US President Joe Biden's Condition Is Deteriorating: WSJ

Political figures report that Biden's interlocutors have noted a deterioration in the president's condition and a decrease in his engagement in state affairs. He often takes long pauses during speech, and there are also issues with his memory.

The Wall Street Journal reported that the condition of US President Joe Biden is deteriorating, with his level of involvement in state affairs gradually decreasing. This information comes from more than 45 political figures close to the president.

When Biden met with congressional leaders in January to discuss funding for Ukraine, the periodical writes, he spoke so quietly at times that the participants could barely hear him. He relied on notes to 'draw obvious conclusions', took long pauses, and sometimes closed his eyes for extended periods, leading attendees to wonder if the president had fallen asleep.

The WSJ conducted interviews, noting that Republicans have been more critical of Biden, but several Democrats have acknowledged that the president has 'shown his age' on certain issues. Joe Biden, aged 81, is the oldest president in US history.

Biden has not been shy about his lapses. For instance, during a fundraising event in Manhattan in February 2024, he referred to his 2021 meeting with Germany's Chancellor as if it were with Helmut Kohl, who passed away in June 2017. In 2021, Germany was led by Angela Merkel.

Biden has often been seen with notes. In April 2023, during a joint press conference with South Korean leader Yoon Suk-yeol, specific questions were noted down for Biden to refer to during the event.

In April 2024, the head of the US Department of Justice, Merrick Garland, stated that there is no deviation in the president's mental capabilities, expressing full confidence in the president's abilities.

In February, Biden had a one-on-one conversation with House Speaker Mike Johnson, during which they addressed the shift in the administration's policies. Six sources familiar with the situation reported that Johnson was concerned about whether Biden had forgotten details about his own policies during their dialogue.