In a striking development, House Republicans are intensifying their scrutiny of former President Joe Biden's administration, contemplating whether to summon both Biden and former First Lady Jill Biden to testify before Congress over allegations of a concealed decline in his health.
According to Fox News, the investigation, spearheaded by the House Oversight Committee, centers on whether Biden's mental and physical condition was hidden by top White House aides during his presidency and if executive decisions were made without his full awareness.
The probe, led by Chairman James Comer, R-Ky., has already seen multiple former aides questioned as part of the effort to uncover the truth. Republicans on the committee are exploring all avenues to gather information, including the possibility of compelling testimony from high-profile figures. Comer has emphasized the urgency of the investigation, indicating a rapid approach to seeking answers from those involved.
"Every option's on the table," Comer stated, highlighting the committee's determination to move forward. "We're going to try to get answers," he added, stressing the need for swift action. "We'll decide as a committee what steps to take next and who to bring in," Comer noted, leaving room for various possibilities.
Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., a key figure in the investigation, has taken a firm stance on the scope of the probe. "As far as I'm concerned, every member of the Biden administration at this point needs to be subpoenaed," Donalds declared. He expressed frustration over the lack of cooperation, pushing for accountability at all levels of the former administration.
The investigation has already subpoenaed three Biden aides, with a fourth, Anthony Bernal, recently questioned in a closed-door deposition. Bernal, a longtime aide and chief of staff to Jill Biden, invoked the Fifth Amendment during his brief session, which lasted less than an hour. Donalds described Bernal's refusal to answer as "stunning," raising further questions about what information might be withheld.
Donalds also pointed to Bernal's close connection to the former First Lady, calling him "her right-hand man." "That's her guy, her chief of staff," Donalds emphasized, underscoring the aide's significant role. "If he came in here and pleaded the fifth, I'm sorry, the former first lady, she's got to come in here and answer questions," he insisted.
Bernal is not the only former White House staffer to remain silent during the probe. Former White House physician Dr. Kevin O'Connor similarly invoked the Fifth Amendment when questioned by the committee. Additionally, former Deputy Chief of Staff Annie Tomascini was subpoenaed at her lawyer’s request as part of the ongoing inquiry.
Beyond the issue of Biden's health, the investigation is examining whether executive actions were authorized without his complete understanding. Questions have arisen about the use of an autopen for signing documents, potentially bypassing Biden's direct involvement. This aspect of the probe adds another layer of complexity to the allegations of a cover-up.
Amid the growing scrutiny, Biden and his supporters have firmly rejected claims of any hidden decline in his condition. "I made every decision," Biden asserted in a recent interview with The New York Times, defending his autonomy. Allies of the former president have also dismissed the accusations as unfounded and politically motivated.
The House Oversight Committee's efforts have been met with resistance, as key witnesses continue to avoid providing substantive responses. Both Comer and Donalds were present during Bernal's deposition, witnessing firsthand the obstacles in obtaining information. Their presence underscores the importance of the investigation to Republican lawmakers seeking clarity.
As the probe unfolds, the potential involvement of Joe and Jill Biden raises significant questions about accountability in government. The idea of summoning a former president and first lady to testify is a rare and bold move by the committee. It signals a willingness to pursue answers, no matter how high the stakes or profiles involved.
For now, the House Oversight Committee remains focused on piecing together the events of Biden's presidency. The investigation's next steps are unclear, with decisions pending on who else might be called to testify. Comer and his team are determined to push forward, despite the challenges posed by uncooperative witnesses.
The allegations at the heart of this probe have captured public attention, given their implications for trust in leadership. As Republicans press for answers, the responses—or lack thereof—from former aides and potentially the Bidens themselves will shape the narrative. The outcome of this investigation could have lasting effects on how executive transparency is perceived.