Joe Biden’s White House physician, Kevin O’Connor, repeatedly declined to answer questions during a deposition before Congress on Wednesday as part of an investigation into the alleged “cover-up” of the former president’s mental state and whether he authorized the use of autopen signatures for major executive actions. Republicans who lead the House Oversight Committee released video of the closed-door interview showing O’Connor declaring his refusal to cooperate when pressed on whether he was ever told to lie about Biden’s health and if he ever believed Biden was unfit to executive his duties as president. ? EXCLUSIVE FOOTAGE: Joe Biden’s White House doctor, Kevin O’Connor, PLEADS THE FIFTH and REFUSES to answer if he was ever told to lie about Biden’s health or whether he believed Biden was unfit to execute his duties as president. What are they hiding? WATCH THE DEPOSITION ?? pic.twitter.com/4OvvCfpLoQ — Oversight Committee (@GOPoversight) July 9, 2025 “On the advice of counsel,” O’Connor said each time, “I must respectfully decline to answer based upon the physician-patient privilege and in reliance on my right under the Fifth Amendment of the Constitution. I am not a lawyer and I must follow my lawyer’s advice in this matter.” The video showed O’Connor, who had been subpoenaed to appear for the deposition, did state his name and said “yes” as he swore to be truthful in his testimony. Otherwise he stuck to saying he would not be answering questions, including those related to whether he understood instructions. O’Connor’s attorney stressed that his client’s responses would not change. While the GOP majority tried — and failed — to get O’Connor to say whether his non-answers were meant to avoid self-incrimination, the Democrat minority pointed out for the record that O’Connor’s attorneys had explained to Republicans that responses violating doctor-patient confidentiality might place the witness in breach of his legal and ethical obligations. O’Connor’s attorney read a statement telling House Oversight Chairman James Comer (R-KY) and the other members of the panel the witness would not violate his oath of confidentiality to his patients, including Biden, and insisted that a “pending” Department of Justice criminal investigation left O’Connor “no choice” but to assert his Fifth Amendment rights. It was also noted that O’Connor’s assertion of his Fifth Amendment privilege did not imply that he committed any crimes. The video was a little less than 21 minutes in total, but there were breaks in the footage for off-the-record portions of the deposition. After the interview, a GOP House Oversight aide rejected the claim of doctor-patient confidentiality. “Dr. O’Connor would not answer any questions other than his name. Doctor-patient objection would have meant he would have stayed and answered questions that didn’t implicate such privilege,” the aide said. “Instead, he took the Fifth to all and any potential questions.” Republicans interpreted O’Connor’s conduct as evidence of there being an effort to conceal evidence of Biden’s diminishing health while he was in office. “It’s now clear there was a conspiracy to cover up President Biden’s cognitive decline after Dr. Kevin O’Connor, Biden’s physician and family business associate, refused to answer any questions and chose to hide behind the Fifth Amendment,” Comer said in a post on X. “The American people demand transparency but Dr. O’Connor would rather conceal the truth,” Comer added. “Dr. O’Connor took the Fifth when asked if he was told to lie about President Biden’s health and whether he was fit to be President of the United States. Congress must assess legislative solutions to prevent such a cover-up from happening again. We will continue to interview more Biden White House aides to get the answers Americans deserve.” Rep. Robert Garcia (D-CA), the ranking member of the House Oversight Committee, took the opportunity to swipe at GOP colleagues over the “One Big, Beautiful Bill” that recently passed through Congress. “The only person’s health that Republicans care about is Joe Biden’s – even as 17 million Americans lose access to health care thanks to their budget betrayal,” Garcia said on X. O’Connor’s deposition took place after President Donald Trump waived his executive privilege, which also happened for former White House Staff Secretary and Director of the Domestic Policy Council Neera Tanden, who testified for several hours last month and denied there was an effort to cover up Biden’s condition. Other former Biden aides are expected to testify before the House Oversight Committee in the coming weeks. Biden, now 82, abandoned his 2024 re-election bid following a faltering presidential debate against Trump amid pressure from allies. A book by journalists Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson on Biden’s “decline” and the “cover-up,” alongside the former president’s recent “aggressive” prostate cancer diagnosis and the release of audio from special counsel Robert Hur’s interview with him, intensified scrutiny. However, the former president has pushed back on the notion that he did not dictate his executive actions. “Let me be clear: I made the decisions during my presidency. I made the decisions about the pardons, executive orders, legislation, and proclamations. Any suggestion that I didn’t is ridiculous and false,” Biden said in a statement. “This is nothing more than a distraction by Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans.” Trump has ordered a separate investigation into whether aides improperly used an autopen for executive actions in an effort to conceal Biden’s health issues, suggesting there could be “implications” for the legality and validity of the presidential acts in question. Senate Republicans are also looking into Biden’s mental fitness.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested an Egyptian national and former chaplain at a children’s hospital who was flagged on the FBI’s terror watchlist. Egyptian national Imam Ayman Soliman was arrested by federal immigration enforcement agents Wednesday after the man, whose asylum was revoked under the Biden administration, met with ICE and FBI agents, one report noted. Soliman, who formerly worked as a chaplain at the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and presided over services at a local mosque in the Ohio city, first came to the United States roughly a decade ago and was granted asylum status in 2018. That status, DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin says, was revoked under the Biden administration. The DHS official also noted that Soliman “was flagged on the FBI terror watchlist,” leading to his apprehension on Wednesday. Court documents indicate that members of Soliman’s family, who were still in Egypt, had filed a request to migrate to the United States to join him. Some supporters of Soliman say that he was fleeing violence and persecution in his home country and argue that he should not be sent back to Egypt. Even if his fears are found to be credible by the federal government, a recent Supreme Court ruling could enable his deportation to a willing third party country. The Trump administration deported several illegal aliens, who could not be returned to their home countries, to South Sudan after the African nation agreed to receive deportees from the United States. The deportation operation was swiftly challenged in court, but the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Trump administration. The ruling is expected to enable the deportation of thousands of illegal aliens whose home countries are unwilling to accept them, or who have credible fears of torture or persecution if they are returned to their nation of origin.

The man behind a popular pro-Trump X account effectively had his conviction tossed on Wednesday, after the Biden-era Department of Justice was ready to imprison him for memes that mocked Hillary Clinton voters during the 2016 presidential election. Douglass Mackey, who was charged by the Biden DOJ some four years after posting the memes in question, was facing a stunning 10 years behind bars. After the DOJ secured a conviction, Mackey was sentenced to seven months behind bars in 2023, but the sentence was delayed by an appeals court. On Wednesday, a three-judge panel on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit reversed Mackey’s conviction and directed a lower court to enter a judgment of acquittal. DOUG MACKEY WINS !! MEME MAGIC HAS EMERGED COMPLETELY VICTORIOUS !! pic.twitter.com/hyJFw5rQxe — Mike Benz (@MikeBenzCyber) July 9, 2025 “The Second Circuit Court of Appeals has thrown out my conviction for lack of evidence the case has been remanded to the district court with orders to immediately dismiss,” Mackey posted to X. “Hallelujah!” BREAKING: THE SECOND CIRCUIT COURT OF APPEALS HAS THROWN OUT MY CONVICTION FOR LACK OF EVIDENCE THE CASE HAS BEEN REMANDED TO THE DISTRICT COURT WITH ORDERS TO IMMEDIATELY DISMISS HALLELUJAH! — Douglass Mackey (@DougMackeyCase) July 9, 2025 As reported by The Daily Wire, Mackey, who went by the Twitter (now X) alias Ricky Vaughn, was charged about a week after President Joe Biden took office — some four years after the memes were posted. While the DOJ claimed Mackey conspired to “injure, oppress, threaten, or intimidate” people from exercising their constitutional right to vote, his legal team, other legal minds, and many politicos said the memes were obviously protected free speech. The meme the prosecution zeroed in on was published on November 1, 2016. It shows a woman holding an “African Americans for President Hillary” sign with overlaid text reading, “Avoid the line. Vote from home. Text ‘Hillary’ to 55925.” Screenshot: Twitter Mackey has the support of President Donald Trump, and others in his orbit, including Donald Trump Jr., but said after Trump won the 2024 election that he would not ask Trump for a pardon, since he was anticipating a good result on appeal. “Since so many are asking, my team and I have not asked President Trump for a pardon at this time as we are hoping for a favorable, precedent-setting ruling in the 2nd Circuit that would prevent the DOJ from politically weaponizing the law,” he said at the time.  Since so many are asking, my team and I have not asked President Trump for a pardon at this time as we are hoping for a favorable, precedent-setting ruling in the 2nd Circuit that would prevent the DOJ from politically weaponizing the law. Thank you everybody for your support! — Douglass Mackey (@DougMackeyCase) January 21, 2025 Mackey also posted on X, “Now we sue,” suggesting a coming suit against the federal government. Now we sue — Douglass Mackey (@DougMackeyCase) July 9, 2025 Related: Biden DOJ Trying To Lock Up A Pro-Trump Meme Maker For Ten Years. Here’s What You Need To Know.

Border chaos turned into record-setting security in just 100 days—yet the mainstream media can barely bring themselves to admit it, let alone explain how President Trump’s “Peace Through Strength” doctrine delivered the most secure border in American history while restoring the kind of global stability and American leverage that used to be considered common sense. How Trump’s “Peace Through Strength” Doctrine Slammed the Border Shut For years, Americans watched in disbelief as our borders were flung open to millions—yes, millions—of illegal immigrants and criminals, with border chaos so relentless it felt like a deliberate attack on sovereignty. Under Biden, average monthly border encounters soared to nearly 160,000, and the total number for his four years? A staggering 11 million. Fentanyl poured in, killing tens of thousands. And criminals, gang members, and potential terrorists slipped through as the government released hundreds of thousands into the interior. But in the first 100 days of Trump’s return to the Oval Office, that insanity ended. Daily border encounters have dropped by an eye-popping 93%, gotaway encounters plummeted by 95%, and total crossings are down a jaw-dropping 99.99%. March 2025 saw the lowest number of encounters ever recorded—less than 7,200 for the month. That is what happens when you enforce the law and put American safety first. Suddenly, the invasion is “over,” and the border is finally under U.S. control again. So, remind me—why did it take so long, and why was it allowed to get so bad in the first place? While the left howls about “compassion” and “humanitarian relief,” the math doesn’t lie. Under the previous administration, 56,154 criminals with convictions or warrants were arrested at the border since 2021—a grim record, compared to 21,936 from 2017 to 2020. And ICE admits that 650,000 criminal aliens are currently counted on its Non-Detained Docket, many just wandering free. These are the real numbers, and they’re terrifying. The open border policies incentivized the worst of the worst to stream in, all while American communities paid the price. Now, with enforcement back in place, those numbers are finally turning around, but the legacy of “catch and release,” asylum fraud, and government-enabled chaos won’t be erased overnight. America First Abroad: Conditional Aid, Real Negotiations, and Reluctant Peace Trump’s foreign policy isn’t about playing nice in the global sandbox or writing blank checks to European bureaucrats or distant warlords. It’s about leverage—real, unapologetic, American leverage. In Israel and Gaza, U.S. support is now firmly tied to progress toward regional stability and a ceasefire, not the endless, one-sided backing that fueled decades of stalemate. Trump’s administration has made it clear: if you want U.S. help, you deliver results. The same goes for Ukraine and Russia. Instead of endless military aid with no strings attached, Ukraine now faces tough choices and real pressure to negotiate. Russia gets the message—sanctions will escalate, but so will the push for a settled peace. No more endless wars, no more U.S. taxpayers footing the bill while Europe sits on its hands. This 4th of July, you didn't need poll numbers to see that American pride is back. With strong leadership, we’re seeing peace through strength, a secure border, and a booming economy. The best days of our great nation are not behind us—they’re ahead. pic.twitter.com/HOBsGmnAiJ — Congressman Zach Nunn (@ZachNunn) July 7, 2025 And for those still clinging to the fantasy that Iran could be trusted with “constructive engagement,” the administration’s lightning strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities were a wake-up call. Iran got the message—get to the table, or face consequences. President Pezeshkian signaled openness to dialogue, and a ceasefire with Israel was reached. That’s not “cowboy diplomacy,” that’s common sense—something sorely lacking in the years when America apologized for its own strength and let adversaries set the terms. The Aftermath: Can Real Security Last, or Will Old Habits Die Hard? While Trump’s approach has delivered short-term de-escalation in global hotspots and a historic reversal at the border, the long-term outlook is less certain. Allies are uneasy, having grown accustomed to U.S. largesse and unconditional support. Critics warn that a transactional, America-first approach could erode traditional alliances and embolden rivals. But ask any American who’s watched their community suffer under waves of illegal immigration, fentanyl, and unchecked crime—maybe it’s time the U.S. government stopped acting like a global ATM and started defending its own citizens again. The open question is whether this new era of “peace through strength” will hold, or whether the next administration will cave to the same old failed policies of appeasement, open borders, and government overreach. For now, the numbers don’t lie—security is up, chaos is down, and Americans can finally breathe a little easier. If only common sense could be made permanent policy. pic.twitter.com/gPU7RBvMPV — Wall Street Mav (@WallStreetMav) July 7, 2025 But let’s be blunt: If you’re waiting for the mainstream media to admit these facts, don’t hold your breath. They’re too busy lamenting the loss of “norms” and pining for the days when global elites ran America’s foreign policy without any pesky input from the people actually living with the consequences. Sources: STARTLING STATS FACTSHEET: FY2025 Begins with Over 140,000 Border Encounters Nationwide, Worsening Public Safety Crisis Under Biden-Harris Administration Border crossings plunge to lowest levels in decades: New data – Axios 100 Days of The Most Secure Border in American History Foreign-Born Number and Share of U.S. Population at All-Time …

Federal agents and military troops storm a Los Angeles park in a massive show of force, yet not a single arrest is made—while a California congressman claims anyone “Brown” is being targeted, sparking outrage and disbelief across the city. Federal Agents, Military, and a Park Full of Fear The spectacle at MacArthur Park on July 7, 2025, looked less like a law enforcement operation and more like a military exercise in intimidation. More than a hundred federal agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) rolled in with horses and armored vehicles, backed up by nearly a company of armed U.S. troops. The scene, which unfolded during a children’s summer camp, left residents and local leaders shocked and demanding answers. Not a single arrest was confirmed by the agencies or witnessed by the on-site media, prompting immediate questions about the true intent behind this high-profile incursion. Mayor Karen Bass, a frequent critic of heavy-handed federal tactics, arrived at the park demanding agents leave, later denouncing the operation as “absolutely outrageous.” She wasn’t alone. Residents, many of them Hispanic and long accustomed to the unease of living under the threat of federal raids, described the event as a deliberate act of intimidation. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) refused to provide details, citing ongoing enforcement activities, while the Border Patrol’s leadership hinted that such raids could soon become “the new normal” in Los Angeles. Rep. Gomez Cries Racism, ICE Stays Silent Rep. Jimmy Gomez, Democrat from Los Angeles, wasted no time in seizing the moment. In a CNN interview, he blasted ICE for targeting “anybody that is Brown,” claiming agents were rounding up people who looked like him, not just criminals. This accusation, incendiary by any political standard, quickly became the rallying cry for activists and local officials who have long opposed federal enforcement in their city. Gomez’s comments, however, didn’t come with evidence or specifics—because there were no confirmed arrests, let alone proof of racial profiling. #MacArthurPark #ICE sweeps thru the park, taking several people. Entire park was cleared.@MayorOfLA was there and talking to supervisor, told them to leave now. More coming @FOXLA pic.twitter.com/Xwf8tzEl3j — Kevin Takumi (@KevinTakumi) July 7, 2025 Yet, what better way to inflame public sentiment than to claim federal officers are hunting people based on skin color, especially when the operation’s secrecy leaves so many questions unanswered? ICE and DHS, for their part, have been tight-lipped, refusing to explain what, if anything, was accomplished. This silence has only served to validate the worst fears of the community and embolden critics who see each raid as a political stunt designed to frighten and divide. Political Theater vs. Public Safety: Who Benefits? While the Biden years saw border encounters and illegal crossings skyrocket, the current administration is trying to prove it means business on immigration enforcement. But when agents and soldiers descend on a park and leave with nothing to show for it, the message becomes muddled. Are these operations meant to actually catch dangerous criminals, or are they elaborate photo-ops staged to send a message—either to the immigrant community or the political opposition? What is it going to take to wake you up MAGAts? Ice is running over people in LA. pic.twitter.com/qZ9Ck2fUkl — MAGA Cult Slayer (@MAGACult2) June 7, 2025 Local leaders have made their stance clear. They see these tactics as a direct attack on community trust and public safety. Mayor Bass and Rep. Gomez argue that such operations drive a wedge between law enforcement and residents, making neighborhoods less safe as immigrants become too frightened to cooperate with police. The lack of transparency and the absence of any arrests or criminal apprehensions only fuel the suspicion that these raids are more about optics than outcomes. The Aftermath: Fear, Distrust, and More Unanswered Questions In the days following the raid, tension remains high across MacArthur Park and the wider Los Angeles immigrant community. Parents are keeping children home, workers are avoiding public spaces, and business owners are worried about the impact on their livelihoods. The only thing that’s clear is that no one really knows what federal agents were looking for, or if they ever intended to find it. DHS has maintained its silence, while federal officials have signaled that more such operations may be on the horizon. For many Angelenos, especially those in immigrant-heavy neighborhoods, the MacArthur Park raid was just the latest chapter in a long saga of federal-local conflict. The lack of arrests and the refusal to provide answers have left the community feeling targeted and local officials questioning not just the motives, but the competence, of those calling the shots in Washington. And as politicians on both sides scramble to control the narrative, one thing is certain: the people who live and work in these communities are left to pick up the pieces, once again caught in the crossfire of America’s endless immigration debate. Sources: CBS News Los Angeles LA Times ABC7 ABC News

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