Former National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan publicly addressed President Joe Biden’s debated mental acuity, defending his performance during his time in office despite acknowledging surprise over a poor debate showing in 2024. The comments come amid scrutiny sparked by a new book detailing internal concerns about Biden’s condition.
Jake Sullivan Responds to Biden’s 2024 Debate Performance
At the POLITICO Security Summit on May 15, 2025, former national security adviser Jake Sullivan shared his reaction to President Joe Biden’s widely criticized debate performance in 2024. “What happened in that debate was a shock to me,” he said, describing the moment as surprising even to those close to the former president.
Ongoing Questions About Biden’s Mental Acuity
Sullivan’s remarks follow the release of a new book titled Original Sin: President Biden’s Decline, Its Cover-up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again, authored by Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson. The book contains multiple claims from current and former White House staff suggesting that concerns about Biden’s age and cognitive abilities were significant and widespread, especially during the 2024 campaign.
Sullivan: Biden Functioned Effectively as Commander in Chief
Despite the allegations in the book, Sullivan emphasized that he personally witnessed Biden perform his duties with competence. “I sat with President Biden in the Oval Office, I sat with him in the situation room… I saw him operating, decision making, executing as commander in chief,” he said, rejecting claims that Biden was unfit for office during Sullivan’s time in the administration.
Book Alleges Biden Forgot Sullivan’s Name
A key anecdote from the book claims that Biden forgot Sullivan’s name during a meeting in December 2022, calling him “Steve.” When asked about this, Sullivan firmly denied the account, stating, “I do not recall that ever happening… Joe Biden knows my name.”
Wider Impact on Democratic Politics
Biden’s perceived decline became a liability for Democrats in 2024. According to the book, a former adviser to Kamala Harris remarked that Biden’s age negatively affected her campaign. The issue continues to generate debate within the Democratic Party as new details emerge.
Sullivan Avoids Commenting on Biden’s 2024 Candidacy Decision
When asked if Biden should have sought reelection, Sullivan declined to offer a political opinion, citing his role as a national security adviser. “I have not weighed in on those issues and would not weigh in on those issues,” he said, distancing himself from electoral politics.
No Official Comment from Biden’s Team
The White House has not issued an official response to either the book’s claims or Sullivan’s public remarks. As of now, the administration has remained silent on the controversy.
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