Key Takeaways:
- Some Cabinet secretaries lost access to President Biden in his final two years in office.
- Aides reportedly controlled who briefed Biden, raising questions about his decision-making.
- Biden’s health and mental sharpness were a concern, with some noting he seemed tired and less focused.
- Actor George Clooney was reportedly worried after Biden forgot who he was during a meeting.
- Biden’s team denies the claims, saying he remained effective as president.
Biden’s Access Limited, Aides Step In
A new book about President Joe Biden’s time in office reveals that some Cabinet members had limited access to him in his final two years. These officials were often forced to brief his senior aides, who then passed the information to Biden. This change in access has sparked questions about who was really making decisions in the White House.
One Cabinet secretary admitted, “Access dropped off considerably in 2024, and I didn’t interact with him as much.” This official speculated that Biden’s inner circle might have been influencing his decisions, especially as concerns about his health and abilities grew.
Another secretary shared, “Yes, the president is ‘making the decisions,’ but if the inner circle is shaping them in such a way, is it really a decision? Are they leading him to something?” This raises the question: Was Biden truly in control, or were others pulling the strings?
Biden’s Health and Sharpness Under Scrutiny
The book also touches on concerns about Biden’s health and mental clarity. One official described Biden as giving “four to six good hours a day.” After that, the president’s focus seemed to waver. “When he got tired, his guard was down,” the official said. Some even noted that Biden would occasionally “mumble and not make much sense” in meetings.
Despite these observations, one secretary clarified, “I don’t think he has dementia. But the thing is, he’s an old man.” This statement highlights the challenges of leading the country at an advanced age.
George Clooney’s Concerns Sparked by Biden’s Forgetfulness
The book also shares a surprising story involving actor George Clooney, a longtime friend of Biden. During a fundraiser meeting, Clooney was reportedly shocked when Biden seemed to forget who he was. This incident deeply troubled Clooney, leading him to write an op-ed urging Biden not to run for re-election.
This anecdote adds to the growing concerns about Biden’s cognitive health and his ability to lead effectively.
Biden’s Team Fires Back at the Claims
Biden’s spokesman strongly denied the book’s claims, stating, “We continue to await anything that shows where Joe Biden had to make a presidential decision or where national security was threatened or where he was unable to do his job. In fact, the evidence points to the opposite — he was a very effective president.”
The spokesperson emphasized that Biden remained capable and in control throughout his term, dismissing the book’s portrayal of him as isolated and influenced by aides.
What Does This Mean for Biden’s Legacy?
The book paints a picture of a president increasingly isolated from his own team, with decisions being shaped by a tight-knit group of aides. While Biden’s team defends his abilities, the claims in the book raise questions about his leadership style and the transparency of his administration.
As more details from the book come to light, it could spark further debates about Biden’s time in office and whether he was truly in charge. For now, the book offers a behind-the-scenes look at a presidency marked by both challenges and controversies.
This story continues to unfold, and it’s likely we’ll hear more about it in the coming days. Stay tuned for updates as this situation develops.