Biden Accuses Trump of Dividing the Nation Amid Calls for Unity

Despite calls for unity after an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, President Biden continued to criticize Trump's rhetoric, claiming that it poses a threat to democracy.

President Biden's call for unity following the assassination attempt on Donald Trump was met with skepticism as he continued to attack Trump's past statements. Biden asserted that Trump's rhetoric poses a danger to democracy, despite his plea to "lower the temperature" in politics.

"If you notice, what do I talk about with him?" Biden asked NBC's Lester Holt during an interview at the White House. "A policy issue where he's dividing the country, a policy issue that relates to democracy."

Biden Accuses Trump of Dividing the Nation Amid Calls for Unity

Trump was targeted by multiple shots fired from an elevated position near an outdoor rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday. Biden responded by urging Americans to "lower the temperature" and prioritize their shared identity as citizens.

However, Biden continued to criticize Trump's inflammatory comments and cited Trump's reaction to the 2022 attack on Paul Pelosi as an example of his divisive rhetoric. Holt challenged Biden on his seemingly contradictory stance, suggesting that his criticism of Trump was not consistent with his call for unity.

Biden Accuses Trump of Dividing the Nation Amid Calls for Unity

"I'm turning it down," Biden insisted. He explained that he meant to discourage attitudes that undermine democratic principles.

Biden cited Trump's persistent claims of a stolen election and his demand for loyalty from Republican lawmakers as examples of such attitudes. "The idea of having a loyalty pledge from all the folks who are in a Republican MAGA... saying that, no, we lost the election, inflaming the people," Biden said.

Biden Accuses Trump of Dividing the Nation Amid Calls for Unity

Holt pressed Biden on what he could do to foster unity, but Biden focused on what he perceived as Trump's negative impact on the nation.

Biden expressed concern over the prevalence of Trump signs and anti-Biden sentiment in rural areas, describing it as "inflammatory" and "vicious."

Biden Accuses Trump of Dividing the Nation Amid Calls for Unity

"I've never seen a circumstance where you ride through certain rural areas of the country and people have signs," Biden said. "There's big Trump signs with little signs saying 'F--- Biden,' and a little kid standing there putting up his middle finger."

Biden contrasted this rhetoric with discussions focused on policy differences, arguing that such discussions are less divisive than personal attacks.

Biden's comments drew criticism from some who accused him of hypocrisy, while others defended his right to criticize Trump's actions. The ongoing debate highlights the challenges of fostering unity in a politically polarized society.