In a surprising turn of events, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who publicly supports President Biden's re-election, is reportedly privately urging lawmakers to continue pressuring Biden to reconsider his decision. According to anonymous House Democrats who spoke to The Hill, Pelosi is advising members against rallying behind Biden without first having a broader discussion on whether he is the best candidate to defeat former President Trump in the 2024 presidential election.

While Pelosi has not explicitly called for Biden to step aside, she is reportedly advising vulnerable lawmakers in swing districts to do so if they believe it would increase their chances of re-election. The House Democratic lawmakers confided in The Hill, stating that Pelosi is deeply concerned about the stakes involved and emphasized the need for the best possible opportunity to win.

Pelosi, a longtime ally of Biden, played a pivotal role in passing major pieces of Biden's agenda during his time as vice president and the initial years of his presidency as House Speaker. However, she has consistently stressed that Trump poses an existential threat to democracy and must be defeated. Democrats are now uncertain whether Biden is the most capable candidate to achieve this feat.

The report suggests that Pelosi's behind-the-scenes efforts stem from the Biden campaign and White House's response to criticism of the president's debate performance on June 27. Rather than acknowledging concerns about Biden's age or mental acuity, they have dismissed any notion of a problem and insisted that there is no alternative to the status quo. This response, it seems, has fueled Pelosi's private push for re-evaluation.

During a news conference on Thursday, Biden reaffirmed his determination to run, countering doubts about his ability to lead by citing his legislative achievements and job creation. The president's attempts to quash dissent among Democratic lawmakers by asserting that criticism only benefits Trump have seemingly backfired, as some Democrats feel he is not taking their concerns seriously.

While Pelosi's office, the White House, and the Biden campaign have not responded immediately to the reports, Pelosi's spokesman Ian Krager asserted her full support for whatever decision President Biden makes. However, it is evident that Pelosi's actions have publicly contradicted the president's stance and have emboldened at least 17 Democratic lawmakers to openly call for Biden to step aside from the nomination.

As the discussion surrounding Biden's future continues, it remains uncertain what lies ahead for his re-election bid. With Pelosi's private encouragement of pressure on the president and the growing number of Democrats questioning his candidacy, the dynamics of the 2024 campaign trail have undoubtedly become more unpredictable.

Stay updated with the latest developments from the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews, and more at our Fox News Digital election hub.