Anthony Bernal Invokes Fifth Amendment During House Oversight Committee Deposition

During a recent deposition, Anthony Bernal, former Chief of Staff to Jill Biden, frequently invoked the Fifth Amendment while facing questions from the House Oversight Committee, according to Chairman James Comer. Bernal, who has long been an advisor to the former First Lady, declined to answer several inquiries during the session.

Comer shared on X that a new report suggests President Biden’s aide may have engaged in unauthorized enforcement actions amid concerns about Biden’s cognitive abilities. He remarked, “It’s hardly shocking that Anthony Bernal is using the Fifth Amendment to shield himself from potential criminal exposure.”

Comer further noted that Bernal, when questioned about whether unappointed officials had fulfilled presidential responsibilities and if President Biden had instructed him to misrepresent Biden’s health, again relied on the Fifth Amendment. “This situation is unprecedented, and there is a growing demand from the public for transparency and accountability,” he asserted.

Bernal had previously skipped an interview that was arranged for June 26 as part of the committee’s investigation into the alleged misuse of autopens and other actions by former staff under Biden’s administration. His refusal to answer questions comes just one week after Dr. Kevin O’Connor, the former physician of Biden, also invoked the Fifth Amendment before the committee.

In related news, former DNC vice-chairman David Hogg mentioned to an undercover journalist that Bernal has wielded significant influence within the Biden administration, characterizing the scenario as a tight-knit group closely surrounding the president.