Nearly 18 months after leaving the White House, former First Lady Dr. Jill Biden spoke about her husband President Joe Biden’s health, their life in Delaware, and her new book chronicling their time in office.
What happened
Since leaving the White House, Joe Biden was diagnosed with an aggressive form of stage IV prostate cancer that had spread to his bones. Jill Biden described the diagnosis as a shock but said the president is doing well under treatment. She explained that routine prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood tests are no longer recommended for men over 70, which contributed to the cancer going undetected while in office.
Jill Biden also addressed questions about her husband’s mental fitness during his presidency. She said she never saw signs of cognitive decline, though she acknowledged that he aged and slowed down due to the intense demands of the presidency. She dismissed claims questioning his mental acuity and defended his performance, saying he remained “the essence of the same Joe Biden.”
In anticipation of her new memoir, “View From the East Wing,” published June 2, Jill Biden reflected on the demolition of the East Wing where first ladies traditionally have their offices. She expressed grief over the loss of the historical space, which was removed during the Trump administration to make way for a ballroom.
The memoir also covers poignant moments such as the January 6 Capitol insurrection, where Jill called the attack “horrible,” and her husband’s efforts to manage the COVID-19 pandemic and pursue key legislative achievements. She recounted the challenges faced during the 2024 presidential campaign, including President Biden’s difficult debate performance, which she described as frightening and inexplicable.
Jill Biden revealed the emotional toll the campaign and presidential decisions had on the family, including President Biden’s eventual decision to withdraw from the race after losing party support. She expressed support for his pardon of their son Hunter Biden following a federal conviction, citing concerns about fairness and political targeting.
Why it matters
Jill Biden’s candid reflections provide insight into the health and well-being of a former president and address widespread public concerns about his mental fitness while in office. Her memoir offers a personal perspective on the challenges of modern presidencies, including balancing family crises, political pressures, and maintaining public service. By recounting key events such as the Capitol insurrection and pandemic response, the memoir contributes to the historical record of the Biden administration.
The book also highlights the emotional and institutional changes experienced by first families, including the loss of traditional White House spaces and the pressures of political life. Jill Biden’s affirmation of her husband’s accomplishments frames his legacy amid contemporary political debate.
Background
Joe and Jill Biden left the White House in early 2025 after a single four-year term marked by legislative initiatives like the infrastructure bill and the American Rescue Plan. The administration faced significant challenges including the COVID-19 pandemic, political polarization, and the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. President Biden’s age and health were public topics during and after his term, with critics questioning his cognitive abilities, issues Jill Biden has strongly contested.
“View From the East Wing” is the former first lady’s first memoir, offering an insider’s look at the White House experience from 2021 to 2025, and it will be available in multiple formats starting June 2, 2026.
Sources
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