Biden Administration and First Lady Criticized Over Me Too Allegations Handling
(Yahoo)
A new Me Too controversy has emerged, casting a shadow over the 2024 U.S. presidential election landscape, with allegations now pointing towards the Biden administration. Insider reports have surfaced, accusing President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden of overlooking alleged sexual misconduct by a senior aide, as detailed by the New York Post.
Sources from within the White House have identified Anthony Bernal, a key official and close associate of Dr. Jill Biden, as the individual accused of engaging in bullying and sexual harassment. Bernal, who has been described as the First Lady’s “work husband,” is alleged to have been involved in a series of inappropriate behaviors spanning over a decade.
“It is to make people uncomfortable and to have power over them,” one source told The Post. “It is Me Too — classic Me Too.” Some other sources recalled Bernal’s below-the-belt remarks about female colleagues, their physical features, sexuality, and personal lives. One specific insider recounted an incident where the top aide “remarked on another staffer’s bulge in his khakis.”
“It was a lot of inappropriate remarks – talking about other people’s attractiveness and speculating about their sex lives at very weird moments,” another source added. “That’s actually sexual harassment.” Meanwhile, other fellow staff at the White House reported feeling “uncomfortable” by the mere presence of Bernal.
Eyewitness accounts from an anonymous insider allege that Bernal frequently made lewd and sexually charged comments about female colleagues, often objectifying them and making crude jokes about their bodies. This behavior reportedly included offensive remarks linking individuals’ physical attributes to their genitalia, contributing to a toxic workplace atmosphere.
Despite numerous complaints and voices raised against Bernal’s conduct, the President and the First Lady are said to have taken no disciplinary action against him. Bernal’s perceived invulnerability, attributed to his close relationship with Dr. Biden, has reportedly allowed him to evade consequences for his actions, raising concerns about accountability within the administration.
Further revelations from a recent book suggest that Dr. Jill Biden’s reliance on Bernal for professional matters, coupled with his dominant presence, has made life difficult for other staff members. The book hints at a complex dynamic between Bernal and the First Lady, suggesting that his influence extends significantly within the East Wing of the White House.
The situation has prompted questions regarding the First Lady’s awareness of the alleged misconduct. According to the book’s author, Katie Rogers, Dr. Biden is not oblivious to the tensions caused by Bernal but has advised those affected to address their grievances directly with him. This approach, however, has been met with skepticism, with some insiders doubting the willingness of Dr. Biden’s advisers to confront her with hard truths about Bernal’s behavior.
The ongoing scandal has cast a spotlight on the Biden administration’s handling of internal issues, raising doubts about their commitment to addressing sexual harassment within their ranks. The lack of action against Bernal has led to criticism of both the President and the First Lady, with observers questioning the ethical standards and leadership within the White House.
