President Trump Calls Joe Biden a ‘Criminal,’ Says He Enjoys Watching Him ‘Squirm’
Trump’s Fiery Remarks During Overseas Visit
President Donald Trump ignited a political firestorm this week after delivering a blistering verbal attack on former President Joe Biden while speaking abroad. During an unscripted portion of his remarks, Trump referred to Biden as “a criminal who should be in jail,” describing him as “a major lowlife and failure” and “an ugly person, both inside and out.” The President went on to say that he “beat him badly” and relished “watching him squirm now.”
The comments, made while Trump was addressing a group of American expatriates and international business leaders, reverberated through Washington and global political circles. The President’s words highlighted the lingering tension between the two men following the contentious 2024 presidential election, which returned Trump to the White House for a second non-consecutive term. His remarks also underscored the enduring polarization within American politics, even as the administration seeks to strengthen international partnerships.
Historical Context of Presidential Rhetoric
Presidential rhetoric abroad has historically been carefully calibrated, with most leaders avoiding inflammatory political language when on foreign soil. Trump’s latest remarks mark a continuation of his unconventional style that breaks sharply from diplomatic norms. Past presidents, from Theodore Roosevelt to Ronald Reagan, used overseas addresses to project unity and American strength. By contrast, Trump’s insistence on revisiting electoral and personal grievances — sometimes with caustic language — has been a defining feature of his public persona.
In modern American history, few presidents have personalized political rivalries to the extent Trump has. From his first campaign in 2016 through his presidency and beyond, Trump has often preferred direct, unfiltered language that appeals to his base and dominates news cycles. The latest broadside against Biden fits neatly into that pattern — a mixture of personal disdain, populist bravado, and showmanship.
Political and Legal Undertones
Trump’s accusation that Biden “should be in jail” adds to an already tense legal landscape surrounding both men. Biden and his family have been the subject of multiple Republican-led investigations into overseas business dealings, though no charges have resulted. Meanwhile, Trump continues to face legal challenges of his own, including pending appeals related to previous indictments and investigations into his business practices and handling of classified materials.
Political analysts suggest Trump’s remarks serve both as a defense mechanism and a strategic effort to reframe the narrative. By turning attention toward Biden’s alleged misconduct, the President can reinforce his long-running claim that he is the target of politically motivated attacks. Supporters often view his confrontational approach as refreshing honesty, while critics see it as corrosive to institutional trust.
Reaction from Washington and Abroad
Reaction from Washington was swift. Republican lawmakers largely stayed silent or echoed the President’s frustration with what they call a “two-tier justice system.” Several prominent conservative commentators praised the President’s boldness, saying he was “telling the truth others are too afraid to say.”
Democrats, however, condemned the remarks as “reckless” and “beneath the dignity of the presidency.” A senior Democratic strategist said the comments “once again drag political discourse to a low we’ve never seen before.” International observers also took note, with some European media outlets describing the statements as “an unprecedented airing of domestic animosity during a foreign visit.”
Foreign diplomats who attended the event privately expressed surprise at the tone of Trump’s remarks. One European envoy called it “a highly unconventional moment,” saying that “presidents rarely speak about their domestic rivals while abroad, let alone in such personal terms.”
Global Political Context
Trump’s comments come amid an international outreach tour focusing on trade, security, and energy cooperation. His stops included meetings with allied leaders in Eastern Europe and Asia, where discussions centered on regional stability and America’s energy exports. Despite the bilateral progress made on economic and security matters, the President’s remarks about Biden quickly captureds, temporarily overshadowing official policy announcements.
In many foreign capitals, Trump remains a polarizing figure. Some leaders see him as a pragmatic negotiator who pushes hard for America’s interests, while others worry his unpredictable rhetoric can destabilize alliances. Yet his support among several foreign business leaders and nationalist politicians has remained consistent, drawn to his emphasis on sovereignty, deregulation, and aggressive trade terms.
Economic Impact and Market Response
Though Trump’s comments did not directly affect financial markets, analysts note that bouts of political volatility can influence investor sentiment. In previous years, global markets have reacted to Trump’s remarks, particularly when they touch on trade, tariffs, or foreign relations.
This time, Wall Street appeared largely unfazed, focusing instead on economic data showing continued growth in U.S. manufacturing and a modest rise in consumer spending. However, some economists warn that repeated instances of political turbulence could complicate international negotiations and foreign investment decisions. Investors typically value stability, and high-profile conflicts involving sitting and former presidents may inject uncertainty into long-term forecasting.
The Biden Response and Broader Democratic Strategy
Former President Biden has not publicly responded to Trump’s remarks. Advisors close to him described the comments as “a distraction” and “beneath response.” Instead, Biden has continued to focus on public engagements related to education and environmental initiatives, appearing at multiple events across the Midwest this week.
Democratic strategists are reportedly weighing how to address the renewed barrage of personal attacks. Some argue that ignoring them denies Trump the media amplification he seeks; others contend that a firm rebuttal is necessary to defend political norms and the office’s integrity. The party faces the difficult challenge of balancing restraint with assertiveness in responding to a presidency that has redefined political communication boundaries.
Public Opinion and Voter Sentiment
Public opinion polling continues to show deep divisions within the electorate. Trump’s supporters are unwavering in their confidence that he has been unfairly targeted by political adversaries. Many view his targeting of Biden as justified, citing allegations involving Biden’s son and foreign business entanglements. Independents, however, are split — some see Trump’s remarks as a distraction from governance, while others appreciate his bluntness and transparency.
Among Biden loyalists, the reaction has been frustration mixed with fatigue. Some express disbelief that the former president remains a recurring topic in Trump’s speeches nearly a year after the election. The continued animus underscores the enduring personal and political rivalry that defines much of contemporary American discourse.
Historical Parallels and Modern Divisions
The fierce personal animosity between presidents is not new in U.S. history. The early republic witnessed biting feuds between Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, and Andrew Jackson’s populist brawls reshaped political rhetoric in the 19th century. Yet historians say the modern media environment magnifies every insult, turning political theater into a 24-hour spectacle.
Trump’s attacks on Biden align with a broader pattern of political personalization in American life, where party identity often fuses with individual loyalty. Social media has amplified that effect, allowing politicians to bypass traditional filters and speak directly — often emotionally — to their base. The result is a public discourse less about policy and more about personality.
Regional and International Implications
Regionally, allies in Europe and Asia continue to monitor how Trump’s rhetoric shapes U.S. credibility. Some foreign policy analysts argue that internal political hostilities can weaken American influence abroad, as partners question U.S. unity and predictability. Others counter that allies have learned to separate Trump’s rhetoric from his policy outcomes, which often remain transactional but effective in advancing U.S. economic interests.
In the Middle East, where Trump has retained significant goodwill for his previous diplomatic and defense initiatives, leaders are less concerned about his verbal sparring and more focused on negotiation outcomes. In Asia, however, some diplomats fear that political instability in Washington could complicate defense cooperation and technology-sharing agreements.
Looking Ahead
As Trump continues his global engagements, the episode serves as another reminder of his unconventional communication strategy — one rooted in confrontation and performed authenticity. Whether the President’s remarks will have lasting diplomatic consequences remains unclear, but their domestic impact is already visible. They have reenergized his political base, provoked opposition outrage, and once again placed Trump — and his personal vendetta with Joe Biden — at the center of the national conversation.
For now, the world watches as President Trump charts a path unlike any of his predecessors, merging diplomacy with defiant politics, and blurring the traditional boundaries between statecraft and showmanship. His words — searing, unapologetic, and deeply personal — continue to shape not only his presidency but the broader identity of American political life in 2025.