When you thought American politics couldn’t feel more like a rejected Veep script, one of the harshest critiques of Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson’s literary bombshell, Original Sin: President Biden’s Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again, came from President Joe Biden’s granddaughter.
Naomi Biden’s brutal review in three (or more) words
Just read a copy of this silly book, and if anyone is curious for a review from someone who lived it first-hand: this book is political fairy smut for the permanent, professional chattering class. The ones who rarely enter the arena, but profit from the spectacle of those that… https://t.co/nANtfNhEqI
— Naomi Biden (@NaomiBiden) May 19, 2025
So what did she think of Original Sin? In an X post, Naomi Biden called the book “a bunch of unoriginal, uninspired lies written by irresponsible self-promoting journalists out to make a quick buck.” She added in part, ” … this book is political fairy smut for the permanent, professional chattering class. The ones who rarely enter the arena, but profit from the spectacle of those that do.”
Yikes. That’s not just a pan — it’s a literary roast. And coming from someone with a front-row seat to the Biden show, it’s worth more than a Goodreads rating. But we have to admit, whatever “political fairy smut” means, Naomi has us interested.
Who is Naomi Biden?
In case you’re not aware, Naomi is the eldest granddaughter of President Biden, daughter of Hunter Biden and Kathleen Buhle. A Columbia Law School graduate, she has been a visible presence during her grandfather’s presidency, even holding her wedding at the White House in 2022. Known for her active engagement on social media, Naomi hasn’t shied away from defending her family against public scrutiny.
Inside “Original Sin”
Don’t buy Jake Tapper’s book. Instead make a donation of $25 to a cancer charity. pic.twitter.com/fblBZWt3X9
— Sarah Larchmont (@SarahLarchmont) May 20, 2025
Co-authored by CNN’s Jake Tapper and Axios’ Alex Thompson, Original Sin delves into the alleged cognitive and physical decline of President Biden during his term and re-election campaign. Based on over 200 interviews, the book alleges that Biden’s inner circle, including family members and senior aides, knew of his deteriorating condition but chose to conceal it from the public. The authors argue that this “cover-up” was driven by a belief that only Biden could defeat Donald Trump, leading to a campaign marred by “gaslighting and denial.”
The book recounts incidents such as Biden appearing disoriented at fundraisers, forgetting the names of close aides, and struggling with scripted campaign events. It also discusses internal deliberations about potentially using a wheelchair for Biden during a second term, highlighting the extent of concern among his team.
The Tapper book fallout
The revelations in Original Sin have reignited debates within the Democratic Party. According to Politico, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and other Democrats have criticized figures like Kamala Harris and Xavier Becerra, alleging complicity. The book’s claims have also led to introspection within media circles, with some acknowledging a failure to scrutinize Biden’s fitness for office more rigorously.
