Thursday as part of a Republican-led probe into the president's cognitive abilities and decision-making during his time in office.

Klain, 63, appeared voluntarily before the House Oversight Committee in Washington D.C., sitting for a transcribed interview amid growing scrutiny over whether White House officials concealed signs of the president's decline. The inquiry, spearheaded by Committee Chairman James Comer, R-Ky., is also examining the controversial use of the autopen - a device used to sign official documents - to determine whether executive orders or legislation were authorised without Biden's full knowledge, reports the Daily Mail.

Who is Ron Klain?

Klain, who served as Biden's chief of staff from the beginning of his presidency until February 2023, is the sixth former aide to testify in the investigation. He also previously worked alongside Biden during his vice presidency.

Unlike several other former officials, Klain arrived on his own accord, joining only two others who cooperated without a subpoena. His appearance marked a contrast to senior Biden advisers Annie Tomasini and Anthony Bernal, and former White House physician Dr. Kevin O'Connor - all of whom pleaded the Fifth Amendment when called to testify in recent weeks.

Comer has since released video footage showing each of the three invoking their right to remain silent repeatedly during questioning.

Klain, flanked by staff, declined to speak to reporters as he entered the Capitol building, but lawmakers later described him as engaged and forthcoming.

"He answered every single question," said Democrat Rep. Ro Khanna of California. "He was fully cooperative."

Not taking the Fifth

Arizona Republican Rep. Andy Biggs echoed the sentiment on social media, writing: "Unlike the other Biden officials the committee has deposed, Klain is not asserting any executive privilege or invoking his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination. He is answering the Committee's questions accordingly."

But Biggs made clear that questions still remain - particularly following recent comments from Hunter Biden. In a closed-door interview, the president's son reportedly claimed staff gave his father sleeping pills before his June 2024 debate with Donald Trump.

"I still have many unanswered questions regarding who was running the country and Joe Biden's mental and physical acuity, especially in light of Hunter Biden's revelation that his father was being drugged with Ambien," Biggs said.

According to a source familiar with the interview, Klain told the committee he had no knowledge of the president taking Ambien ahead of the debate but noted that "the president appeared tired and ill before the debate."

'Biden's memory got worse'

The source also revealed that Klain said Biden's memory deteriorated during his presidency. "Mr. Klain stated President Biden's memory got worse," the source said, adding that Klain admitted the president was "less energetic and more forgetful but he still had the acuity to govern."

In his testimony, Klain reportedly shared how both Hillary Clinton and former National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan had expressed doubts about Biden's political viability in 2024. "Sullivan told Klain that Joe Biden was less effective in 2024 compared to 2022," the source added.

Klain's interview followed last week's brief session with Tomasini, who invoked her right to remain silent throughout. Video of her appearance showed her refusing to respond to questions both inside and outside the session, which lasted less than an hour.

Comer has accused the administration of orchestrating a "historic scandal," claiming efforts were made to cover up the president's health issues. Earlier this month, he went as far as accusing Dr. O'Connor of participating in a conspiracy to hide the extent of Biden's decline.

Dr. O'Connor, who oversaw Biden's annual physical exams and repeatedly deemed him fit to serve, declined to answer questions during his own appearance, citing doctor-patient confidentiality.

Republicans now allege that Biden's inner circle deliberately misled the public about the president's condition, a deception they argue contributed to his eventual withdrawal from the 2024 re-election race.