In a stunning revelation, former White House chief of staff Jeff Zients has acknowledged a noticeable decline in President Joe Biden’s decision-making abilities during the latter part of his term, as Mediaite reports.

This disclosure, coupled with Zients' confirmation of Hunter Biden’s involvement in the pardon process and President Biden’s issuance of pardons to family members on his last day in office, has reignited discussions about Biden’s capacity and family influence in his administration.

Unveiling the undeniable decline

During a closed-door session with the House Oversight Committee on a Thursday in an unspecified month, Zients admitted to observing a slowdown in Biden’s ability to make decisions.

According to a report by National Review journalists Audrey Fahlberg and James Lynch, Zients noted that what once took three meetings to decide later required an additional session.

In their words, Zients “stated that Biden’s decision-making capabilities slowed during the administration,” highlighting the increasing time needed for critical choices.

Hunter Biden’s unexpected role emerges

Adding to the controversy, Zients disclosed that Hunter Biden, the president’s son, played a part in the administration’s pardon process despite holding no official role.

Hunter, who was convicted on tax and gun charges, received a pardon from his father in December 2024, raising questions about conflicts of interest.

This involvement came to light as part of Zients’ broader testimony regarding the inner workings of the Biden White House during its final years.

Family pardons mark president's final days in office

On his last day in office, President Biden issued blanket pardons to several close relatives, including his brother James, sister Valerie, brother Francis, and their spouses.

This move, confirmed by Zients, has drawn scrutiny over the timing and scope of such actions at the end of Biden’s tenure.

These pardons have fueled ongoing debates about the ethical implications of presidential clemency when extended to family members.

Political pressure prompts Biden exit

Throughout 2024, Biden’s mental sharpness and suitability for a second term became central issues in political discourse, intensifying after a weak debate showing against Donald Trump in June of last year.

Zients revealed that both he and National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan believed Biden should have withdrawn from the 2024 presidential race following that performance, a sentiment that echoed growing concerns within the Democratic Party.

Under mounting pressure, Biden ultimately stepped aside, paving the way for Vice President Kamala Harris to challenge Trump in the general election.

That occurred even though he and his team continued to assert in 2024 and into 2025 that no significant decline had occurred.