House GOP Intensifies Probe into Biden's Health
House Republicans have escalated their investigation into former President Joe Biden's mental and physical fitness during his time in office, focusing on key aides who may have firsthand knowledge of his condition. Anthony Bernal, former chief of staff to Jill Biden, became the latest figure to invoke the Fifth Amendment during a closed-door deposition with the House Oversight Committee on July 16. Bernal's refusal to testify has drawn sharp criticism from committee members, including Chairman James Comer, who expressed frustration over what he described as a pattern of non-cooperation among former Biden administration officials.
The investigation, which seeks to uncover whether senior White House aides covered up signs of Biden's health decline, has gained momentum in recent weeks. Bernal was subpoenaed after missing a previously agreed-upon interview date late last month, prompting the committee to compel his appearance. His decision to plead the Fifth follows a similar move by former White House doctor Kevin O'Connor earlier this month, raising questions about the extent of information being withheld from congressional oversight.
Bernal's Role and Implications of Silence
Anthony Bernal, often referred to as a close confidant and senior advisor to the former First Lady, held a significant position within the Biden White House, with some sources describing him as one of the most powerful figures in the administration. His proximity to both Jill and Joe Biden placed him in a unique position to observe the former president's day-to-day functioning, making his testimony highly sought after by GOP investigators. House Oversight Committee members have suggested that Bernal's refusal to answer questions could indicate a broader effort to shield details about Biden's fitness from public scrutiny.
Chairman Comer issued a statement following the deposition, saying, 'The American people deserve transparency about the condition of their president during his term, and we will not stop until we get answers.' The invocation of the Fifth Amendment by multiple officials, including Bernal and O'Connor, has fueled speculation about potential legal concerns among former aides. However, without direct testimony, the committee faces challenges in piecing together a complete picture of Biden's health during his presidency.
Broader Context of the Investigation
The GOP-led probe into Biden's fitness is part of a larger effort to examine the inner workings of the previous administration, particularly concerning decisions made during periods of perceived vulnerability. Investigators have pointed to specific instances, such as the use of an autopen for signing documents, as areas of concern that warrant further scrutiny. While Bernal and others have declined to testify, the House Oversight Committee continues to pursue additional witnesses and documents to build their case.
The investigation has sparked significant attention on Capitol Hill, with some lawmakers arguing that it is critical to ensure accountability for any lapses in presidential capacity. As more former aides are called to testify, the outcome of this probe could have lasting implications for how health-related issues are addressed within the executive branch. For now, the silence of key figures like Anthony Bernal leaves many questions unanswered, keeping the focus on what information may still come to light.