Biden hasn’t held a Cabinet meeting since October 2023, agency heads submit questions to aides: report

The revelations come as more and more people close to Biden come clean about their concerns over his deteriorating cognitive abilities. In the weeks since his debate with Donald Trump, Biden has faced numerous calls from donors, pundits, and politicians alike to step out of the presidential race and let someone younger front the party.

According to CNN, it has become customary for Cabinet officials to submit questions and talking points to Biden's aides ahead of closed-door meetings. "The entire display is kind of an act," one source told the outlet. "They would come and say, 'Hey, the president is going to call on you about 25 minutes in, and ask this question. What are the bullet points you'll respond with?'"

A second source added that under Biden, Cabinet meetings have become "not free-wheeling, and pretty well-orchestrated," a stark contrast from those during the Obama years, where Biden attended as vice president. In response to the allegations, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack claimed that asking for questions and talking points beforehand was "standard practice for any administration," suggesting "there should not be surprise in Cabinet meetings."

Other sources told CNN that they often do not know how Biden is really doing due to the infrequent nature of the meetings. Many have nonetheless noticed a decline in his performance between the spring and summer.