Top Jill Biden aide was despised by colleagues, new book claims

President Joe Biden’s aides are considering First Lady Jill Biden as one of the most powerful first ladies in history, according to a new book titled “Original Sin” by CNN anchor Jake Tapper and Axios political correspondent Alex Thompson. The book sheds light on the inner workings of the White House and reveals the significant influence that the first lady and her top aide, Anthony Bernal, have had on the administration.

Bernal, in particular, has emerged as one of the most influential figures within the White House, wielding loyalty as a weapon to ensure that only those aligned with the Biden family’s interests remain in positions of power. According to Tapper and Thompson, Bernal made it his mission to weed out defectors and ensure that only those who were loyal to the Bidens were allowed to remain in the West Wing.

During the pandemic, Bernal and another senior advisor, Annie Tomasini, became key figures in Joe and Jill Biden’s inner circle, shifting the power dynamic within the administration. Described as intensely loyal and taking on an “older-brother-and-little-sister vibe,” the duo played a significant role in shaping Biden’s political orbit.

Bernal and Tomasini’s rise in influence signaled a shift towards prioritizing loyalty to the Biden family above all else. They were instrumental in loading a teleprompter for Biden ahead of a local interview, a misstep that highlighted the influence they wielded within the administration.

Despite facing criticism from some colleagues, Bernal and Tomasini continued to solidify their positions within the White House, even taking on roles traditionally reserved for residence staffers. Their access to the living quarters of the White House was unprecedented for aides of their status.

As the Biden campaign began gearing up for a potential re-election bid, Bernal and other senior staffers dismissed concerns about the president’s age or polling numbers in battleground states. They were focused on securing a second term for Biden, with Bernal already planning the first lady’s 2025 international travel schedule.

Bernal’s unwavering loyalty to the Bidens was evident, with both him and Jill Biden pushing forward despite setbacks such as a disastrous debate performance in July 2024. The first lady remained a staunch supporter of the president’s decision to run for re-election, even as concerns about his cognitive decline grew.

While Tapper and Thompson’s book paints a complex picture of Bernal and his influence within the White House, a former White House staffer has pushed back against some of the allegations made in the book. According to the former staffer, Bernal was a strong leader with high standards and served as a mentor to many within the administration.

Overall, the revelations in “Original Sin” shed light on the inner workings of the Biden administration and the significant role that Jill Biden and her top aide, Anthony Bernal, have played in shaping the president’s political orbit. Their unwavering loyalty to the Bidens has solidified their positions as key figures within the White House, despite facing criticism from some colleagues.