Biden criticized for smiling after avoiding question about Trump.
President Biden faced criticism on Friday for his peculiar response to a question regarding the recent criminal conviction of his political rival, former President Donald Trump. Following remarks from the White House, Biden’s reaction included what some described as an unsettling grin.
After Trump was found guilty in his New York criminal trial, Biden stated that Trump “will be given the opportunity, as he should, to appeal that decision, just like everyone else has that opportunity.” The president emphasized that it was irresponsible for anyone to claim the verdict was rigged simply because they disagreed with it.
As Biden wrapped up his comments and began to walk away, a reporter shouted a pressing question, “Donald Trump refers to himself as a political prisoner and blames you directly. What’s your response to that, sir?” Biden paused, turned back towards the reporters, and held a grin that some found disturbing for nearly 10 seconds before leaving without verbally addressing the question.
The said reporter continued to press, “Do you think a conviction will have an impact on the campaign?” However, the president offered no response as he departed.
Reacting to the footage of Biden’s reaction, Sage Steele, a former ESPN reporter, expressed, “Honestly, I rarely use the word evil to describe another human being but…”
Likewise, Amber Duke, an editor for The Spectator, shared her thoughts on X, highlighting the president’s unsettling reaction to questions about Trump’s political prisoner status and his criminal conviction.
Jason Miller, a senior Trump campaign official, questioned Biden’s actions, asking, “Where was the senile fool shuffling off to???”
Adding to the chorus of criticism, Karoline Leavitt, a spokesperson for the Trump campaign, simply stated, “Evil.” A post from a Republican National Committee X account echoed, “Pure Evil.”
Reflecting on Biden’s demeanor, Rep. Wesley Hunt, R-Texas, remarked, “He’s NOT even trying to hide it anymore… Biden’s grin is all American voters need to see.” Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., expressed, “Joe Biden is a clear and present threat to democracy.”
