In a viral video posted to X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, Alina Habba, one of former President Donald Trump’s attorneys, gave a brief tour of what she called President Joe Biden’s “fake Oval Office.” The set, located in the Old Executive Office Building, was used extensively during Biden’s presidency for press events, and Habba highlighted its most notable feature: a massive teleprompter.
“We’re in Biden’s fake Oval Office, everybody!” Habba said in the 30-second clip. “And I’ve actually figured this out. I now know why. I now get it. Turn the camera around,” she continued, revealing the teleprompter screen. “There is a screen, a teleprompter to the face. All I can say is, the last administration was a disgratz,” she added.
The video reignited discussions about Biden’s reliance on teleprompters during his presidency. Unlike Trump, who typically held press conferences in the actual Oval Office or other parts of the White House, Biden frequently used this staged setup for public appearances. Critics have pointed out that the fake Oval Office lacked the historical gravitas of the real one but was equipped with a teleprompter to assist Biden during speeches.
The existence of the set was not a secret, but it was rarely highlighted by the media. In May 2022, Politico reported on the setup, noting that the Biden administration preferred the staged environment because it could be permanently outfitted with a teleprompter. The article also mentioned concerns about Biden’s age and physical health, including a foot injury from 2020 that occasionally affected his mobility.
“The White House has largely abandoned using the Oval Office for press events in part because it can’t be permanently equipped with a teleprompter,” Politico reported at the time. “Biden aides prefer the fake White House stage built in the Old Executive Office Building next door for events, sacrificing some of the power of the historic backdrop in favor of an otherwise sterile room that was outfitted with an easily read teleprompter screen.”
Habba’s video has sparked renewed criticism of Biden’s presidency, with many questioning the authenticity and transparency of his administration. Critics argue that the use of a staged Oval Office set, combined with Biden’s reliance on teleprompters, symbolized a lack of confidence and raised concerns about his ability to lead.
The video also underscores the stark contrast between Biden’s and Trump’s approaches to public appearances. While Trump often spoke off-the-cuff and held events in authentic settings, Biden’s team opted for a controlled environment to minimize potential missteps.
As the video circulates online, it serves as a reminder of the controversies and criticisms that defined Biden’s time in office, particularly regarding his age, health, and communication style.
