An aide previously known as Jill Biden’s “work husband” has chosen not to testify in front of Congress as part of an expanding investigation into allegations of a White House concealment regarding Joe Biden’s health.
Anthony Bernal, a longtime advisor to the former First Lady, was expected to appear before the House Oversight Committee on June 26.
The drama unfolded in Washington, DC.
Committee Chair James Comer revealed Bernal has refused to attend the transcribed interview after previously confirming that he would cooperate.
The committee is looking into whether Biden’s key aides had a role in concealing any signs of his purported cognitive deterioration from both the public and lower-ranking employees while he served in his position.
Bernal’s abrupt refusal came just after the White House waived executive privilege protections related to the probe.
“Now that the White House has renounced executive privilege, it is very evident that Anthony Bernal – also known as Jill Biden’s ‘work husband’ – never had the intention to provide full disclosure regarding Joe Biden’s cognitive decline and the subsequent cover-up,” Comer stated on Tuesday.
“With no privilege left to hide behind, Mr. Bernal is now running scared, desperate to bury the truth.”
Comer vowed to force Bernal’s testimony if needed, saying, “The Oversight Committee will not tolerate this obstruction.”
He said a subpoena is on the table if Bernal doesn’t come forward willingly.
On Thursday, the committee made good on that threat and issued a subpoena ordering Bernal to appear for a deposition on July 16.
Bernal’s decision follows the testimony of Neera Tanden, the former Staff Secretary who oversaw use of Biden’s autopen for official documents, Fox News reported.
Tanden admitted she had little direct contact with Biden despite being authorized to sign key executive actions on his behalf.
She said she would send decision memos to Biden’s inner circle and only receive them back once approved, without knowing what happened in between.
“Her testimony raises serious questions about who was really calling the shots in the Biden White House amid the President’s obvious decline,” Comer said.
Fox News obtained letters showing Trump’s legal team won’t allow former Biden aides to use their previous White House roles as a shield.
Trump’s Deputy Counsel Gary Lawkowski sent the notices to several former senior Biden officials.
That list includes Bernal, Ron Klain, Anita Dunn, Steve Ricchetti, Mike Donilon, Annie Tomasini, Bruce Reed, and Ashley Williams.
Who is Anthony Bernal?
- Longtime senior advisor to Jill Biden
- Nicknamed her “work husband” by insiders
- Worked closely with the First Lady throughout Biden’s presidency
- Now under scrutiny for his alleged role in mental health cover-up
Who’s been sent letters?
Deputy Counsel Gary Lawkowski sent letters to:
- Ron Klain
- Anita Dunn
- Steve Ricchetti
- Mike Donilon
- Annie Tomasini
- Bruce Reed
- Ashley Williams
- Anthony Bernal
“In light of the unique and extraordinary nature of the matters under investigation, President Trump has determined that an assertion of executive privilege is not in the national interest,” Lawkowski’s letter said.
The letter said the Biden official must testify on matters including “fitness for the office of the President” and “knowledge of who exercised executive powers.”
Comer claimed Bernal, along with other aides, helped “run interference” and cover for the former president.
He said during the previous Congress, Bernal and two other key aides were subpoenaed but never made available for interviews or depositions.
Comer accused the Biden White House of obstructing the committee’s work.
He added that the panel is determined to expose who was “really in charge” during Biden’s presidency.
Bernal’s team has not issued a public response to the latest developments.
The Oversight Committee is moving forward with plans to secure additional testimony as the investigation intensifies.
