In his first major interview since stepping down from public life, former President Joe Biden didn’t hold back. At 82, and after months of silence, he finally opened up — not just about why he chose to exit the race, but also about his deep fears for the direction America is heading, especially under Donald Trump’s leadership.
What was meant to be a reflective chat turned into a charged, emotional moment, with Biden stumbling through his words but clearly passionate about one thing: America’s role on the world stage and the risks of abandoning its allies.
Biden Slams Trump’s Russia Strategy as “Modern-Day Appeasement”
One of the boldest claims Biden made was accusing Trump of engaging in “modern-day appeasement” with the Kremlin.
With the world marking 80 years since the end of World War II in Europe, Biden voiced fears that the current U.S. approach toward Vladimir Putin echoes some of history’s most dangerous mistakes.
He questioned the logic of negotiating with someone like Putin, calling the idea that conceding Ukrainian land would lead to peace “foolish.”
In his view, Putin hasn’t let go of his Soviet-era ambitions, and allowing him to seize territory would only encourage further aggression.
Muddled But Blunt: Biden Struggles Yet Stands Firm
Throughout the interview, Biden appeared visibly tired and at times had trouble stringing his thoughts together.
He whispered, paused often, and even avoided saying Trump’s name directly.
Still, his message was sharp: America can’t afford to isolate itself or abandon its leadership role on the global stage.
“I just don’t get how anyone can think Putin will stop if we let him take land that doesn’t belong to him,” he said. “There’s strength in alliances. NATO matters.
It saves us money and lives in the long run.”
A Dig at Trump’s “Annexation Fantasies”
Biden also mocked Trump’s bizarre past suggestions that the U.S. could annex Greenland or even make Canada the 51st state. “What president talks like that?” he scoffed.
“We’re supposed to stand for democracy, not land grabs.”
He added that Trump’s comments weren’t just outlandish, but deeply damaging to the country’s credibility and relationships with long-time allies like Canada and European nations.
Trump’s Recent Comments on Ukraine Spark Backlash
This interview comes amid renewed tension between the U.S. and Ukraine after Trump suggested in a TIME interview that Crimea — annexed by Russia in 2014 — would “stay with Russia,” and that even Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky understood that reality.
But Zelensky was quick to hit back, insisting that Crimea is non-negotiable.
Biden, meanwhile, warned that giving up such land would only reinforce Putin’s belief that he can bully nations into submission.
Biden Warns of NATO Crumbling Without U.S. Leadership
Biden’s biggest fear, he said, is the unraveling of post-WWII alliances — especially NATO.
If America steps back, he warned, other nations bordering Russia may start making deals of their own with the Kremlin. “We are the only nation positioned to lead the world,” he stressed.
“If we don’t, China or what’s left of the Russian empire will step in.”
A History Judgment Awaits, Biden Says of Trump’s Time Back in Office
When asked about Trump’s 100 days back in the Oval Office, Biden didn’t offer much praise.
“I’ll let history judge that,” he said bluntly. “I haven’t seen anything I’d call triumphant.”
It was a restrained but telling response from a man who clearly still carries the weight of his presidency — and the worry that his successor may undo what he believes are vital democratic principles.
Trump and Zelensky Reunite in an Unexpected Vatican Moment
Interestingly, despite tensions, Trump and Zelensky shared a rare moment of reconciliation during a brief meeting in the Vatican.
It happened just before the funeral of Pope Francis, and it marked the first time the two had spoken face-to-face since their earlier Oval Office clash that nearly ruptured diplomatic ties.
Some observers even dubbed the meeting “Pope Francis’s final miracle,” given the historic animosity between the two leaders.
White House Says Talks Were “Productive,” Zelensky Seeks Real Peace
The White House called the talks “very productive,” and Zelensky posted on X (formerly Twitter) with a message of hope.
He said they discussed goals like a full ceasefire and a lasting peace that would stop another war from breaking out.
“If we achieve results together, this could be a historic moment,” he wrote.
Trump Explodes at Putin Over Latest Missile Strikes in Kyiv
Shortly after the meeting, Trump took to his Truth Social platform to lash out at Putin following a fresh wave of deadly missile attacks on Kyiv that left 12 dead.
Trump questioned whether Putin was genuinely interested in peace at all or simply “stringing him along.”
“This can’t go on,” he wrote, calling for new pressure on Russia — including banking and secondary sanctions. “Too many people are dying!!!”
