In the aftermath of the recent electoral setback, President Joe Biden has remained unusually quiet. Despite his previous warnings about the potential dangers of a Donald Trump presidency for American democracy, he has not publicly addressed the implications of the election results for the future of the nation nor analyzed the factors that contributed to the decisive losses for Democrats across the board.
His only remarks regarding the election came during a brief six-minute address in the Rose Garden just two days after the results, where he called for unity among Americans rather than viewing each other as opponents. Since that moment, he has rarely spoken publicly about the elections, even during his recent six-day trip to South America, where he primarily offered short comments before meetings with foreign leaders without holding a formal press conference.
Biden’s silence on the electoral outcomes may highlight a significant shift, indicating that both the U.S. and the international community are moving forward without much input from him. David Axelrod, a former senior adviser during the Obama administration, remarked that it’s time for a new generation of leaders to take the helm. Meanwhile, historian Edward Frantz noted that Biden’s hesitance to actively engage in the narrative could risk relegating him to a status not seen since former President Jimmy Carter, who was similarly viewed as irrelevant as he left office.
Allies of Biden suggest he is still processing the defeat, underscoring the fact that it’s only been a short time since the election outcomes were confirmed. Biden emphasized after the elections that campaigns present opposing visions, and the country had made its choice which must be accepted. He urged a sense of camaraderie and compassion, suggesting one cannot love their country only in times of victory.
His aides also highlight that Biden’s commitment to abiding by electoral norms—such as facilitating a smooth transition and extending an invitation to Trump—serves as a contrast to Trump’s prior actions in disregarding such traditions. Observers speculate that Biden may be grappling with the election results privately, despite maintaining a public front of detachment.
During his recent international meetings in Peru and Brazil, Biden opted not to hold a news conference—a customary practice for American presidents. Even in unscripted moments where he could address the media, he refrained from touching upon the elections or addressing questions concerning significant policies.
Interestingly, in conversations involving his decision to relax restrictions on Ukraine’s military capabilities, Biden allowed allied leaders such as Emmanuel Macron and Justin Trudeau to publicly articulate the rationale behind these policy changes. His apprehensions about escalation with Russia and the potential for Trump’s ambitions add complexity to the context within which these discussions are taking place.
Biden’s previous assertions about the global implications of a Trump presidency now contrast sharply with the GOP’s electoral victory, which saw Trump winning both the popular vote and the Electoral College while Republicans regained control of Congress. His prior warnings to the American public and world leaders regarding the threat of a Trump-led administration are now overshadowed by recent events.
The significant bilateral meeting with Xi Jinping of China during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Peru was striking, revealing Biden’s reflective nature compared to Xi’s focus on the future. While Biden reminisced about past collaborations, Xi made a clear call for cooperation moving forward, signaling a desire for a constructive relationship with the incoming administration.
Throughout his South American trip, Biden maintained a low profile and did not engage much with journalists. Even when approached with questions, he gave minimal responses, contributing to a growing sense of frustration among members of the press. As he prepared to leave Rio de Janeiro, one reporter attempted a light-hearted approach wishing him an early birthday but left unanswered amid an ongoing atmosphere of silence from the president.
