A new book released this week raises questions about the internal structure and decision-making process within the Biden administration, suggesting that a small group of close advisors played a central role in managing the presidency, especially as President Joe Biden’s health declined.
The book, Original Sin: President Biden’s Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again, written by Axios journalist Alex Thompson and CNN anchor Jake Tapper, coincided with the announcement of Biden’s diagnosis of advanced prostate cancer that has reportedly metastasized to the bones.
According to the authors, Biden’s administration was significantly influenced by a small circle of longtime aides and family members. The group, informally referred to by some within the administration as “the Politburo”—a reference to the executive committee in communist regimes—reportedly included figures such as former White House Chief of Staff Ron Klain, senior advisor Mike Donilon, First Lady Jill Biden, and Hunter Biden.
The book alleges that this inner circle played a key role in day-to-day governance, particularly during periods when Biden was reportedly less active in administrative matters. It also claims efforts were made to limit access to the president by members of the Cabinet and other White House staff, raising concerns about transparency and internal accountability.
Tapper clarified that President Biden was not entirely disengaged, stating that he was aware of the management structure around him. However, the authors suggest there were deliberate attempts to manage his public appearances and shield the extent of his health condition.
The authors argue that some members of the administration believed extraordinary measures were justified in order to prevent a return of former President Donald Trump to office. An unnamed aide is quoted in the book as saying the strategy for a second Biden term was to win re-election and then reduce the president’s public presence, while staff managed most affairs.
In interviews promoting the book, Thompson noted that this approach raised questions about democratic norms, as the individuals making key decisions were not elected or subject to Senate confirmation.
The Biden administration has not issued a formal response to the claims made in the book. Public reactions have varied, with some political observers calling for further transparency, while others defend the administration’s actions as standard for modern presidencies.
