President Joe Biden's final weeks in office take an unexpected turn as tensions rise within the Democratic Party.
According to Daily Mail, First Lady Jill Biden is encouraging her husband to seek retribution against former allies who pushed for his withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race, with Barack Obama, Kamala Harris, and Nancy Pelosi reportedly topping their list of targets.
The Bidens' apparent shift toward vindictiveness comes amid a series of controversial decisions, including the recent pardon of their son Hunter and the commutation of approximately 1,500 sentences. These actions have sparked significant backlash from senior Democratic Party members and highlighted growing divisions within the party leadership.
The First Lady's reported encouragement of confrontational tactics reflects deeper frustrations with key party figures. Sources close to the White House reveal that Jill Biden harbors particular resentment toward Democratic leaders on Capitol Hill, party officials, the Obamas, and various Washington DC insiders.
The relationship between the Bidens and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has deteriorated significantly. Their 50-year friendship apparently ended after Pelosi personally called Biden on June 21, demanding his withdrawal from the 2024 race. The tension was evident at the recent Kennedy Center Honors, where the Pelosis were conspicuously seated far from the presidential box.
Democratic mega-donor John Morgan shared his perspective on the situation, stating:
[Biden] basically 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.
The aftermath of Kamala Harris's unsuccessful presidential campaign has further strained relationships within the Democratic leadership. Sources indicate that Biden is struggling to comprehend how Harris lost both the popular vote and electoral college to Donald Trump despite significant campaign resources.
Some party members suggest that Biden's late withdrawal from the race contributed to Harris's defeat. A Harris campaign adviser expressed this sentiment to the Washington Post, describing the situation as "almost Shakespearean" in how Biden's delayed exit impacted both campaigns.
The holiday season at the White House has notably reflected these tensions. There have been fewer holiday parties than in previous years, with both the president and first lady scheduling overseas trips during prime celebration times. Some Democratic members received White House tours instead of party invitations.
As the Biden administration prepares for transition, the president has been observed displaying emotional moments during farewell events. At a recent donor dinner on the South Lawn, Biden was seen wiping away tears while speaking with guests.
The president's mood has reportedly been affected by both the end of his political career and seasonal factors. Friends note that Biden typically experiences some depression during December, marking the anniversary of the 1972 car crash that claimed his first wife and daughter.
The White House continues to maintain a public image of productivity, with Communications Director Ben LaBolt stating:
President Biden is spending every day of his Presidency getting things done for the American people.
The Biden administration enters its final weeks amid growing tensions with former Democratic allies, particularly focused on Nancy Pelosi, Barack Obama, and Kamala Harris. The deteriorating relationships stem from the pressure campaign that led to Biden's withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race and subsequent controversial decisions, including his son Hunter's pardon. While the president battles reported depression and navigate farewell events, the First Lady's alleged encouragement of retaliatory measures indicates their final days may continue to generate political waves within the Democratic Party.
