Some might think she protests a bit too much. Ashley Biden defended her father on Instagram, calling media criticism “fake news.” Her post came after Jake Tapper’s CNN segment, which questioned the transparency of Biden’s prostate cancer diagnosis. According to Tapper’s new book, the White House tried to conceal Biden’s cognitive decline.

Ashley’s Fiery Defense

Former President Joe Biden’s daughter Ashley took to Instagram with a strongly worded defense of her father against media criticism concerning his health and cognitive ability. Her post, which contained profanity and dismissed media reports as “fake news,” comes amid increasing scrutiny of the president’s health following his prostate cancer diagnosis in May 2025. Ashley specifically targeted a CNN segment by Jake Tapper that questioned the transparency of the Biden administration regarding the president’s medical condition and cognitive state.

In her lengthy post, Ashley mocked the idea of a media conspiracy and defended her father’s record in office. She emphasized his dedication to public service and his work ethic, suggesting that criticism of his abilities was unfounded. The post marks a departure from the typically measured responses of the Biden family to criticism, indicating the personal toll that public scrutiny may be taking. Ashley’s defense comes at a particularly sensitive time, as her father continues to battle an aggressive form of prostate cancer while facing questions about his fitness to serve.

Former President Joe Biden’s daughter Ashley fired back at ongoing reports about her father’s cognitive decline while in office in a scathing social media post. pic.twitter.com/pTxqrux1aY

— Fox News (@FoxNews) June 3, 2025

Health Concerns and Media Scrutiny

Jake Tapper’s new book has become a focal point in the controversy, as it allegedly contains claims that the White House actively concealed then-President Biden’s cognitive decline. This follows the president’s withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race after a widely criticized debate performance, after which he endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris. Senator Josh Hawley has added to the controversy by claiming that a whistleblower reported Biden’s severe cognitive decline, further intensifying scrutiny of the president’s health and mental acuity.

Despite his diagnosis, Biden has continued to appear publicly, expressing optimism about his health outlook. The White House has maintained that he remains capable of fulfilling his presidential duties. The aggressive nature of his prostate cancer diagnosis has nonetheless raised concerns about his ability to complete his term effectively. These health issues come amid other controversies, including an auto-pen scandal that has further complicated perceptions of the president’s capability and transparency with the American public.

Ashley Biden: Reporting on my Dad’s mental acuity is disrespectful and untrue.

Sure, Ashley. Sure… pic.twitter.com/3MVJD7t3JR

— The Constitutional Conservative (@TheCCShowcast) June 3, 2025

Social Media Backlash

Ashley Biden’s Instagram defense triggered an immediate and largely negative reaction across social media platforms. Critics questioned her credibility and referenced her past controversies. Many commenters expressed skepticism about her characterization of media reports as “fake news,” particularly given documented instances of Biden’s public confusion and verbal stumbles. The polarized reactions highlight the deeply divided nature of public opinion regarding the Biden administration and its handling of the former president’s health information.

Ashley concluded her post by thanking supporters for their love during challenging times and issuing a warning against disrespectful comments. She emphasized her father’s legislative accomplishments, including the American Rescue Plan and climate legislation. However, her passionate defense and dismissal of criticism as “noise” created by those “profiting from some real BS” has done little to quell the controversy. Instead, it has intensified debate about the appropriate level of health transparency for public officials and the role of family members in managing public perception during health crises.

Sources:

• Ashley Biden adopts Trump’s favorite phrase as she lashes out at Jake Tapper over health cover up

• Ashley Biden Sparks Brutal Social Media Responses as She Breaks Her Silence on Her Dad’s Health