In a wide-ranging interview with ABC News, former US President Joe Biden fiercely criticized the first 100 days of Donald Trump’s second presidency, calling them the “worst ever” in American history. Biden, who stepped down from the 2024 race amid concerns over his mental fitness, also defended his record and dismissed allegations of cognitive decline, insisting that he could have beaten Trump if he had stayed in the race.

Biden’s remarks come as Trump’s early months back in office have been met with fierce controversy and polarized reactions across the political spectrum. The traditional “honeymoon period” – a political courtesy often observed by opponents refraining from public criticism during the first 100 days – seems to have firmly ended, if it was observed at all.

“He’s had the worst 100 days any president’s ever had,” Biden stated bluntly. “And I would not say honesty has been his strong point.” Without going into detailed specifics during the interview, Biden alluded to what he called “erratic” policy decisions, a “chaotic” approach to governance, and the continued polarization of American society under Trump’s renewed leadership.

Biden’s interview highlights his deep frustration with the course of events since he exited the 2024 race. After a disastrous debate performance against Trump in June 2024 – a moment widely seen as a turning point – questions about Biden’s cognitive health intensified. Despite publicly vowing to fight on, the former president ultimately withdrew from the race, reportedly under intense pressure from Democratic Party leadership, and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the nominee.

Reflecting on Harris’ defeat to Trump in the general election, Biden expressed disappointment but suggested that her loss was fueled by deep-seated societal biases. “They went the sexist route,” Biden said. “I’ve never seen quite as successful and consistent a campaign undercutting the notion that a woman couldn’t lead the country – and a woman of mixed race.”

Harris’ loss was definitive. Trump secured a strong 312 to 226 Electoral College victory, flipping key battleground states including Michigan, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Arizona, and Wisconsin – states that had played pivotal roles in Biden’s 2020 victory.

When asked directly whether he believed he could have defeated Trump had he remained the Democratic nominee, Biden replied confidently, “I do.” However, he acknowledged that the election would not have been easy. “It wasn’t a slam dunk,” he admitted, pointing to the narrow margins Trump achieved in several critical states.

The former president was also firm in his rebuttal of widespread claims regarding his cognitive abilities. Reports citing anonymous Democratic sources, leaked medical memos, and recurring public gaffes had fueled narratives that Biden was no longer fit to serve. These concerns were exacerbated by the shaky debate performance, in which Biden appeared confused, struggled with answers, and at times lost his train of thought.

“They are wrong,” Biden asserted. “There is nothing to sustain that. I said when I got out of the race, I was still going to be president. I think I did a pretty damn good job the last six months.” He emphasized that the challenges faced during the final stretch of his presidency – from foreign policy crises to domestic economic turbulence – were handled competently by his administration.

Despite his defiance, the political reality became undeniable by mid-2024. Democratic leaders, facing an energized Republican base and sagging poll numbers, pushed for a fresh face to lead the party into the general election. Vice President Harris was nominated at the Democratic National Convention amid hopes that her historic candidacy would invigorate the party’s coalition. Instead, the election results revealed deep fractures within the Democratic voter base and ongoing skepticism about Harris’ ability to lead.

The interview also sheds light on the lingering anger and regret Biden feels over how the transition was managed, both within his own party and in the broader national conversation. Biden’s commentary hints at his belief that media narratives – focused relentlessly on his age and mental acuity – played a major role in his political downfall.

Yet, even as Biden publicly wrestles with his legacy, Trump’s own challenges are far from over. Trump’s first months back in office have been marked by fierce opposition, not only from Democrats but also from segments of independent voters and even some within the Republican establishment uneasy with his style of governance. Controversies over executive orders, foreign policy shifts, and ongoing investigations into Trump’s business dealings have kept Washington in a near-constant state of turmoil.

Biden’s scathing assessment of Trump’s start – labeling it the “worst 100 days” in US history – seems aimed at galvanizing Democratic voters for future battles. Despite his personal political end, Biden’s comments suggest he sees himself as a continuing force within the Democratic Party, perhaps as an elder statesman guiding its next generation.

Meanwhile, the Democratic Party faces serious questions about its future direction. After two consecutive losses – in the 2022 midterms and the 2024 presidential election – Democrats are engaged in a fierce internal debate about leadership, messaging, and strategy.

As for Biden himself, retirement from electoral politics does not seem to mean silence. His ABC interview signals that he remains eager to defend his record, criticize his successor, and perhaps shape the political discourse heading into 2026 and beyond.

Whether his voice will continue to carry influence remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: even outside of office, Joe Biden is not stepping away from the fight for his version of America’s future.

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