House Oversight Committee Interrogates Former Biden Administration's Chief of Staff amidst Drawing of Mental Capacity Inquiry Conclusion
Jeff Zients, Former Biden Chief of Staff, Interviewed in House Oversight Committee's Autopen Probe
Jeff Zients, the last former Biden official expected to be interviewed, appeared before the House Oversight Committee on Tuesday for a crucial hearing in the investigation surrounding the use of autopen by President Joe Biden.
The autopen probe, which has been the subject of much controversy, is focusing on Zients' role in the chain of command for Biden's autopen pardons. It is believed that Zients relayed the President's clemency decisions to his assistants during his tenure.
Zients, who served as counselor to the President and White House COVID-19 response coordinator from Biden's swearing-in in January 2021 until April 2022, and later as chief of staff, was authorized to use the autopen especially during the last lame duck period of the Biden administration.
House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer expressed his concerns about the management of the White House during Biden's term and potential strategies to hide the President's condition or perform his duties in a letter to Zients. The committee is also looking into whether Biden was fully aware of clemency orders and other executive actions signed by autopen.
Comer stated that Zients is "one of the most, if not the most important, witnesses" in the investigation, and his recollection will be of particular interest to House investigators due to his senior role in the Biden White House for most of the final two years in office.
During the hearing, Zients remained silent when approached by reporters, shaking hands with Comer upon entering the room.
Elizabeth Elkind, a politics reporter for our website, is leading coverage of the House of Representatives. You can follow her on Twitter at @liz_elkind and send tips to [email protected].
The interview is expected to last from 10 a.m. into the afternoon. The New York Times and Axios have reported on the investigation.
It was also reported that Zients could have earned up to $8 million had President Biden won re-election. However, this fact is not directly related to the autopen probe and may not be relevant to the investigation.
Ron Klain, the current White House Chief of Staff, declined to comment on the use of autopen to sign presidential orders during the last half of the Biden administration, saying: "I have nothing to add."
The investigation led by Comer is described as politically motivated by Biden's allies.
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