Former President Joe Biden delivered one of his strongest public criticisms of President Donald Trump since leaving office, using a speech at a Maryland Democratic Party fundraiser to accuse the current administration of corruption, political favoritism, and poor leadership.
"It's not just his vanity projects," Biden told attendees, referring to reports about renovations and symbolic projects linked to the White House and other federal institutions. "What a loser," Biden said, in one of the most direct personal attacks he has made against Trump since the 2024 election cycle.
Biden went on to claim that the current administration represents "corruption on a scale never seen before in American history," accusing Trump of prioritizing personal interests over public service. He also criticized efforts related to compensation discussions involving individuals connected to the January 6 Capitol riot, arguing that those involved should face legal consequences rather than receive financial support.
The speech marked a significant political moment, coming exactly two years after Biden's widely discussed presidential debate against Trump in 2024, an event that many political observers believe dramatically altered the course of the election and Biden's political legacy.
Since leaving office, Biden has remained active in Democratic politics, attending party events across several states and endorsing selected Democratic candidates ahead of key elections. However, his post-presidency has also been accompanied by ongoing debate within the Democratic Party regarding his role in the party's 2024 election defeat.
Recent polling data cited by CNN indicated that Biden's public approval ratings have fallen to some of the lowest levels recorded during his political career. At the same time, members of the Biden family have returned to the public spotlight through memoir releases, media appearances, and political commentary, generating mixed reactions among Democratic strategists and supporters.
Despite criticism from some within his own party, Biden continues to position himself as an active supporter of Democratic candidates and causes. During his Maryland appearance, he met with Governor Wes Moore and Senator Chris Van Hollen, both considered influential figures within the Democratic Party and potential contenders for future national leadership roles.
Governor Moore praised Biden during the event, highlighting the former president's response to the 2024 collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore and his administration's efforts to support recovery and rebuilding operations.
Biden, who has been undergoing treatment for metastatic prostate cancer since leaving office, also used the event to reaffirm his commitment to Democratic political efforts despite health challenges and ongoing debates surrounding his legacy.
Closing his remarks with a message directed at Democratic supporters, Biden urged party members to remain politically engaged and continue organizing ahead of future elections.
"We're still fighting," Biden told supporters. "Get up now. Continue this fight."
