Anthony Bernal, former Chief of Staff to First Lady Jill Biden and a senior advisor, has been formally subpoenaed by the House Oversight Committee following his refusal to participate in a deposition about President Joe Biden’s mental fitness, according to Chairman Rep. James Comer (R-KY).
Bernal originally agreed to a transcribed interview scheduled for June 26, but withdrew after the Trump White House counsel announced it would not assert executive privilege—removing the legal protection Bernal was previously relying upon.
Comer said in a statement:
“With no privilege left to hide behind, Anthony Bernal … never intended to be transparent about Joe Biden’s cognitive decline and the ensuing cover-up. … I will promptly issue a subpoena to compel Anthony Bernal’s testimony before the Committee”.
Bernal, often described as the “work husband” of Jill Biden, was an integral figure within the White House, accompanying the Bidens on official trips and playing a significant role within their inner circle.
His subpoena mandates his appearance for a deposition on July 16. Failure to comply could lead to contempt charges and potential enforcement by the Department of Justice, Comer’s office said.
The Oversight Committee is probing whether senior aides—such as Neera Tanden, Dr. Kevin O’Connor, and Bernal—were involved in concealing signs of mental decline or misusing autopen signatures to issue official documents without President Biden’s direct involvement.
Former aide Neera Tanden voluntarily testified last week and stated she had limited direct contact with Biden, despite signing documents on his behalf—a revelation that raised questions about who truly managed executive power
