President Joe Biden capped off his presidency with a few fiery comments aimed at both reporters and President-elect Donald Trump during a Sunday evening event at the White House. After signing the Social Security Fairness Act into law, Biden fielded some questions, including one about Trump’s perceived threat to democracy. As expected, the outgoing president didn’t hold back.
“I think what he did was a genuine threat to democracy,” Biden responded, sticking to his long-held criticism of Trump regarding the January 6 Capitol riot. But it didn’t end there. When the topic shifted to Trump’s plans to potentially end birthright citizenship, Biden veered off course, launching into an unprovoked tirade against the press.
“I might be the oldest president, but I know more world leaders than any one of you have ever met in your whole goddamn life!” Biden declared, prompting a flurry of reactions on social media. Many conservatives were quick to mock the comment, pointing out that knowing world leaders doesn’t necessarily translate to effective leadership.
Joe Biden SNAPS at Reporter for asking about his age:
“My being the oldest president, I know more world leaders than any one of you ever met in your whole GOD D*MN life!”
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) January 5, 2025
Journalist Salena Zito sarcastically wrote, “He’s fine, guys,” while RedState writer Bonchie added, “This is Washington credentialism in a nutshell. Politicians become ‘qualified’ by simply existing. It doesn’t matter that Biden is an abject failure and the worst foreign policy figure in American history. You see, he knows a lot of people, and that’s all that matters.”
Conservative commentator Steve Guest labeled Biden “a bitter person,” while CNN contributor Scott Jennings couldn’t resist a jab, remarking, “The most civil, decent, and devoutly Catholic president we’ve ever had.”
This isn’t the first time Biden has lashed out at the press during his tenure. His exchanges with reporters often turned testy, earning him a reputation for thin skin when faced with challenging questions. In one memorable incident in 2022, Biden referred to Fox News reporter Peter Doocy as a “stupid son of a b—-” after being asked about inflation’s potential political impact. While Biden later called Doocy to smooth things over, the incident added to a growing list of contentious interactions.
Just last November, Biden mockingly responded to an Israeli journalist’s question about brokering a hostage deal between Hamas and Israel, quipping, “Do you think you can keep from getting hit in the head by a — a camera behind you?” Comments like these, though often brushed off by the administration, fueled criticism of Biden’s temperament and his ability to handle scrutiny.
He may know the world leaders, but remember, he needed a babysitter:
Watch Italian PM Meloni’s face at :07. Someone tells her Biden’s meds are wearing off and he needs help.
She responds with hurried grace.
Thank you Italy. We’re so sorry. pic.twitter.com/RXS21xzxlG
— BDW (@BryanDeanWright) June 13, 2024
Biden is in Italy for the G7 Summit. Other world leaders have to babysit him. They all surround him and guide him off the stage. He shuffles, looks confused, points, looks awkward trying to chat normally with his peers. pic.twitter.com/nlAJmMbnOz
— Linda S (@LinSapCT) June 13, 2024
As Biden prepares to leave office, these moments remind us of the contrast between his campaign promises of restoring civility and his combative demeanor in the public eye. Whether these parting shots at reporters and Trump will shape his legacy remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Biden’s exit isn’t going quietly. Meanwhile, all eyes are on the incoming administration and Trump’s return promises to bring its own fireworks to the political landscape.
