Biden Takes Aim at Trump: Renovation Plans and Foreign Policy in the Crosshairs
Former U.S. President Joe Biden criticized President Donald Trump's proposed renovation projects in Washington D.C. and his foreign policy record during a Democratic Party gala in Hanover, Maryland, on Saturday. The event, held two years after Biden's withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race following a debate, was part of efforts to support Democratic candidates in the November midterm elections to regain control of Congress.
Renovation Projects
Biden criticized several of Trump's planned renovations to Washington D.C. landmarks, including:
- Construction of a ballroom in the White House's East Wing.
- Renaming the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts to include Trump's name (a court ordered the name addition removed).
- Building a triumphal arch.
- Renovating the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.
According to Biden, these initiatives exemplified "narcissism and incompetence" and "blatant corruption."
"It's not about improving the nation's capital; it's about feeding an ego."
Trump had stated that a contractor who worked on a pool at one of his golf clubs would renovate the Reflecting Pool. The cost of the Reflecting Pool renovation was reported at $14.7 million. Trump and the National Parks Service attributed subsequent algae issues to vandalism.
Background on the Reflecting Pool provided by the Associated Press indicates that former President Barack Obama spent approximately $34 million on renovations in 2012, which did not prevent algae growth. During Biden's administration, the National Parks Service estimated a full rehabilitation would cost about $100 million, but no action was taken. Trump has claimed that Biden and Obama spent "over 100 Million Dollars" on the pool.
Trump has defended the ballroom project as necessary for national security and hosting state guests, with a reported cost of $400 million.
Biden's Remarks
In response to audience reactions during his speech, Biden referred to Trump as "a loser" and criticized his relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin and his stance on NATO.
"He bows to Putin, he undermines our allies, and he calls our own service members suckers. That's not leadership. That's a loser."
Responses
Trump did not directly respond to Biden's comments but previously referred to Biden as a "Crooked Politician" on Truth Social and used the nickname "Sleepy Joe Biden." The BBC has contacted the White House for a response.