Michael LaRosa Reveals Toxic Culture Inside Biden's Inner Circle
Portrait of Michael LaRosa, Press Secretary to First Lady Jill Biden, 2022. Photo courtesy of the Executive Office of the President of the United States. Public domain.
A former top aide to Jill Biden has pulled back the curtain on what he describes in a Fox News op-ed as a toxic culture of bullying and intimidation that thrived behind the scenes during the early years of the Biden administration. Michael LaRosa, who served as the first lady's spokesperson from early 2021 through mid-2022, described the so-called "Biden Bubble" as a place where loyalty was policed with an iron fist and mean-spirited behavior was rampant, contradicting the public image of warmth and empathy projected by President Joe Biden and the first lady.
LaRosa's revelations come as part of a wider conversation sparked by Vice President Kamala Harris's forthcoming memoir, "107 Days," which also details internal friction and undermining within the White House staff. Together, these accounts paint a picture of a workplace where "mean girls" ruled like high school cliques, and where the line between serving the president and serving a cult-like inner circle was blurred.
A 'Mean Girls' Culture in the Biden Bubble
LaRosa likened the White House environment to the toxic social dynamics portrayed in the film "Mean Girls," where a character named Regina George dominates with bullying and manipulation. He wrote that the "Regina Georges" of Biden's circle controlled the atmosphere, enforcing loyalty and punishing dissent. Staffers were not simply working for the president and first lady; they were serving a "cult," where power shifted depending on who was in charge at the moment, making it unclear whether the Bidens or their inner circle held the real sway.
This internal culture of intimidation and bullying stands in stark contrast to President Joe Biden's public pledge early in his presidency to fire anyone who disrespected colleagues or talked down to others. The president had vowed to create a workplace free of such behavior, aiming to distinguish his administration from the abrasive style associated with the previous Trump White House. Yet, according to LaRosa, the reality was far from that promise.
The Power Players and the 'Work Husband'
While LaRosa did not name many individuals directly, he identified Anthony Bernal, Jill Biden's chief of staff, as a central figure in the toxic environment. Bernal, often described as the first lady's "work husband," was widely regarded as one of the most powerful chiefs of staff to a first lady in US history, as reported by the New York Post. Numerous staffers accused him of bullying and creating a nightmare workplace, allegations that have been reported previously by media outlets.
The presence of such a figure at the heart of the first lady's office reportedly contributed to the overall atmosphere of fear and intimidation. LaRosa's account suggests that bullying behavior persisted despite President Biden's public stance against it, allowing it to fester within the administration.
Kamala Harris's Memoir Adds Fuel to the Fire
Vice President Kamala Harris's memoir, "107 Days," echoes many of LaRosa's observations. Harris describes a White House staff that was uncomfortable with her rising profile and success, with insiders allegedly undermining her and spreading negative rumors. She recounts how the administration's communications team and inner circle added fuel to damaging narratives about her office, including claims of chaos and high staff turnover, as reported by the New York Post.
Harris's experience highlights a tension between the public-facing message of unity and support and the reality of internal power struggles and sabotage. LaRosa noted in his opinion piece that Harris was finally "saying the quiet part out loud," breaking the silence on a culture that many insiders had whispered about for years.
Loyalty Over Performance
LaRosa described the White House as a place where loyalty to the president and first lady was valued above performance or honesty. This loyalty policing created an environment where staffers were wary of speaking out or challenging the status quo for fear of retaliation. The blurred lines of authority meant that it was often unclear who was truly in charge, with power shifting between the Bidens and their inner circle, further complicating accountability.
This dynamic raises concerns about how such a workplace culture might affect governance and policy-making. When intimidation and bullying are tolerated or persist at the highest levels, it can distort decision-making processes and undermine transparency.
The Contradiction of Warmth and Nastiness
LaRosa emphasized the contradiction at the heart of the Biden era. While President Joe Biden and Jill Biden themselves were described as warm, decent, and empathetic, they reportedly tolerated some of the nastiest and most mean-spirited people in politics operating within their sphere. This paradox defines the internal culture of the administration, where public kindness coexisted with private cruelty.
The Fallout and the Future
LaRosa's account also touches on the political implications of this toxic culture. He revealed that he was told President Biden "has to run because she [Vice President Harris] can't," suggesting internal doubts about her viability as a candidate. Despite the lack of support and the challenges she faced, Harris reportedly remained loyal to Biden, even after a tense phone call shortly before a crucial debate with former President Donald Trump.
The former aide expressed hope that Harris would continue to speak candidly about her experiences, believing that unfiltered honesty could help bridge the gap between public perception and internal realities. LaRosa's own disillusionment with the administration's internal dynamics led him to break ranks and share his story, shedding light on a side of the White House rarely seen by the public.
What You Should Know
If you've ever wondered what happens behind the polished speeches and carefully crafted public appearances, LaRosa's revelations offer a glimpse into the complex and often harsh realities of political life at the highest level. The "Biden Bubble" was not just a team working toward a common goal; it was a battleground of power, loyalty, and intimidation.
References: Michael LaRosa reveals 'Biden bubble was full of bullies' | Biden White House filled with bullies and mean girls, former aide reveals | Fox News | Jill Biden's Ex-Spokesperson Claims 'Mean Girls' Culture Dominated White House
