A deep rift has reportedly emerged between First Lady Jill Biden and former Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, stemming from Pelosi's reported role in orchestrating President Joe Biden's withdrawal from the 2024 campaign.
The growing tension has escalated after Pelosi's daughter Alexandra compared the First Lady to Shakespeare's "Lady Macbeth," while the Bidens maintain a notable silence following Pelosi's recent hip injury in Luxembourg, despite her multiple attempts at reconciliation, Politico reports.
Newsweek reached out to a spokesperson for the First Lady and a press contact for Pelosi via email on Sunday for comment.
Who Is Lady Macbeth?
Lady Macbeth is one of William Shakespeare's most infamous characters from the play "Macbeth." She is known for her ruthless ambition, manipulation of her husband, and unwillingness to show mercy to achieve total power.
The comparison drawn by Pelosi's daughter suggests a criticism of perceived political calculation and unwillingness to reconcile by the First Lady, as Lady Macbeth was known for holding grudges and prioritizing power over relationships.
Why It Matters
The feud reveals deeper fractures within Democratic leadership, complicated by the personal history between the families.
According to Politico, President Biden and Pelosi's relationship spans decades, from when she was a volunteer fundraiser, and he was a young senator who would borrow her car during San Francisco visits.
Their shared Catholic background and political philosophy made them natural allies until recent events strained their connection.
On the eve of President-elect Donald Trump's return to the White House, this reported rift highlights critical questions about Democratic Party leadership decisions during the 2024 campaign.
What To Know
Multiple attempts at reconciliation have been rebuffed by Biden's top advisers, sources close to Pelosi tell Politico. A pivotal July 10 meeting between Pelosi and Biden in the White House residence preceded his campaign withdrawal.
The tensions later surfaced publicly during a White House holiday party where the First Lady was notably absent from the receiving line when the Pelosi family greeted the President.
During Pelosi's recent hip injury recovery in Luxembourg, initial concerns reportedly about securing transportation included worries about White House cooperation due to the "strained relationship."
What People Are Saying
Nancy Pelosi in a post-election New York Times interview: "Had the president gotten out sooner, there may have been other candidates in the race. The anticipation was that, if the president were to step aside, that there would be an open primary."
Alexandra Pelosi on First Lady Jill Biden: "If I was Lady McBiden, I'd put on my big girl pants, play the long game and think about my husband's legacy. There aren't that many people left in America who have something nice to say about Joe Biden and Nancy Pelosi is one of them."
A Pelosi associate about reconciliation attempts: "She's been told they're not over it, don't make more overtures because he's blaming her."
A person familiar with the situation told Politico regarding Pelosi's initial withdrawal discussion with Biden: "There were no threats. She just told him the truth — he was losing in every poll, and people had lost confidence."
Jill Biden in an interview with The Washington Post: "We were friends for 50 years. It was disappointing."
What Happens Next
As Trump prepares to take the oath of office tomorrow, the Democratic Party faces significant internal divisions reflected in widespread inauguration boycotts.
While the Bidens will attend as part of the traditional peaceful transfer of power, many prominent Democrats, including former First Lady Michelle Obama and Pelosi, will be notably absent from the ceremony.
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