WASHINGTON: As Joe Biden nears the end of his presidency, he’s slipping further into the background, overshadowed by his former rival, Donald Trump, who is making headlines again. With just weeks left in office, the 82-year-old president has been conspicuously silent, especially on critical issues like the looming government shutdown.
Biden’s absence from the public debate about a shutdown and his reticence to confront the growing crisis have fueled criticism that the leader is present but not truly in charge. While he remains the face of American power, it’s Trump, not Biden, who seems to be calling the shots—whether by influencing foreign policy or derailing crucial negotiations.
Although Biden did make a public appearance on Friday at a children’s hospital, he steered clear of the shutdown topic, opting instead to play catch with a child. When questioned about Biden’s silence, White House Press Secretary Karina Jean-Pierre stated that it was up to Congress to resolve the deadlock, not the president.
The political landscape has shifted dramatically since Biden’s controversial debate with Trump in June, which led to his withdrawal from the 2024 election. Biden, who had initially hoped to see Vice President Kamala Harris succeed where she faltered, is now focused on securing his legacy. Yet his efforts, such as speeches on student loan forgiveness and international ceasefire efforts, often highlight the contrast between his fading presence and the fierce political battles around him.
Recent moments have shown Biden’s vulnerability: coughing through speeches, appearing frail on foreign trips, and even missing key moments like a G20 photo op. His once-loquacious nature has given way to a more distant, quieter figure, and he’s avoided addressing critical issues, including whether he still sees Trump as a threat to democracy.
Biden’s low-key approach to his final days has been further fueled by media reports of his diminishing influence. With reports that his staff have built barriers around him, limiting access and keeping his schedule brief, it seems the grand finale of his presidency is less about triumph and more about a quiet retreat into the shadows.
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