A top aide to President Biden, Anthony Bernal, has declined to appear before a House committee led by Republicans on Thursday to address allegations of concealing the president’s cognitive decline while in office.
Bernal, who is referred to as first lady Jill Biden’s “work husband” and a close member of the family’s inner circle, ignored an invitation to participate in an interview with the House Oversight Committee after the Trump administration waived executive privilege for his testimony.
“With no privilege left to hide behind, Mr. Bernal is now running scared, desperate to bury the truth,” stated Oversight chairman James Comer (R-Ky.).
“The American people deserve answers and accountability, and the Oversight Committee will not tolerate this obstruction. I will promptly issue a subpoena to compel Anthony Bernalâs testimony before the Committee.”
Bernal’s decision follows former White House Domestic Policy Council director Neera Tanden’s testimony to the Oversight panel on Tuesday, without the protection of privilege for her statements.
