Biden Aide Anthony Bernal Faces Subpoena Over Mental Decline Probe

In a dramatic turn of events, the House Oversight Committee has announced plans to subpoena Anthony Bernal, a key aide to the Biden family, after he reportedly refused to testify in their ongoing investigation into former President Joe Biden's mental acuity and the controversial use of an autopen for signing critical documents like pardons and memos. The committee's frustration was palpable in their statement, accusing Bernal of 'running scared' as the alleged cover-up around Biden’s condition unravels.

Bernal, often described as an indispensable figure in the Biden inner circle, has been a longtime aide to First Lady Jill Biden. His proximity to the family, from motorcades to private residences, placed him in a unique position to witness the personal dynamics of the Bidens. Insiders suggest that his loyalty to the family often superseded political strategy, creating a protective shield that some argue bordered on familial rather than professional allegiance.

The investigation has raised eyebrows about the power dynamics within the Biden White House, particularly during the pandemic when Bernal and another aide, Annie Tomasini, reportedly shifted the balance of influence. Critics have pointed to a 'bunker mentality' among Biden’s closest advisors, a reflex to hide and protect that may have obscured critical issues from public view. As one observer noted, this instinct to guard the Bidens might have been a blind spot with significant consequences.

Yet, not all accounts of Bernal paint him in a negative light. Some former staffers have defended him as a strategic leader and mentor, while others have criticized his management style as harsh, even toxic at times. Whether Bernal will ultimately appear before the committee remains uncertain, but his role in this saga continues to fuel intense debate about loyalty, transparency, and the inner workings of power.

This latest development follows testimony from another former Biden aide, Neera Tanden, who admitted to directing autopen signatures without clarity on who provided final approval. The layers of ambiguity surrounding these practices only deepen the questions about accountability at the highest levels. As this investigation unfolds, the spotlight remains firmly on those who stood closest to the former president during his most scrutinized moments.