Biden warns nation of Trump's threat to democracy, urges against re-election

In a speech delivered at a community college in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania, US President Joe Biden cautioned voters against the possibility of Donald Trump’s return to the presidency, describing him as a significant risk to the nation and a threat to democracy.

The address, delivered one day before the third anniversary of the violent attack on the US Capitol by Trump supporters, emphasized the need for citizens to protect democracy and freedom.

Biden highlighted Trump’s role in the January 6 attack, stating, “He told the crowd to fight like hell. And all hell was unleashed.” The president characterized Trump and his followers as dangerous outliers and called on Democrats, independents, and mainstream Republicans to unite in support of safeguarding democracy. “Democracy is on the ballot. Your freedom is on the ballot,” Biden asserted.

During the speech, Biden drew parallels between Trump’s bid for re-election and George Washington’s voluntary relinquishment of power after two terms. He accused Trump of seeking “revenge and retribution” against political adversaries, criticizing the former president for using divisive language reminiscent of Nazi Germany.

Biden also expressed disappointment in the shift of tone among some Republicans, accusing them of abandoning the truth about the January 6th attack for political reasons. He cited the ongoing legal consequences, with over 1,230 individuals facing federal charges, including felonies related to the assault on police officers and seditious conspiracy.

In response to Biden’s remarks, Trump, addressing a crowd in Sioux Center, Iowa, criticized the president’s record as “an unbroken streak of weakness, incompetence, corruption, and failure.” The Trump campaign released an advertisement labeling Biden as “the true destroyer of democracy” and referencing an investigation by special counsel Jack Smith, who charged Trump with conspiring to subvert the 2020 election results.

As the political tensions escalate, Trump, who has pleaded not guilty to the charges, accuses prosecutors of orchestrating a politically motivated “witch hunt” to hinder his potential 2024 re-election bid.