Fact check: Are claims that Biden was shot in 2019 and his clone was used as POTUS true?

WASHINGTON, DC: Since the Justice Department released new Epstein files on January 30, several new names have emerged that sent shockwaves across the globe. The name of tech billionaire Elon Musk was also mentioned in some files.

Following this, a rumor circulated online claiming that Epstein files mentioned that former President Joe Biden was shot in 2019 and his clone was used as the POTUS. But is there any truth to this? Let us find out below.

Claim: Joe Biden was shot, and his clone was used as POTUS

Posts have gone viral across social media, claiming that the Epstein files mentioned that Joe Biden was shot in 2019 and his clone was used as the President.

An X user wrote, "Direct quote from the Epstein files:- 'Biden is not your current President. The mask malfunctions on Biden are getting worse each day'. Also, one of the Biden clones that was used - remember it’s not a conspiracy when you can see it in real time."

The X user also shared a video of Biden, claiming it showed the former POTUS looking taller than usual.

Similarly, another X account mentioned, "Epstein files claimed to suggest that Joe Biden was shot in 2019 and replaced by a cloned version wearing a mask."

"Insane and shocking  ~~~~From the Jeffrey Epstein files: ~~~~Biden was shot in 2019 and replaced with a clone wearing a mask," wrote another X user. 

Another X account stated, "Crazy and shocking. From the files of Jeffrey Epstein: Biden was shot in 2019 and replaced by a clone wearing a mask."

Fact Check: False, conspiracy theory with zero credible evidence

The claims made in the online posts are false, as it's a baseless conspiracy theory with no credible evidence from any reliable source, official records, journalism, medical reports, or eyewitness accounts.

There is no record of any shooting attempt on Joe Biden in 2019. Biden was actively campaigning for president in 2019, appearing publicly at events, debates, interviews, and rallies.

Moreover, the specific claim appears in an unverified, anonymous, or third-party email/submission (referenced in sources with codes like EFTA00173266 or similar batches from Dataset 9) in the Epstein files. 

It alleges something along the lines of: the 'real' Joe Biden was executed/shot/killed in 2019, replaced by an actor wearing a mask, a clone, or body double, with references to 'mask malfunctions' as supposed proof.

However, it must be noted that this is not an official finding, investigation conclusion, or evidence presented by the DOJ, FBI, or any authority.

Furthermore, the DOJ has explicitly stated that these releases include unfiltered, raw records — such as public tips, unsubstantiated allegations, and external correspondence—and that inclusion does not mean the content is verified, credible, or endorsed.