On June 3, 2024, President Joe Biden addressed a Connecticut fund-raiser, criticizing former President Donald Trump following his recent criminal conviction. At the event in Greenwich, Biden highlighted the historic nature of Trump, as the first former president convicted of 34 felony counts, seeking re-election. During his speech, Biden condemned Trump's criticisms of the justice system, labeling them as dangerous and reckless.
Biden's remarks signaled a shift in his approach, previously avoiding direct commentary on Trump's legal issues. The president's sharp critique comes after calls from Democrats to take a more aggressive stance against Trump, especially in light of the recent verdict in Manhattan. This event follows Biden's silence on the matter during a press briefing at the White House.
On the same day, Dr. Phil used his primetime program to call for Biden to dismiss Trump's conviction, describing it as a politicization of the justice system. The TV host warned of the potential descent of America into autocracy akin to Russia, stressing the importance of an unbiased judiciary.
Trump, facing a July 11 sentencing, could theoretically receive up to 136 years in prison, although legal experts suggest a more probable outcome would be probation or a fine given his non-violent offense and lack of prior convictions. Trump plans to appeal the decision, and his legal team continues to address other ongoing cases, including those in Georgia and at the federal level.
Biden's rhetoric reflects a tightening political landscape as he navigates his re-election campaign and the complexities of his son Hunter Biden’s legal battles. The intertwining of these legal issues with the upcoming 2024 election underscores the heightened partisan tension and the stakes involved in the next presidential race.