Biden aides change his phone number after journalist's call

In March 2023, former President Joe Biden's aides reacted strongly after journalist Tyler Pager from The New York Times contacted Biden on his personal cellphone number for an interview regarding a book. Pager managed to get through to Biden and had a brief exchange where Biden expressed a negative view of former President Donald Trump and stated he had no regrets about exiting the 2024 presidential race. Following this unexpected communication, Biden's aides became alarmed, initiating a series of calls and messages to Pager, expressing their anger over how he acquired Biden's personal contact information. Within days of the initial contact, Biden's aides took drastic measures by blocking Pager's number and disconnecting Biden's cellphone number entirely. When Pager later attempted to call the president, a Verizon recording announced that the number had been changed or disconnected. This incident illustrates the extent to which Biden's inner circle was determined to manage his interactions with the media and maintain control over his public image. The aides' aggressive response to Pager underscores a broader trend observed during Biden's presidency, where his team had been noted for being overly protective and secretive. The communication with Pager ultimately became a focal point amidst larger discussions surrounding Biden's leadership and mental acuity. Reports alleging that Biden's aides shielded him from media interactions emerged, prompting speculation about his ability to navigate public engagements. Concurrently, other books have been released detailing challenges Biden faced during his presidency and speculation about his mental health, leading to ongoing investigations by the House Oversight Committee that may call former senior officials to testify regarding these claims. The events surrounding Biden's mishandled communication with the press convey the tension between the former president's effort to stay connected with the public and the cautionary measures taken by his aides. This incident serves as an example of the challenges faced by political figures in balancing transparency with the need for personal security and strategic communication efforts.