In his first interview since leaving the White House, former US President Joe Biden strongly condemned Donald Trump’s controversial stance towards Ukraine, likening it to “modern-day appeasement.” Biden expressed disbelief at Trump’s proposals, which included bizarre suggestions to take control of the Panama Canal and make Canada the 51st state of the US. “What the hell’s going on here? What president ever talks like that?” he questioned.
Biden emphasised that the essence of the United States lies in freedom, democracy, and opportunity, rather than in territorial confiscation. He warned that democracy is precariously hanging in the balance and expressed concern that Trump’s behaviour might erode global confidence in American leadership. According to Biden, a breakdown in US-European relations could markedly shift the course of modern history.
He highlighted that key world leaders might find themselves questioning US reliability, pondering, “can I depend on the United States? Are they going to be there?” These sentiments were underscored by his denunciation of Russian President Vladimir Putin, whom he labelled a “dictator.”
In reflecting on Trump’s efforts to pressure Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy into conceding territory to Russia, Biden echoed the sentiments of former UK Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain, deeming it an act of appeasement. He questioned the logic behind allowing a dictator to seize land, arguing that doing so would not satisfy him but rather could invite further aggression.
Biden also discussed his decision to withdraw from the 2024 election race, stating that he believed it was the right choice for him at that time. Overall, he expressed a deep concern over the implications of Trump’s leadership on the future of democracy and international relations, insisting on the importance of retaining trust and leadership on the global stage.