Democratic Lawmaker Questions Biden’s Mental State

On Wednesday, New York Democrat Gregory Meeks expressed anger after what seemed like a light-hearted jab at former President Joe Biden’s mental fitness.

Meeks was discussing the international financial system during a House Financial Services Committee hearing. He called for Congress to regain the authority to impose tariffs and posed rhetorical questions that aimed to prompt insightful answers from the Treasury Secretary.

“Let me ask this question. Maybe I missed it. Who has been president since January 20, 2025?” Meeks queried, with Bescent responding, “Donald J. Trump.”

“Okay, and who was president in 2024?” Meeks continued. Bescent answered, “President Biden believes.”

A Wall Street Journal article, published on December 19, 2024, highlighted concerns over Biden’s health as expressed by advisers close to him. This piece sparked criticism from some media figures, leaving Meeks visibly taken aback by the reactions.

“Do you believe it?” Meeks asked, noting the laughter captured in the video. “Are you one of the non-believers that Americans didn’t vote in elections?”

“I’m not,” Bescent replied.

Discussion surrounding Biden’s age and health issues has been ongoing throughout his administration and during the 2020 campaign. In February 2024, Biden made statements suggesting he conversed with deceased leaders, including former German Chancellor Helmut Kohl and former French President François Mitterrand.

In September 2022, Biden mistakenly referred to Indiana Rep. Jackie Walorski at a hunger meeting, despite her tragic death weeks prior in a car accident.