how Biden’s aides tried to hide his decline

White House staff restricted President Biden’s access to information, controlled his reading material and limited meetings with senior officials throughout his presidency, although they maintained until five months ago that he would seek re-election.

Biden, 82, the oldest person to serve as president, has faced scrutiny over his age and fitness for office. “In the conversations I have, they don’t even mention the president. It’s kind of sad,” said one Democratic official. “It feels like Trump is already president.”

Aides are understood to have worked to protect him from scenarios that could heighten concerns about his ability to perform the role effectively.

In preparation for an interview with Robert Hur, the special counsel investigating classified documents kept by Biden after his vice presidency, the staff.