Former President Joe Biden criticized President Donald Trump’s handling of international affairs and his approach to global alliances in his first interview since leaving office. Mr. Biden spoke out against the current administration’s foreign policy and his predecessor's rhetoric regarding NATO and Ukraine.
Speaking to the BBC, Joe Biden expressed concern over Mr. Trump's suggestions that Ukraine might need to cede territory to Russia for a peace agreement. He labeled this approach as "modern-day appeasement," drawing a historical comparison to pre-World War II efforts to satisfy aggressive powers.
The former president questioned Mr. Trump's commentary on international matters, including remarks about renaming the Gulf of America and desires to acquire Panama, Greenland, and Canada. Mr. Biden said he found such talk "beneath America."
"What president ever talks like that? That's not who we are," Mr. Biden stated. He added that the United States represents "freedom, democracy, opportunity — not about confiscation."
Mr. Biden defended his decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential campaign, saying it was a "difficult decision" but believed it did not negatively impact the outcome. He noted that the party had a capable and well-funded candidate prepared to continue his agenda.
Regarding the state of democracy, Mr. Biden said he believes it faces a greater threat globally now than at any point since World War II. However, he expressed less concern about the threat within the United States, suggesting he thinks the Republican Party is beginning to understand Mr. Trump's direction.
Asked if Mr. Trump behaves more like a monarch than a president, Mr. Biden replied that he is "not behaving like a Republican president." He stated that history will assess Mr. Trump's time in office, but he has not seen anything "triumphant" in his initial period.
During his presidency, Joe Biden worked to bolster the Atlantic Alliance, bringing Finland and Sweden into NATO. He provided aid to Ukraine following Russia's invasion in 2022, authorizing the use of long-range missiles against Russian targets in the final months of his term.
The interview coincides with the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day. Mr. Biden is also scheduled to appear on ABC's The View this week.
"Every generation has to fight to maintain democracy, every one," Mr. Biden said. "Every one's going to be challenged. We've done it well for the last 80 years. And I'm worried there's the loss of understanding of the consequences of that."
