WASHINGTON — Former President Joe Biden’s deputy chief of staff Annie Tomasini became the third ex-White House aide to plead the Fifth Amendment in a deposition on Capitol Hill Friday, with Republicans accusing her of participating in a “historic scandal” to cover up the commander-in-chief’s mental fitness.
“There is now a pattern of key Biden confidants seeking to shield themselves from criminal liability for this potential conspiracy,” House Oversight Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) declared after Tomasini declined to say whether the White House “instructed her to lie” about the president’s health.
“She also pleaded the Fifth when asked if she ever advised President Biden on the handling of classified documents found in his garage, if President Biden or anyone in the White House instructed her to conceal or destroy classified material found at President Biden’s home or office, and if she ever conspired with anyone in the White House to hide information regarding the Biden family’s ‘business’ dealings,” added Comer.
“It’s apparent they would rather hide key information to protect themselves and Joe Biden than be truthful with the American people about this historic scandal.”
Tomasini began her career as a press secretary for then-Senator Biden (D-Del.) when he chaired the Senate Foreign Relations Committee nearly three decades ago.
She initially agreed to come before the committee willingly, but reversed her decision earlier this week.
Her lawyer requested a subpoena to compel her appearance in front of the Oversight panel.
Oversight Republicans announced Thursday that the investigation into Biden’s decline and autopen use will continue with a new slate of hearings.
Four additional members of Biden’s inner circle, including ex-press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, have been invited for a series of voluntary, transcribed interviews that will be carried out this fall.
Ian Sams, a former White House counsel office spokesperson, will be the first to come before the committee on August 21.
Next to appear will be Andrew Bates, who served as Biden’s senior deputy press security.
Jean-Pierre, who became persona non grata in Biden world after announcing her new exposé book and change of party affiliation to independent, will follow him, appearing on September 12 to answer questions.
Other member of the president’s inner circle will also be interviewed, including Ron Klain, who is set to appear next week before the Oversight Committee.
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