Jake Tapper’s “Original Sin” Sparks Controversy and Sales Surge

Jake Tapper, CNN’s veteran anchor, and Alex Thompson, Axios political correspondent, have ignited intense discussion with their new book, Original Sin, released on May 20, 2025. 

The book examines former President Joseph R. Biden Jr.’s mental and physical fitness during his term, alleging that his staff concealed signs of decline from the public, as highlighted by its provocative subtitle claiming a “cover-up.”

Original Sin has garnered widespread praise and commercial success, topping Amazon’s best-seller list for over a week, reaching No. 3 by May 22, 2025, even before its official release. Politico Playbook called it a rare book that has “shifted the political dial” significantly, fueling debates over whether Democratic leaders, Biden’s aides, and the media should bear more responsibility for not addressing the former president’s condition sooner.

However, the book has drawn scrutiny to Tapper, positioning him as a focal point for conservative criticism of the “establishment press” accused of downplaying Biden’s frailty. Representatives for Tapper declined to comment.

On her podcast, former Fox News host Megyn Kelly grilled Tapper in a viral interview, accusing him of neglecting Biden’s mental acuity in his coverage. “You covered the Biden presidency aggressively for four years, but barely touched mental acuity,” Kelly charged, suggesting Tapper provided “cover” for the president.

Jake Tapper is dead. Megyn Kelly just put like ten bullets into him in a row. Well done: pic.twitter.com/89C5N5igDt

— Clay Travis (@ClayTravis) May 20, 2025

Tapper refuted the allegations, acknowledging conservative media’s early focus on the issue but denying any personal role in a cover-up. “I do not accept that I was just providing cover for Joe Biden,” he said, defending his journalistic record.