Joe Biden, now 82 years old, has started to carve out a new chapter in his post-presidential life, and it’s one that could lead him straight to Hollywood. This week, Biden made headlines with a major announcement: he’s signed with Creative Artists Agency (CAA), a talent powerhouse known for representing some of the biggest names in entertainment. While the specifics of his new projects remain under wraps, the possibilities are endless.
A new frontier for the former president
This deal signals Biden’s first significant move to monetize his life after the presidency, raising questions about what he has planned for his future. Biden is no stranger to making money after his vice presidency. In fact, his financial dealings have often raised eyebrows over the years, with millions flowing into his pockets thanks to lucrative speaking engagements and a controversial academic position at the University of Pennsylvania.
But this deal with CAA? It could take Biden’s brand to a whole new level. CAA also represents the Obamas, who have enjoyed immense success with their production company, Higher Ground. With an impressive portfolio of projects, including the Oscar-winning documentary American Factory, the Obamas have proven that former political figures can create a lasting impact in the entertainment industry. Biden is now poised to follow in their footsteps.
Biden’s history of big paydays
Before this CAA deal, Biden and his family had already racked up significant sums of money after leaving office. Biden’s speaking fees were nothing short of staggering. In the years following his time as vice president, he received huge paydays for public speaking engagements at universities across the country. He earned $190,000 for speaking at Drew University and $182,000 at Lake Michigan College. His speaking tours took him to prestigious institutions, where he raked in six-figure sums for sharing his experiences and insights.
His wife, Jill Biden, also capitalized on her time as second lady, cashing in with speaking fees from universities like Stanford and Loyola University of Chicago. While some critics have questioned the ethical implications of these high-paying gigs, there’s no denying the financial success the Bidens have enjoyed post-office.
The controversy surrounding the Bidens’ earnings
Of course, Biden’s financial dealings haven’t been without controversy. Critics have raised concerns about the Bidens’ ties to foreign entities and the way they structured their earnings. For instance, Biden’s relationship with CEFC China Energy has been a focal point of debate. The Chinese company allegedly funneled millions of dollars into accounts linked to Hunter Biden and his brother James Biden, despite the lack of any tangible business activity.
In addition, Biden’s arrangement at the University of Pennsylvania also raised eyebrows. Despite earning nearly $1 million in speaking fees and a professorship position, Biden visited the campus only a handful of times. This situation became even more complicated when classified documents were discovered at Biden’s office, leading to a special counsel investigation.
While the Bidens have defended these arrangements, their critics claim they used their political connections to profit in ways that skirted ethical boundaries. Nonetheless, the money flowed, and now Biden seems to be looking toward Hollywood as his next big payday.
Biden goes Hollywood?
The deal with CAA opens up a world of possibilities for Biden. While the exact nature of his future projects is still unclear, it’s likely that he will leverage his political experience, global influence, and public persona in a variety of ways. Biden could follow in the Obamas’ footsteps and produce documentaries, create podcasts, or even star in TV shows and films. With his vast network and years of experience in public life, Biden is a marketable figure for studios looking to cash in on his name and legacy.
Biden’s connection to Hollywood could also extend to writing a memoir or book, a common venture for former political figures. His 2017 memoir, Promise Me, Dad, was released through CAA, and its success could encourage him to write more. As we’ve seen with other former presidents, books can become lucrative projects, and Biden’s story could sell well.
There’s also speculation that Biden might take on a more direct role in media production, following in the footsteps of former president Ronald Reagan, who had a successful career as a Hollywood actor before entering politics. Biden, however, has not shown any clear interest in acting. Instead, his focus may lie in becoming a key player in political media, where his voice could continue to influence global conversations.
Biden’s legacy and future influence
Despite stepping away from the presidency, Biden has made it clear that he doesn’t plan to retire from politics completely. In his final days in office, Biden spoke about the fight for a better future, even after leaving the White House. He has remained an active voice on social media, posting regularly on X (formerly Twitter) and engaging in political commentary. His recent tweet congratulating Minnesota’s Ken Martin on his victory as Democratic National Committee Chair shows that Biden is still involved in the political landscape.
Biden has said that his voice will continue to resonate in the political arena, whether through speeches, writings, or other forms of public engagement. It seems that the former president isn’t done yet.
