Former US President Joe Biden launched one of his strongest attacks yet against President Donald Trump during a Democratic Party fundraiser in Hanover, Maryland. Biden accused Trump of focusing on expensive personal projects instead of addressing the country’s real challenges.
Biden Targets Trump’s White House Projects
During his 10-minute speech, Biden criticized several of Trump’s renovation plans, including the construction of a new ballroom at the White House and changes to the historic Reflecting Pool.
Biden claimed that Trump was more interested in leaving his personal mark on Washington than serving the American people.
“It’s not just his vanity projects,” Biden said while pointing to Trump’s efforts to rebuild parts of the White House and make other symbolic changes.
He also mocked Trump’s attempts to place his name on the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. A court later ordered the removal of the name from the building.
Trump has defended the estimated $400 million ballroom project. According to the administration, the new facility would improve security and provide a better venue for hosting foreign leaders and state events.
Controversy Surrounding the Reflecting Pool
Biden also criticized the $14.7 million restoration of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. The project faced criticism after algae growth and maintenance issues appeared shortly after the renovation.
Trump and the National Park Service have blamed vandalism for many of the problems, but critics argue that the restoration was poorly managed.
Criticism Over January 6 Defendants
The former president also attacked Trump’s stance on the people involved in the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol.
Biden said he was angry that Trump wanted taxpayers’ money to go toward compensating individuals who claimed they were unfairly investigated after the Capitol riot.
The Trump administration had explored compensation plans for some defendants, but a judge later blocked those efforts.
Political Rivalry Intensifies
Trump has not directly answered Biden’s latest comments. However, he previously described Biden as a “crooked politician” and has continued to use the nickname “Sleepy Joe” when referring to his longtime rival.
The exchange highlights the ongoing political battle between the two leaders, who remain central figures in American politics.
Two Years After a Defining Debate
Biden’s remarks came exactly two years after his difficult debate performance against Trump during the 2024 presidential campaign.
That debate triggered growing pressure within the Democratic Party for Biden to end his re-election bid. Vice President Kamala Harris later became the party’s nominee but ultimately lost the election to Trump.
Even after leaving office, Biden’s latest speech shows that his political differences with Trump remain as sharp as ever.
