Kevin O'Connor seeks testimony delay over patient privacy concerns

In Washington, on July 8, 2025, Dr. Kevin O'Connor, who served as former President Joe Biden's physician, requested a delay for his testimony before the House Oversight Committee. O'Connor's testimony, initially scheduled for this week, is part of the ongoing investigation into Biden's mental fitness and the administration's use of an autopen signing device. The request for delay seeks to ensure that doctor-patient confidentiality obligations are respected amidst the probing questions from lawmakers. His lawyer, David Schertler, stated that there has never been a situation where a Congressional Committee subpoenaed a physician regarding individual patient treatment, emphasizing the alarming nature of such demands. By postponing his testimony to either July 28 or August 4, O'Connor intends to reach an agreement that protects both his and Biden's interests. The committee, chaired by Rep. James Comer, rejected this request, insisting that O'Connor cannot decline a subpoena on the grounds of potential privilege concerns. This confrontation between O'Connor and the committee signifies broader political and ethical implications concerning medical privacy and the responsibilities of a physician towards their patient. This ongoing dispute highlights the challenges faced by O'Connor and the potential legal consequences he could encounter should he violate confidentiality obligations. The committee continues to seek clarity on Biden's health and decision-making throughout his presidency, particularly as Republicans assert that the effectiveness of his policies may be impacted if his mental acuity is called into question.