The end of President Joe Biden's tenure is marked by controversy.
According to Mail Online, with just weeks left, President Joe Biden is undertaking a series of bold actions targeting allies and rivals in the Democratic Party.
His decisions, notably pardoning his son Hunter Biden, and releasing 1,500 others, including a relative of a Chinese Communist Party member implicated in serious crimes, have sparked outrage among many Democratic leaders. This unprecedented move is seen as settling old political scores, stirring resentment within party ranks.
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, after pushing for Biden’s withdrawal from the presidential race, has received notably less attention from the President, highlighting the tensions between them. The Bidens and Pelosis were even seated apart at a recent event, emphasizing the frosty atmosphere.
Furthermore, Joe Biden’s endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris as his preferred successor, announced just after his decision not to run, seemed timed to distance himself from Nancy Pelosi and former President Barack Obama.
Kamala Harris' defeat in the recent election by Donald Trump has only added complexity to the internal dynamics, as members began to question the timing of Biden's political decisions.
Simultaneously, the lack of traditional festive gatherings at the White House and the President’s demeanor suggest a somber mood in his final days in office. Despite this, official communications maintain that President Biden remains focused on national duties until his term concludes.
First Lady Jill Biden has been a significant influence during these final weeks. Having retired from teaching, she is more actively involved in the President’s decision-making processes.
An insider familiar with the Bidens' thinking shares insights into the First Lady's mindset: "Jill views Democrats on Capitol Hill, the wider party, the Obamas, staff inside and outside the White House, the media, and all of Washington DC with such misguided resentment that I can't imagine she isn't encouraging Joe to burn the whole thing down, despite his better judgment."
Amid these controversial decisions, there is worry about future fundraising efforts for Biden's presidential library, signaling a potentially fraught legacy phase. The controversies might overshadow the traditional post-presidential activities focused on cementing a positive historical impact.
Moreover, the Biden family foundation saw a significant donation from Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's Archewell Foundation, aiding in Ashley Biden’s wellness center initiative. This external support contrasts with the internal strife within the party.
Summing up these turbulent times, John Morgan reflected on the array of forces Biden faced internally: '[Biden] had the palace coup from all directions, from George Clooney to Pelosi. I think he got pissed off and said, "F*** you", and gave us Harris.'
Debbie Dingell, a Democratic Representative, commented on the emotional aspect of Biden’s decisions, understanding them as part of the challenges of concluding a long career in public service.
As Joe Biden prepares for life after the presidency, both he and Jill are looking forward to their future roles outside the White House, yet remain committed to their public life interests. Despite the current challenges, Biden's legacy will be debated and discussed as the political landscape continues to shift and react to his final presidential acts.
