A new book titled 2024: How Trump Retook the White House and the Democrats Lost America examines the inner dynamics of the Biden administration and argues that First Lady Jill Biden’s political influence expanded as President Joe Biden faced growing scrutiny. Written by journalists Josh Dawsey, Tyler Pager, and Isaac Arnsdorf, the book claims that concerns over the president’s cognitive state intensified following his troubled debate performance, prompting deeper congressional investigations. It also highlights Jill Biden’s increasingly active role, alongside her longtime aide Anthony Bernal, whose influence rose sharply within the East Wing.
According to the book, Bernal became a powerful figure who often acted with near-total loyalty to the first lady and sometimes answered questions on her behalf. He was subpoenaed after refusing to appear before a committee investigating an alleged effort to conceal the president’s decline. The authors also describe a strict ban on discussing Hunter Biden during his federal trial, even as Jill Biden went to great lengths to attend court sessions—making rapid trips between international events and Wilmington that surprised many West Wing staffers.
The book says Jill Biden acted as her husband’s strongest defender after the disastrous debate, insisting the Democratic Party remain united behind him. It portrays her as a protective spouse who monitored schedules, encouraged healthier habits, and confronted staff when she felt mistakes were made. Despite rising anxiety among Democrats, the authors write that dropping out of the race was never considered during the Biden family’s Camp David discussions.