Biden slammed for ‘quiet quitting’ amid major government funding battle
President Biden has come under fire for his perceived lack of leadership amidst the ongoing fiscal battle in Congress that could potentially lead to a government shutdown just days before Christmas. The 1,500-page funding bill needed to keep the government operating as usual was released on Tuesday evening, with the current funding cycle set to end in just three days. However, President-elect Trump threw a curveball into lawmakers’ plans by demanding Republicans renegotiate the bill to include an increase in the debt ceiling and a reduction in certain Democratic spending initiatives, which he labeled as “Democrat giveaways.”
While news of Trump’s demands broke, President Biden was in Wilmington, Delaware, attending a memorial service for his late ex-wife and baby daughter. He is set to return to the nation’s capital later in the day. Amidst the chaos in Congress, Biden has yet to comment on the ongoing spending battle, leaving many to question his absence in such a critical moment. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre released a statement criticizing Trump for “playing politics,” but the president himself has remained silent on the matter.
GOP strategist Colin Reed expressed his disappointment in Biden’s lack of leadership, stating that the president had “long ago ceded the mantle of leadership and the responsibilities of governing.” Reed pointed out that while the rest of the country is hard at work in the lead-up to Christmas, Biden is on vacation in Delaware, seemingly disconnected from the fiscal cliff looming over the nation.
Former aides of former President Barack Obama, known as the “Obama bros,” also took aim at Biden for his absence during this crucial time. They noted that it is becoming “easier and easier to forget” that Trump isn’t in the White House yet, hinting at Biden’s diminishing presence in the final days of his presidency.
GOP campaign expert David Kochel criticized Biden for what he described as “quiet quitting,” highlighting the president’s absence at significant events such as the reopening ceremony for Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. Kochel questioned whether Biden had simply given up on his duties and doubted his ability to have any real impact on the government funding issue due to his perceived lack of leadership skills.
Despite concerns over Biden’s age and cognitive functioning, his Cabinet officials have expressed confidence in his ability to fulfill his duties for the remainder of his lame-duck presidency. However, the lack of leadership from Biden has raised eyebrows, with many questioning the administration’s promised commitment to ethics, transparency, and scientific integrity.
As the Biden administration enters its final days before Trump takes over, the call for stronger leadership and decisive action grows louder. White House chief of staff Jeff Zients has urged staff to “finish strong” and ensure that the administration’s final priorities are met. The nation watches with bated breath as the fiscal battle in Congress rages on, with Biden’s leadership abilities called into question like never before.
