Former President Stays in the Spotlight With Pardons, Media Appearances, and Mixed Signals
Nearly a year after leaving office, former President Joe Biden hasn’t exactly faded into retirement. Instead of quietly exiting the political stage, the longtime senator and one-term president has filled his post-White House year with high-profile appearances, controversial decisions, and moments that have kept him firmly in the headlines.
Biden’s post-presidency began loudly, with a flurry of preemptive pardons issued in the final days of his administration. Among those pardoned were Dr. Anthony Fauci, retired Army Gen. Mark Milley, members of the House Select Committee investigating Jan. 6, and several members of Biden’s own family. After departing Washington on Jan. 20, Biden largely went silent, posting only occasionally on X until early spring.
Reemerging From Political Hibernation
In March, Biden reappeared. NBC News reported that Biden and former First Lady Jill Biden were eager to reenter political life, despite having been pushed aside by their own party. Sources told the outlet that Biden met with newly elected Democratic National Committee Chairman Ken Martin in February, offering his help as Democrats regrouped.
Around the same time, reports surfaced that both Bidens were working on books, with Joe Biden traveling between Delaware and Washington, D.C., to meet with advisors while writing. Soon after, Biden posted a campaign-style message commemorating the signing of the Affordable Care Act, praising his administration’s handling of health care and declaring that health care is “a right, not a privilege.” The timing coincided neatly with the Trump administration proposing changes to the program.
March also marked the Bidens’ first major public appearance since leaving office, as they attended the opening night of Othello on Broadway.
Speeches, TV Appearances, and Familiar Rambling
In April, Biden delivered his first public speech since leaving office, lecturing Americans about “dignity” and respect—remarks that raised eyebrows given his past comments labeling Trump supporters “garbage.”
May brought a wave of media appearances. Biden and Jill Biden appeared together on The View, while Biden also sat down for a solo interview with the BBC. During that interview, he claimed stepping aside from the presidential race was a “hard decision” because his presidency had been “so successful.”
On The View, Biden was asked about reports of cognitive decline and responded with a rambling answer that touched on Jan. 6, COVID-19, and a host of other topics before trailing off. Jill Biden eventually stepped in to defend him and redirect the conversation.
Health Concerns and Public Sightings
Also in May, Biden’s personal office announced he had been diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer that had metastasized to the bone. The statement said the disease could be appropriately managed, but the announcement added another layer of concern to the former president’s public image.
In June, Biden made headlines for a more mundane reason. The New York Post reported that he was riding Amtrak between Delaware and Washington, talking loudly in the quiet car and requesting ice cream—settling for a muffin instead. Shortly after, he appeared at Reedy Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Galveston, Texas, for a Juneteenth celebration.
Money, Memoirs, and a Quieter Summer
In July, Biden reportedly signed a memoir deal with Hachette Book Group worth around $10 million, according to The Wall Street Journal. The figure was notably smaller than deals secured by his predecessors, with Barack and Michelle Obama signing a reported $60 million deal and Bill Clinton receiving $15 million for his autobiography. Biden also headlined the National Bar Association’s 100th Annual Awards Gala in Chicago.
August was relatively quiet, aside from social media posts from his daughter Ashley showing family moments, according to a Biden fan account.
Financial Struggles and Ongoing Questions
In September, Biden announced he underwent Mohs surgery to remove skin cancer lesions from his head. That same month, The Wall Street Journal reported that Biden’s post-presidency finances were not meeting expectations. According to the report, Biden carries roughly $800,000 in personal debt while helping cover legal bills for his son Hunter and supporting his daughter Ashley through a divorce. Speaking engagements have been scarce, and Biden has reportedly been flying commercial rather than privately.
