# Jill Biden Conceals President’s Deterioration

> Jill Biden’s East Wing hides Joe Biden’s rapid decline from public and cabinet.
- Title: Jill Biden Conceals President’s Deterioration · Vanity Fair
- Summary: Jill Biden’s East Wing hides Joe Biden’s rapid decline from public and cabinet. Jill Biden concealed President Joe Biden’s deteriorating health from the…
- Keywords: jill biden, joe biden, east wing, biden administration, president, first lady, afghanistan withdrawal, hunter biden, debate, cabinet, Jill, Biden
- Source: Vanity Fair — https://vanityfair.com/story/the-east-wing-first-lady-jill-biden
- Author: Azadeh Moaveni
- Published: 2026-10-20T17:56:33.708+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: jill biden, joe biden, east wing, biden administration, president, first lady, afghanistan withdrawal, hunter biden, debate, cabinet
## Jill Biden’s East Wing
Jill Biden assumed the role of First Lady with decades of political experience, co-leading the Obama-era Joining Forces initiative.
## 2020’s Polarized America
Biden inherited an economically anxious country traumatized by COVID-19 with schools toggling between closures and online learning.
## Jill’s Healing Role
Jill traveled to states like Mississippi and Tennessee in 2021 telling communities their vaccination rates were 'not enough' and faced booing.

> Well, you’re booing yourselves
## Anthony Bernal’s Role
Anthony Bernal, Jill’s senior advisor, was a veteran of Bidenland with a gift for events and a blunt, domineering presence.
## Bernal’s Power
Bernal became the sole powerful staffer in the East Wing, holding roles as speechwriter, policy director, image maker, body person, personal assistant, and press secretary.
## Afghanistan Withdrawal Crisis
The US military withdrew from Afghanistan in August 2021, leading to the collapse of the government and a suicide bombing at Kabul airport.
## East Wing’s Response
The East Wing halted Joining Forces events and stopped all activities that might expose Jill to public anger about Afghanistan.

> They had a huge fear of doing anything at bases
## Jill’s Silence on Afghan Women
Jill remained silent on Afghan women’s plight despite being a longtime hub for Afghan women students and activists.

> Where are your outspoken voices on justice and education for women and girls of Afghanistan
## Hunter Biden Trial
Jill flew across the Atlantic three times in a week in June 2024 for Hunter Biden’s felony gun charges trial and D-Day celebrations.
## Biden’s Debate Disaster
Biden’s CNN debate performance on June 27, 2024, was a historic disaster with Jill leading the crowd to shout 'Lieee!' after his poor answers.

> Joe, you did such a great job! You answered every question, you knew all the facts
## Jill’s Blame
Jill was blamed by many senior Democrats for hiding Biden’s condition from the public and his cabinet.

> We don’t know . . . but you know
## Bernal’s Control
Bernal controlled the East Wing, becoming the sole powerful staffer in the East Wing with real authority over Jill’s activities.
## The Deterioration
Biden’s rapid deterioration was concealed by Jill’s East Wing for four years, leading to his eventual decline.
## Consequence
Jill’s concealment of Biden’s deterioration led to his eventual decline and the Biden administration’s crisis.
## Key takeaway

Jill Biden concealed President Joe Biden’s deteriorating health from the public and his cabinet for four years.