Speaking at a public event in Cedar Rapids, the Republican presidential candidate and former President Donald Trump launched a scathing critique against the current U.S. President, Joe Biden, dubbing him as the "destroyer of American democracy." Trump's statements reflect an attempt to reverse the narrative, asserting that Biden, whom Trump sought to challenge in the previous election, poses a greater threat to democracy.
Trump's accusations against Biden mirror the longstanding claims made by Biden against his predecessor. As Trump takes a prominent role in the Republican presidential primary, emphasizing potential targets among his rivals and the media if he secures another term, Biden has escalated his own warnings, asserting that Trump is "determined to destroy American democracy."
During the Cedar Rapids event, Trump amplified his argument, contending that the four criminal indictments against him were evidence of Biden's misuse of the federal justice system for political purposes. Accusing Biden of wielding government power like a "Third World political tyrant," Trump asserted that Biden is not a defender but a destroyer of American democracy.
In response, a spokesperson for the Biden campaign, Ammar Moussa, countered Trump's claims, stating, "Donald Trump’s America in 2025 is one where the government is his personal weapon to lock up his political enemies. You don’t have to take our word for it — Trump has admitted it himself."
Trump has consistently promised to pursue legal action against Biden if he returns to the White House. On this occasion, Trump extended his critique to include lawsuits filed by liberal organizations seeking to disqualify him from office under a seldom-used constitutional provision from the Civil War era. These lawsuits, although unsuccessful thus far, have been attributed by Trump to Biden, whom he accuses of defacing the Constitution.
Throughout his speech, Trump reiterated claims of a "stolen" 2020 presidential election, alleging widespread fraud in U.S. elections. Notably, there is no substantial evidence supporting the contention that the 2020 election was rigged, as numerous lawsuits were dismissed, and reviews found insufficient evidence of fraud to challenge the results.
Trump's remarks included references to the Capitol attack on January 6, 2021, with him continuing to characterize some of those arrested in connection with the riot as "political prisoners." Earlier at a rally in Ankeny, Iowa, Trump revisited allegations of Democratic election fraud, urging his supporters to "guard the vote" in 2024 and focusing on cities like Detroit, Philadelphia, and Atlanta, which he has often criticized as potential hotspots for fraud.
Â
