Throughout his time in office, former President Joe Biden’s health became a growing topic of national discussion. While his public appearances sparked concern in some circles, official statements from the White House consistently assured the public that he was mentally sharp and physically capable. However, recent revelations have cast doubt on that narrative, suggesting that behind the scenes, there were signs of deeper issues that may have been concealed.

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre played a key role in shaping the administration’s public messaging on the matter. As early as 2022, when asked about President Biden’s ability to serve a second term, she dismissed questions about his stamina or mental state as unwarranted. At the time, she described speculation about cognitive decline as “hearsay,” insisting that the President was delivering results and fully engaged in his responsibilities.

When confronted by CNN’s Don Lemon about Biden’s stamina, her surprise was evident. “That is not a question that we should even be asking,” she said, defending the President’s capabilities. Her response was echoed in subsequent press briefings, where she pushed back against claims that Biden’s schedule was being limited due to fatigue. Reports that he was ending official duties by mid-morning were brushed off as “ridiculous assumptions.”

The following year, in 2023, concerns resurfaced following Special Counsel Robert Hur’s report on the mishandling of classified documents. Hur had declined to prosecute Biden, citing that a jury might view him as an “elderly man with a poor memory.” Jean-Pierre fired back, saying the assessment was not grounded in reality and called it “gratuitous” and “unacceptable.”

But it wasn’t just media speculation or outside reports that fueled the growing concern. In their book Original Sin, journalists Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson revealed internal accounts suggesting that those closest to Biden were aware of cognitive issues. According to their reporting, Cabinet members had limited access to the President, staffers whispered about his forgetfulness, and even questioned whether he would require a wheelchair if re-elected. At one event, he reportedly did not recognize actor George Clooney, a longtime supporter, further raising questions.

Public scrutiny increased as clips circulated online showing Biden appearing disoriented or physically frail. Jean-Pierre responded by calling them “cheap fakes,” claiming they were misleading and rooted in misinformation. She maintained that the videos did not represent the full picture of the President’s abilities and labeled them as deliberate attempts to distort reality.

Following a widely criticized debate performance in June 2024, pressure mounted within the Democratic Party. Calls grew louder for Biden to reconsider his campaign, but Jean-Pierre remained firm in her briefings, defending his record and claiming he was sharper than ever. Yet, by July, the President withdrew from the race, sparking even more scrutiny.

One of the most controversial turns came not from political opponents but from within Washington’s own social and media elite. In an interview, opinion columnist Sally Quinn accused former First Lady Jill Biden of failing to intervene as her husband’s condition worsened. Quinn went as far as to imply that encouraging his re-election bid, despite signs of mental and physical decline, bordered on “elder abuse.”

The suggestion of potential legal consequences for Jill Biden followed, with some commentators proposing that her role in pushing the campaign forward, despite her husband’s state, may have crossed ethical lines. Leo Terrell, a legal expert and DOJ counselor, even floated the idea of criminal liability in public discussions, though no formal investigation has been announced.

Adding to the mystery, questions were raised about how long President Biden may have been experiencing health issues before they were publicly acknowledged. Top medical professionals expressed surprise that his prostate cancer diagnosis came so late, given the routine monitoring expected for someone in his position.

In hindsight, the story of Biden’s presidency may be as much about leadership as it is about what remained hidden. Whether out of loyalty, political strategy, or hope for recovery, those around him painted a picture that may have masked a more complex truth. As more details emerge, the nation is left to reconcile the official narrative with the glimpses that slipped through — signs of a leader quietly struggling behind the curtain.