President Donald Trump’s White House has officially waived executive privilege for nine former aides to Joe Biden, clearing the way for their testimony before Congress. The move, confirmed by a senior official to the Daily Caller, sets the stage for deeper investigations into Biden’s fitness while in office.
The most high-profile name on the list is Neera Tanden. Her privilege was lifted just before her scheduled testimony this week. She served as Biden’s domestic policy chief and was one of the earliest aides tied to the growing investigation.
Other names released include top Biden loyalists like Ron Klain, Anita Dunn, Mike Donilon, and Steve Ricchetti. Also included are Jill Biden’s former adviser Anthony Bernal and key West Wing staffers like Annie Tomasini and Ashley Williams. Each of them could now be questioned about what they knew regarding Biden’s health and behavior while in office.
According to Trump’s deputy White House counsel Gary Lawkowski, the waivers are justified by serious concerns. In a letter published by Axios, Lawkowski claimed there’s evidence these aides may have concealed Biden’s declining fitness or even “unconstitutionally exercised” presidential powers themselves.
Republicans have already launched four separate investigations into Biden’s cognitive state. The biggest one is led by the House Oversight Committee, which has subpoenaed Biden’s former physician, Dr. Kevin O’Connor. He is expected to testify next month.
O’Connor initially refused to appear voluntarily, prompting Chairman James Comer to escalate. Meanwhile, four other Biden aides have already agreed to sit for transcribed interviews. The White House, so far, hasn’t publicly pushed back.
The story exploded after CNN’s Jake Tapper and Axios reporter Alex Thompson released their bombshell book on Biden’s inner circle. Based on nearly 200 interviews, the book alleges Biden’s condition was much worse than the public ever saw.
Among the most jarring claims: aides reportedly considered putting Biden in a wheelchair after the election, and he allegedly failed to recognize longtime friend George Clooney at a fundraiser. The narrative has reignited concerns over Biden’s ability to serve—and the actions of those around him who may have covered it up.