Former President Joe Biden intensified his criticism of President Donald Trump, labeling him a "loser" during a Democratic Party fundraiser and attacking several of Trump's initiatives as "vanity projects."
Speaking at the event in Hanover, Maryland, Biden pointed to projects such as Trump's plan to construct a new ballroom at the White House and renovations to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool as examples of misguided priorities.
"It's not just his vanity projects, tearing down the East Wing of the White House making room for his ballroom, putting his name on the Kennedy Center, building an arch in his own honour, even hiring his own pool guy to fix the Reflecting Pool," Biden stated. "Woah! What a loser."
Biden referenced Trump's unsuccessful effort to have his name added to the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, a move that was later blocked by a court. He also mentioned Trump's $400 million effort to demolish parts of the White House East Wing to build a new ballroom, which Trump defended as necessary for national security and hosting state guests.
The restoration of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, which cost $14.7 million, also drew Biden's ire. The project faced controversy following issues with algae growth, which the Trump administration attributed to vandalism.
Biden also criticized Trump's stance on supporters who participated in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. He accused Trump of wanting to provide taxpayer money to those involved in the insurrection, referencing a since-dropped Trump administration initiative that sought to compensate individuals claiming unfair government targeting.
While Trump has not directly responded to Biden's latest remarks, he has previously labeled Biden a "crooked politician" and used the nickname "sleepy Joe Biden" on his Truth Social platform.
Biden's comments come nearly two years after a notable debate performance against Trump, which preceded significant shifts in his presidential campaign.