Donald Trump launched a scathing attack on U.S. President Joe Biden on July 9, criticizing the Democrat as he faces calls to withdraw from the re-election race following a poor debate performance.
Mr. Trump’s speech in Florida marked his first public appearance since the demand for Mr. Biden’s withdrawal gained traction. The Republican accused Democrats of lying to shield the President.
“It’s the biggest cover up in political history,” Mr. Trump proclaimed in his 75-minute speech, which focused predominantly on his election rival.
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“They are all co-conspirators in the sinister plot to deceive the American public about the cognitive abilities of the man in the Oval Office,” he added.
Observers have noted Mr. Trump’s recent relative restraint, but he abandoned this approach, portraying Mr. Biden as a “corrupt, incompetent, cognitively impaired” leader unaware of his own policies or tenure in office.
In a speech filled with exaggerations and falsehoods, Mr. Trump alleged that Mr. Biden frequently disappears from the Oval Office while his son Hunter, a convicted felon, effectively runs the government with assistance from First Lady Jill Biden.
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During the rally at his Doral National golf resort in Miami, Mr. Trump painted a bleak picture of America on the brink of disaster and a world racing to prevent nuclear catastrophe.
However, he deviated to criticize Mr. Biden over recent statements from Democrats questioning his ability to lead the party to victory in November.
Golf challenge
The former President challenged his successor to another debate without moderators and jokingly proposed a golf match, suggesting it would be a highly anticipated event.
“I will even give Joe Biden 10 strokes a side… and if he wins, I will donate $1 million to the charity of his choice. I doubt he will accept,” Mr. Trump stated.
The Biden campaign responded to the challenge with a golf-related pun, dismissing Mr. Trump’s antics and affirming Mr. Biden’s focus on leading the country.
“Donald Trump is a liar, a convict, and a fraud only out for himself par for the course,” the campaign statement read.
Florida Senator Marco Rubio, a potential running mate for Mr. Trump, attended the event and praised the former President. A digital billboard highlighted the transformation of the Republican Party under Mr. Trump, showcasing footage of Mr. Rubio criticizing him in 2016.
“You all have friends that are thinking about voting for Donald Trump,” Mr. Rubio was seen telling a crowd. “Friends do not let friends vote for con artists.”
