Jill Biden Breaks Silence on Pelosi’s Role in Joe Biden’s Exit, 50-Year Friendship Fractured

As the Bidens prepare to leave the White House, First Lady Jill Biden opened up in an interview with The Washington Post about her disappointment with former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s involvement in pressuring President Biden to bow out of the 2024 race.

As reported by Fox News, Jill Biden’s comments revealed deep frustration with someone she described as a longtime friend.

US Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi arrives at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart for the funeral of U.S. Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. in Newark, NJ on Thursday May 2, 2024. Donald M. Payne, Jr. died at 65 years old in his sixth term as US Congressman for New Jersey.

“It’s been on my mind a lot lately,” Jill Biden remarked. “We were friends for 50 years. It was disappointing.”

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Pelosi’s influence loomed large in the Democratic Party’s push to convince Biden to step aside. After Biden’s disastrous June debate performance, Pelosi made a telling appearance on Morning Joe, stating, “It’s up to the president to decide if he is going to run.”

Her public comments coincided with private lobbying efforts by Democratic heavyweights, including former President Barack Obama and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.

This internal pressure campaign aimed to address growing concerns that Biden’s faltering leadership and public struggles would cost Democrats the White House.

Pelosi, in hindsight, reportedly expressed regret that Biden hadn’t withdrawn from the race sooner, given Vice President Kamala Harris’ crushing defeat by President-elect Donald Trump.

Jill Biden, however, stood firm in her belief that her husband was capable of another term, saying, “I mean, today, I think he has a full schedule. He started early with interviews and briefings, and it just keeps going.”

Aug 19, 2024; Chicago, IL, USA; First Lady Jill Biden and President Joe Biden wave to the crowd after President Biden’s speech during the first day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center. The DNC program will feature President Joe Biden and Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton during Monday’s ceremonies. Mandatory Credit: Jasper Colt-USA TODAY

Yet, President Biden struck a different tone in an interview with USA Today, admitting uncertainty about his capacity to serve another term. “Who the hell knows? So far, so good. But who knows what I’m going to be when I’m 86 years old?” he said candidly.

The First Lady also addressed the controversy surrounding President Biden’s decision to pardon his son, Hunter Biden. She acknowledged that it wasn’t an easy choice for her husband.

“Joe really wrestled with that decision,” Jill Biden shared.

Aug 19, 2024; Chicago, IL, USA; First Lady Jill Biden speaks during the first day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center. The DNC program will feature President Joe Biden and Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton during Monday’s ceremonies. Mandatory Credit: Jasper Colt-USA TODAY

“I mean, we started — he started at the point where he said he wasn’t going to pardon Hunter. But then I think things changed. Circumstances changed, and it became quite apparent and obvious that the Republicans weren’t going to stop.”

Despite these revelations, Pelosi’s office has remained silent, declining to comment on the First Lady’s remarks or the Democratic Party’s internal conflicts.

As the Biden presidency winds down, this fallout with Pelosi underscores the deep divisions and political maneuvering within the Democratic establishment, exposing cracks that could shape the party’s future.

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