Former First Lady Jill Biden is in advanced discussions to secure a joint book deal potentially worth up to $30 million, drawing from diaries she meticulously kept during Joe Biden's presidency. The memoir could specifically target prominent Democrats perceived to have undermined President Biden during the turbulent conclusion of his term, according to insiders familiar with the negotiations.
Among the high-profile Democrats Jill Biden reportedly harbors grievances against are former President Barack Obama, ex-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and actor George Clooney. Sources indicate she is particularly displeased with Pelosi, who allegedly urged Joe Biden to withdraw from the 2024 presidential campaign in personal communications.
A former aide close to the Bidens described Jill as fiercely loyal and protective of her husband. "She's his grudge-holder for sure, and there are definitely plenty of people she will never talk to again," the aide noted, adding, "It's unlike her to take public swings at specific individuals or lay blame. It's just not her style. That's what is going to sell books, though."
The diary reportedly chronicles sensitive behind-the-scenes details, including President Biden's widely scrutinized health issues and the family's internal discussions about his decision to exit the 2024 race. Biden's public struggles, particularly his performance during the pivotal June 27 debate against Donald Trump, intensified speculation about his mental acuity and ultimately influenced his decision to step aside.
Governor Pelosi is said to be first on Jill Biden's list for criticism, following her alleged direct request that Joe Biden abandon his reelection bid. Meanwhile, Jill Biden reportedly lost respect for Clooney after he published an open letter in The New York Times urging Biden to step aside for the good of the Democratic Party.
Sources further claim Jill Biden was deeply disappointed with Obama, who chose not to personally communicate his position on Joe Biden's reelection prospects, fueling a sense of betrayal. The memoir's disclosures would represent an unusual step for the former First Lady, typically reserved in her public criticisms.
The financial considerations surrounding the memoir are significant for the Biden family, currently facing multiple financial pressures. According to insiders, Hunter Biden faces around $15 million in debt stemming from legal battles, compounded by sluggish sales of his memoir and artwork.
The Biden family reportedly has struggled financially post-presidency, with limited lucrative speaking engagements. A former aide observed, "Given the financial state that her son is in and the lack of interest in paid speaking engagements for both of them, they could be forced to think twice about how personal and specific they get in their books."
Any book deal, however, would place Jill Biden in the difficult position of publicly addressing accusations that she concealed the true extent of her husband's mental decline during the final months of his administration. Industry insiders suggest publishers will demand comprehensive, detailed disclosures as a condition for a substantial advance.
Two forthcoming books are set to add pressure on the Bidens. CNN's Jake Tapper and Axios reporter Alex Thompson will release "Original Sin: President Biden's Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again" on May 20, promising to reveal undisclosed details about Biden's condition. Similarly, Washington Post reporters Josh Dawsey, Tyler Pager, and Isaac Arnsdorf's "2024: How Trump Retook the White House and the Democrats Lost America" debuts July 8, containing additional damaging claims.
Amid this mounting scrutiny, the Bidens are attempting a media counteroffensive. The couple appeared together on ABC's "The View" in a joint interview, while Jill Biden recently accepted a role with the Milken Institute focused on women's health issues. Joe Biden, meanwhile, conducted his first post-presidency interview with BBC News, where he acknowledged the difficulty in deciding to step aside, saying, "It was a hard decision," and adding after a lengthy pause, "It was just a difficult decision."
