Senate GOP’s No. 2 leader says Biden slipping mentally

Senate Minority Whip John Thune (R-S.D.) said Wednesday that he believes President Biden is slipping mentally, after a report raised new questions about his performance during meetings in recent years.

Thune, the No. 2 Senate Republican, told reporters he does not “disagree” with The Wall Street Journal’s report that cited dozens of sources who have been in meetings with Biden or were briefed on them. The sources were mostly Republican, prompting a fierce pushback from the White House and outside criticism of the story.  

“I don’t disagree. Obviously you all see it on a daily basis. … It’s an issue,” Thune said, telling a reporter there is a “clear difference” between Biden and former President Trump. 

“I make plenty of my own [gaffes], so I’m sympathetic to that, but I think that there is no question,” he continued. “You can just kind of look at the tape.”

Thune is the highest-ranking Senate Republican to question the president’s mental standing. He is also a front-runner to replace Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) atop the GOP conference.

The Journal’s story pointed to a number of examples when Biden read from notes during meetings on aid for Ukraine. The sources also cited instances during those meetings where the president deferred questions to aides and was barely audible while speaking to those present.

“What a surprise – Republicans employing their election year messaging strategy that contradicts their own prior words about @POTUS,” White House communications director Ben LaBolt posted on the social platform X. “Gambling in Casablanca!”

Biden, 81, is the oldest person to ever hold the presidency, and questions about his mental fitness have persisted throughout his term in office.

Trump was previously the oldest person to hold office and is 3 1/2 years younger than Biden, but has also had numerous instances of confusion during the campaign.

In January, he mixed up former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley (R) with former Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.). Two months later, he mixed up Biden with former President Obama during a campaign rally.