House GOP subpoenas ex-top aide in Biden age investigation
Republicans Subpoena Former Biden Aide in Mental Fitness Investigation
Republicans on the House Oversight Committee have issued a subpoena to Anthony Bernal, a senior aide to former first lady Jill Biden, as part of their investigation into former President Joe Biden's mental fitness during his time in office.
The subpoena, signed by Rep. James Comer of Kentucky, mandates Bernal to appear for a deposition on July 16. This action followed failed attempts to schedule a voluntary interview with Bernal, who withdrew from a meeting set for Thursday.
The committee seeks to understand if Bernal was involved in concealing Biden's fitness to serve. Bernal is the second former Biden staffer subpoenaed, with more expected to follow. The committee aims to interview several other members of Biden's inner circle.
Dr. Kevin O'Connor, Biden's former physician, has also been subpoenaed to testify on July 9. O'Connor's lawyers cited legal and ethical concerns against disclosing medical information as the reason for the subpoena.
The investigation, supported by President Trump, focuses on Biden's use of the autopen and the legitimacy of his executive actions. Biden has refuted these claims, asserting that he made all decisions during his presidency.
Executive privilege has been waived for eight former Biden administration officials, allowing them to discuss their interactions with Biden while in office. The probe could impact the validity of executive actions taken during Biden's term.
Democrats criticize the investigation as a partisan distraction from more pressing issues. Rep. Wesley Bell dismissed the inquiry as unproductive and urged a focus on critical matters like food costs and healthcare policy.
The investigation has expanded in recent weeks, raising concerns about Biden's final year in office. Allegations of his cognitive decline and decision not to seek reelection have been denied by Biden.
The potential implications of the investigation on politics and policy remain significant. Republicans argue that executive actions taken through the autopen could be invalidated if Biden's mental state while in office is questioned.
Rep. Comer emphasized the committee's determination to uncover the truth about Biden's alleged decline and unauthorized use of the autopen through the subpoena issued to Biden's inner circle.