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.
James Jenkins is a celebrated Pulitzer Prize-winning author whose work has reshaped the way readers think about social justice and human rights in America. Raised in Atlanta, Georgia, James grew up in a community that instilled in him both resilience and a strong sense of responsibility toward others. After studying political science and creative writing at Howard University, he worked as a journalist covering civil rights issues before dedicating himself fully to fiction. His novels are known for their sharp, empathetic portraits of marginalized communities and for weaving personal stories with broader political realities. Jenkins’s breakout novel, Shadows of Freedom, won national acclaim for its unflinching look at systemic inequality, while his more recent works explore themes of identity, resilience, and the fight for dignity in the face of oppression. Beyond his novels, James is an active public speaker, lecturing at universities and participating in nonprofit initiatives that support literacy and community empowerment. He believes that storytelling is a way to preserve history and inspire change. When not writing, James enjoys jazz music, mentoring young writers, and traveling with his family to explore cultures and stories around the world.
