In a week already filled with political turbulence, First Lady Jill Biden appeared visibly emotional as news broke that her daughter, Ashley Biden, has filed for divorce from her husband of over 13 years, plastic surgeon Dr. Howard Krein.
The 44-year-old former First Daughter filed papers in Philadelphia on Monday, according to court documents. On the same day, Ashley posted a telling update on Instagram — a park stroll, a thumbs up, and Beyoncé’s “Freedom” playing in the background, along with the cryptic message: “New life, new beginnings, means new boundaries. New ways of being that won’t look or sound like they did before.”
The exact cause of the split remains unclear, but the timing couldn’t be more tense for the Biden family.
Joe Biden Facing Legal Storm
At the same time, former President Joe Biden is under fire. House Oversight Chairman James Comer has suggested his investigation into Biden’s mental capacity could challenge some of the former president’s pardons and executive orders.
Central to this probe is Biden’s reported frequent use of the autopen in his final months in office — raising legal questions over whether the president was even aware of what was being signed in his name.
“If the President of the United States had no idea what was being signed … that’s not legal,” Comer warned, adding that criminal charges could follow for those involved.
The Debate That Changed Everything
Concerns over Biden’s mental acuity intensified after a disastrous summer 2024 debate performance, which insiders described as “halting” and “disoriented.” Former Obama adviser David Axelrod admitted, “I think the panic had set in.”
Special Counsel Robert Hur’s 2025 report further painted Biden as “a sympathetic, well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory.” The report claimed Biden couldn’t remember when he was vice president or the year his son Beau passed away.
Uncertain Future
With Ashley’s marriage ending, and Joe Biden’s legacy under direct legal threat, the Biden family now faces one of its most challenging chapters yet.
As Jill Biden stood before reporters, her eyes shimmering with tears, the silence spoke louder than words.