A forthcoming book alleges that in the months leading up to his withdrawal from the U.S. presidential race, President Joe Biden experienced a significant decline in cognitive and physical health.

According to the publication, Biden failed to recognize longtime acquaintances, including actor George Clooney, and required substantial assistance from aides during public appearances.

The book claims that at a campaign fundraising event hosted by Clooney, Biden did not identify the Oscar-winning actor despite a long-standing relationship.

Former President Barack Obama, also present at the event, reportedly had to intervene during Biden’s remarks, completing sentences for him after he struggled to maintain coherence.

According to the authors, Biden arrived at the event visibly weakened, walking with small steps and supported by a staff member.

Clooney, who later published an op-ed calling for Biden to step down from the race, reportedly conveyed to Obama his intention to speak publicly after witnessing Biden’s condition.

Obama is described as having expressed concern over the situation.

The publication further reports that Biden’s aides discussed internally the possibility of placing him in a wheelchair if he won re-election, due to increasing instability in his physical condition.

His physician allegedly warned that any further serious falls could result in prolonged recovery and necessitate mobility assistance.

In private conversations, the physician expressed frustration with the president’s schedule, reportedly stating, "Biden’s staff is trying to kill him, I’m trying to keep him alive."

In addition to physical challenges, the book details repeated instances of memory lapses.

Biden allegedly forgot the names of senior staff members including Jake Sullivan, Mike Donilon, and Kate Bedingfield.

Aides reportedly adjusted routines to accommodate his condition, shortening walking distances, installing railings, and encouraging him to wear sneakers more frequently.

The publication also details that following Biden’s performance in a televised debate against Donald Trump—characterized as disjointed and incoherent—pressure mounted from Democratic allies urging him to withdraw.

Biden exited the race in July, three months before the 2024 election, leading to Vice President Kamala Harris becoming the Democratic nominee.

Harris went on to lose the election to Trump.

In response to the claims, a spokesperson for President Biden stated that the book’s authors did not coordinate with the administration to verify their account, and that the White House would not address selective leaks from the publication.

The spokesperson added that no incident had occurred during Biden’s presidency that compromised national security or demonstrated his inability to serve, and asserted that he remained an effective leader throughout his term.