Key Points Summary – Joe Biden Speaking Fee Trouble
- Joe Biden is reportedly struggling to land paid speaking gigs after leaving office.
- He’s asking for $300,000 per appearance, but few are interested.
- Agencies say the price is too high, and his recent gaffes aren’t helping.
- Biden’s comments at recent events raised eyebrows and drew criticism from former aides.
- Hollywood-based talent agency CAA may not be the right fit to book political speeches.
- His post-vice presidency talks drew big paychecks from colleges — but interest has cooled.
- Some believe demand could rise if Trump remains in the spotlight.
- Former staffers say it’s time for Biden to embrace retirement, not the speaker’s podium.
Joe Biden Speaking Fee Trouble – $300K Price Tag Flops in Post-White House Circuit
It looks like not everyone wants a front-row seat to hear Joe Biden these days. The 82-year-old former president is reportedly having trouble booking speaking engagements, even as he demands a whopping $300,000 per appearance.
Insiders say the problem isn’t just the price tag. It’s the timing, the delivery, and the man himself. And now, Biden’s post-presidency career is facing its most awkward challenge yet — nobody’s buying what he’s selling.
$300K to Speak? Even That Might Be a Discount
Biden’s current rate is 25% less than what Barack Obama charged after leaving office in 2017. But even with that markdown, the bookings just aren’t coming.
Sources tell us that Biden’s team, including Hollywood talent giant Creative Artists Agency (CAA), is having a rough time getting buyers.
“CAA is having trouble booking gigs, which isn’t surprising,” a source told The Post.
Despite Biden’s fame and experience, conference organizers aren’t lining up — and some say his recent speeches are only making things worse.
His Latest Speech Sparked Cringe, Not Checks
Earlier this week, Biden gave his first public address since leaving office at a disability rights event in Chicago. But instead of winning hearts, he raised eyebrows by referring to Black Americans as “colored kids.”
That slip-up, combined with his generally meandering remarks, left even former aides shaking their heads.
“It felt like seeing someone you care about start to regress,” said one ex-White House staffer. “We just wanted him to enjoy retirement — not go out like this.”
Ouch.
Jet Rides and Staff Expenses? It’s All Part of the Package
Biden’s speaking package doesn’t stop at the $300,000 fee. If travel is required, the deal includes a private jet and expenses for five staffers.
And while it’s not unusual for high-profile political figures to travel in style, conference organizers are balking at the total cost, especially given Biden’s diminishing draw.
Did His Team Make a Huge Mistake?
Critics say part of the problem may be Biden’s decision to sign with CAA, which is best known for repping Hollywood stars — not former presidents.
“CAA is a Hollywood shop,” one insider said. “They’re not set up to market speakers to, like, the National Duty-Free Shopping Conference.”
By contrast, agencies like the Harry Walker Agency, which handle Obama, the Clintons, and other top political figures, have longstanding relationships with the big-money conferences Biden needs.
Some believe switching agencies could help, but others say the damage is already done.
Colleges Once Paid Big — But That Was Before the Presidency
After his vice presidency, Biden cashed in on the college circuit. Public records show he earned:
- $190,000 from Drew University
- $182,000 from Lake Michigan College
- $180,000 from Vanderbilt University
- $180,000 from the University of Buffalo
- $125,000 from Southern Connecticut State
- $100,000 from Long Island University
- $93,000 from Brown University
But now? The academic world seems to have cooled on him, especially after four years of railing against high tuition and college debt.
No Paycheck from Harvard, Either
Biden recently spoke at a private event at the Harvard Institute of Politics, but he wasn’t paid.
And other recent speeches — including appearances at National High School Model UN and a disability advocacy group — may have paid little, if anything. Neither organization responded to requests for comment about compensation.
One source close to the situation says the interest just isn’t there — yet.
“I don’t think he’s a draw right now. But maybe he will be if Trump continues dismantling democracy,” the source added.
Ex-Aides Say It’s Time to Step Back, Not Step Up
Some of Biden’s closest former allies are worried about his legacy.
“He’s done enough,” one former staffer said. “He should be spending time at his beach house, not chasing stages.”
They argue that his continued appearances could tarnish the public’s final image of him, especially when moments like the “colored kids” remark resurface.
And they’re not alone — even minority staffers reportedly felt sidelined during Biden’s presidency, leading to growing disillusionment in his final year.
Can Biden Turn This Around?
Not all hope is lost.
Biden still commands name recognition and has decades of experience and stories to share. Some believe his popularity will return as the next election heats up — especially if Trump remains a central figure.
But for now, he’s stuck in speaker purgatory — too expensive for corporations, too controversial for campuses, and too unpredictable for conferences.
Final Thoughts: Joe Biden Speaking Fee Trouble – Is It Time to Step Away?
The headline says it all: Joe Biden speaking fee trouble is more than a scheduling issue — it’s a reflection of fading public interest, rising costs, and questionable PR choices.
He may have once pulled six-figure checks for a few college quips, but those days seem behind him. Now, even $300,000 isn’t enough to get him booked, and insiders are wondering if the former president should simply enjoy his time out of office — and leave the microphone behind.
Because in the high-stakes world of post-presidential fame, not everyone stays in demand forever. And for Joe Biden, the spotlight might finally be dimming.
