Some White House officials are voicing frustration with President Biden’s approach during his final weeks in office, according to Politico. They describe his leadership as absent and lacking direction.
“There is no leadership coming from the White House,” said a Democrat close to senior lawmakers. “There is a total vacuum.”
Since Vice President Kamala Harris’ loss, Biden has stayed out of the spotlight. He has avoided lengthy press briefings and interviews, a strategy that has angered some Democrats and White House staff.
The report indicates Biden’s allies also recognize his “conspicuous absence” as the party faces the reality of losing power. Republicans are set to control the White House and Congress next month.
“He’s been so cavalier and selfish about how he approaches the final weeks of the job,” a former White House official said.
Others suggest there’s no strategic gain for Biden to speak out now. “If him speaking out doesn’t achieve any actual strategic objectives, there’s no real point in doing it,” said an ex-campaign adviser for Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo.
Some lawmakers view Biden’s actions as a natural reaction to the election results. “Elections have consequences — It’s a new sheriff in town,” said Sen. Peter Welch, D-Vt.
Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., believes there’s still value in Biden’s leadership. “I still think he has a lot for us to learn from going forward,” Coons said. “But, you know, there are lots of other standard bearers who are clamoring for attention.”
Potential 2028 Democratic candidates like California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer are already being discussed. Meanwhile, some see Biden’s silence as a deliberate political choice.
“It’s just his strategy, even if folks agree or disagree with it,” said Democratic campaign strategist Mike Ceraso. “Kind of keeping his head down during the transition period.”
For others, this silence feels disheartening. “In conversations that I’m having, they don’t even mention the president,” said a Democrat close to senior lawmakers. “It feels like Trump is president already.”