By Yasin Gungor
ISTANBUL (AA) - The US Senate held a hearing Wednesday into allegations that former President Joe Biden's mental decline was concealed during his presidency.
The Senate Judiciary Committee convened the session to examine claims that the Biden administration, advisers and media segments deliberately misled Americans about his cognitive state. It was led by Republicans while Democrats largely boycotted the hearing.
Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley accused the Biden administration of being "rudderless" and criticized "partisan media" for covering up the former president’s alleged incapacity.
Republicans questioned who made critical decisions if Biden was impaired and argued officials failed in their constitutional duty under the 25th Amendment, which addresses issues related to presidential succession and disability.
Sen. John Cornyn cited CNN anchor Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson's book, “Original Sin,” suggesting Biden's debate performance was "not an anomaly ... it was the natural result of an 81 year old man whose capabilities had been diminishing for years."
Sen. Josh Hawley demanded Biden release documents proving he authorized pardons involving "murderers, drug dealers, child rapists."
"Release them if what you did is legal, and if you're really not embarrassed about it and you think it was totally constitutional," he said.
Witness Theo Wald from the Heritage Foundation testified that Biden's use of an autopen machine to sign executive orders and clemency warrants "skyrocketed" from June 2022, and suggested that no records showed personal presidential approval.
- Democrats stage walkout
Only senators Dick Durbin and Peter Welch initially attended the hearing before walking out. Ranking member Durbin criticized Republicans for avoiding oversight of the administration of President Donald Trump.
Durbin dismissed the proceedings as "armchair diagnosing former President Biden" instead of addressing grave concerns. He played video compilations of Trump's confusing statements, challenging whether they raised cognitive ability questions.