During a phone call with North America’s Building Trade Unions, President Joe Biden took a swipe at former President Donald Trump, suggesting that Trump would rather cross picket lines than join one. Biden emphasized his administration's support for workers and contrasted it with what he perceived as Trump's lack of understanding of the daily work of union members.
Biden highlighted his willingness to stand with union workers, stating that he and Vice President Kamala Harris have no issue walking picket lines. He also praised the job creation efforts under his administration and initiatives to enhance affordable child care and protect pregnant and postpartum workers.
This exchange is part of an ongoing back-and-forth between Biden and Trump regarding their support for union workers. Last year, Biden showed solidarity with United Auto Workers by joining them on a picket line in Michigan, a move that drew criticism from Trump.
Trump accused Biden of opportunism, suggesting that Biden only decided to walk the picket line after learning of Trump's planned speech to union members in Detroit. In response, Biden's campaign released an ad criticizing Trump's treatment of autoworkers.
The verbal sparring between the two former presidents underscores the political significance of labor issues and the contrasting approaches they have taken in addressing the concerns of union workers.