The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show
Episode: The Truth with Lisa Booth: Auto Pen Presidency? Rep. James Comer on Biden’s Mental Fitness and Executive Power
Release Date: July 17, 2025
Introduction
In this compelling episode of The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show, Lisa Booth engages in an in-depth conversation with Chairman James Comer, the head of the House Oversight Committee. The discussion centers around Comer's ongoing investigations into President Joe Biden's mental fitness, the use of autopen signatures for executive actions, and the broader implications of executive power. The episode delves into the dynamics within the Oversight Committee, partisan biases, and concerns over executive overreach.
Interview with Chairman James Comer
1. Jasmine Crockett’s Role on the Oversight Committee
Lisa Booth initiates the conversation by addressing the presence of Representative Jasmine Crockett on the Oversight Committee.
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Lisa Booth [04:10]: "Before we get into the substance of the Biden investigation, what is it like having Jasmine Crockett on the committee?"
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Chairman Comer [04:19]: "Over the four years, her behavior has changed... she's really regressed as a professional member of Congress. It's been an interesting journey to watch her demise in the U.S. House."
Comer criticizes Crockett's shift from a professional demeanor to what he perceives as theatrics, suggesting her primary aim is media exposure rather than substantive governance.
2. Dynamics with Representative Robert Garcia
Booth probes into the appointment of Representative Robert Garcia as the ranking member on the Oversight Committee, highlighting the competition with Crockett.
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Lisa Booth [05:52]: "Rep. Robert Garcia got the ranking position instead of Crockett. What can you tell us about him?"
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Chairman Comer [06:07]: "He wants to hurt the Trump agenda, go after the president, harass the president... I don't think he'll be of much use."
Comer expresses skepticism about Garcia's commitment to unbiased oversight, suggesting his actions are primarily aimed at targeting former President Trump.
3. Partisan Resistance and Oversight Challenges
The conversation shifts to the broader challenges Comer faces due to increasing partisanship within Congress.
- Chairman Comer [07:43]: "Democrats are more partisan. They're obsessed with Donald Trump. Trump derangement syndrome is real... They want to impeach Donald Trump if they regain control."
Comer laments the inability to focus on bipartisan issues like reducing government waste or improving the economy, as the Democratic agenda remains fixated on opposing Trump.
4. Investigation into President Biden’s Mental Fitness and Executive Actions
A significant portion of the episode delves into Comer’s investigation into President Biden’s capacity to govern and the legitimacy of executive actions signed via autopen.
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Lisa Booth [10:13]: "Why do you think reporters are so against you guys trying to get to the bottom of this?"
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Chairman Comer [11:48]: "We brought in the head White House physician and asked if he was ever told to lie about Biden's health. He pled the Fifth Amendment. We want to know if Biden was mentally fit to sign executive orders or if staffers were acting without his consent."
Comer outlines his concerns about the use of autopen signatures for significant executive actions, such as pardons and orders related to energy policy and immigration. He emphasizes that delegating such authority undermines constitutional checks and could render these actions void in court.
- Chairman Comer [14:05]: "The Constitution does not grant the president the authority to authorize someone to make decisions and use his signature... These actions could be declared void."
5. Pardons and Executive Orders Under Scrutiny
Booth highlights specific instances where Biden's pardons have raised eyebrows, prompting Comer to discuss the potential legal ramifications.
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Lisa Booth [14:46]: "What went through your mind when you found out about these pardons?"
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Chairman Comer [14:46]: "Joe Biden gave staff the authority to sign pardons, which is illegal. These pardons bypassed the judicial system and could be voided in court."
Comer argues that the extensive use of autopen for executive duties indicates possible impairment or overreliance on staff, questioning the legitimacy of such actions.
6. The Potential Involvement of Senior Staff and Family Members
As the investigation progresses, Comer hints at the possible influence of senior staff and even family members in presidential decision-making.
- Chairman Comer [27:57]: "Ron Klain was the chief of staff... Jill Biden and Hunter Biden were making big decisions... We’re going to subpoena them for depositions."
This raises questions about the extent of internal influence within the Biden administration and the transparency of decision-making processes.
7. Complications with the Justice Department and Epstein Case
The discussion also touches upon recent statements by the Justice Department regarding Jeffrey Epstein, which have surprised many conservatives.
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Lisa Booth [38:38]: "The Justice Department stated Epstein killed himself and there’s no client list. Were you surprised?"
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Chairman Comer [39:03]: "I don't trust the deep state. I believe the list was destroyed. The Department of Justice’s memo contradicts earlier statements, reinforcing my suspicions."
Comer expresses distrust in official statements and hints at possible cover-ups, aligning with broader conservative skepticism about governmental transparency.
8. Future Steps and Potential Outcomes
Concluding the interview, Comer outlines the future trajectory of his investigation.
- Chairman Comer [29:21]: "We'll go as far as the trail leads... Turn it over to the Attorney General. Some executive orders should be void if the president isn’t able to sign them."
He emphasizes the commitment to pursuing all leads and holding those responsible accountable, regardless of the political repercussions.
Conclusion
This episode sheds light on Chairman James Comer’s assertive stance in investigating President Joe Biden’s administration. From questioning the president’s mental fitness to scrutinizing the legitimacy of executive actions signed via autopen, Comer presents a narrative of institutional overreach and partisan bias. The discussion underscores the challenges faced by oversight bodies in a highly polarized political environment and raises critical questions about executive accountability and transparency.
Notable Quotes:
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[05:06] “She's an actress and she wants to get on MSNBC... she can't do it by proposing anything of substance.” – Chairman Comer
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[07:43] “Trump derangement syndrome is real... They want to impeach Donald Trump if they regain control.” – Chairman Comer
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[11:48] “If the President of the United States cannot, while he's in the White House, sign his name on one line, then I don't think that should be the case.” – Chairman Comer
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[14:05] “The Constitution does not grant the president the authority to authorize someone to make a decision and use his signature.” – Chairman Comer
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[27:57] “Jill Biden and Hunter Biden were making big decisions... We’re going to subpoena them for depositions.” – Chairman Comer
This summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the episode, providing a comprehensive overview for those who haven't listened to the full podcast.
