Despite a year defined by health struggles, including a public battle with metastatic prostate cancer (diagnosed in May 2025), former President Joe Biden appeared to be in good spirits this Christmas. On Thursday, he shared a festive greeting with his followers, posting a photo of the Biden family gathered at their private residence.
The Photo That Went Viral
The portrait features Dr. Jill Biden, their children Hunter and Ashley, and their grandchildren posed in front of a towering Christmas tree. However, it was Joe Biden’s specific positioning that set the internet ablaze:
- “Nearly Invisible”: Biden is tucked into the background, with only his face visible as he stands directly behind Jill Biden.
- The Message: He captioned the post, “Wishing you a peaceful and joyful Christmas Eve filled with love,” attempting to maintain a traditional holiday tone.
Social Media Erupts: “Sidelined” or Just Shy?
The reaction was swift and largely critical, with users on X and Truth Social speculating that the former president is being “pushed out” by his own inner circle.
“It’s disrespectful to put the eldest family member in the back of a photo taken for his own social media,” one user wrote, echoing a sentiment shared by many who felt the composition was “shameful.”
Others took a harsher tone, linking the placement to his perceived cognitive and physical decline. Critics remarked that he looked “snubbed” or “hidden,” with some comparing it to earlier 2025 holiday photos (like Easter) where he was accused of being digitally edited into family shots.
Health Context: A Difficult 2025
The speculation is fueled by Biden’s health journey this year. Since leaving office in January 2025, he has faced:
- Aggressive Diagnosis: In May, his office confirmed a Gleason score of 9 prostate cancer that had spread to his bones.
- Intensive Treatment: He underwent several weeks of radiation therapy at Penn Medicine, which concluded in October.
- Limited Visibility: His public appearances have become rare, with his last major outing occurring in November for the funeral of former Republican Vice President Dick Cheney.