The Wall Street Journal has released a startling exposé that uncovers a vast effort to obscure Joe Biden’s cognitive decline during his presidency. The report highlights a pattern of deception aimed at maintaining the image of presidential competence, with Biden’s team going to great lengths to protect him from public scrutiny.
The article discusses how Biden’s administration worked to minimize public praise of First Lady Jill Biden in order to avoid highlighting her strength in comparison to the president’s perceived weaknesses. A campaign aide revealed they were even warned against over-praising her, as the focus was to maintain the illusion of a functioning presidency. The report also suggests that Jill Biden’s prioritization of power led to her enabling behavior that some consider elder abuse.
The Biden White House is described as operating like a fortress, with careful control over the president’s schedule and appearances. Initially attributed to COVID-era precautions, this control structure remains firmly in place, protecting the president from situations that might expose his mental decline. The report stresses that his team has maintained a tight grip, managing interactions with senior Democratic figures to minimize exposure.
At key moments, such as prior to the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, some lawmakers struggled to get direct access to the president. Senior staff, such as National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and senior counselor Steve Ricchetti, were often placed in roles where they acted as intermediaries for the president.
For roughly three years, the administration’s efforts to insulate Biden worked. Biden’s interactions with his cabinet remained infrequent and scripted, with the media often aiding the narrative that any concerns over his mental state were merely a right-wing conspiracy. However, Biden’s performance during a debate on June 27 revealed the limits of these efforts. On stage in Atlanta with Trump, Biden struggled to find words and failed to complete his thoughts, undermining the media portrayal of his mental sharpness.
The report also sheds light on how Biden’s campaign further insulated him during the 2023 election cycle. A prominent Democratic donor arranging a small event for Biden was told that attendees would not be allowed to ask impromptu questions, instead being instructed to submit two or three questions ahead of time. Despite receiving pre-approved questions on notecards, Biden still made blunders, which raised concerns among donors.
Biden’s team, including aides Annie Tomasini and Ashley Williams, remained closely attached to the president, guiding him through basic instructions. The article confirms that the effort to cover up his cognitive decline was extensive, with a compliant media and political establishment protecting the truth.
The exposé reveals that the Biden presidency was built on an extensive foundation of deception, and the fallout from the revelations is expected to continue. The American public deserves transparency and answers about the true state of leadership in the White House.
