Axios reporter pushes back on Biden's denial of mental decline, saying White House insiders disagree

Fox News - May 9th, 2025
Open on Fox News

During a recent interview on 'The View,' former President Joe Biden and his wife, Jill Biden, addressed claims from newly released books that suggest a 'dramatic decline' in Biden's mental faculties during the later part of his term. Joe Biden refuted these assertions, stating, 'They are wrong,' while Jill Biden defended her husband by emphasizing his diligent work ethic and commitment during his presidency. However, Axios journalist Alex Thompson countered these denials, asserting that many within the Biden White House observed a significant decline and alleged cover-up efforts, particularly in 2023 and 2024.

The dispute over Biden's mental acuity has broader implications for media trust and accountability. Thompson, who recently received the White House Correspondents’ Association’s Aldo Beckman Award, criticized the mainstream media for failing to address signs of Biden's decline until it was undeniable. He emphasized the necessity for the media to acknowledge its errors to rebuild public trust. This controversy underscores ongoing debates about media bias, transparency, and the political implications of presidential health disclosures, adding layers to the broader narrative of media responsibility in political reporting.

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RATING

6.6
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides a timely and engaging exploration of a controversial topic concerning President Biden's mental health and media coverage. It is clear and accessible, making it easy for readers to follow the narrative. The story effectively highlights Alex Thompson's critical perspective, raising important questions about transparency and media responsibility. However, the reliance on a single source and the lack of corroborating evidence or diverse viewpoints limit its balance and source quality. The article could benefit from more detailed transparency regarding the basis of its claims and additional perspectives to enhance its credibility and impact. Despite these limitations, the story addresses significant public interest issues and has the potential to influence public discourse on the fitness of political leaders and the role of the media in shaping perceptions.

RATING DETAILS

7
Accuracy

The story presents several factual claims that are generally consistent with available information. It accurately reports on Axios journalist Alex Thompson's comments about the Biden White House's alleged disagreement with President Biden's denial of mental decline. The article also correctly cites Thompson's remarks on CNN, where he discussed the alleged cover-up of Biden's decline. However, the story lacks direct quotes or specific evidence from White House insiders to substantiate these claims. Additionally, while the article mentions new books from Democratic sources alleging a decline in Biden's mental faculties, it does not provide the titles or authors of these books, which would be necessary for thorough verification.

6
Balance

The article primarily presents the perspective of Alex Thompson and his critical view of the Biden administration's handling of the President's mental health. While it includes President Biden's denial and Jill Biden's defense, the story leans towards highlighting the criticisms and alleged cover-up. There is a noticeable absence of additional viewpoints, such as those from other White House officials or independent experts, which could provide a more balanced perspective. The focus on Thompson's critique and lack of counterarguments or supportive evidence for Biden's stance creates an imbalance in the narrative.

8
Clarity

The article is generally clear and well-structured, making it easy for readers to follow the narrative. It effectively outlines the key points, such as Thompson's comments, Biden's denial, and the criticisms of media coverage. The language is straightforward, and the tone remains neutral, avoiding sensationalism. However, the article could benefit from more detailed explanations of the context and sources of the claims, which would enhance clarity and comprehension for readers who are not familiar with the background of the story.

7
Source quality

The article relies heavily on the statements of Axios journalist Alex Thompson, who is a recognized reporter with a history of covering the White House. Thompson's credibility is supported by his receipt of the Aldo Beckman Award for Overall Excellence in White House Coverage. However, the article does not cite any additional sources or corroborating evidence from other journalists or insiders to support the claims made about Biden's mental decline and the alleged cover-up. This reliance on a single source limits the depth and reliability of the reporting.

5
Transparency

The article provides limited transparency regarding the basis of its claims. While it mentions Thompson's statements and his award-winning reporting, it does not disclose the methodology or specific evidence behind the allegations of Biden's mental decline and cover-up. The lack of detail on the sources of these claims, such as the unnamed White House insiders or the books mentioned, reduces the transparency of the reporting. Additionally, the article does not address any potential conflicts of interest or biases that could affect the credibility of the information presented.

Sources

  1. https://www.foxnews.com/media/axios-reporter-pushes-back-bidens-denial-mental-decline-saying-white-house-insiders-disagree
  2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Age_and_health_concerns_about_Joe_Biden
  3. https://www.foxnews.com/video/6372546733112
  4. https://www.foxnews.com/media/axios-reporter-hits-media-whiffing-coverage-bidens-decline-white-house-correspondents-dinner
  5. https://www.thedailybeast.com/axios-reporter-calls-out-media-cover-up-over-biden-decline-at-white-house-correspondents-association-dinner/