NOTE: VIDEO AT THE END OF ARTICLE

Third Biden Insider Pleads the Fifth as House Oversight Probes Alleged Cover-Up of President Biden’s Mental Health and Classified Documents Scandal

Washington, D.C. – July 20, 2025

In a rapidly escalating political firestorm that continues to fuel controversy in Washington, Annie Tomasini, a long-serving aide to former President Joe Biden, has invoked the Fifth Amendment during a closed-door deposition with the House Oversight Committee. This marks the third Biden insider in recent days to refuse to testify, raising serious concerns about transparency and potential criminal implications in an alleged cover-up surrounding Biden’s mental decline, handling of classified materials, and questionable autopen pardons.

The incident has reignited the debate over whether the American public was kept in the dark about Biden’s cognitive state and has intensified Republican-led calls for a broader investigation.

A Pattern of Silence: Who’s Pleading the Fifth?

Tomasini joins Anthony Bernal, former chief of staff to First Lady Jill Biden, and Dr. Kevin O’Connor, Biden’s longtime personal physician, in choosing to plead the Fifth Amendment—a constitutional right protecting individuals from self-incrimination.

According to Oversight Committee Chair James Comer (R-KY), the trend is more than coincidence. “There is now a pattern of key Biden confidants seeking to shield themselves from criminal liability for this potential conspiracy,” Comer stated in a press release after Tomasini’s appearance.

What Was Tomasini Asked — And What Did She Refuse to Answer?

Sources within the committee reveal that Tomasini was questioned on multiple key areas:

Whether she was instructed by the White House to conceal the president’s cognitive decline.
Her role in handling classified documents found at the Penn Biden Center and Biden’s personal residence.
Possible involvement in the destruction or concealment of sensitive materials.
Her advisory role, if any, in using the presidential autopen to issue controversial pardons.

Tomasini initially agreed to testify voluntarily, but her legal counsel later requested a subpoena, which the committee granted. Once under oath, she invoked the Fifth Amendment repeatedly.

What Is the Autopen Controversy?

Adding fuel to the fire is the committee’s inquiry into the presidential autopen — a mechanical device that reproduces the President’s signature. House Republicans are scrutinizing its use during the final days of the Biden administration, particularly to authorize pardons, some of which reportedly benefited Biden family members.

According to the New York Times, Biden’s former Chief of Staff Jeff Zients approved the use of the autopen via email on January 19, just one day before the end of Biden’s term. Critics say this raises legal and ethical questions about presidential accountability and whether the pardons were legitimate.

The “Bubble Wrap” Strategy: Protecting Biden from Public Exposure?

Reports from former staff have described a tightly controlled environment around Biden referred to internally as “Bubble Wrap.” Tomasini was believed to be a key architect of this strategy, which allegedly sought to limit Biden’s unscripted appearances, monitor his access to media, and filter interactions with advisors.

Along with Bernal, Dr. O’Connor, and former assistant Ashley Williams, Tomasini helped manage Biden’s public image, particularly as concerns about his mental acuity began to rise during his final year in office.

Special Counsel Robert Hur’s 2024 Report: A Tipping Point

The investigation gained renewed momentum after Special Counsel Robert Hur released a bombshell report in early 2024 stating that Biden had “willfully retained” classified materials dating back to his vice presidency. Though no charges were recommended, Hur cited Biden’s age and memory issues, saying a jury would likely see him as a “sympathetic, well-meaning elderly man with a poor memory.”

This report ignited bipartisan concerns and laid the groundwork for the current congressional probe.

Who’s Next to Testify?

The House Oversight Committee has planned a new series of depositions running through the summer and into early fall, including:

Ian Sams, former White House Counsel’s Office spokesperson – August 21
Andrew Bates, former Deputy Press Secretary – September 5
Karine Jean-Pierre, former White House Press Secretary – September 12
Jeff Zients, former Chief of Staff – September 18
Ron Klain, former Chief of Staff – July 23

Jean-Pierre’s upcoming testimony is particularly anticipated. After resigning earlier this year, she announced plans to publish a memoir and switch her party affiliation to Independent — a move that has intrigued both political allies and opponents.

Could Jill Biden Be Subpoenaed Next?

Following the wave of officials pleading the Fifth, Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL) suggested that First Lady Jill Biden herself should be called to testify. Chairman Comer confirmed Friday that the “odds of calling her in have increased significantly.”

Jill Biden’s role during the administration, particularly in managing her husband’s schedule and interactions, has drawn increased scrutiny amid allegations of concealed cognitive decline and backdoor political decisions.

Final Thoughts: Transparency vs. Partisan Witch Hunt?

Critics of the GOP-led investigation argue the probe is politically motivated, targeting the former president and his family in the wake of a contentious 2024 election. However, defenders claim the inquiry is crucial to preserving the integrity of the executive office and ensuring that no one is above the law, even a sitting or former president.

With more insiders refusing to testify and depositions piling up, the investigation into Joe Biden’s final years in office is far from over. Whether the claims lead to formal charges or fizzle out under political pressure remains to be seen — but the American public is watching closely.