Biden Supports Trump’s Legal Battles: ‘We Need to Imprison Him’

In a recent campaign stop in New Hampshire, President Joe Biden made a striking statement regarding former President Donald Trump, declaring, “We gotta lock him up.” While his remarks stirred considerable controversy, Biden later clarified that he was suggesting locking Trump out of the political process rather than advocating for criminal incarceration. This shift in rhetoric comes after Biden’s previous reluctance to endorse calls for jailing Trump, marking a notable evolution in his stance.

Historical Context

Biden’s comments align with a broader strategy he discussed in November 2022, where he hinted at using measures beyond the ballot box to prevent Trump’s return to the presidency. In light of this, the recent remarks may signal an intensified approach to addressing Trump’s political influence.

Legal Actions Against Trump

The discourse surrounding Trump’s legal troubles intensified after Biden’s earlier pledge. Notably, several significant developments took place shortly thereafter:

• On November 18, 2022, U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland appointed Special Counsel Jack Smith to conduct an investigation into Trump.
• Matthew Colangelo, formerly a senior official at the Department of Justice, resigned to assist the Manhattan prosecutor’s office, which revived investigations into Trump.
• Nathan Wade, a former special prosecutor in Fulton County, had a brief involvement with the White House counsel’s office before being ordered to resign from the Trump case due to a personal relationship with the district attorney.

Outcomes of Legal Actions

The various legal actions spearheaded by Special Counsel Smith and others have not been without challenges:

• A federal judge in Florida dismissed one of Smith’s cases against Trump concerning the retention of classified documents.
• Colangelo’s prosecution efforts in Manhattan led to Trump being convicted on 34 felony counts, a decision that is likely to face appeal.
• Similarly, Wade’s legal work in Georgia has encountered multiple obstacles.

White House Involvement

Despite Biden’s assertions of non-involvement in the legal actions against Trump, the synchronized timing and unfolding of events have sparked speculation regarding potential White House coordination, raising questions about the interplay between the administration and ongoing legal proceedings.

Political Implications

Biden’s remarks, while firmly directed at Trump, have incited backlash from his political opponents. The Trump campaign has criticized the President and Vice President Kamala Harris, suggesting that their rhetoric indicates efforts for political persecution. In light of these comments, the campaign has called for Harris to publicly denounce Biden’s statements.

Campaign Dynamics

The broader implications of Biden’s remarks are significant as the nation approaches the 2024 presidential election. His statements could reverberate through the campaign landscape, potentially complicating Harris’s efforts to distance herself from Biden’s policies and rhetoric as she seeks to mobilize support.

As the political climate evolves, it remains clear that Biden’s comments serve as a catalyst for discussion regarding the intersection of legality and politics in the United States. The unfolding legal saga surrounding Trump is not only a judicial matter but also a narrative that could shape the course of the upcoming elections.