Jake Tapper’s latest book, Original Sin: President Biden’s Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again, co-authored with Axios reporter Alex Thompson, debuted on May 20, 2025, to significant media attention. Despite this, early sales figures and television ratings suggest a lukewarm reception.
In its first week, Original Sin sold approximately 57,000 copies, a modest figure for a book with extensive media backing. For context, Fear: Trump in the White House by Bob Woodward sold over 1.1 million copies in its debut week. The book delves into claims of a cover-up regarding President Biden’s health during his term and reelection campaign, based on interviews with Democratic insiders. While it received favorable reviews from major outlets like The New York Times and The Washington Post, some critics have questioned the reliance on anonymous sources and “hearsay.”
Concurrently, Tapper’s CNN show, The Lead with Jake Tapper, has experienced a significant decline in viewership. Between April 28 and May 25, 2025, the program averaged 525,000 total viewers, marking a 25% drop compared to the same period the previous year. This decline has placed the show at its lowest ratings since 2015.
The book’s release and Tapper’s media presence have sparked criticism from various quarters. Some detractors argue that the book attempts to exonerate the media and political figures from accountability regarding the portrayal of President Biden’s health. Others have questioned the credibility of Tapper and Thompson, given their affiliations.
Some critics argue that the tepid response to Original Sin may stem less from its content and more from Jake Tapper’s own credibility—or perceived lack thereof. Throughout President Biden’s term, Tapper was seen as a prominent media figure defending the administration against mounting concerns about Biden’s mental acuity. Now, by co-authoring a book that details the very cover-up he once seemed to dismiss, Tapper has invited accusations of opportunism. Despite the book’s revelations, Tapper has offered little in the way of personal accountability or explanation for his shift in tone, leading some to view the project as a strategic rebrand rather than a sincere exposé. This perceived inconsistency has fueled skepticism and may be contributing to both the book’s modest sales and the continued erosion of Tapper’s public trust.
While Original Sin garnered initial attention and favorable reviews, its modest sales figures and the decline in Tapper’s television ratings suggest that public interest may not align with the media buzz.
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