Chuck Todd warns that Pete Buttigieg and other Biden-era officials may face political fallout in 2028 over their silence on Biden's decline.

Chuck Todd: Biden Ties May Haunt Democratic Hopefuls

Former NBC News anchor Chuck Todd cautioned this week that Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and other top officials from President Joe Biden’s administration may face serious credibility issues if they pursue future presidential bids, citing their association with what he described as a “cover-up” of Biden’s physical and cognitive decline during his presidency.

Speaking on his podcast Wednesday, Todd referenced revelations from a recent book chronicling Biden’s time in office and claimed the fallout could extend beyond the president himself. “This Biden book is only going to, not just undermine Biden, but I think make it toxic for anybody that worked for Biden,” Todd said. “Because then it becomes, where were you? How did you participate in the cover-up?”

Todd named Buttigieg specifically, questioning how the former cabinet member would distance himself from the situation. “Pete Buttigieg, this may mean something for you,” he said. “Are you going to now tell us, 'Yeah, I didn't have much interaction with him'? Well, then, why didn't you say something?”

Buttigieg, who recently held a town hall event in Iowa, sparked renewed speculation over his potential ambitions for 2028. However, he has publicly stated that he is not currently running for any office. When contacted, Buttigieg did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Todd: ‘They Will Own a Piece of That Failure’

Todd noted that even former cabinet secretaries had expressed confusion over their limited access to the president, raising further questions about the internal workings of the administration. “I think it's a question anybody who worked directly for Biden… are now going to have to answer for all of this,” he said, listing officials like Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo alongside Buttigieg.

Beyond the political consequences, Todd warned of broader implications for Democratic leaders and their role in shaping what he described as the “recovery for America” in the wake of what could become a major economic downturn during Trump’s second term. “They better hope it’s a successful second term for Trump, because they will own a piece of that failure, too,” he said.

Todd further expressed frustration with Democratic leaders and staff who are only now speaking out through anonymous sources in books. He called out Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer by name, criticizing the senator’s vague response on CNN when asked about Biden’s health. “He is among the people that are responsible for this. The leaders of the Democratic Party, the staff of the White House,” Todd said. “I find everybody now talking to these authors – get outta here. Go home. You’re part of the problem. Now you tell us.”

As more insider accounts emerge about President Biden’s administration, Todd's comments underscore the growing tension within Democratic ranks and the potential long-term consequences for those who remained silent. With the 2028 election already beginning to take shape, the legacy of the Biden presidency may prove to be a critical liability for the party’s future contenders.