In a recent visit to Concord, New Hampshire, President Joe Biden stirred political tensions by suggesting that former President Donald Trump should be “locked up.”
The comment has ignited responses from Trump’s campaign and supporters.
During an event aimed at praising his administration’s efforts to reduce healthcare costs and prescription drug prices, Biden addressed supporters at the New Hampshire Democratic Party headquarters.
Stressing the stakes of the upcoming election, he remarked, “Our democracy is at stake. Think about what would happen if Donald Trump wins this election.”
The President then stated, “I know this sounds bizarre. It sounds like if I said this five years ago, you’d lock me up. We gotta lock him up.”
Realizing the potential implications of his words, Biden promptly added, “Politically, lock him up. Lock him out. That’s what we have to do.”
The immediate clarification aimed to distance the comment from any suggestion of endorsing legal action against Trump.
Throughout his tenure, Biden has maintained that his administration does not influence the Department of Justice’s investigations into the former president. His latest remarks, however, have drawn scrutiny and prompted reactions from the Trump campaign.
Karoline Leavitt, the national press secretary for the Trump campaign, issued a press release condemning Biden’s statement.
“Joe Biden just admitted the truth,” Leavitt asserted. “He and Kamala’s plan all along has been to politically persecute their opponent, President Trump, because they can’t beat him fair and square. The Harris-Biden administration is the real threat to democracy. We call on Kamala Harris to condemn Joe Biden’s disgraceful remark.”
Trump’s legal challenges have been a focal point, with ongoing prosecutions at both state and federal levels.
Supporters of Trump view these legal actions as politically motivated.
Allegations have been made that the Biden administration is orchestrating legal assaults to hinder Trump’s potential return to the White House.
Biden has consistently denied any involvement, pointing to the independence of the Justice Department.
The controversy also brings Vice President Kamala Harris into the spotlight.
Three months ago, Harris replaced Biden atop the Democrats’ 2024 ticket, and she has faced calls from the Trump campaign to address Biden’s comments.
Previously, Harris has attempted to dissuade supporters at rallies from chanting “lock him up” in reference to Trump, aiming to maintain a focus on policy over personal attacks.
Political analysts suggest that Biden’s comment, albeit quickly corrected, may galvanize Trump’s base.