White House Defended Biden’s Health Amid Growing Concerns
During Joe Biden’s presidency, concerns over his cognitive and physical health grew, but White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre repeatedly dismissed them. In 2022, she responded strongly to a question about Biden’s stamina for a second term, saying, “That is not a question that we should be even asking.” She insisted Biden’s performance proved his fitness, saying, “Just look at the work he does… he’s delivering for the American public.”
Challenging Reports of Decline
In 2023, Jean-Pierre called claims that Biden ended workdays by 10 a.m. due to fatigue “ridiculous assumptions.” When asked if staff treated Biden “like a baby,” she responded, “That’s ridiculous. It’s a ridiculous claim.” She also rejected Special Counsel Robert Hur’s 2024 report describing Biden as a forgetful “elderly man,” saying, “That part of the report does not live in reality.”
New Book Alleges Internal Concerns
The book Original Sin by Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson alleges Biden’s team concealed signs of cognitive decline. It describes him forgetting staffers’ names, needing restricted access from Cabinet members, and failing to recognize George Clooney at a fundraiser. Aides reportedly questioned if he’d need a wheelchair during a second term.
Aftermath and Accusations
Following Biden’s withdrawal from the 2024 race, Jean-Pierre denied any deception, stating, “There’s been no cover-up.” She dismissed videos showing Biden appearing confused as “cheap fakes” driven by “misinformation.” Meanwhile, former First Lady Jill Biden faced criticism for encouraging his campaign. Columnist Sally Quinn accused her of “elder abuse,” and DOJ advisor Leo Terrell even suggested criminal charges could be possible.
