A new book titled 2024: How Trump Retook the White House and the Democrats Lost America explores the Biden administration’s unraveling and the growing political influence of First Lady Jill Biden. Written by journalists Josh Dawsey, Tyler Pager, and Isaac Arnsdorf, the book suggests that Jill Biden’s ascent coincided with her husband’s decline, particularly as concerns over President Joe Biden’s cognitive state intensified.

Jill’s top aide, Anthony Bernal, emerged as a powerful figure within the White House, operating closely alongside her. According to the book, Bernal often acted on Jill Biden’s behalf, blurring the lines between his opinions and hers. His refusal to testify before a congressional committee investigating the alleged cover-up of Biden’s mental health prompted a subpoena, as executive privilege didn’t apply to him.

The book also highlights a “near-total ban” on discussing Hunter Biden within the West Wing, especially during his federal trial in June 2024. Despite a demanding travel schedule, Jill Biden prioritized attending the trial, catching staff off guard with her unannounced appearances and asserting her independence from White House operations.

Jill became her husband’s most vocal defender following his widely criticized debate performance against Donald Trump. “Joe isn’t just the right person for the job,” she told donors. “He’s the only person for the job.”

The authors describe Jill as a protective spouse, managing details of the president’s schedule and confronting staff when necessary. As pressure mounted for Biden to step aside, Jill stood firm: dropping out, the book reveals, “was not even a consideration.”