Progressive Democrats are voicing their discontent with President Biden's approach during his lame duck era, as President-elect Donald Trump continues to dominate the news cycle with Cabinet nominations and high-profile meetings.
Biden has maintained a relatively low profile since Trump's re-election, allowing Trump to seize the spotlight at significant events. Notably, Biden delegated the attendance of the Notre Dame Cathedral reopening in Paris to First Lady Jill Biden, enabling Trump to engage with world leaders such as French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in front of the media.
Usamah Andrabi, a spokesperson for the progressive group Justice Democrats, criticized the perceived lack of assertiveness from the Biden administration, labeling it as a 'massive missed opportunity' for Democrats.
Furthermore, Democrats have expressed concerns over the White House's perceived leniency towards Trump's Cabinet nominees. Criticism has been directed at nominees like former Rep. Matt Gaetz and Pete Hegseth, Trump's pick for defense secretary.
Washington Democratic Governor Jay Inslee emphasized the importance of vocal opposition to nominees deemed unfit for their roles, urging for a more proactive stance from the administration.
Progressive Democratic strategist Waleed Shahid highlighted the necessity for Biden to engage directly with voters to counteract Trump's media presence, suggesting that Biden's avoidance of such interactions has hindered the administration's ability to capture public attention.
In response to the criticism, the White House defended Biden's focus on foreign trips, asserting that he is diligently advancing an agenda aimed at benefiting American citizens for years to come.
Meanwhile, prominent Democratic governors like California Governor Gavin Newsom and New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy have taken a more confrontational approach towards the incoming administration. Newsom unveiled plans to 'Trump-proof' California, including allocating $25 million for potential legal battles with the Trump administration, while Murphy emphasized the need to vigorously defend against attacks on values and communities while maintaining a working relationship with the White House.
The dynamic between the Biden administration and progressive Democrats continues to evolve as both sides navigate the challenges of the current political landscape.
