President Biden’s Inner Circle Worked to Shield Him Amid Decline, Report Reveals
A recent report from The New York Times has shed light on how President Joe Biden’s closest aides and allies worked tirelessly to shield him from public scrutiny as they observed signs of his decline during his presidency. According to the report, those within Biden’s inner circle noticed significant changes in his physical and cognitive abilities compared to just a few years prior, prompting them to implement measures to protect his image and ensure his presidency functioned as smoothly as possible.
“The people closest to President Biden were well aware that he had changed. He talked more slowly than he had just a few years before, needed to hoist himself out of his seat in the presidential limousine, and walked with a halting gait,” the Times report began, citing sources close to the administration.
Concerns About Age and Stubborn Decisions
One of Biden’s longest-serving aides, Mike Donilon, reportedly acknowledged the challenges of the president’s age and candidly advised him in 2022 that his “biggest issue is the perception of age.” However, Biden, known for his stubborn and defensive nature, dismissed this advice. In 2023, he announced his intent to campaign for reelection without consulting his aides or family, a decision that surprised those closest to him.
In an interview with USA Today on January 5, Biden acknowledged uncertainties about his ability to complete another term in office, stating, “Who knows what I’m going to be when I’m 86 years old?”
Managing the President’s Decline
The New York Times report, based on interviews with more than two dozen aides, allies, lawmakers, and donors, revealed the extensive efforts undertaken to manage Biden’s physical and cognitive challenges. These measures included:
- Rescheduling Meetings: Aides rearranged Biden’s schedule to ensure he was in a better mood for engagements, a strategy described as standard for managing any president but notably more pronounced in Biden’s case.
- Filtering Information: Negative polling data and sensitive information were delayed or carefully framed before being shared with the president.
- Visibility Management: Aides surrounded Biden when he walked to Marine One to prevent cameras from capturing his awkward gait.
- Teleprompter Use: Even at small private fundraisers, Biden relied on a teleprompter, with donors required to submit questions in advance.
- Air Force One Adjustments: The grand staircase typically used to board Air Force One was replaced with shorter steps leading directly into the plane’s belly to reduce the risk of public stumbles.
The report also noted that White House correspondents were reprimanded for coverage highlighting Biden’s age. Aides even hand-delivered memos to Biden with examples of social media posts crafted by campaign staff and allies to counter negative articles and polls.
The Inner Circle Protecting Biden
The report identified six key figures who worked to shield Biden from scrutiny during his presidency:
- First Lady Jill Biden: A steadfast supporter and protector of the president’s image.
- Hunter Biden: His eldest son, often involved in managing personal and family matters.
- Mike Donilon: A longtime aide who advised Biden on public perception.
- Steve Ricchetti: Presidential counselor and trusted advisor.
- Annie Tomasini: Deputy Chief of Staff who helped manage Biden’s daily operations.
- Anthony Bernal: The First Lady’s senior aide, instrumental in shaping her public role.
Controversies and Final Humiliation
President Biden’s tenure was marked by controversy, gaffes, and personal challenges, culminating in a final humiliation during his farewell address. As reported by the New York Post, Biden was photographed sitting on a pillow while seated at the Resolute Desk during his televised address.
“Photos taken from just outside the Oval Office show the 82-year-old commander-in-chief with the small cushion wedged between the presidential rump and the seat of the seemingly firm leather chair,” the Post noted.
Accompanying the image were visible signs of accommodation: a box of tissues and a glass of water strategically placed out of view of front-facing cameras. These details underscored ongoing concerns about Biden’s balance, stamina, and mental clarity. From tripping on the steps of Air Force One to frequent speech missteps, Biden’s physical and cognitive struggles have been widely scrutinized throughout his presidency.
A Legacy of Challenges and Resilience
Biden’s presidency, while fraught with difficulties, also demonstrated the resilience of his administration to manage the challenges posed by his age and health. The efforts of his inner circle to shield him from public scrutiny highlight the complexities of leading a nation while facing personal limitations.
As Biden prepares to hand over the White House to President-elect Donald Trump, the final chapter of his presidency serves as a sobering reminder of the pressures and vulnerabilities of holding the highest office in the land.