First Lady Jill Biden's attendance at her first Cabinet meeting sparked both support and criticism, with some commentators questioning her influence within the administration.
President Biden's first Cabinet meeting in nearly a year was marked by a significant presence: First Lady Jill Biden. Her attendance at the gathering has ignited a heated debate on social media and among political commentators, prompting discussions about the extent of her influence within the administration.
Jill Biden's Presence at Cabinet Meeting Sparks Controversy
Jill Biden's role at the meeting was to speak about the White House Initiative on Women's Health Research. However, her presence at the table, seated at its head, has raised eyebrows. The last known instance of a first lady attending her husband's Cabinet meeting was Hillary Clinton.
The issue of first lady influence has often been a source of controversy. Jill Biden has been frequently compared to Edith Wilson, the wife of President Woodrow Wilson, who exercised significant power over her husband's administration after he suffered a stroke.
Jill Biden's Presence at Cabinet Meeting Sparks Controversy
The New York Post characterized Jill Biden as "the most influential first lady since Edith Wilson" and reported that she read about maternal health initiatives for four and a half minutes, while her husband spoke for just two minutes at the start of the meeting.
Numerous commentators took to social media to voice their concerns. Digital strategist Greg Price likened her to Edith Wilson, while former adviser to President Donald Trump, Steve Cortes, questioned who was truly running the country.
Jill Biden's Presence at Cabinet Meeting Sparks Controversy
Political commentator Kate Hyde observed that Jill Biden was leading the Cabinet meeting and asked if it was expected to be considered normal. Podcaster Tim Young speculated that Jill Biden's attendance was part of a deal to ensure Joe Biden would drop out of the presidential race, claiming she had no reason to be there.
The Federalist's Sean Davis sarcastically questioned the constitutional authority of the first lady. The Hill columnist T. Becket Adams described the situation as an "insane" power vacuum filled by the former ruler's wife.
Jill Biden's Presence at Cabinet Meeting Sparks Controversy
Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) asked if the country was truly being run by the first lady.
However, the White House Deputy Press Secretary defended Jill Biden's presence, stating that she was invited to showcase her work on women's health research. The statement also criticized those who questioned her presence as pushing conspiracy theories and devaluing progress made in that area.
The debate surrounding Jill Biden's attendance at the Cabinet meeting reflects a larger discussion about the role and influence of first ladies in the political arena. It remains to be seen if her presence will become a regular occurrence or if it was a one-time event.
