He is no longer fit to continue.
Social media buzzed with reactions after First Lady Jill Biden attended what could be one of President Joe Biden’s final Cabinet meetings. The meeting, held on Friday, marked the first time Jill Biden participated, as she spoke on the White House Initiative on Women’s Health Research. President Biden explained her presence, noting that while other first ladies have attended such meetings for specific reasons, this was Jill’s first time, emphasizing the importance of the issue she was addressing. He concluded his brief remarks by turning the floor over to her, saying, “It’s all yours, kid.”
According to reports from The New York Post, Jill Biden spoke for four-and-a-half minutes on maternal health initiatives after the president gave a two-minute introduction. Traditionally, the president sits at the center of the table with Cabinet members seated according to the founding of their departments. The last time a sitting first lady joined a Cabinet meeting was when Hillary Clinton did so during her husband’s administration.
The first lady’s influence on the president and his administration has been a topic of debate, with her presence at this meeting sparking criticism online. Some commentators suggested that Jill Biden’s involvement indicates a significant level of influence, drawing comparisons to historical figures like Edith Wilson, who controlled access to President Woodrow Wilson after his stroke. Digital strategist Greg Price highlighted this comparison, noting that Jill Biden’s influence seems more visible, especially in today’s media landscape.
Others, such as former Trump adviser Steve Cortes and political commentator Kate Hyde, questioned the appropriateness of her role in the meeting, with some speculating about her influence on the president’s decision-making. Critics like podcaster Tim Young and The Federalist co-founder Sean Davis also raised concerns about the unelected role of the first lady in what they see as critical governance matters. Commentator T. Becket Adams of The Hill mused that this situation reflects a broader issue of leadership within the administration, sparking further debate about Jill Biden’s role in the White House.
