A former top aide to President Joe Biden has validated to Fox News Digital that reported allegations against a high-ranking White House official, including accusations of long-standing bullying and verbal sexual harassment of staff members, hold credibility.
The former aide contends that these claims warrant a thorough internal investigation.
Former top Biden aide confirms reports of WH official's alleged bullying, sexual harassment of staffers https://t.co/i3Am5lYire
— Fox News (@FoxNews) March 13, 2024
Anthony Bernal, a top aide to First Lady Jill Biden who is openly gay, has been the subject of scrutiny, as detailed in a recent report by the New York Post.
The report suggests that Bernal's alleged questionable workplace behavior has gone unchecked due to his close relationship with the first lady, who reportedly regards him as a "work husband."
The allegations against Bernal include engaging in inappropriate behavior, such as speculating about the size of staffers' genitals, purportedly as a means of asserting dominance.
A former Biden aide, speaking anonymously, corroborated the report's claims, expressing surprise that more staffers hadn't come forward sooner.
According to the Post's report, Bernal's alleged misconduct extends across various settings, from his tenure in the current White House to previous roles during the Biden campaign and vice presidency.
Sources cited in the report described Bernal's behavior as classic sexual harassment, with allegations ranging from commenting on individuals' attractiveness to speculating about their sexual orientation.
Some sources asserted that Bernal's conduct had been known for years but had gone unaddressed, creating a toxic work environment for staffers.
In response to the allegations, White House Chief of Staff Jeff Zients issued a statement defending Bernal, expressing full confidence in his character.
The former aide questioned Zients' handling of the situation, suggesting that defending Bernal undermined efforts to address workplace misconduct within the administration.
The former aide noted the potential impact on the White House's reputation and called for a comprehensive internal investigation into the matter. The allegations against Bernal highlight broader concerns about workplace culture and accountability within the Biden administration.
As the administration seeks to promote a culture of respect and inclusivity, addressing allegations of misconduct involving high-ranking officials becomes paramount to upholding these principles.
The former aide's remarks underscore the urgency of taking decisive action to address the issues as the Biden administration faces controversy on multiple fronts during the president's reelection campaign in his likely rematch against Trump.
