President Joe Biden has directly labeled Donald Trump as a “convicted felon” during a fundraiser in Greenwich, Connecticut, where he accused Trump of running for president again to “preserve his freedoms.”
Biden’s speech marks the first time he publicly referred to Trump as a convicted felon since the guilty verdict on 34 counts related to a hush-money scheme involving Stormy Daniels. Addressing potential supporters at the residence of former HBO CEO Richard Plepler, Biden asserted, “For the first time in American history, a former president that is a convicted felon is now seeking the office of the presidency.”
He criticized Trump’s reaction to the verdict, describing him as “clearly unhinged” and suggested that “after his criminal convictions, it’s clear he’s worried about preserving his freedoms.” Biden emphasized the danger of Trump’s rhetoric, stating, “Nothing could be more dangerous for the country, more dangerous for American democracy”, reported Reuters.
Biden’s comments come amid Trump’s efforts to position himself as a political martyr to his supporters, portraying the verdict as politically motivated and suggesting that similar things could happen to them. Despite his conviction, Trump has continued to claim the court case was merely a “witch hunt” and has used it to amass millions in campaign contributions.
Trump’s campaign advisors expressed gratitude for the support received, declaring, “The American people saw right through Crooked Joe Biden’s rigged trial, and sent Biden and Democrats a powerful message.” Meanwhile, Biden has remained silent on the federal gun case against his son.