Biden admin officials noticed stamina issues in president’s first few months in office: report

Members of President Biden’s staff have reportedly noticed signs of fading stamina and increasing confusion within the first few months of his presidency, according to a recent report from the Wall Street Journal. The report, based on interviews with nearly 50 people including current and former White House staffers and lawmakers, sheds light on concerns about the president’s mental acuity.

One former aide recalled a national security official explaining the cancellation of a meeting in the spring of 2021 by saying, “He has good days and bad days, and today was a bad day so we’re going to address this tomorrow.” This sentiment was echoed by Democratic lawmakers in Congress, who reported that Biden was less available than past presidents and had few and brief meetings with members of Congress.

Rep. Adam Smith of Washington noted that the Biden White House seemed more insulated than most, with limited personal contact with the president compared to previous administrations. Even members of Biden’s own Cabinet reportedly stopped requesting calls with the president, perceiving from interactions with staff that their calls were unwelcome.

Despite these concerns, the White House pushed back on the report, emphasizing Biden’s policy accomplishments as proof of his qualifications and leadership. White House spokesman Andrew Bates highlighted Biden’s daily communication with Cabinet members and the importance of one-on-one or smaller group meetings in the contemporary work environment.

Cabinet officials, including DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, and Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh, have expressed confidence in Biden’s leadership and decision-making abilities. Mayorkas, Raimondo, and Singh all reiterated their support for the president’s mental acuity and effectiveness in carrying out his duties.

As the debate over President Biden’s fitness to serve continues, it is clear that opinions within his administration remain divided. While some express concerns about his stamina and mental sharpness, others stand by his leadership and ability to make tough decisions. The coming months will likely bring further scrutiny and debate over the president’s performance, both within his administration and among the American public.