Fact Check: Biden's doctor was instructed to lie about the president's health.

Fact Check: "Biden's doctor was instructed to lie about the president's health."

What We Know

The claim that President Biden's doctor, Dr. Kevin O'Connor, was instructed to lie about the president's health stems from a recent deposition where O'Connor invoked his Fifth Amendment rights. During a closed-door session with the House Oversight Committee, he declined to answer questions regarding whether he had been told to lie about Biden's health or if he believed the president was unfit for office (NPR, CNN). O'Connor's refusal to testify was justified by his attorneys on the grounds of physician-patient privilege and the potential risk to his medical license (Newsweek, Politico).

The investigation is led by Republican lawmakers who allege that Biden's administration has covered up concerns about his cognitive decline. They argue that the testimony of O'Connor and other aides is crucial to substantiate these claims (CNN, NPR). However, Democrats have dismissed the inquiry as a political stunt (CNN).

Analysis

The assertion that Dr. O'Connor was instructed to lie about President Biden's health is based on his refusal to answer specific questions during the deposition. Critics, including Rep. James Comer, have interpreted O'Connor's invocation of the Fifth Amendment as an indication of guilt or concealment (CNN, Newsweek). However, invoking the Fifth Amendment is a constitutional right designed to protect individuals from self-incrimination, and it does not inherently imply wrongdoing (NPR).

The sources reporting on this issue vary in their framing. While outlets like CNN and NPR present the facts surrounding O'Connor's refusal to testify and the context of the investigation, others, such as the New York Post, emphasize the implications of his silence regarding Biden's health (NPR, New York Post). This variance in coverage can influence public perception and interpretation of the events.

Conclusion

The claim that Biden's doctor was instructed to lie about the president's health remains Unverified. While Dr. O'Connor's refusal to answer questions raises questions about transparency, it is crucial to recognize that invoking the Fifth Amendment is a legal right and does not serve as direct evidence of any wrongdoing. The investigation itself is politically charged, and without additional corroborating evidence, the claim cannot be substantiated.

Fact Check: Biden's doctor was instructed to lie about the president's health.