President Joe Biden drew criticism from some on Friday for his bizarre responses, including an “evil” smile, in response to a question about the historic conviction of a political opponent after remarks from the White House.
Biden, 81, said on Friday President Donald Trump “Of course, he will have the opportunity to appeal that sentence, just as anybody else has the opportunity to do so,” said Biden, who was convicted in a New York criminal trial. Biden added that it would be “reckless, dangerous and irresponsible to say there was fraud just because you don’t like the verdict.”
As Biden walked away from the podium, a reporter shouted a question: “Donald Trump is calling himself a political prisoner and accusing you directly. What are your thoughts on that?”
The president paused, turned to reporters and flashed a smile that some described as “disturbing” for nearly 10 seconds before walking away without responding.
Biden says Trump should be given a chance to appeal his conviction, grins and ignores question
(Left) U.S. President Joe Biden pauses to answer reporters’ questions as he leaves the State Dining Room at the White House on May 31. (Right) Former President Donald Trump. (Getty Images)
“Do you think a guilty verdict will affect your election campaign?” the reporter asked, but the president did not respond.
Former ESPN reporter Sage Steele responded to X’s video by saying, “I’ll be honest, I rarely describe other people as evil, but…”
Spectator editor Amber Duke made a similar post on X: “The US president’s disturbing response when asked if Trump is a political prisoner and whether he is responsible for his conviction.”
LIVE UPDATES: Trump lashes out against wrongful conviction
Former President Donald Trump speaks during a press conference at Trump Tower in New York, Friday, May 31, 2024. (AP Photo/Julia Nickinson)
Jason Miller, a senior Trump campaign official, commented on the site, “Where did that demented moron go???”
“It’s evil,” Trump campaign spokeswoman Carolyn Leavitt said in a statement. The Republican National Committee’s X account posted, “Pure evil.”
Trump says he would have been ‘happy’ to testify in New York criminal trial
President Joe Biden speaks at a campaign event at Pullman Yard in Atlanta, Georgia, on March 9, 2024. (Megan Varner/Getty Images)
“He’s not even trying to hide it anymore. Biden’s smile is all American voters need to see,” said Rep. Wesley Hunt, a Republican from Texas.
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“Joe Biden poses a clear and real threat to democracy,” Rep. Elise Stefanik of New York said.
Fox News Digital’s Greg Norman and Chris Pandolfo contributed to this report.
