Biden Accuses Trump of Erasing History and Undermining U.S. Global Leadership
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Former President Joe Biden delivered a stark rebuke of current President Donald Trump on Friday evening, accusing him of attempting to erase historical truths and dismantle the United States’ longstanding leadership role in global affairs. Speaking to a gathering of South Carolina Democrats, Biden lamented what he described as “dark days” for the nation, as Trump’s policies and rhetoric threaten to undermine both domestic fairness and international standing.
“It’s not just my record Trump’s trying to erase,” Biden said, referencing the ongoing efforts by the Trump administration to repeal the Affordable Care Act. “He’s trying to erase fairness, equity, history, the truth.” The former president pointed to recent incidents where information about slavery and other critical chapters of American history has been removed or altered in museums and national parks since Trump took office.
Biden’s comments come amid growing concerns about the politicization of historical narratives. Last summer, Trump publicly criticized the Smithsonian Institution for what he described as an overly negative portrayal of American history, particularly regarding slavery. Biden countered that “great nations don’t bury the truth. They face it. This is a great nation.”
Experts and officials have noted that the preservation of accurate historical records is vital to maintaining democratic values and national identity. The National Park Service, which oversees many historical sites, has faced scrutiny over changes to exhibits and educational materials. Meanwhile, the Smithsonian Institution continues to navigate the challenge of presenting a comprehensive and honest account of American history amid political pressures.
Beyond domestic issues, Biden criticized the Trump administration for squandering the United States’ leadership role on the global stage. He suggested that America’s influence and alliances have weakened under Trump’s tenure, leaving a void that adversaries could exploit. This sentiment echoes concerns raised by officials at the U.S. Department of State, which has documented shifts in diplomatic engagement and international cooperation during the current administration.
“We are witnessing a retreat from the world, a retreat from our responsibilities as a leader of the free world,” Biden said. “Our allies are questioning our commitments, and our adversaries are emboldened.” The former president’s remarks underscore the ongoing debate about America’s role in global security, economic partnerships, and multilateral institutions.
As the 2026 midterm elections approach, Biden’s speech signals a renewed effort by Democrats to rally support by contrasting their vision of inclusive governance and global engagement with what they characterize as the Trump administration’s divisive and isolationist policies. The discourse around historical memory and international leadership remains a defining feature of the nation’s political landscape.
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