‘The Invisible Man’: How Joe Biden Has Faded From Public View — But Not From Trump’s Rhetoric

On a bitterly cold day beneath the US Capitol dome, Joe Biden walked to a Marine helicopter, exchanged parting words with Donald Trump, and — at Joint Base Andrews — offered farewell remarks to staff: “We’re leaving office. We’re not leaving the fight.” A year later, however, the 46th president’s public profile is markedly lower while his successor keeps his name in daily circulation.

Post‑Presidency: Work, Health And Quiet Visibility

Biden, 83, has been focused on writing a high‑profile memoir, planning a presidential library and managing his health after announcing a prostate cancer diagnosis. Once among the most visible world leaders, his public appearances are now infrequent and his direct influence on national politics has softened.

Why He’s Kept A Low Profile

Author Chris Whipple described Biden as “the invisible man,” suggesting the former president has deliberately stayed under the radar to avoid reminding voters and donors of the difficulties of his final year in office — his poor debate performance and last‑minute withdrawal from the 2024 race that many Democrats believe harmed the party’s prospects. Many former presidents also customarily maintain a low profile to allow their successor space to govern.

Trump’s Continued Focus On Biden

Donald Trump has been an outlier: he repeatedly invokes and mocks Biden in speeches, using nicknames such as “Crooked Joe” and “Sleepy Joe.” The Trump White House installed a so‑called “presidential walk of fame” that replaced Biden’s portrait with an autopen image and a plaque denouncing his presidency. Republicans have opened inquiries and investigations — ranging from the White House’s autopen use to allegations about Biden’s fitness — that keep the former president in headlines.

Policy Reversals And Institutional Shifts

Since returning to the White House, Trump has moved to reverse many Biden‑era initiatives: rolling back or attacking clean‑energy programs, elevating populist or fringe figures in policy roles, purging diversity and inclusion frameworks, and reshaping federal agencies with loyalty tests and personnel changes. These shifts represent a sharp contrast with Biden’s emphasis on career professionals, climate investments and support for multilateral institutions such as NATO.

Political Fallout And Public Reaction

Within the Democratic Party, many remain critical of Biden’s decision to stay in the 2024 race as long as he did — an action that left Vice President Kamala Harris limited time to mount an independent campaign. Polling and political analysts suggest that while Republicans continue to dwell on Biden’s record, attempts to pin current economic or national problems on him are not resonating strongly with many voters.

“He’s been the invisible man,” said Chris Whipple. “The last thing the Democratic party needs is any reminders of his final year in office.”

Where Things Stand Now

Barack Obama has been comparatively more active on the campaign trail and in public life since the transition. Biden’s engagements have included speeches, accepting an award in Boston where he warned of “dark days,” and public comments about remaining engaged. Reports indicate fundraising for a presidential library has proved harder than expected, with some donors fatigued or disappointed.

Despite Republican efforts to keep attention on Biden, many commentators argue that these tactics may have limited political payoff. As Bill Galston of the Brookings Institution noted, polling shows voters more likely to attribute the current economy to Trump’s administration than to Biden’s, reducing the effectiveness of retrospective attacks.

Bottom line: Joe Biden’s role has shifted from active policymaker to quieter post‑presidential figure coping with health issues and legacy projects. Yet his presence remains a political touchstone — largely because his successor keeps invoking him — and the debate over his legacy remains active within both parties.