New details have surfaced suggesting a concerted effort by aides within the Biden administration to obscure the true state of President Joe Biden’s health. A Wall Street Journal report published late Wednesday cites multiple sources within the administration who allege a systematic approach to managing information and public appearances to minimize concerns about Biden’s well-being.
According to the WSJ, insiders claim that close advisors have been particularly cautious about the president’s schedule, frequently limiting public appearances and enforcing strict control over media access. The report highlighted an incident where aides allegedly intervened to adjust the lighting during a press conference to make the president appear more energetic.
The controversy revolves around undisclosed health episodes that allegedly occurred multiple times over the past year and were either downplayed or not revealed to the public. During the 2020 Democratic primaries, Jill Biden was highly active across Iowa, attending events in more counties than her husband. Her press secretary at the time, Michael LaRosa, mentioned this to a local journalist, but the comment swiftly drew criticism from Anthony Bernal, who was then a deputy campaign manager and Jill Biden’s chief of staff, the outlet noted.
Efforts by aides to manage Biden’s public image became increasingly challenging as his health visibly declined, highlighted by a damning report from Special Counsel Robert Hur. Released last year, the report depicted Biden, then 81, as forgetful and frail. Despite these concerning findings, Hur chose not to prosecute Biden for mishandling classified documents found in his Delaware garage, describing him as “a sympathetic, well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory.”
The WSJ also reported that Biden struggled to remember lines during preparations for his interview with Hur. Furthermore, Biden frequently canceled key national security meetings, with aides attributing the cancellations to his fluctuating health, noting that he had “good days and bad days.” A source who observed the situation closely over the past four years told the WSJ that a select group of aides was always near Biden, providing constant guidance and support. “They body him to such a high degree,” the source remarked. Additionally, press aides were directed by senior staff to exclude any negative news stories about the president when compiling media clips.
According to a Democratic strategist speaking to DailyMail, key advisors working behind the scenes, including Bruce Reed, Steve Ricchetti, and Mike Donilon, have exercised much of Biden’s executive authority. These advisors, often dubbed the “Biden whisperers,” have been described by lower-level staff as a powerful “triumvirate” with substantial influence over the president. As Biden’s term draws to a close, a growing sentiment in Washington suggests it has become increasingly unclear who has truly been steering the administration.
