Former Biden Aides Testify in Mental Fitness Probe

A House Oversight Committee, led by Republicans, is investigating former President Joe Biden's mental fitness and the alleged use of an autopen to sign documents without his direct involvement. Two of Biden's close aides, Steve Ricchetti and Mike Donilon, have recently testified in closed-door interviews, both maintaining that Biden was fully capable of executing his duties and denying any usurpation of his authority. The committee has subpoenaed several other former Biden officials, with some, including Biden's former physician Dr. Kevin O'Connor and deputy chief of staff Annie Tomasini, invoking their Fifth Amendment rights. Former Chief of Staff Ron Klain and other aides have also cooperated, defending Biden's cognitive ability and disputing claims of decline. There are reports of internal concerns expressed by figures such as Hillary Clinton and Jake Sullivan about Biden's effectiveness, but these have been dismissed by close aides who affirm Biden's competence. The investigation continues as lawmakers seek to determine who may have been making decisions behind the scenes without Biden's consent.