In a fiery and eyebrow-raising moment during his first public appearance since announcing his aggressive prostate cancer diagnosis, former President Joe Biden took direct aim at CNN’s Jake Tapper and Axios reporter Alex Thompson—jokingly threatening to “beat the hell out of both of them” over claims made in their new book Original Sin.
Speaking to reporters in Wilmington, Delaware, the 82-year-old Biden attempted to shrug off mounting scrutiny about his physical and mental condition. “You can see that I’m mentally incompetent, I can’t walk — and I can beat the hell out of both of them,” Biden quipped, smirking as he responded to a question about the book’s allegations.
Original Sin alleges that Biden’s inner circle actively concealed signs of cognitive decline during his presidency. Among the claims: Biden failed to recognize actor George Clooney at a 2024 fundraiser and staff privately discussed the potential need for a wheelchair during a hypothetical second term. The book paints a picture of a presidency propped up behind the scenes while the White House projected stability to the public.
Biden, brushing off the allegations, took a combative stance. “Why didn’t they run against me then?” he said, addressing Democratic critics. “Because I’d have beaten them.”
Joe Biden demonstrates his mental fortitude by threatening to “beat the hell” out of Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson.pic.twitter.com/hTfMtdXM8p
— Bonchie (@bonchieredstate) May 30, 2025
The former president also touched on his current health, confirming that his cancer treatment involves a new pill regimen and emphasizing that the disease has not spread to his organs. “The bones are strong,” Biden added, attempting to downplay the severity of the diagnosis.
While Biden’s comments were clearly intended to be tongue-in-cheek, they have reignited serious concerns about his past fitness for office and the transparency of those closest to him. Critics argue the remarks are tone-deaf in light of his condition and the gravity of the allegations, while others say it was a classic Biden moment—gritty, dismissive, and meant to deflect.
But the deeper questions remain. Was the American public misled about Biden’s health during his time in office? Did senior staff orchestrate a cover-up to protect the administration from political fallout?
As Biden continues treatment and steps further away from the political spotlight, his offhand remarks—and the claims made in Original Sin—will likely keep the debate alive. Whether his comments were bravado, frustration, or both, one thing is clear: Biden isn’t going quietly.