Biden lashes out at Trump at fundraiser gala, speaks of "shameless corruption"

In terms of content, Biden focused on several specific accusations. He criticized the awarding of a contract to renovate the Reflection Pool in Washington, D.C., which was given without a bidding process to a Trump donor who is also Trump's neighbor in Mar-a-Lago. The renovation cost 14.7 million dollars. Biden spoke in this context of "shameless, brazen corruption on a level that has never existed in US history" and added: "It is simply incomprehensible to me. He has no shame. And honestly, it's embarrassing for the country."

Biden also attacked Trump's foreign policy. He pointed to the "deliberate deformation and destruction of NATO," to Trump's alleged preference for Russia's President Vladimir Putin over US allies, and to the pardoning and glorification of the attackers on the Capitol on January 6, 2021. Biden also accused Trump of having damaged the reputation of the USA in the world more than any other president before him. Trump construction projects such as a ballroom and a triumphal arch were also criticized in the speech.

Appeal to the audience

Biden also called on Americans to get engaged. He cited his father's advice not to give up after setbacks ("Get back up, Joey, get back up") and urged the audience: "Get up. Get up now. Continue this fight." Addressing all those who love their country, he said: "To everyone who loves this country: It is time to get up, damn it!". Biden advocated values such as fairness, honesty, and decency and declared that the USA was in a "dark time."

During the speech, according to observations by those present, Biden's impaired health was noticeable; he coughed repeatedly. Biden, who publicly revealed in May 2025 that he was suffering from metastatic prostate cancer, did not address his cancer diagnosis or other personal matters during the speech. Biden is 83 years old.

Sanders attacks Trump in Texas

Almost simultaneously, Senator Bernie Sanders delivered his own speech in Texas, in which he also sharply attacked Trump. Sanders, who had been Biden's rival in the 2020 Democratic primary, called Trump a "corrupt kleptocrat" and a "pathological liar" with an "authoritarian personality" who ignores the law and the constitution. Sanders announced that Trump and tech billionaire Elon Musk would ultimately be held accountable for their "destruction."

Biden's appearance came exactly two years to the day after the much-criticized TV debate against Trump, which ultimately led to his withdrawal from the race and Kamala Harris taking over the candidacy. Biden is the former US president; Donald Trump is the current US president.

The fundraiser gala in Maryland is part of a series of rare public appearances by Biden since his cancer diagnosis became known. Observers interpreted the speech as a sign that Biden wants to continue taking political positions despite health limitations.