Ashley Biden Files for Divorce After Instagram Story Hints at Howard Krein Affair

The serene facade of Ashley Biden’s 13-year marriage shattered overnight. Days after posting—and swiftly deleting—an explosive Instagram Story captioning a couple with “my husband and his girlfriend,” the daughter of President Joe Biden filed for divorce from Dr. Howard Krein. Court documents confirm the split, citing irreconcilable differences and igniting tabloid speculation about infidelity. The 44-year-old social worker now seeks spousal support and an equitable division of assets acquired during their union, marking a dramatic turn for a couple once celebrated for their private resilience in Washington’s glare.

How Did Ashley Biden’s Instagram Post Precede Her Divorce Filing?

Ashley’s Sunday social media post became the catalyst for this week’s legal action. The since-deleted Story featured a photo of a man resembling Krein holding hands with a blonde woman, set to Notorious B.I.G.’s infidelity-themed track “Another.” While Krein’s face wasn’t visible, the caption’s implication was unmistakable. Within 24 hours, Ashley submitted divorce papers in Philadelphia’s Court of Common Pleas. Her filings emphasize her inability to “sustain herself in accordance with the marital standard of living” and request Krein cover legal fees. Yet, she remains open to negotiation, signaling hopes for an amicable resolution.

Legal experts note Pennsylvania’s equitable distribution laws will govern asset division. “Unlike community property states, assets aren’t automatically split 50/50 here,” explains family attorney Marianne Merritt (quoted in The Philadelphia Inquirer, August 2025). “Factors like earning capacity and marriage duration weigh heavily.” Ashley’s petition also avoids explicit adultery claims—a strategic choice, per Merritt, since Pennsylvania abolished fault-based divorce in 1980.

A Romance Forged in Crisis

Ashley and Krein’s relationship began in 2010 under emotionally charged circumstances. Introduced by Ashley’s late brother, Beau Biden, while he was hospitalized after a stroke, Krein—a prominent ENT surgeon—quickly bonded with the family. “Howard walked up to Beau and said, ‘Think you could set me up with your sister?'” President Biden recalled in a 2012 People interview. Their 2012 wedding at St. Joseph on the Brandywine in Delaware blended Catholic and Jewish traditions, with 200 guests celebrating at the Bidens’ Wilmington home.

Despite the political spotlight, the couple maintained remarkable privacy. Krein, 59, avoided media appearances during Biden’s presidency, focusing on his role as Chief Medical Officer at Philadelphia’s StartUp Health. Ashley, meanwhile, led Delaware’s Delaware Center for Justice, advocating for criminal justice reform. Their childless marriage faced renewed scrutiny this week when conservative outlet The Intelligencer resurfaced decades-old claims about President Biden’s first marriage—a comparison Ashley’s allies dismiss as “opportunistic.”

What Comes Next for Ashley Biden?

Post-filing, Ashley’s social media hinted at liberation. She shared a video of herself walking through a park, thumbs-up to Beyoncé’s “Freedom,” and reposted a quote about “new boundaries” with Lauryn Hill’s “Freedom Time.” While neither Krein nor the Bidens have issued statements, sources close to Ashley describe her as “resolute but heartbroken.”

The divorce could financially reshape Ashley’s future. Her petition notes Krein’s “significantly higher” earnings—a gap potentially justifying long-term alimony under Pennsylvania law. Yet complex assets, including shared real estate and investments, may prolong proceedings. “High-profile divorces rarely stay private,” warns Merritt. “But Ashley’s legal team will push for confidentiality.”

Ashley Biden’s divorce filing closes a chapter defined by loyalty and sudden betrayal. Her journey—from a hospital meeting orchestrated by her brother to a social media revelation—underscores how personal pain transcends political dynasties. As this story unfolds, one truth emerges: healing demands courage. Follow reputable outlets for verified updates on this developing situation.

Must Know

Q: What triggered Ashley Biden’s divorce from Howard Krein?
A: Ashley filed after posting (and deleting) an Instagram Story implying Krein’s infidelity. Though unconfirmed, the August 11 post showed a couple holding hands captioned “my husband and his girlfriend,” paired with a song about cheating. Divorce papers were filed the next day.

Q: How long were Ashley Biden and Howard Krein married?
A: The couple wed in June 2012 at a Delaware church, making their marriage 13 years long. They had no children. Krein, a surgeon, was introduced to Ashley by her late brother Beau Biden during his hospitalization.

Q: What is Ashley Biden seeking in the divorce?
A: Court documents reveal requests for spousal support, equitable asset division, and payment of legal fees. Ashley claims she lacks resources to maintain the marital standard of living but is open to settlement talks.

Q: Has Howard Krein responded to the allegations?
A: Krein has not publicly addressed Ashley’s social media post or the divorce filing. His representatives declined comment to major outlets, including The New York Times.

Q: How did President Biden react to their relationship originally?
A: Joe Biden endorsed the match, telling People in 2012, “This is the right guy. And he’s getting a helluva woman.” He emotionally helped organize their wedding reception at his Wilmington home.