In his most extended public remarks since disclosing a prostate cancer diagnosis in May, former President Joe Biden on Wednesday claimed that many of his administration’s achievements are being swiftly dismantled under President Trump’s leadership.
Speaking before an audience of human-resources professionals at a national conference, Mr. Biden delivered a sharply worded critique of the current direction of U.S. policy.
Though he did not mention Mr. Trump by name, he recounted how efforts to reinforce NATO and advance American values abroad are being reversed. “Many of the things I worked so damn hard, that I thought I changed in the country, are changing so rapidly,” Mr. Biden said during the hour-long speech.
The former president pointed to what he tried to claim as a shift away from sustained NATO expansion—particularly support for Finland and Sweden following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
He also spoke of ongoing consultations with European leaders, who according to him have “called and asked” for his involvement, though he emphasized that he is providing counsel only as a private citizen.
Mr. Biden’s sombre tone reflected the urgency with which he views the reversal of his domestic initiatives. Though he did not reference the headline-grabbing “One Big, Beautiful Bill” recently advanced by Republicans in Congress, the timing of his remarks suggests concern about erosion of programs he championed, particularly in healthcare, climate policy, and economic equity.
Guest commenter Anna Kelly, speaking for the current administration, dismissed Mr. Biden’s warnings, arguing that the Trump-led government had instead strengthened America’s global influence, particularly citing recent commitments from NATO allies to raise defense spending to five percent of GDP. Kelly portrayed the shift as a correction of a weakened posture under Mr. Biden.
At age 82, Mr. Biden has remained intentionally visible since going public with his cancer diagnosis, using platforms like the Society for Human Resource Management’s annual convention to remind audiences of both his policy record and his personal resolve. “I’m not president anymore,” he acknowledged. “But I still care deeply about ensuring America remains strong and trusted.”
Observers say the address signals a nuanced recalibration for Mr. Biden: stepping back from active politics while stepping forward as a thorn in his successor’s side.
Engaging with both public and private advisers—across party lines—he said he’s continuing to shape policy dialogue even outside formal office.
As Capitol Hill now debates sweeping bills that could undercut elements of his agenda, Mr. Biden’s message looms as a cautionary reminder: policy advancements can unravel swiftly—raising profound questions about the durability of presidential legacies in an era of intense partisanship and executive turnover.
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