House Republicans Call Former Aide for Testimony on Biden’s Mental Fitness

WASHINGTON – On Tuesday, House Republicans summoned Joe Biden’s former chief of staff, Annie Tomasini, to address concerns surrounding the president’s cognitive decline. They also aimed to discuss the use of an autopen for signing executive orders and pardons.

Tomasini, who started her career as a spokesperson while serving as chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee during Biden’s tenure as a Delaware Senator, is set to retire on Friday following a request from her attorney regarding her appearance in official documents.

According to a subpoena letter from House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer, her lawyer sought the subpoena to compel her testimony on July 18th.

This testimony would make Tomasini the fifth member of Biden’s close circle to appear before the committee.

The former president faced challenges in his re-election bid last June after a notably poor debate performance against Donald Trump, leaving party insiders frustrated over what they perceived as a lack of cognitive clarity in responding to critical issues.

On Wednesday, Anthony Bernal, Biden’s current chief of staff and Jill Biden’s close associate, is also scheduled to testify, having received a subpoena as well.

Last week, Biden’s doctor, Dr. Kevin O’Connor, invoked the Fifth Amendment during a deposition, declining to answer questions like whether he had ever been instructed to misrepresent the president’s health or if he believed Biden was unfit for his responsibilities.

Tomasini’s deposition is part of a GOP-led inquiry aimed at uncovering which individuals may have protected Biden from scrutiny regarding potential cognitive issues. The investigation also seeks insight into the use of the autopen, a device used to approve numerous executive actions and pardons.

In a recent interview with the New York Times, Biden stated, “I made all the decisions” regarding the executive actions taken during his presidency, adding, “Because we’re talking about a lot of people.”

During his term, Biden’s administration utilized the autopen to process 25 pardons and commuting warrants from December to January, benefitting thousands.

The first family also received protection from future legal challenges through a last-minute pardon granted on January 19th, backed by then-White House Chief Jeff Zaens.

Former Director Stefanie Feldman confirmed that the official documents were signed through the autopen, following a “blurred” acknowledgment of Biden’s authorization for its use, as reported by the Times.

Bernal and Tomasini opted not to be interviewed, so they face a dilemma with each question posed by the committee: either answer or invoke their Fifth Amendment rights.

Initially, Tomasini had agreed to appear for a transcribed interview but revised her position on Monday.

Comer’s letter to her lawyer also noted, “On June 6th, your lawyer confirmed your voluntary appearance on July 18th.”

There has been no immediate response from Su regarding these matters.