Washington, D.C. — Former top White House aide Annie Tomasini declined to answer questions during a closed-door deposition with the House Oversight Committee on Friday, invoking her Fifth Amendment right multiple times, according to a source familiar with the proceedings.
Tomasini, who served as deputy chief of staff under President Joe Biden, is now the third former Biden official to plead the Fifth as House Republicans investigate whether key aides concealed signs of Biden’s alleged cognitive decline and mishandled sensitive materials during his presidency.
She appeared before the committee under subpoena and remained in the hearing room for less than an hour. Tomasini did not speak to reporters before or after the deposition, and her legal team did not respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
Refusal to Answer Key Questions
According to a source with knowledge of the deposition, Tomasini refused to answer whether she was ever instructed by Biden, his family, or White House officials to misrepresent the president’s health. She also declined to answer whether she had been involved in advising on or concealing classified documents discovered at Biden’s home or office, or if she took part in efforts to hide details about the Biden family’s business dealings.
Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.), Chair of the House Oversight Committee, confirmed her use of the Fifth Amendment in a statement:
“Today, the third witness in our investigation into the cover-up of President Biden’s cognitive decline and unauthorized executive actions pleaded the Fifth Amendment. There is now a clear pattern of Biden insiders trying to shield themselves from criminal liability.”
Comer added that the committee would continue pressing for transparency, saying it’s “unbelievable” that key officials are refusing to answer basic questions about the former president’s capacity to serve.
Growing List of Biden Officials Staying Silent
Tomasini’s appearance comes after former White House physician Dr. Kevin O’Connor and longtime Jill Biden aide Anthony Bernal also refused to testify substantively, each invoking their Fifth Amendment rights under subpoena.
Tomasini was originally expected to appear voluntarily, but her legal team requested a formal subpoena, according to committee staff.
In total, five former or current Biden administration figures have now been questioned in the probe.
Focus on Biden’s Mental Fitness and Classified Materials
The Oversight Committee’s investigation centers on allegations that top Biden aides covered up indications of cognitive or physical decline during his time in office and potentially facilitated executive actions—such as signing documents—without Biden’s full awareness or consent. One area of scrutiny is the alleged use of an autopen to approve decisions.
Republicans are also probing the discovery of classified documents at Biden’s private properties and whether there was any effort to conceal them.
Pushback from Biden Allies
Biden and his allies have dismissed the allegations. In a recent interview with The New York Times, the former president said he “made every decision” himself during his term.
A source familiar with the Biden team’s thinking criticized the GOP-led probe as politically driven:
“This is a dangerous attempt to smear and embarrass people close to the president. The goal is to create just one inconsistency so Trump’s DOJ can go after Biden’s allies.”
What’s Next
Comer has vowed to continue the investigation and explore options to obtain answers from key figures who have so far declined to cooperate.
“There needs to be accountability,” Comer said. “The American people deserve to know the truth.”
