First Lady Jill Biden’s rise to power within the White House, as her husband faced intense scrutiny over his age, is the bombshell revelation of a newly released book.

According to Fox News, the book "2024: How Trump Retook the White House and the Democrats Lost America" by journalists Josh Dawsey, Tyler Pager, and Isaac Arnsdor, uncovers the significant influence Jill Biden wielded during President Joe Biden’s administration. Her role grew alongside that of her senior advisor, Anthony Bernal, as the president grappled with questions about his cognitive capacity.

The narrative begins with Biden’s struggles, particularly highlighted by a consequential debate performance that fueled concerns among Democrats and donors alike. As the first octogenarian president, his age became a focal point, sparking congressional probes and public debate over his fitness for office.

Unveiling the East Wing's Power Dynamics

Jill Biden’s ascent wasn’t a solo act; Anthony Bernal, her chief of staff, emerged as a key figure, often blurring the lines between his views and hers. The book details how Bernal’s loyalty to the First Lady translated into significant sway, sometimes answering for her during interactions with donors and voters.

Bernal’s influence drew scrutiny, leading to a subpoena for testimony on July 16 after he declined to appear before a committee investigating an alleged cover-up of Biden’s mental state. The authors note his accusations against Democratic strategist Anita Dunn for disloyalty when she advocated for more openness about the Biden family.

Meanwhile, a near-complete taboo on discussing Hunter Biden within the administration added another layer of secrecy. This silence persisted even as Hunter’s federal trial unfolded during the re-election campaign, underscoring the tight control over family matters.

Standing by Family in Crisis

Jill Biden’s commitment to family shone through during Hunter’s trial, where she made extraordinary efforts to be present despite a packed schedule. She attended the first three days, traveled to France for a D-Day event with the president, and returned to Wilmington within 24 hours for the trial’s fifth day.

Her unexpected arrivals at the trial caught West Wing staffers off guard, revealing her independent streak. With Bernal constantly at her side, the East Wing’s autonomy from the broader White House apparatus became strikingly apparent.

Her protective instincts extended beyond Hunter to her husband, especially after his faltering debate against Donald Trump. At a fundraiser shortly after, she firmly declared Joe as not just suitable but the sole choice for the job, signaling unwavering support.

Defending Joe Amid Political Firestorm

The book portrays Jill Biden as a steadfast guardian, often intervening on mundane matters like ensuring the president ate well or questioning staff over perceived missteps. One instance in January 2022 saw a Biden aide apologizing to her for allowing a press conference to drag on too long.

Post-debate, as Democratic unease grew, Jill’s resolve hardened, insisting the party rally behind Joe during his fiercest political battle. Her influence was pivotal during a family retreat to Camp David, where dropping out of the race wasn’t even entertained.

At Camp David in late June, Biden assessed the damage with his inner circle, including Jill, who helped persuade him to stay the course despite mounting pressure. Subsequent TV interviews saw Biden downplaying the debate as a bad night, attributing it to a cold and late hours, while affirming his intent to remain in the race.

A Legacy of Loyalty and Control

Less than a month after the debate, and following an assassination attempt on Trump, Biden ultimately suspended his re-election bid, endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee. The book suggests Jill’s role during this tumultuous period was not just supportive but strategically dominant within the family’s decision-making sphere.

From shielding Hunter to bolstering Joe, Jill Biden’s tenure as First Lady, as depicted in "2024," challenges the traditional boundaries of the role with a blend of fierce loyalty and subtle authority. While some may see this as overreach, others might view it as a necessary anchor in a storm of progressive overpromises and political missteps.

In the end, this account offers a window into a White House wrestling with internal and external pressures, where personal bonds often trumped political calculus. It’s a reminder that behind every embattled leader, there’s often a quieter force steering the ship, for better or for worse.