Donald Trump on Joe Biden
Donald Trump holds a position of strong opposition and rivalry toward Joe Biden, viewing him as an unfit and catastrophic leader. Trump consistently attacks Biden's competence, often citing his age and alleged diminished mental capacity as reasons he is unfit to serve. He frequently claims that Biden achieved the presidency through deception, such as through "lies, fake news, and not leaving his basement" during the 2020 campaign.
Trump has aggressively blamed Biden for national setbacks, particularly focusing on the economy and border security. He asserted that Biden turned "calm into chaos, competence into incompetence, stability into anarchy and security into catastrophe." Furthermore, Trump has vowed to quickly remedy the "damage" done by the Biden presidency upon his own return to office.
This rivalry extends to policy and personal dynamics, with Trump framing Biden's tenure as destructive compared to his own. For instance, Trump has vowed to dismantle Biden's policies on energy and to seek retribution against those involved in what he calls the wrongful investigation of him, including potentially appointing a special prosecutor to go after Biden.
Context
Donald Trump's view of Joe Biden is central to his political identity, as Biden defeated him in the 2020 presidential election and is his primary opponent in the 2024 rematch. Trump has framed the contest as a direct battle to reverse what he considers the destructive course set by the Biden administration.
Trump's rhetoric heavily targets Biden's perceived frailties, particularly his age and mental acuity, framing this as a risk to the nation. This focus contrasts with Trump's own self-assessment of his physical and mental condition, which he presents as superior to Biden's.
The historical context of their rivalry includes Trump's first impeachment, where the pressure on Ukrainian President Zelenskyy to investigate Joe Biden's son, Hunter Biden, was a central article of impeachment. [cite: context]
Timeline
- Donald Trump refused to accept the projected election results showing Joe Biden as the winner.
- Donald Trump frequently attacked Joe Biden's performance, focusing on incompetence and national decline.
- During their debate, Donald Trump repeatedly called Joe Biden the 'worst president in the history of our country' and claimed the US was being destroyed.
- Upon Biden's withdrawal from the 2024 race, Trump immediately labeled him unfit to serve and demanded reimbursement for campaign spending against him.
- In a speech about the economy, Donald Trump spent considerable time blaming Joe Biden for inflation rates, continuing the theme of holding him responsible for national economic woes.
Actions Taken
- Election Reversal effortsAttempted to overturn the results of the 2020 election, which was won by Joe Biden, culminating in the January 6 Capitol attack.
- Second Term policy reversal intentVowed to dismantle or review for rescission policies enacted by the Biden administration, specifically mentioning climate extremism and environmental regulations.
- Political retribution promiseVowed to appoint a special prosecutor to go after Joe Biden following his election victory.
Key Quotes
"Crooked Joe Biden was not fit to run for President, and is certainly not fit to serve - And never was!"
"You could take the five worst presidents in American history and put them together, and they would not have done the damage that Joe Biden has done in one year."
"Joe Biden has turned calm into chaos, competence into incompetence, stability into anarchy and security into catastrophe."
"I think Joe Biden is the worst thing that ever happened to old people."
Comparison
Donald Trump consistently draws sharp distinctions between his leadership and Joe Biden's administration, often defining his goals by reversing Biden's actions.
- Economy: Trump blames Biden for high inflation and economic hardship, contrasting it with his own economic record.
- Energy/Climate: Trump promises to end Biden's "policies of climate extremism" and withdraw from the Paris Agreement again, actions he reversed upon taking office in 2025.
- Immigration: Trump criticizes Biden for allowing "millions of people to cross the border unchecked."
- Legitimacy: Trump has repeatedly questioned the legitimacy of Biden's 2020 victory, contrasting it with his own claims regarding the 2024 election.
Sources13
Trump says 'Biden was not fit to run for President' - YouTube
* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.