Biden Suffers Embarrassing Memoir Flop

In a move that’s sending shockwaves through the publishing world and raising eyebrows in political circles, former President Joe Biden has reportedly sold his much-hyped post-presidency memoir for a mere $10 million — a figure dramatically lower than deals landed by his more popular predecessors.

Industry insiders are calling it a humiliating blow for the 82-year-old Democrat, who had hoped his account of his troubled presidency would fetch blockbuster numbers. Instead, Hachette Book Group — the publisher behind the deal — offered a modest advance that pales in comparison to Barack and Michelle Obama’s $65 million dual-package deal and even trails behind Bill Clinton’s $15 million payday for My Life over two decades ago.

“This is not the number Bidenworld expected,” one New York publishing executive told us. “The market just isn’t hungry for his version of the story.”

Though Biden began writing immediately after leaving office — splitting time between his Delaware home and a D.C. office — there’s still no release date, and sources say interest has been “lukewarm at best.”

Joint Memoir Nixed — And So Was a Bigger Payout

Publishing sources confirmed that a more lucrative $30 million offer had once been on the table — but only if First Lady Jill Biden agreed to join in a joint memoir deal. That offer evaporated when Jill reportedly declined to co-author.

“She could’ve made bank,” said one former Biden White House staffer. “She kept detailed diaries during their time in the White House. Between the president’s health issues, the 2024 campaign collapse, and her rumored resentment toward Kamala Harris and the Obamas — she had the potential for a bombshell.”

Indeed, Jill Biden’s role during the final months of her husband’s presidency drew intense scrutiny, as speculation mounted over who was really in charge during Biden’s apparent mental decline. Critics, including President Trump, repeatedly accused White House staff — and Jill — of shielding Biden from the press and propping him up behind the scenes.

“The American people deserve to know who was calling the shots,” Trump said at a rally in June. “Was it Joe Biden? Or was it Jill and a bunch of unelected insiders?”

What’s Inside the Memoir?

Biden has promised his book will provide an “honest account” of his time in office — from his battles with Trump to his failed bid for re-election. But critics say readers are more likely to be interested in what’s not being said — like the president’s cognitive health, the real story behind his prostate cancer diagnosis, and the fallout with Democrats that forced him out of the 2024 race.

One Democratic strategist told us: “The big question isn’t just how Biden governed. It’s who pulled the plug — and why. The book would sell a lot more copies if it gave real answers.”

As for the possibility of Jill Biden eventually releasing her own memoir, the door may not be completely closed. But insiders say the former first lady is hesitant to burn bridges.

“Jill is a classic grudge-holder, but she doesn’t go public with her hits,” a longtime aide shared. “That’s too bad — because going scorched earth on the party elites who pushed Joe out would’ve made her a publishing superstar.”

Hunter’s Financial Crisis Adds Pressure

Meanwhile, the Biden family faces financial strain beyond the elder statesman’s lackluster book deal. Hunter Biden is reportedly drowning in more than $15 million in legal debts from ongoing federal investigations, failed art sales, and lackluster interest in his own memoir. Sources say the family had hoped a bigger deal for Joe — or a joint Biden family memoir — could ease some of that pressure.

With Trump back in the White House and a red wave sweeping Congress, interest in Biden’s final days in power remains high. But unless Biden and his team are willing to tell the real story — behind the gaffes, behind the press releases, and behind the closed doors — his latest book may struggle to find an audience.

“There’s only one way this book hits the bestseller list,” said a publishing agent familiar with the deal. “He’s got to spill the secrets. And right now, it looks like he’s still playing it safe.”

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Written for the 2025 American news cycle under President Donald J. Trump