A recent report has revealed that White House aides carefully managed President Joe Biden’s responsibilities and public appearances from the start of his presidency to hide his apparent mental decline.
Interviews with nearly 50 individuals connected to the administration describe a tightly controlled environment aimed at insulating the 82-year-old president and handling his decreasing capabilities.
The Wall Street Journal’s investigation details how aides adjusted President Biden’s schedule, often pushing meetings to later in the day to accommodate his sharper mental states. Sources reveal that meetings were sometimes canceled altogether on “bad days,” leaving senior staff to handle presidential duties.
White House aides Annie Tomasini and Ashley Williams were reportedly tasked with staying close to Biden during events, providing basic instructions such as when to leave or exit a stage. These efforts were part of a broader strategy to minimize the president’s exposure to potential missteps.
Despite these measures, public signs of Biden’s struggles were evident. The president often relied on notecards and large, printed instructions, and he frequently mixed up names and facts during speeches. His limited press conferences—fewer than any modern president—added to speculation about his fitness for office.
Aides’ efforts to control access extended to Biden’s interactions with his cabinet. Instead of direct communication, many cabinet officials found themselves working through the president’s advisers.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, for example, experienced a reduction in one-on-one meetings with Biden, relying instead on intermediaries to convey information and receive directives.
Lawmakers and administration officials questioned this strategy, with some thinking that Biden’s aides were taking on responsibilities that needed to be performed by Biden himself.
Independent Senator Joe Manchin remarked that staffers often interceded on matters he expected to address directly with the president.
During Biden’s re-election campaign, aides exerted a similar degree of control. Donors attending private events were reportedly instructed to submit questions in advance, which were later filtered and curated. Staff also managed Biden’s exposure to polling data, relaying results to campaign aides rather than the president directly.
Even first lady Jill Biden played a role in mitigating potential mishaps, reportedly cautioning against prolonged solo press conferences. Her concern was that extended events might leave Biden vulnerable to difficult questions and highlight his declining faculties.
The revelations paint a different picture, despite White House spokesperson Andrew Bates‘ adamant defense of Biden’s record, characterizing him as actively involved with his cabinet and policy details.
Aides reportedly removed negative reports from Biden’s daily news briefings, shielding him from criticism and fostering an environment disconnected from public sentiment.
These revelations come as Biden’s presidency winds down and as President-elect Donald Trump dominates the national political stage. The findings raise critical questions about the transparency of Biden’s administration and the long-term implications of managing a presidency under such tight constraints.
The report raises significant questions about the accountability and decision-making processes within the Biden administration, shedding light on a presidency influenced heavily by aides rather than the commander-in-chief himself.