It’s a weird feeling, isn't it? For four years, every single morning started with a push notification about what Joe Biden was signing, who he was calling, or which world leader he was meeting in the Oval Office. Now, the silence is almost loud. If you’re searching for what did Joe Biden do today, you’re probably realizing that "today" looks a lot different for him in 2026 than it did just over a year ago.
He’s out of the spotlight. Mostly.
Honestly, the transition from being the leader of the free world to a private citizen is a jarring shift that most of us can't even wrap our heads around. He isn't the one signing executive orders anymore. That’s Donald Trump’s job now. While the current administration is busy dismantling Department of Education policies and navigating new pipeline deals in Europe, Biden is living the life of a 83-year-old grandfather in Delaware.
The Delaware Routine
Basically, Joe Biden’s "today" involves a lot more family time and a lot less "Situation Room." Since leaving office in January 2025, he has retreated primarily to his home in Wilmington. You won't find him on a daily press briefing schedule. Instead, he’s been spotted at local shops or attending Mass, keeping a profile so low it’s almost subterranean.
People close to the former President say he’s leaning into the "Elder Statesman" role, but with a very heavy emphasis on the elder part. He’s spent a significant amount of his time in 2026 working on his personal archives. Think about it: fifty years of public service. That’s a lot of boxes to go through. He’s reportedly coordinating with the University of Delaware regarding his papers and the eventual home for his presidential library.
📖 Related: Casualties Vietnam War US: The Raw Numbers and the Stories They Don't Tell You
He isn't totally silent, though. He occasionally weighs in on the legacy of his administration. Just recently, news broke about how his 2024 environmental protections—like those 840,000 acres he turned into national monuments in California—are being managed under the new guard. He watches this stuff. You’ve gotta imagine it’s tough to watch your life's work get put under the microscope or, in some cases, the shredder.
What Most People Get Wrong About a Former President's Day
We tend to think they just vanish or, conversely, that they’re still pulling strings in the background like some political puppet master. The reality is way more mundane.
- The Secret Service is still there. He doesn't go to the grocery store alone. His "today" still involves a detail of agents who ensure his morning walk is secure.
- The Briefings stop. He doesn't get the PDB (President’s Daily Brief) anymore unless the current President authorizes a specific update, which, given the current political climate, isn't exactly a daily occurrence.
- The Phone doesn't ring as much. World leaders are calling the White House, not Wilmington.
Biden has always been a "family first" guy. Sources in his circle mention that he’s spending a ton of time with his grandkids. In the high-stakes world of D.C., he was always rushing back on the Amtrak to be home. Now, he’s already there.
Why His Current Actions Still Matter
Even though he isn't "doing" things in the sense of policy, his presence is a massive shadow over the current Democratic party. As the 2026 midterm elections approach, everyone is looking to see if he’ll hit the campaign trail.
👉 See also: Carlos De Castro Pretelt: The Army Vet Challenging Arlington's Status Quo
Will he? Kinda doubtful.
At 83, Biden seems more interested in protecting his health and his legacy than getting back into the mud of a campaign bus tour. But his "actions" today are often reflected in the legal battles happening in D.C. For instance, the Social Security Fairness Act he signed in his final weeks is still a major talking point in 2026 as the budget office reconciles its costs. He’s "doing" things through the momentum of the laws he already passed.
The Contrast With 2024 and 2025
Just for a second, look at the difference.
Two years ago, he was in the Amazon—the first sitting U.S. President to set foot there.
Today? He’s likely having a quiet lunch.
The shift is a reminder of the temporary nature of power. It’s a bit surreal to see the news cycles dominated by the "DOGE" initiatives and the dismantling of Biden-era labor rules while the man himself is likely reading the paper in a sunroom.
✨ Don't miss: Blanket Primary Explained: Why This Voting System Is So Controversial
If you’re looking for a specific headline about a Biden speech today, you likely won't find one. He’s moved into the "writing the memoirs" phase of his life. It’s a period of reflection. He’s watching the 119th Congress deal with the $1.7 trillion deficit and the energy funding bills he helped set in motion, but he’s doing it from the sidelines.
Actionable Insights for Following the Former President
If you want to keep tabs on what Joe Biden is actually up to without the clickbait, here is what you should actually watch:
- The University of Delaware Announcements: This is where the real news about his library and legacy projects will break.
- The Biden Foundation: Watch their press releases for any official statements on current global crises.
- Local Wilmington News: If he’s out and about, it’s the local Delaware reporters who see him first, not the national outlets.
- Court Filings: Much of what he "does" now is through the defense of his administration's executive orders in federal court.
Ultimately, Joe Biden’s day is now defined by the things he doesn't have to do. No more 2:00 AM phone calls about foreign incursions. No more debt ceiling standoffs. For a man who spent half a century in the arena, "today" is finally about his own time.
To stay updated on how his past policies are holding up against the current administration's changes, keep a close eye on the Federal Register and the Department of Labor’s latest rescission notices, as these are the primary places where his "work" is still being actively debated.