President Joe Biden expressed strong criticism towards his predecessor, Donald Trump, following Trump's conviction on 34 felony counts related to hush money payments by a Manhattan jury. Biden, speaking at a fundraiser in Greenwich, Connecticut, emphasized that the justice system is a cornerstone of American democracy and condemned any attempts to undermine it.
Biden highlighted that Trump's conviction was the result of a state case with a jury selected in the standard manner, and stressed that the verdict was unanimous and subject to appeal. He rebuked Trump for equating the justice system and elections, labeling such actions as dangerous for American democracy.
Trump, who has portrayed the verdict as politically motivated, has sought to rally his supporters by positioning himself as a political martyr. Biden, however, warned that the threat Trump poses in a potential second term would be even greater than in his first, characterizing the former president's behavior as increasingly concerning.
During the fundraiser, Biden made no mention of the federal gun case involving his son, Hunter. Trump's campaign adviser, Jason Miller, accused Biden of attempting to divert attention from Hunter's trial. Despite these distractions, Biden reiterated his concerns about the implications of a potential Trump reelection.
Biden also referenced a campaign ad featuring actor Robert De Niro, suggesting that Trump's behavior had become erratic and dangerous following his loss in the 2020 election. Biden pointed to Trump's refusal to accept defeat and his alleged incitement of the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021, as evidence of his concerning mindset.
In conclusion, Biden questioned the character of Trump, portraying him as a destabilizing force who poses a significant threat to American democracy. The president's remarks underscored his deep reservations about the potential consequences of a Trump return to power.
