What Happened to Joseph Robinette "Joe" Biden Jr.?
Joe Biden served as the 46th President of the United States from January 20, 2021, to January 20, 2025. He initially sought re-election in 2024 but withdrew from the race in July 2024 due to age and health concerns following a poor debate performance, endorsing Kamala Harris who subsequently lost to Donald Trump. Since leaving office, Biden has been focusing on his memoir and presidential library, while undergoing treatment for an aggressive form of prostate cancer diagnosed in May 2025.
Quick Answer
Joe Biden concluded his term as the 46th U.S. President on January 20, 2025, after withdrawing from the 2024 re-election race in July 2024 due to health concerns and a widely criticized debate performance. He endorsed his Vice President, Kamala Harris, who then lost the election to Donald Trump. Currently, as of April 2026, Biden is out of public office, working on his memoir and presidential library, and receiving ongoing treatment for aggressive prostate cancer diagnosed in May 2025, with his team reporting he is managing well despite some fatigue.
πKey Facts
π Complete Timeline14 events
Inaugurated as 46th U.S. President
Joe Biden was sworn in as the 46th President of the United States, becoming the oldest person to assume the office at 78 years old.
Signs American Rescue Plan Act
President Biden signed the $1.9 trillion stimulus bill, the American Rescue Plan Act, to address the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Signs Inflation Reduction Act
Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act into law, a landmark bill focused on climate change, healthcare costs, and tax reform.
Announces 2024 Re-election Campaign
President Biden officially announced his bid for re-election for a second term, with Kamala Harris as his running mate.
Clinches Democratic Nomination
Biden secured enough delegates to become the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee for the 2024 election.
Disastrous Debate Performance
Biden's performance in the first presidential debate against Donald Trump was widely criticized, raising significant concerns about his age and fitness for office.
Withdraws from 2024 Presidential Race
Amid intense pressure from Democrats following his debate performance, President Biden announced his withdrawal from the 2024 re-election campaign and endorsed Kamala Harris.
Donald Trump Wins Presidential Election
Kamala Harris, endorsed by Biden, lost the general election to Republican Donald Trump, who became the 47th President of the United States.
Leaves Office as President
Joe Biden's term as the 46th President of the United States officially concluded with the inauguration of Donald Trump.
Book Reveals Aides Discussed Wheelchair Use
A new book, 'Original Sin,' by Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson, revealed that Biden's aides privately discussed the possibility of him needing a wheelchair for a second term due to physical deterioration.
Diagnosed with Aggressive Prostate Cancer
Biden's office announced he was diagnosed with an aggressive form of Stage 4 prostate cancer that had metastasized to his bones.
Undergoes Radiation Therapy
Biden began undergoing radiation therapy as part of his treatment plan for prostate cancer.
Aides Express Optimism in Cancer Fight
Biden's aides expressed optimism about his progress in battling cancer, though some close friends noted he appeared fatigued. He continues to work on his memoir and foundation.
Jill Biden Discusses Husband's Cancer in Memoir
Jill Biden's upcoming memoir reveals details about Joe Biden's decision to end his 2024 re-election bid and confirms that he will have cancer 'all his lifetime,' but doctors expect him to live out his natural life.
πDeep Dive Analysis
Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. served as the 46th President of the United States, taking office on January 20, 2021, and concluding his term on January 20, 2025. His presidency was marked by significant legislative achievements, including the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, addressing economic recovery, infrastructure, climate change, and healthcare costs. He also appointed Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court.
Despite these accomplishments, concerns about Biden's age and health grew throughout his term, particularly as the 2024 presidential election approached. He announced his re-election bid on April 25, 2023, and secured the Democratic nomination by March 2024. However, a widely criticized debate performance against Donald Trump in June 2024 intensified calls for him to withdraw from the race from within his own party. On July 21, 2024, Biden announced his withdrawal, endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris as his replacement. Harris subsequently lost the November 2024 election to Donald Trump.
After leaving the presidency in January 2025, Biden maintained a relatively low public profile, focusing on writing his memoir and planning his presidential library. A significant development in his post-presidency was the announcement in May 2025 that he had been diagnosed with an aggressive form of Stage 4 prostate cancer that had metastasized to his bones. He underwent radiation therapy and hormone treatment in late 2025. As of early 2026, his aides and his wife, Jill Biden, have stated he is doing well and making progress with his treatment, though some close associates have noted signs of fatigue. Jill Biden confirmed in March 2026 that while the cancer means he will live with the disease, doctors expect him to live out his natural life. A book released in May 2025, 'Original Sin,' revealed that Biden's aides had privately discussed the possibility of him needing a wheelchair for a potential second term due to physical deterioration. His current status as of April 1, 2026, is that of a former president managing his health, engaged in personal projects, and largely out of the political spotlight.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Joseph Robinette "Joe" Biden Jr. made different choices?