Former President Joe Biden’s post-presidency struggles have intensified with ongoing health battles, political controversies, and limited public appearances, painting a stark contrast to the typical trajectory of former commanders-in-chief who often capitalize on their White House experience through lucrative speaking engagements and publishing deals.
Biden’s health challenges became public on May 21, 2025, when his office announced he had been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that had spread to his bones. The announcement followed his hospitalization on May 18, 2025, in Philadelphia after experiencing increasing urinary symptoms and the discovery of a small nodule on his prostate. Gerald Denis, a research professor at Boston University’s Shipley Prostate Cancer Research Center, explained that when prostate cancer metastasizes to bone, it is generally considered advanced and incurable, with only about 30 percent survival after five years.
The diagnosis revealed a Gleason score of 9, which Denis characterized as highly aggressive and not encouraging news. However, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive, which allows for effective management through specialized drugs that reduce hormone levels in the body to slow tumor growth. At 82 years old, Biden has already exceeded the average American male life expectancy of 77.4 years.
Biden’s limited public presence has become increasingly apparent, with only one spokesperson handling his press inquiries. His rare post-presidency interviews have occurred as President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticized and insulted his predecessor at public events, including the United Nations General Assembly. In July 2025, Biden defended his use of an autopen device during his presidency, telling The National News Desk, “They’re liars. They know it.”
The autopen controversy has become a significant political liability for Biden. Trump ordered an investigation into Biden’s use of the device, claiming his advisers used it to sign executive actions without his knowledge due to alleged cognitive decline. Trump’s White House has created a Presidential Walk of Fame featuring an autopen picture representing Biden between Trump’s first and second-term photos.
Recent revelations about Biden’s final days in office have further complicated his legacy. On January 19, 2025, Biden’s chief of staff Jeff Zients gave final approval for multiple preemptive pardons using the autopen device. Email records obtained by The New York Times show that Zients approved the autopen use at 10:31 p.m. after a meeting that lasted until nearly 10 p.m. The pardons included former chief medical advisor Anthony Fauci and former Joint Chiefs chairman General Mark Milley.
Former President Bill Clinton defended Biden’s mental acuity during a June 5, 2025, appearance on ABC’s “The View,” stating that whenever he was around Biden, his mind was clear and his judgment was good. However, Clinton questioned decisions made by the White House regarding Biden’s overseas travel before the pivotal CNN debate in June 2024, asking why an 80-year-old was allowed to maintain such a demanding schedule.
Biden’s security arrangements have also been affected by his diminished status. Trump ended Secret Service protection for Biden’s adult children, Hunter and Ashley Biden, in March 2025, along with protections for other former officials including Fauci. Unlike former presidents who receive lifetime protection, former vice presidents typically receive only six months of Secret Service detail after leaving office.
The Democratic Party’s struggles have created speculation about Biden’s potential return to politics. In March 2025, NBC News reported that Biden offered to help the party with fundraising and strategy as Democrats work to address their declining popularity. A recent NBC News poll showed only 27 percent of registered voters view the Democratic Party positively, the lowest approval rating since tracking began in 1990.
However, Biden’s potential political comeback faces skepticism within his own party. An anonymous major supporter questioned whether voters would want Biden back in the political arena. When asked about Biden’s possible return during a Friday appearance in the Oval Office, Trump responded that he hoped Biden would re-enter politics.
The contrast between Biden’s post-presidency experience and those of other former presidents highlights the unique challenges he faces. While most former commanders-in-chief leverage their White House experience for financial gain through speaking engagements and book deals, Biden’s health battles, ongoing controversies, and limited public appearances have severely constrained his opportunities for post-presidential success.
