Jill Biden’s ‘Work Husband’ Pleads Fifth During House Hearing
A longtime adviser to First Lady Jill Biden invoked the Fifth Amendment repeatedly during a closed-door House Oversight Committee deposition, escalating Republican claims of executive misconduct during President Joe Biden’s administration.
Anthony Bernal, who served as Jill Biden’s chief of staff and was described by insiders as her “work husband,” refused to answer questions posed by lawmakers on Wednesday, according to a statement from Oversight Chairman James Comer (R-KY).
“This week new reporting confirms President Biden’s aides took unauthorized executive actions during his presidency amid his cognitive decline,” Comer said in a post on X (formerly Twitter). “It’s no surprise that Anthony Bernal is pleading the Fifth Amendment to shield himself from criminal liability.”
According to Comer, Bernal declined to respond when asked whether unelected officials or Biden family members had performed presidential duties in place of President Biden, or whether Biden ever instructed him to lie about his health.
“This is a historic scandal and Americans demand transparency and accountability,” Comer added. “We will continue to pursue the truth on their behalf and examine options to get the answers we need.”
Bernal was previously subpoenaed after failing to appear for a voluntary interview on June 26. His refusal to testify voluntarily was viewed by GOP lawmakers as an early indication of stonewalling.
The Oversight Committee’s investigation has focused on reported misuse of the presidential autopen — a mechanical device that allows for automated signatures — and alleged instances where staff may have signed executive orders on behalf of the president without direct authorization. Questions surrounding President Biden’s cognitive health have become a central theme in the committee’s probe, particularly following whistleblower allegations that aides may have covered up signs of mental decline.
Adding fuel to the controversy, Bernal’s refusal comes just a week after Dr. Kevin O’Connor, President Biden’s former physician, also invoked the Fifth Amendment during a similar committee session. Republicans say the repeated silence from top Biden insiders raises serious red flags.
Separately, undercover footage released by Project Veritas featured former DNC Vice Chair David Hogg referring to Bernal as one of the most powerful figures within the White House, claiming that the real concern was Biden’s tightly controlled inner circle, not the president himself.
The implications of this testimony — or lack thereof — could be significant. While invoking the Fifth Amendment is a constitutional right and does not imply guilt, its repeated use by key Biden associates is fueling speculation about the true scope of decision-making inside the White House.
With Republicans ramping up their oversight efforts and Democrats accusing the GOP of conducting politically motivated investigations, the road ahead promises more confrontation — and possibly, more silence from those closest to the president.
