Congress has been investigating the former Biden admin. The Democrats don’t want them looking under that rock.
And a Biden official set Washington, D.C. ablaze during a testimony in Congress.
Anthony Bernal, chief of staff to former first lady Jill Biden, invoked his Fifth Amendment rights during a deposition before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee. The panel is investigating allegations of a coverup regarding former President Joe Biden’s cognitive health.
According to Committee Chairman James Comer, R-Ky., lawmakers questioned Bernal about whether he was ever directed to mislead the public about Biden’s condition or if unelected officials or family members assumed presidential responsibilities. Per The Hill, Bernal declined to answer these questions, citing his Fifth Amendment protections.
Dr. Kevin O’Connor, Biden’s White House physician, also invoked his Fifth Amendment rights during earlier closed-door testimony this month. The GOP-led investigation is examining whether Biden’s inner circle concealed signs of cognitive decline from the public. In a statement, Comer asserted that Bernal’s refusal to testify suggests that Biden’s aides may have improperly taken on executive duties.
“It’s no surprise that Anthony Bernal is pleading the Fifth Amendment to shield himself from criminal liability,” Comer said in a statement. “During his deposition today, Mr. Bernal pleaded the Fifth when asked if any unelected official or family members executed the duties of the President and if Joe Biden ever instructed him to lie about his health. This is a historic scandal and Americans demand transparency and accountability. We will continue to pursue the truth on their behalf and examine options to get the answers we need.”
Investigation into Alleged Coverup of Joe Biden’s Health
The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee’s probe into former President Joe Biden’s health has fueled widespread public suspicion of a coverup, with many Americans questioning the transparency of his administration. The investigation, led by Republican lawmakers, centers on whether Biden’s aides and family concealed signs of cognitive decline during his presidency. The refusal of key figures, including Anthony Bernal, Jill Biden’s chief of staff, and Dr. Kevin O’Connor, Biden’s physician, to answer questions under oath has intensified these concerns.
Public distrust stems from a series of events during Biden’s term, particularly his visible physical and verbal stumbles, which raised questions about his fitness to lead. Polls conducted in 2024 by outlets like Pew Research and Gallup showed that over 60% of Americans doubted Biden’s mental sharpness, with many believing his inner circle shielded him from scrutiny. These sentiments were compounded by reports of limited public appearances and tightly controlled media interactions, which critics argue were designed to mask health issues.
The committee’s findings suggest that unelected officials may have taken on executive responsibilities, a claim that has resonated with voters across party lines. Comer’s assertion that Bernal’s invocation of the Fifth Amendment points to potential wrongdoing has added fuel to the narrative of a coverup. The lack of forthcoming testimony from key aides has led many to speculate that Biden’s team prioritized political optics over accountability.
Even prominent Democrats and media figures have begun acknowledging the issue. CNN’s Jake Tapper, a vocal defender of Democratic policies, recently admitted on air that questions about Biden’s health were mishandled by his administration. “The public deserved clarity, and it’s clear now that there were efforts to downplay legitimate concerns,” Tapper said during a July 2025 broadcast.
The investigation has also highlighted the role of family members, particularly first lady Jill Biden, in managing access to the president. Reports from outlets like The New York Times in 2024 suggested that Jill Biden and close aides tightly controlled Biden’s schedule, limiting unscripted moments. This fueled perceptions that the first family played a significant role in shaping the public’s view of Biden’s health.
Critics point to specific incidents, such as Biden’s halting performances in debates and public speeches, as evidence of cognitive decline. A 2024 ABC News report noted that Biden’s team often cited “exhaustion” or “a cold” to explain verbal gaffes, but these explanations failed to quell public skepticism. The cumulative effect of these moments led to a broad belief that the administration was not fully disclosing the president’s condition.
The White House’s response to these allegations has been guarded. Former press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre repeatedly dismissed health concerns as “speculation” during 2023 and 2024 briefings, according to Politico. However, the administration’s reluctance to provide detailed medical reports, unlike predecessors who released comprehensive health summaries, deepened public mistrust.
Dr. O’Connor’s role has also come under scrutiny. As Biden’s physician, he issued brief statements affirming the president’s fitness but avoided detailed disclosures. His invocation of the Fifth Amendment during testimony has raised questions about whether he faced pressure to withhold information. A 2025 Washington Post analysis noted that O’Connor’s limited public reports contrasted sharply with the more transparent health disclosures of past presidents.
A 2025 Rasmussen Reports poll found that 68% of Americans believe Biden’s health was deliberately concealed, with 45% of Democrats agreeing to some extent. This erosion of trust has sparked calls for reforms, including mandatory health disclosures for sitting presidents.
Republicans have capitalized on the issue, framing it as a betrayal of public confidence. Comer’s committee has vowed to continue its investigation, seeking documents and additional testimony to uncover the extent of any coverup. The GOP argues that such actions, if proven, could constitute an abuse of power by unelected officials.
The controversy has also prompted discussions about age and fitness in politics. With Biden’s presidency ending in 2025, the debate has shifted to future candidates, with voters demanding more transparency about leaders’ health. A 2025 NPR report highlighted growing support for age limits or mandatory cognitive testing for elected officials.
The lack of definitive answers from the investigation continues to frustrate the public. While Bernal and O’Connor’s silence has fueled speculation, no concrete evidence of a coordinated coverup has been made public as of July 2025. Still, the perception of secrecy persists, driven by the administration’s reticence and the committee’s ongoing probe.
