Biden Administration Faces Growing Scrutiny Over Health and Competency Concerns

In a notable response to inquiries about President Joe Biden’s health, only one member of his cabinet has publicly weighed in. Former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra addressed questions on whether he believes Biden is mentally and physically capable of fulfilling his presidential duties, following a targeted outreach by Fox News Digital.

Becerra acknowledged Biden’s age but refrained from directly commenting on the president’s cognitive health. He stated, “I met with President Biden when needed to make important decisions and execute with my team at HHS. It’s clear the President was getting older, but he made the mission clear: run the largest health agency in the world, expand care to millions more Americans than ever before, negotiate down the cost of prescription drugs, and pull us out of a worldwide pandemic. And we delivered.” This assertion, however, comes amid a backdrop of extensive discussions surrounding Biden’s cognitive decline.

Approximately four months after Biden stepped down from the Oval Office, various political books focusing on his administration and the 2024 campaign have emerged, painting a concerning picture of his health. Audio snippets from a October 2023 interview with former Special Counsel Robert Hur have surfaced, revealing Biden struggling with his words, experiencing slurred speech, and grappling to recall significant personal memories, including the date of his late son Beau’s passing.

Fox News Digital has closely tracked Biden’s cognitive challenges since the 2020 presidential campaign, revealing an inner circle that appears to have actively contributed to obscuring these issues. Notably, Becerra’s remarks starkly contrast with the silence from the majority of other cabinet officials.

Silence from Cabinet Members Amid Growing Concerns

Fox News Digital reached out to 26 officials from Biden’s cabinet, including former Vice President Kamala Harris and Chief of Staff Jeff Zients, requesting their current views on Biden’s fitness for office. Despite the current climate underscoring doubts about the president’s capability, none contradicted their prior statements affirming Biden’s competence.

Had a consensus emerged among cabinet members regarding Biden’s inability to perform his responsibilities, they might have sought to invoke the 25th Amendment to remove him from office. Instead, officials consistently maintained their belief in his suitability to lead.

Public Support Amidst Rising Criticism

In light of rising dissatisfaction regarding Biden’s health, those who previously worked alongside him have reiterated their support. Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, for instance, commented in May at a town hall event, stating, “Every time I needed something from him from the West Wing, I got it.” Buttigieg emphasized his experience working closely with Biden during crises, such as the Baltimore bridge collapse, characterizing a reliable and engaged leader.

Despite Buttigieg’s assurance, Biden’s office disclosed a serious diagnosis: aggressive prostate cancer that has metastasized, leading to widespread reactions among political figures and healthcare experts. Numerous professionals have expressed shock that such a diagnosis was not detected earlier, as annual health reports did not indicate any warning signs.

Debate Performance and Erosion of Confidence

The launch of the 2024 presidential debate season unveiled an onslaught of critiques regarding Biden’s mental sharpness. Observers noted significant missteps during a debate against former President Donald Trump, where Biden noticeably struggled to articulate his thoughts, prompting discussions about his cognitive abilities.
Following this debate, concerns that had been simmering among conservative commentators bubbled over as even traditional allies within the Democratic Party began to question Biden’s candidacy. Calls for him to reconsider running for office grew louder.

Despite rising skepticism regarding Biden’s fitness among some, key cabinet members continued to assert his capabilities. Alejandro Mayorkas, the then-Secretary of Homeland Security, expressed unwavering confidence in Biden’s leadership, citing his attention to detail and engagement during meetings.

Documenting Biden’s Health Struggles

As public scrutiny escalates, significant publications have released narratives detailing fears concerning Biden’s health during his presidency. Some accounts suggest that aides had discussed the possibility of Biden using a wheelchair due to his declining physical condition. Reports indicate that Biden’s long-held gait issues raised concerns about his mobility and overall well-being.

Books like “Original Sin: President Biden’s Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again,” co-authored by reporters Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson, allege that Biden’s decline has been notable, with references such as, “He was a shell of himself” drawing sharp media attention. Investigations have described an environment where staffers felt compelled to shield Biden from public exposure due to worries about his health.

Political Fallout and Trump’s Commentary

Former President Trump has been vocal in discussing perceptions surrounding Biden’s cognitive health, labeling the administration’s alleged cover-up a political scandal. He has criticized Biden’s reliance on autopen signatures for executive orders, insinuating that it reflects a broader issue of control over the administration rather than genuine governance.

With Trump drawing attention to Biden’s health alongside concerns raised throughout Biden’s tenure, various accounts continue to emerge regarding Biden’s perceived shortcomings during critical moments, further exacerbating internal and external tensions.

The Path Ahead for Biden and His Administration

As Biden’s health concerns linger, the trajectory of his presidency appears increasingly precarious. The affirmative claims from cabinet officials contrast sharply with the emerging narrative from both media and political opponents questioning his competency. The republic stands at a crossroads that could define Biden’s legacy—not merely as a leader but as a figure hardened in the crucible of public scrutiny over his health and capability.

In navigating these turbulent waters, Biden’s ability to respond effectively will be vital not only for his political future but also for the broader perception of leadership in America. The growing discourse surrounding his cognitive health presents profound implications for the Democratic Party as it gears up for the next election cycle.