Ashley Biden Files for Divorce from Husband Dr. Howard Krein After 13 Years of Marriage
Ashley Biden, the 44-year-old daughter of former President Joe Biden, has filed for divorce from her husband, Dr. Howard Krein, a Philadelphia-based plastic surgeon and otolaryngologist. Court records show the filing was submitted Monday in Philadelphia’s Court of Common Pleas, ending a marriage that lasted more than 13 years.
The couple was introduced by Ashley’s late older brother, Beau Biden, and wed in June 2012 in Greenville, Delaware. Ashley publicly recalled their wedding during her remarks at the 2024 Democratic National Convention, describing how her father, then vice president, personally set up the reception using a John Deere 4-wheeler to arrange tables and plants while becoming emotional over the occasion.
Divorce filings in Philadelphia are not public, so specific reasons for the separation have not been disclosed. On the same day as the filing, Ashley shared Instagram content signaling fresh starts. One post featured her walking through a park giving a thumbs-up, set to Beyoncé’s “Freedom.” Another included the quote: “New life, new beginnings, means new boundaries. New ways of being that won’t look or sound like they did before.”
The personal news comes as former President Joe Biden faces renewed scrutiny over his mental capacity during the final months of his term. House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer, a Kentucky Republican, stated that his committee’s investigation into Biden’s cognitive decline could be used to challenge certain pardons and executive orders issued late in the administration.
Comer told Just the News that the frequent use of an autopen — a device that mechanically replicates a signature — raises serious legal questions. He argued that if Biden lacked awareness of what was being signed on his behalf, those actions could be invalid. “It’s questionable whether or not it’s legal to use an autopen on a legal document,” Comer said, suggesting possible criminal implications for staff involved.
Legal experts, including former Harvard Law professor Alan Dershowitz, have noted that challenges would likely end up in court. Key issues include whether the Constitution’s requirement that the president “sign” bills applies to autopen use, and whether Biden personally approved pardons or if staff acted independently.
The concerns intensified after Biden’s halting performance in the June 2024 presidential debate, which prompted widespread questions about his fitness. Special Counsel Robert Hur’s report had earlier described Biden as an elderly man with poor memory, unable to recall key dates such as his vice presidency or his son Beau’s death. Biden has defended his decision-making, insisting he personally approved all pardons.
