National figure Johnson requests National Archives to disclose documents concerning Biden's alleged cognitive decline during an ongoing Senate investigation into alleged concealment.
In the midst of July 2025, Senator Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) is intensifying his investigation into former President Joe Biden's alleged mental and physical health decline, as well as allegations of a cover-up related to Biden's pardons.
Johnson, who chairs the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee's investigative subcommittee, launched this probe in May 2025. Key developments include:
- Johnson plans to request thousands of emails from the National Archives that were sent during the final days of the Biden administration, documenting how Biden's inner circle handled pardons and other clemency grants before Biden left office. This is in response to allegations—including from former President Trump—that staffers may have covered up Biden’s mental decline and used an autopen device to sign documents on his behalf.
- This letter to the National Archives marks an expansion of Johnson’s inquiry, which initially focused on interviewing former Cabinet members about Biden’s mental acuity. So far, only former Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has participated in an interview. Johnson’s team remains in contact with representatives for others.
- Johnson is running his investigation in parallel with the House Oversight Committee’s probe led by Rep. James Comer. The House has conducted closed-door interviews with former Biden aides, including ex-White House physician Kevin O’Connor, who notably invoked the Fifth Amendment during his deposition.
- As of July 17 and 18, Johnson has demanded that the National Archives turn over all records related to Biden’s "mental and physical health and cognitive decline". This reinforces the investigative focus on gathering evidence surrounding Biden’s condition and alleged cover-up efforts.
The investigation by Sen. Ron Johnson involves the presidential power to grant clemency or pardons. Notably, President Biden used an autopen to sign a large number of documents, including final pardons for various individuals. This practice, however, is separate from any congressional probes.
Senator Johnson is demanding records belonging to former White House chief of staff Ron Klain, former White House chief of staff Jeff Zients, former advisor Mike Donilon, former counselor to the president Steve Ricchetti, Biden personal attorney Bob Bauer, Biden senior advisor Anita Dunn, former White House Physician Kevin O'Connor, and others. He is also demanding communications between or among any former White House officials, members of Biden's Cabinet or their staff or other staff relating to Biden's mental or physical health.
The White House Counsel's Office and the Justice Department are also investigating Biden's use of an autopen, reviewing over 27,000 documents related to the matter. Biden, in a recent interview, defended his use of an autopen, stating he made every decision himself.
As of mid-July 2025, the investigations remain ongoing, with further interviews and document reviews expected to continue through the summer. Officials stated that the investigation is a "massive effort," and they hope to finish it as soon as possible. The Times reported that Biden did not individually approve each name for the categorical pardons that applied to large numbers of people.
Sen. Ron Johnson has given a deadline of July 30 for the National Archives to turn over the requested records. The investigation's outcome could potentially shed light on the allegations surrounding Biden's health and the handling of pardons during his presidency.
- Senator Ron Johnson's investigation, concerning former President Joe Biden's alleged mental and physical health decline, has expanded to include a request for thousands of emails from the National Archives.
- This investigation, running in parallel with the House Oversight Committee’s probe, is also focusing on allegations of a cover-up related to Biden's pardons.
- The general news has been filled with reports of Johnson demanding records related to Biden’s "mental and physical health and cognitive decline" from the National Archives.
- Aside from politics, the ongoing investigation also involves cars, specifically President Biden's use of an autopen to sign a large number of documents, including final pardons for various individuals, which has sparked discussions in the areas of policy-and-legislation, crime-and-justice, and accidents.
