Culver City, California – President Joe Biden, speaking at a fundraiser in San Francisco, made scathing remarks about Russian President Vladimir Putin, calling him “a crazy S.O.B.” Biden’s comments, reported by pool reporters traveling with the US president, drew a sharp response from the Kremlin, which labeled them a “huge disgrace” for the United States.
In addition to criticizing Putin, Biden also took aim at former President Donald Trump, expressing disbelief at his comments likening his legal troubles to the death of Russian opposition leader Alexey Navalny. Biden paraphrased Trump’s remarks and pointed out the stark contrast between his own stance and that of the 2024 Republican presidential front-runner, who has refrained from condemning Russia or Putin for Navalny’s death.
Moreover, Biden condemned Trump’s indication that he would not defend a NATO country from a Russian attack if the country doesn’t meet spending guidelines on defense, labeling it as an “admission that he intends to give Putin a green light for more war and violence.”
The Kremlin’s response to Biden’s comments was dismissive, with spokesman Dmitry Peskov characterizing the US president’s behavior as “shameful” and likening it to that of a “Hollywood cowboy.”
Biden’s critique of Trump and Putin came during fundraisers in San Francisco, where he also sought to draw a contrast between his leadership and that of his predecessor. The president cited nine heads of state who urged him to win the upcoming election, emphasizing the high stakes for democracy with the alternative candidate. Pelosi, who attended one of the fundraisers, interjected with a light-hearted comment, adding a moment of levity to the event.
Following the fundraisers in San Francisco, Biden is set to appear at another campaign event in Los Altos Hills, California, before returning to the White House in the evening.