A new report has revealed that White House aides took extensive measures to cover up President Joe Biden’s apparent mental decline since the beginning of his presidency.
According to an explosive investigation by The Wall Street Journal, staffers made significant efforts to shield the 82-year-old president from the public eye, adjusting his schedule and limiting his interactions to prevent further scatterbrained performances.
The White House’s efforts to protect Biden’s image have been widely known. The president has hosted fewer large press conferences than any recent president and has often fumbled through speeches or made gaffes.
However, the extent to which his aides manipulated his schedule to account for his mental and physical state has remained largely hidden until now.
Soon after Biden assumed office in January 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic, aides began adjusting his daily routine.
The president, frequently appearing tired or confused, had meetings scheduled later in the day, as it became clear he struggled with energy and focus.
This became evident during his debate with then-President Donald Trump, where Biden’s campaign admitted that he could function only within a six-hour window, ending around 4 p.m.
Biden’s staff also minimised his public speaking and limited his time in front of crowds.
Briefings were kept short, and Biden was often given notecards or printed instructions to help him stay on track. In addition, a voice coach, Hollywood mogul and campaign co-chair Jeffrey Katzenberg, was hired to help improve his raspy tone, further highlighting the administration’s concern over his public image.
As Biden’s approval ratings reached a 70-year low in 2024, aides removed adverse media reports from his daily reading to shield him from criticism and mislead him about the public’s opinion of his job performance.
White House Deputy Press Secretary Andrew Bates defended the administration’s handling of Biden’s schedule and leadership. In a statement, Bates said, “President Biden speaks with members of his cabinet daily, staying close with them on key laws and national security efforts.
He leads a modern administration, and the frequency of cabinet meetings reflects the evolving work environment.”
However, signs of Biden’s cognitive struggles have been rigid to ignore throughout his presidency. The president has often relied on notes, mixed up names, and gaffed during speeches or when deviating from prepared remarks. His mental stamina was also questioned during his interview with special counsel Robert Hur regarding the retention of classified documents.
Despite Biden reportedly pushing for the interview, staffers faced challenges as Biden struggled to remember key details, such as the year his son, Beau Biden, died of brain cancer.
Biden’s campaign also faced difficulties keeping the president’s public image intact during his brief re-election bid. Staffers were concerned that first lady Jill Biden could potentially overshadow him, so they were instructed to limit her visibility to avoid drawing attention away from the president.
Bates concluded with a statement defending Biden’s leadership: “President Biden has an unparalleled record of accomplishments, rebuilding the middle class and advancing an ambitious economic agenda. His administration thrives on soliciting diverse opinions and working closely with experts, everyday Americans, and elected officials.”
Despite these efforts to manage Biden’s public image, his cognitive challenges continue to raise questions as the 2024 election approaches.
