For the first time in nearly a year, President Joe Biden convened his Cabinet on Friday, and this time, first lady Jill Biden took a prominent role.

The meeting, which focused on the White House Initiative on Women’s Health Research, has stirred up a significant reaction on social media, with many questioning Jill Biden’s influence and her role in the administration, as Fox News reports.

Jill Biden's participation in the meeting quickly became the center of online debate, with critics questioning the appropriateness of her presence and others defending the focus on women’s health research.

President Biden opened the meeting with brief remarks, lasting around two minutes, before turning the discussion over to his wife. The first lady addressed the room for about four-and-a-half minutes, discussing maternal health initiatives central to the administration's broader healthcare policies.

First Lady’s Involvement Draws Comparisons to Historic Precedents

Jill Biden's involvement in the Cabinet meeting marked the first time a sitting first lady has attended such an event since Hillary Clinton, whose role in her husband’s administration, particularly in healthcare reform, is often cited as the most significant of any first lady in recent history.

However, some insiders believe that Jill Biden's influence rivals that of Edith Wilson, who was said to have unofficially taken over many of President Woodrow Wilson's duties after he suffered a stroke. Comparisons to these historical figures have fueled online commentary about the role of the first lady in the Biden administration.

Criticism Erupts Across Social Media Platforms

The presence of the first lady at the Cabinet meeting has led to widespread debate on social media. Digital strategist Greg Price likened Jill Biden to Wilson, accusing her of assuming significant power without media scrutiny.

Others, like Steve Cortes, expressed alarm at the president's quick handover of the floor to his wife, with Cortes asking, "Who is running the country?"

Political commentators, including Kate Hyde, pointed out the unusual nature of the first lady’s presence at the meeting, questioning whether it was appropriate for her to address the Cabinet on a topic typically reserved for formal administration officials.

Supporters Highlight the Importance of Women’s Health

Despite the criticism, some have praised Jill Biden’s involvement, arguing that her presence underscores the administration's commitment to addressing women's health issues. White House Deputy Press Secretary Andrew Bates responded to the backlash, emphasizing that the first lady’s participation highlighted groundbreaking work being done on women’s health research.

Bates also dismissed critics, labeling their comments as conspiracy theories aimed at undermining the administration's progress on key health issues. He added that the initiative would fundamentally reshape how the U.S. approaches women’s health, with a focus on previously overlooked areas like maternal health.

Jill Biden’s Role in Administration Faces Ongoing Scrutiny

As the debate rages on, some commentators have suggested that Jill Biden’s role in the administration may be larger than previously thought. Tim Young, a prominent podcaster, argued that the first lady's involvement at such a high level of government decision-making was not only unconventional but indicative of a larger shift in the administration's dynamic.

“Jill Biden is the head of the table at the cabinet meeting. No one voted for her to be there... this must be part of her deal to have Joe drop out of the race. She has no reason to be there,” Young stated, fueling speculation about President Biden's future plans.

Republican Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri echoed this sentiment, asking, "Is this real? Is this who’s running the country?" His comments reflected a broader concern among some Republican lawmakers and commentators regarding the influence of unelected figures in shaping public policy.

Administration Stands by First Lady’s Involvement

In response to the criticism, the White House has remained steadfast in defending Jill Biden's participation in the Cabinet meeting. Bates reiterated that her involvement was purely to showcase the administration's commitment to improving women’s health research and that it did not signal any broader power shift within the administration.

“The idea that Jill Biden has any official governing role is simply not true,” Bates said, attempting to quell the growing speculation. “She was there for one reason: to highlight an issue that matters deeply to American women.”

Conclusion: First Lady's Presence Continues to Spark Debate

Jill Biden's appearance at Friday’s Cabinet meeting has reignited debate about the influence and role of first ladies in U.S. politics.

While some argue that her presence signifies the administration’s dedication to women’s health, others see it as a troubling sign of undue influence. As the Biden administration moves forward, the public will continue to watch closely how Jill Biden's role evolves.