Jill Biden’s Chief of Staff Pleads Fifth in House Probe of Biden Mental Decline

The House Oversight Committee is investigating allegations that senior aides to President Joe Biden concealed signs of his mental decline and took unauthorized executive actions during his presidency, particularly concerning the use of an autopen to sign official documents. Anthony Bernal, former chief of staff to First Lady Jill Biden, invoked his Fifth Amendment right during a closed-door deposition, declining to answer questions about Biden's health, the role of unelected officials in executing presidential duties, and whether he was instructed to lie about the president's condition. Bernal's refusal followed a similar invocation by Biden's former White House physician, Dr. Kevin O'Connor. Committee Chairman James Comer and Rep. Byron Donalds criticized Bernal's silence, calling it indicative of a historic scandal and corruption at the highest level, with Comer stating that all investigative options remain open, including the possibility of questioning President Biden himself. Additional top Biden aides, including Karine Jean-Pierre and others, are scheduled to be interviewed as part of the ongoing probe. Biden has denied the allegations, affirming that he made all decisions himself during his presidency.