A new political book examining the 2024 election places renewed attention on the role of former First Lady Jill Biden inside White House decision-making during Joe Biden’s presidency. The book, 2024: How Trump Retook the White House and the Democrats Lost America, was released Tuesday and written by journalists Josh Dawsey, Tyler Pager, and Isaac Arnsdorf.
According to the authors, Jill Biden’s influence steadily expanded during the administration, especially in internal discussions and day-to-day political operations. A major figure tied to that influence was Anthony Bernal, who served as her chief of staff, senior adviser, and assistant to the president. The book portrays Bernal as a powerful East Wing figure whose close relationship with the first lady gave him unusual reach across the administration. The authors also describe internal friction among senior Democratic aides. Bernal reportedly questioned the loyalty of veteran strategist Anita Dunn, particularly during disagreements over how openly the Biden family should address politically sensitive matters. The book says there was also a strong internal reluctance to discuss Hunter Biden while his federal trial unfolded during the re-election campaign.
Jill Biden’s involvement became especially visible during that trial. She attended several court sessions, briefly traveled to France for the D-Day commemoration with the president, then returned to Wilmington less than a day later to be present again in court. Staff members were reportedly surprised by the sudden trip. The book also revisits her strong defense of President Biden after his debate with Donald Trump, when she publicly declared that her husband remained the best choice for the presidency. Even as concerns grew inside the party, the authors say withdrawing from the race was never seriously considered during family discussions at Camp David.
