Allegations from a former Democratic insider have ignited fresh scrutiny over who was truly in charge during President Biden’s term.
Lindy Li, previously a top DNC fundraiser and embedded White House observer, claims senior aides and the First Lady orchestrated a cover-up of Biden’s cognitive challenges while quietly pulling the strings behind the scenes.
Li sat down with Fox News Digital in an exclusive interview to share details from her time inside Democratic circles, alleging she witnessed decisions not driven by the president, but by a close circle of high-level advisors and family.
According to Li, the real seat of power sat with staffers Anthony Bernal, Bruce Reed, Steve Ricchetti, Anita Dunn and Mike Donilon, whom she portrayed as the true operators of the White House during Biden’s administration.
In her words, “[Biden is] definitely complicit,” but his ability to fully lead was undermined by those around him who, she says, “ran the White House like he was in charge.” She was especially critical of Jill Biden, calling her role “absolutely elder abuse.”
Li characterized the First Lady not as a supportive spouse but as a calculating figure who knew full well the impact of her decisions, allegedly encouraging Biden to remain in power for selfish aims tied to family and legacy.
The emergence of Li’s insider claims coincides with a new movement from the House Oversight Committee, which has issued subpoenas to shed light on possible concealment tactics within the administration’s upper ranks.
Anthony Bernal, a former top advisor and loyal confidant to Jill Biden, is set to testify later this month. He had previously declined a voluntary appearance, even after the White House Counsel waived executive privilege—a move that raised eyebrows across party lines.
Li alleged that Bernal “followed Jill around like a dog” and operated with unchecked power, with many staff deferring to him as if he were the final word on East Wing decisions.
Also in the hot seat is former domestic policy chief Neera Tanden, who recently appeared before the Oversight Committee to explain the use of an autopen for signing presidential documents, according to committee records.
Li contends Tanden played a key role in that process, especially during moments when, in her view, Biden was “manifestly unqualified and unable” to carry out his official responsibilities.
In her public statement, Tanden said she “answered every question” fully and participated in what she described as a “thorough process.” The contrast with Li’s account couldn’t be more stark.
Li didn’t hold back comparing Tanden’s polished performances to Jill Biden’s public encouragements during gaffe-filled moments involving the president. She said it reminded her of Jill’s overly cheerful reassurance that Joe had “answered every question” after a widely criticized debate showing.
Calling the scene “an eerie parallel,” Li argued it reflected a pattern—keep things on-script and give the illusion of competence, regardless of the internal reality.
She alleged this practice extended into campaign season, saying that Jill Biden frequently substituted for the president at events and began behaving as if she were the nominee herself.
Li accused Jill Biden of pushing her husband to stay in office in part because of son Hunter Biden’s legal issues, claiming the First Lady had “personal motivations” for maintaining political control.
According to Li, Hunter’s legal jeopardy tied into the family’s desire to keep Biden in power—an assertion that aligns with her claim that Jill’s ego and Hunter’s future were determining factors in major reelection decisions.
Li said that Jill’s high-profile appearances—including gracing fashion magazine covers—reflected not just influence, but ambition that overshadowed presidential capacity.
Since leaving the Democratic Party in December, Li says allies have turned their backs on her, rendering her a political outcast for speaking up about what she saw from the inside.
Li made it clear she’s not surprised by the party’s silence, calling out aides who declined comment when Fox News Digital reached out. “They deny the cover-up, but I had a front-row seat watching it happen,” she said.
One unnamed former Biden official dismissed the disclosures with a smug quip: “Who is Lindy Li?”—a phrase that, if Li’s allegations hold, may not age well.