Annie Tomasini, former assistant to President Joe Biden, pleaded the Fifth during a closed-door deposition regarding Biden’s mental decline, House Oversight Chair James Comer said Friday.
Tomasini, who also served as former assistant to the president and deputy director of Oval Office operations, is the third Biden aide to take Fifth Amendment protection against self-incrimination in the committee’s probe.
“There is now a pattern of key Biden confidants seeking to shield themselves from criminal liability for this potential conspiracy,” Comer stated in a post to X. (RELATED: Ex-Biden Aide Neera Tanden Allegedly Directed Autopen Use Without Knowing Who Provided Final Approval)
“Annie Tomasini … pleaded the Fifth when asked if Joe Biden, a member of his family, or anyone at the White House instructed her to lie regarding his health at any time,” Comer continued.
Comer claimed that Tomasini also pleaded the Fifth when asked if she ever advised Biden on the handling of classified documents found in his garage, if Biden or anyone else in the White House instructed her to conceal or destroy classified materials found in Biden’s personal possession, or if “she ever conspired with anyone in the White House to hide information regarding the Biden family’s ‘business’ dealings.’”
The Chairman argued that it’s “unbelievable” that Tomasini and other witnesses are refusing to answer questions about Biden’s ability to serve as president. (RELATED: Rep Comer: ‘The Odds Of Calling In Jill Biden’ As Witness In Autopen Investigation ‘Increased Significantly Today’)
Comer had issued a subpoena to Tomasini for allegedly “running interference” for Biden as his mental state declined. Tomasini — along with former chief of staff to first lady Jill Biden Anthony Bernal — we part of the “politburo,” as described in Alex Thompson and Jake Tapper’s book, “Original Sin,” that allegedly shielded Biden from questions about his health. (RELATED: House Oversight To Depose Ex-Biden Physician Kevin O’Connor)
Bernal repeatedly invoked the Fifth Amendment during a closed-door deposition before the Committee on Wednesday.
Kevin O’Connor, former physician to President Joe Biden, was the first of those subpoenaed to plead the Fifth Amendment during his deposition on July 9.
