US President Joe Biden has launched a scathing attack on his predecessor Donald Trump, calling him a 'loser' for pursuing 'vanity projects' in Washington DC. Speaking at a Democratic Party fundraiser in Maryland, Biden took aim at Trump's plans to construct a new White House ballroom, which he claimed was a 'vanity project'. Biden also attacked Trump's defence of his supporters who stormed the US Capitol building in 2021, saying it was 'what makes me angry'. The comments come as the two presidents continue to trade barbs in the lead-up to the 2024 presidential election.
Biden's remarks appeared to refer to Trump's recent attempt to compensate individuals who claim they were unfairly targeted or investigated by the government. Trump has not directly responded to Biden's comments, but has dubbed him a 'crooked politician' in a post on his Truth Social platform. The two presidents have a long history of trading insults and criticisms, but Biden's comments at the fundraiser were some of his bluntest yet.
Trump has defended his plans for the new White House ballroom, saying it is necessary for national security and to host state guests. The project is estimated to cost $400m (£300m). Meanwhile, the US National Parks Service has been working to restore the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, which was re-coloured and restored by Trump at a cost of $14.7m.