Gladness Gideon
In his first interview since leaving office, former US President Joe Biden has accused his successor, Donald Trump, of appeasing Russia by pressuring Ukraine to concede territory. Speaking to the BBC’s Today program, Biden criticized the Trump administration’s stance, describing it as “modern-day appeasement.”
The Democratic leader asserted that Russian President Vladimir Putin views Ukraine as part of Russia, warning that any territorial concession as part of a peace deal would embolden Moscow.
“Anybody that thinks he’s going to stop if Ukrainian territory is conceded is just foolish,” Biden said, condemning Trump’s approach as contradictory to American values. “What the hell’s going on here? What president ever talks like that? That’s not who we are. We’re about freedom, democracy, opportunity. Not about confiscation,” he added.
Biden’s remarks come just over 100 days into Trump’s presidency, a period marked by significant shifts in US domestic and foreign policy. The interview also coincided with global commemorations of the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe — a context Biden used to underscore his concerns about American leadership.
“I’m worried that Europe is going to lose confidence in the certainty of America and the leadership of America and the world, to deal with not only NATO but other matters that have a consequence,” Biden stated, expressing fears that US allies could begin to question Washington’s commitment to longstanding alliances.
Addressing Trump’s criticisms of his administration’s support for Ukraine, Biden defended his record, emphasizing that his government provided Ukraine with essential wartime assistance. “We gave them everything they needed to provide for their independence and we were prepared to respond, more aggressively, if Putin moved again,” he said.
READ ALSO: Trump Takes Credit for Economic Boom, Blames Biden for Setbacks
Trump, who has faced criticism for allegedly overstepping constitutional limits, recently stated that he was uncertain about his obligation to uphold the US Constitution. He has also been accused of seeking to recoup funds allocated to Ukraine during Biden’s presidency.
Asked whether Trump was behaving more like a king than a constitutionally limited president, Biden said, “He’s not behaving like a Republican president,” but added that he was less concerned about the future of US democracy.
“I think the Republican Party is waking up to what Trump is about,” Biden said, hinting at growing dissent within the GOP regarding Trump’s controversial policies.
As Trump continues to navigate legal and political controversies, Biden’s remarks underscore a stark ideological divide, further intensifying tensions in the US political landscape.