Jill Biden’s Potential Testimony in Autopen Investigation

During an appearance on Fox News’ “Hannity,” House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer stated that the likelihood of former First Lady Jill Biden needing to testify in an autopen investigation has “significantly increased.”

Comer’s comments followed remarks by Biden in the New York Times, where she mentioned that she allowed her staff to utilize autopens as a way to show “tolerance” to many individuals. After questioning a former aide, Hannity inquired whether Comer would consider calling Jill Biden to testify. This question arose in light of a lawsuit filed by former Chief of Staff Anthony Bernal, who pleaded the Fifth Amendment during his testimony.

“I think the chances of calling Jill Biden have increased today,” Comer said. He noted that Bernal’s deposition, initially expected to last eight hours, turned contentious as he repeatedly invoked the Fifth Amendment, leaving many questions unanswered.

Comer highlighted the need to understand Jill Biden’s influence during Joe Biden’s incapacitation, pointing out that Bernal had the chance to clarify these issues but opted to decline to answer.

In May, Comer mentioned that the committee had summoned several former Biden staff members, including Dr. Kevin O’Connor, for depositions related to Biden’s performance while in office. This inquiry gained traction amid rising public concerns regarding Biden’s mental fitness, fueled by a book from CNN’s Jake Tapper and Axios’ Alex Thompson, which cited serious worries about his cognitive decline.

Just days before the publication of the book, Biden’s office disclosed that he had been diagnosed with a more aggressive form of prostate cancer that had spread to his bones. This revelation raised questions regarding the implications of his health status during his presidency and whether medical professionals, like former Obama advisor Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel, had noted issues as early as early 2021.

Before leaving office in January, Biden also announced various amnesties affecting several high-profile individuals, including former medical advisor Anthony Fauci and General Mark Milley, while commuting the sentences of around 1,500 people, including several Democrats and civil servants.

O’Connor and Bernal had previously met with lawmakers in July and similarly invoked the Fifth Amendment when queried about Biden’s mental health and tenure at the White House.