Bernal Avoids Questions Amid Biden Investigation
The chief aide to former First Lady Jill Biden chose not to respond to queries posed by GOP investigators on Wednesday. This development comes as the House Oversight Committee looks into allegations that senior aides are concealing indications of former President Joe Biden’s mental decline.
Anthony Bernal, previously an assistant to a former advisor, had to make a closed appearance on July 16 after failing to show up for a previously arranged interview last month.
His rescheduled meeting took place rather swiftly. Sources suggest that Bernal invoked the Fifth Amendment in response to questions from House staff, according to reports from Fox News Digital.
Investigation Focus
House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer, a Republican from Kentucky, is examining whether Bernal, in his capacity as Biden’s assistant, concealed signs of the president’s mental and physical decline during his administration. There’s also scrutiny over whether certain actions were authorized without Biden’s complete awareness. Allies of Biden have pushed back against these allegations.
In a recent interview, Biden stated he “made all the decisions,” seeking to clarify his level of control.
A book titled “Original Sin,” authored by CNN anchor Jake Tapper and political correspondent Alex Thompson, refers to Bernal as a fiercely protective aide, earning the nickname “Loyalty Police” from other former Biden staffers. His LinkedIn profile highlights his role as Jill Biden’s Chief of Staff during the transition office for President Biden.
Bernal was initially expected to partake in a voluntary, transcribed interview last month, but he and his legal team backed out after the Trump administration waived enforcement privileges for him and other former staff members.
Now, with the White House waiving executive privileges, it appears Bernal, often described as Jill Biden’s “work husband,” is reluctant to be transparent regarding Biden’s cognitive state and any potential cover-up.
He is the second former Biden administration staffer to invoke the Fifth Amendment, following Kevin O’Connor, Biden’s former doctor, who did so last week.
O’Connor’s deposition lasted less than 30 minutes, with him refraining from answering any questions aside from his name.
Concerns Over Confidentiality
O’Connor’s legal team contends that his refusal to answer questions does not suggest guilt. They maintain concerns that the scope of the committee’s inquiries may infringe on the confidentiality typically upheld between doctor and patient, potentially jeopardizing his medical license.
An aide associated with the House Oversight Committee noted that the doctor’s objections would not prevent him from responding to non-privileged questions, allowing for a different line of inquiry.
In parallel developments, two other former aides from the Biden administration have already participated in voluntary transcribed interviews. Additionally, another former staffer, Annie Tomasini, has been called to appear this Friday.
