Joe Biden worries that Trump will not grant him a state funeral when he dies because of this

Aides close to President Joe Biden are worried about what could happen if he were to pass away while Donald Trump is serving as president during his second term. Their biggest concern? That Trump might refuse to give Biden the traditional honor of a state funeral.

According to a report from CNN, Biden has spent some time thinking about his own legacy and funeral arrangements, especially after watching the recent funeral of former President Jimmy Carter.

Like most presidents, Biden has already approved the details for how his funeral should be conducted. But some of his staff are uneasy about the possibility of Trump breaking with tradition, given the animosity between the two leaders.

The report mentions that Biden’s aides are quietly hoping that he lives long enough to outlast Trump’s presidency so they don’t have to face this uncomfortable situation.



Their fears aren’t entirely unfounded. They point to examples from Trump’s past where he didn’t always follow expected protocols. For instance, when Senator John McCain passed away in 2018, Trump initially refused to lower the flags at the White House to half-staff, a customary sign of respect.

More recently, Trump expressed frustration that flags would remain at half-staff through his inauguration, a mark of mourning for Jimmy Carter. It’s moments like these that make Biden’s aides wonder if Trump would honor Biden in death, especially after the legal and political battles between the two administrations.



Some have pointed out the irony of Biden’s aides worrying about this issue, considering how some Democrats have treated Trump. In 2021, congressional Democrats introduced the *No Glory for Hate Act*. This bill was specifically aimed at blocking Trump from receiving certain post-presidential honors, such as being buried in Arlington National Cemetery or having public monuments, buildings, or even park benches named after him.

The bill’s sponsor, Rep. Linda Sánchez, argued that Trump’s actions as president—especially regarding the events of January 6th—meant he didn’t deserve any form of commemoration. Sánchez went as far as saying that Trump “promoted hatred and falsehoods” and that no public funds should be used to honor him in any way. Although the bill gained some support, it ultimately failed in Congress.

Despite these efforts, Trump himself has never expressed a strong desire to be buried at Arlington. Reports suggest he might prefer to be laid to rest at one of his golf courses in New Jersey.



The tense political history between Biden and Trump adds to the uncertainty. During Biden’s presidency, his administration pursued legal investigations against Trump, making their relationship even more strained. This fuels speculation among Biden’s team that Trump might use his position to deny Biden a traditional farewell.

However, some argue that Trump’s personal grudges wouldn’t necessarily extend to denying Biden a state funeral. After all, the two leaders had a relatively civil meeting in November, and Trump is known to appreciate the traditions of the presidency—at least when it suits him.



This concern highlights the deeply personal and political divide between the two men and their administrations. On the surface, the idea of Trump denying Biden a state funeral might seem far-fetched, but it reflects how divided the country—and its leaders—have become. It also underscores the unusual dynamics of this rivalry, where questions about posthumous honors are a genuine source of anxiety.

For now, Biden’s aides can only hope that this hypothetical scenario remains just that: a hypothetical. But their concerns show just how much the legacy of both leaders is intertwined with the broader political tensions of our time.