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A TOP aide once dubbed Jill Biden’s “work husband” has pulled out of testifying before Congress amid a growing probe into claims of a White House cover-up over 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 panel is investigating whether Biden’s top aides helped hide signs of his alleged cognitive decline from the public and lower-level staffers during his time in office.
Bernal’s abrupt refusal came just after the White House waived executive privilege protections related to the probe.
“Now that the White House has waived executive privilege, it’s abundantly clear that Anthony Bernal – Jill Biden’s so-called ‘work husband’ – never intended to be transparent about Joe Biden’s cognitive decline and the ensuing cover-up,” Comer said 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’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.
