President Joe Biden claimed that President-elect Donald Trump complimented his economic policies and “good record” in private despite his vocal criticisms.
“He was very complimentary about some of the economic things I had done. And he talked about − he thought I was leaving with a good record,” Biden told USA Today in an exclusive interview published on Wednesday.
The compliments would go against Trump’s public views on the Biden administration, which he’s called a “disaster.” Trump has also recently complained that the Biden administration has not made the team transition smooth.
“Biden is doing everything possible to make the TRANSITION as difficult as as possible, from Lawfare such as has never been seen before, to costly and ridiculous Executive Orders on the Green New Scam and other money wasting Hoaxes. Fear not, these “Orders” will all be terminated shortly, and we will become a Nation of Common Sense and Strength. MAGA!!!” Trump wrote this week on Truth Social.
In the president’s interview, he touted his infrastructure financing as one of his proudest achievements during his term and he said he believes he would have beaten Trump had he stayed in the 2024 presidential race instead of dropping out and endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris.
“It’s presumptuous to say that, but I think yes,” Biden said about beating Trump.
That being said, Biden was less sure about whether he would have the “vigor” to make it through another four years in office. Biden is currently the oldest president at 82.
“When Trump was running again for reelection, I really thought I had the best chance of beating him. But I also wasn’t looking to be president when I was 85 years old, 86 years old,” Biden said, adding, “Who the hell knows?”
