A shocking report has revealed that the White House worked tirelessly to conceal President Joe Biden’s declining mental and physical condition throughout his presidency.
The Wall Street Journal detailed a carefully orchestrated strategy involving vocal coaches, delegated responsibilities, canceled meetings, and strict control over the president’s public appearances.
Behind the Scenes: A Carefully Managed Image
The report describes how Biden’s aides avoided situations that could expose his struggles, scrapping key meetings on his “bad days” and delegating presidential duties to top officials like National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and National Economic Council head Lael Brainard. Biden was often provided with detailed instruction cards outlining where to walk, sit, and speak at public events.
In one instance, Hollywood mogul Jeffrey Katzenberg was reportedly enlisted to hire a voice coach to strengthen Biden’s fading voice. When his voice faltered, aides canceled public engagements and avoided phone calls, further shielding the president from scrutiny.
The Public Grows Wary
Despite these efforts, Biden’s decline became increasingly evident. A turning point came last year when Special Counsel Robert Hur’s report painted a picture of a forgetful and frail president. Hur decided not to press charges against Biden for mishandling classified documents, noting that the then-81-year-old would appear to a jury as a “sympathetic, elderly man with a poor memory.”
During preparations for his interview with Hur, Biden reportedly struggled to repeat back lines fed to him by his staff, raising concerns about his cognitive abilities.
Cancelled Meetings and Aides’ Growing Influence
National security meetings were frequently canceled, with aides explaining the president was having a “bad day.” Power over the administration became concentrated in a tight circle of advisors, including Bruce Reed, Steve Ricchetti, and Mike Donilon, nicknamed the “Biden whisperers.” Lower-level staff expressed frustration over this trio’s outsized influence, accusing them of running the country while Biden struggled.
Even members of Congress were sidelined. Congressman Adam Smith, chair of the House Armed Services Committee, was unable to reach Biden ahead of the chaotic Afghanistan withdrawal in 2021. Smith later criticized the administration’s handling of the crisis and was reprimanded by Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
The 2024 Campaign Disaster
By late June 2024, Biden’s struggles were on full display during a debate against Donald Trump. Gaffes, blank stares, and fumbles filled the televised event, leading to widespread criticism from the public and within his own party. Senior Democrats and voters alike called for Biden to step aside.
Just a month later, Biden ended his reelection campaign and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris, who ultimately lost to Trump in the November election.
Tensions with Jill Biden
Throughout his presidency, comparisons to First Lady Jill Biden, who maintained a packed and energetic schedule, highlighted Biden’s slower pace. Staff reportedly worried that Jill’s high energy made the president “look bad,” with aides downplaying her campaign appearances in 2020 to avoid unfavorable comparisons.
Biden’s Legacy and Party Fallout
As Biden prepares to leave office, his approval ratings have hit an all-time low. Members of his own party have criticized him as “selfish” for remaining in the 2024 race despite his evident struggles. The decision to pardon his son Hunter Biden earlier this month, after Hunter’s conviction for lying on a federal gun purchase form, further fueled discontent among Democrats and voters.
While Biden cites his lifelong stutter as a contributing factor to his verbal missteps, critics argue that his presidency was marred by mismanagement and secrecy. For many, the Wall Street Journal report confirms what they have suspected for years: a presidency carefully managed by aides, with a leader increasingly unfit for the role.
