Former President Donald Trump visited the US southern border on Thursday, framing the trip as a campaign event to address border security. However, the visit quickly became a platform for Trump to voice his frustration over Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race.
Addressing a group of reporters, Trump kicked off his speech by denouncing Biden’s exit from the race, labeling it a “coup.”
“It’s a very sad time for this country in many ways… I was not fan of Joe Biden. But the way he was taken out, it was a coup,” Trump lamented.
In recent days, Trump has expressed frustration at not being able to compete against Biden. “I watched Joe Biden Monday night, and was amazed at his ANGER at being humiliated by the Democrats,” Trump posted on Truth Social, referring to Biden’s appearance at the Democratic National Convention (DNC). “I’m happy to have played a part in his downfall, which began on June 27, 2024, during THE DEBATE, pushed by Comrade Kamala Harris.”
Trump characterized Biden’s removal following a poor debate performance as the “first ever COUP of the President of the United States,” a remark that echoes his own failed January 6 coup attempt.
“The good news is that I believe Joe Biden, the Worst President in the History of the United States, who served with the Worst Vice President in the History of the United States, is now seething,” Trump added. “I don’t know why he gave up, why he quit. He got 14 million votes, she got NONE. He’s an angry man now, and he should be!”
In contrast, Biden’s farewell address was reflective rather than angry. He humorously noted he began “too young to be in the Senate” and ended “too old to stay as president.” Biden admitted he had “made a lot of mistakes” but had “given [his] best” to the country.
Trump’s frustration has been evident since Biden’s withdrawal. Despite Biden’s exit, Trump has continued to attack him, and his irritation has grown with Harris and running mate Tim Walz gaining prominence.
Watch the clip from the border below:
Trump on Border Security: It’s a very sad time for this country in many ways… the way Biden was taken out was a coup. pic.twitter.com/dz685MgbHh
— Acyn (@Acyn) August 22, 2024