Jill Biden “shut down” discussion of Joe’s mental decline, turning into one of the most influential first ladies, claims new book
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When it comes to the White House, most Americans expect the President to be the one calling the shots.
But a bombshell new book, Original Sin, is turning that assumption on its head—claiming that First Lady Jill Biden has become one of the most powerful figures in modern presidential history, wielding influence far beyond the East Wing and fiercely protecting her husband, President Joe Biden, from both political foes and the harsh glare of public scrutiny.
But how much truth is there to these claims? And what does it mean for the future of the presidency—and for the American people? Let’s dive into the revelations, the context, and the bigger questions raised by this behind-the-scenes exposé.
A First Lady Like No Other?
According to Original Sin, written by CNN’s Jake Tapper and Axios’s Alex Thompson, Dr. Jill Biden has not only stood by her husband’s side through thick and thin, but has also become a behind-the-scenes powerbroker—sometimes even running interference when concerns about President Biden’s age and health threatened to spill into public view.
The book draws on interviews with more than 200 sources, including many from within the Democratic Party and the White House itself.
The portrait that emerges is of a First Lady who is fiercely loyal, deeply involved, and—at times—unapologetically forceful.
Shutting Down the Conversation
One of the most striking claims in the book is that Jill Biden has repeatedly shut down conversations about the President’s mental and physical decline.
In one now-infamous episode after President Biden’s rocky debate performance against Donald Trump, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro reportedly tried to broach the subject of the President’s faltering campaign.
Before the conversation could go anywhere, Jill Biden is said to have abruptly ended it, whisking her husband away mid-smoothie with a curt, “Alright, we gotta go.”
This wasn’t an isolated incident. The book describes a pattern: Jill Biden berating staff behind closed doors, defending her husband’s missteps in public, and even helping him finish his thoughts during conversations. Her influence, the authors claim, extended to every corner of the West Wing.
Also read: That Biden interview? It’s not just what was said—It’s what WASN’T.
The Inner Circle: Who’s Really in Charge?
Jill Biden’s power, according to the book, is amplified by a tight-knit group of trusted advisers, including her senior adviser Anthony Bernal and deputy chief of staff Annie Tomasini.
These aides reportedly had near-unlimited access to the Bidens’ private residence and were both respected and feared by junior staffers.
“As Jill’s power rose, so did Bernal’s,” the book notes. Some White House insiders even went so far as to call her “one of the most powerful first ladies in history”—and, by extension, Bernal one of the most influential people in the administration.
Managing the President’s Public Image
The book paints a picture of a presidency under constant stage management. President Biden, now 82, was described as increasingly reliant on cue cards, scripts, and detailed talking points—not just for press conferences, but even for private cabinet meetings.
After a series of public stumbles and falls, staffers reportedly went to great lengths to minimize the President’s physical frailty, from editing footage to devising shorter walking routes.
One particularly awkward moment recounted in the book took place at a Hollywood fundraiser, where President Biden reportedly failed to recognize longtime acquaintance George Clooney, greeting him with a repeated “Thank you for being here” until an aide quietly reminded him who he was speaking to.
Clooney, the book claims, was left “shaken to his core”—a moment that later contributed to his public call for Biden to step aside from the 2024 race.
The Toll of Family Scandals
As if the pressures of the presidency weren’t enough, the Bidens have also faced deeply personal challenges—most notably the ongoing legal and personal troubles of their son, Hunter Biden.
Source: CNN / Youtube.
Also read: What did Jill Biden's “signal” on “The View” to Joe Biden mean?
The book details how Hunter’s struggles with addiction, legal woes, and public scandals weighed heavily on the President, with aides describing the situation as a “five-hundred-pound weight” on his shoulders.
The Bidens’ fear of another relapse or tragedy reportedly haunted the President, compounding the emotional and physical toll of the job.
Source: CNN / Youtube.
A Presidency Under Siege—From Within and Without
Original Sin doesn’t shy away from the growing concerns about President Biden’s health and stamina.
The book describes internal debates about whether a wheelchair might be needed in a second term, and recounts how the White House physician, Dr. Kevin O’Connor, clashed with staffers over the President’s schedule—at one point accusing them of “trying to kill him” by running him ragged.
Meanwhile, critics outside the White House, including former President Donald Trump and his supporters, have seized on Biden’s age and health, branding him “Sleepy Joe” and questioning his fitness for office.
Read next: Small health concern noted in Biden’s recent physical exam
What do you think about the claims in Original Sin? Do you believe First Ladies should have a behind-the-scenes role in the White House—or should their influence be more limited? Have you seen similar dynamics in your own life or career, where a spouse or partner played a crucial role behind the scenes? Share your thoughts, experiences, and questions in the comments below, but please remember to remain respectful.
But a bombshell new book, Original Sin, is turning that assumption on its head—claiming that First Lady Jill Biden has become one of the most powerful figures in modern presidential history, wielding influence far beyond the East Wing and fiercely protecting her husband, President Joe Biden, from both political foes and the harsh glare of public scrutiny.
But how much truth is there to these claims? And what does it mean for the future of the presidency—and for the American people? Let’s dive into the revelations, the context, and the bigger questions raised by this behind-the-scenes exposé.
A First Lady Like No Other?
According to Original Sin, written by CNN’s Jake Tapper and Axios’s Alex Thompson, Dr. Jill Biden has not only stood by her husband’s side through thick and thin, but has also become a behind-the-scenes powerbroker—sometimes even running interference when concerns about President Biden’s age and health threatened to spill into public view.
The book draws on interviews with more than 200 sources, including many from within the Democratic Party and the White House itself.
The portrait that emerges is of a First Lady who is fiercely loyal, deeply involved, and—at times—unapologetically forceful.
A new book claims Jill Biden played a powerful, behind-the-scenes role in the White House, protecting her husband and influencing staff. Image source: The View / Youtube.
Shutting Down the Conversation
One of the most striking claims in the book is that Jill Biden has repeatedly shut down conversations about the President’s mental and physical decline.
In one now-infamous episode after President Biden’s rocky debate performance against Donald Trump, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro reportedly tried to broach the subject of the President’s faltering campaign.
Before the conversation could go anywhere, Jill Biden is said to have abruptly ended it, whisking her husband away mid-smoothie with a curt, “Alright, we gotta go.”
This wasn’t an isolated incident. The book describes a pattern: Jill Biden berating staff behind closed doors, defending her husband’s missteps in public, and even helping him finish his thoughts during conversations. Her influence, the authors claim, extended to every corner of the West Wing.
Also read: That Biden interview? It’s not just what was said—It’s what WASN’T.
The Inner Circle: Who’s Really in Charge?
Jill Biden’s power, according to the book, is amplified by a tight-knit group of trusted advisers, including her senior adviser Anthony Bernal and deputy chief of staff Annie Tomasini.
These aides reportedly had near-unlimited access to the Bidens’ private residence and were both respected and feared by junior staffers.
“As Jill’s power rose, so did Bernal’s,” the book notes. Some White House insiders even went so far as to call her “one of the most powerful first ladies in history”—and, by extension, Bernal one of the most influential people in the administration.
Managing the President’s Public Image
The book paints a picture of a presidency under constant stage management. President Biden, now 82, was described as increasingly reliant on cue cards, scripts, and detailed talking points—not just for press conferences, but even for private cabinet meetings.
Original Sin, the book written about former President Biden’s alleged decline. Image source: CNN / Youtube.
The book alleges that as Joe Biden’s physical and mental health visibly declined, Jill Biden intervened to shield him from scrutiny, even shutting down conversations on his capability. Image source: CNN / Youtube.
After a series of public stumbles and falls, staffers reportedly went to great lengths to minimize the President’s physical frailty, from editing footage to devising shorter walking routes.
One particularly awkward moment recounted in the book took place at a Hollywood fundraiser, where President Biden reportedly failed to recognize longtime acquaintance George Clooney, greeting him with a repeated “Thank you for being here” until an aide quietly reminded him who he was speaking to.
Former President Biden falling during the graduation ceremony at the US Air Force Academy in Colorado. Image source: Sky News Australia / Youtube.
Former President Joe Biden with First Lady Jill Biden. Image source: Sky News Australia / Youtube.
Clooney, the book claims, was left “shaken to his core”—a moment that later contributed to his public call for Biden to step aside from the 2024 race.
The Toll of Family Scandals
As if the pressures of the presidency weren’t enough, the Bidens have also faced deeply personal challenges—most notably the ongoing legal and personal troubles of their son, Hunter Biden.
Source: CNN / Youtube.
Also read: What did Jill Biden's “signal” on “The View” to Joe Biden mean?
The book details how Hunter’s struggles with addiction, legal woes, and public scandals weighed heavily on the President, with aides describing the situation as a “five-hundred-pound weight” on his shoulders.
The Bidens’ fear of another relapse or tragedy reportedly haunted the President, compounding the emotional and physical toll of the job.
Source: CNN / Youtube.
A Presidency Under Siege—From Within and Without
Original Sin doesn’t shy away from the growing concerns about President Biden’s health and stamina.
The book describes internal debates about whether a wheelchair might be needed in a second term, and recounts how the White House physician, Dr. Kevin O’Connor, clashed with staffers over the President’s schedule—at one point accusing them of “trying to kill him” by running him ragged.
Meanwhile, critics outside the White House, including former President Donald Trump and his supporters, have seized on Biden’s age and health, branding him “Sleepy Joe” and questioning his fitness for office.
Read next: Small health concern noted in Biden’s recent physical exam
What do you think about the claims in Original Sin? Do you believe First Ladies should have a behind-the-scenes role in the White House—or should their influence be more limited? Have you seen similar dynamics in your own life or career, where a spouse or partner played a crucial role behind the scenes? Share your thoughts, experiences, and questions in the comments below, but please remember to remain respectful.
