A new report has raised troubling questions about President Joe Biden’s fitness for office, suggesting that signs of his cognitive decline were apparent to staff members and advisors early in his presidency. Based on interviews with nearly 50 individuals, including current and former White House staffers as well as lawmakers, the report paints a picture of a president shielded from scrutiny and increasingly insulated from his team.
This bombshell revelation, originally published by The Wall Street Journal, has reignited concerns about Biden’s ability to effectively govern. These concerns were first amplified during the 2020 presidential campaign, particularly after Biden’s fatigue and confusion were evident during his lone televised debate with then-President Donald Trump.
One particularly striking account came from an unnamed aide who recalled speaking with a national security official early in Biden’s term. The official revealed that a critical meeting had to be postponed because Biden was having what they described as “a bad day.”
“He has good days and bad days, and today was a bad day, so we’re going to address this tomorrow,” the official reportedly said. This admission underscores fears that the president’s ability to perform his duties fluctuates significantly, depending on his physical and mental state on any given day.
The report also highlights Biden’s limited engagement with members of Congress, even within his own party. Democratic lawmakers have expressed frustration over the president’s apparent inaccessibility, contrasting his leadership style with that of former President Barack Obama.
Rep. Adam Smith, a Democrat from Washington, told the Journal that the Biden White House was “more insulated than most.” He noted that despite not being the chair of a committee, he had multiple personal conversations with Obama during his presidency—something he says hasn’t happened with Biden.
Similarly, Rep. Jim Himes of Connecticut echoed Smith’s concerns, saying, “I really had no personal contact with this president. I had more personal contact with Obama, which is sort of strange because I was a lot more junior [at that time].”
In response to the allegations, the White House issued a statement defending Biden’s capacity to serve as commander-in-chief. White House spokesman Andrew Bates pointed to “indisputable proof” that the president is actively engaged in governing.
“President Biden speaks with members of his Cabinet daily, and with most members multiple times a week, staying in close touch with them about implementation of key laws and strengthening our national security,” Bates asserted.
He dismissed criticisms of Biden’s inaccessibility as routine complaints from Washington insiders who feel they don’t have enough access to the president. “During every presidency, there are inevitably some in Washington who do not receive as much time with whomever the president is as they would prefer,” Bates stated.
“But that never means that the president isn’t engaging thoroughly with others, as this president does,” he added, maintaining that Biden’s governance remains effective despite these claims.
Critics argue that Biden’s staff has taken extraordinary measures to shield the president from public scrutiny, further fueling speculation about his declining mental and physical health. Reports of staffers limiting Biden’s schedule, avoiding lengthy public appearances, and controlling his direct interactions with lawmakers have drawn sharp criticism from both sides of the aisle.
The Wall Street Journal report suggests that this level of insulation may have stemmed from an early awareness of the president’s limitations, with aides taking preemptive steps to minimize the risk of public missteps.
The revelations come at a critical time as Biden faces re-election in 2024. Questions about his fitness to serve have become a key talking point for Republican challengers and conservative commentators. The report has also reignited broader debates over transparency in the White House and whether Americans have the right to more detailed information about their president’s health.
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene tweeted in response to the report, “This is why transparency is critical. If Biden’s staff knew about his decline and still pushed him forward, they owe the American people an explanation.”
For many Americans, the report is a wake-up call about the demands of the presidency and the need for strong, effective leadership. Critics argue that shielding the president from difficult decisions or engagements undermines the integrity of the office and erodes public trust.
As these concerns continue to mount, Biden’s administration will likely face increasing pressure to address the allegations head-on. Whether through more public appearances, independent medical assessments, or transparency initiatives, the White House must find ways to reassure the American people that their president is fully capable of leading the nation through its challenges.
This latest controversy serves as a reminder that the presidency demands resilience, clarity, and direct engagement—qualities that critics suggest have been inconsistent during Biden’s time in office. As the nation prepares for the next election, these questions are unlikely to fade, ensuring that Biden’s fitness for office remains a central issue in the months ahead.
