In a revealing display of fixation, President Donald Trump and his senior officials repeatedly invoked the name of his predecessor, Joe Biden, during a lengthy cabinet gathering this week.
A Marathon Meeting Fixated on the Past
The meeting, held on Tuesday 3 December 2025, lasted for over two hours and was the first such gathering since the conclusion of the longest government shutdown in American history. Despite a broad agenda intended to cover investment, foreign affairs, and public safety, the conversation repeatedly circled back to the former Democratic president.
According to reports, Trump and members of his cabinet name-dropped Biden dozens of times, using the opportunity to launch a series of criticisms against his administration's record. The discussions also touched upon the 2020 election, further highlighting the enduring focus on political battles of the past.
False Claims and Personal Jibes
During the session, President Trump made a series of contentious statements. He falsely claimed to have "inherited the worst inflation in history" from the Biden administration, a point likely to be challenged by economic historians. The president also turned to personal attacks, questioning Biden's health and fitness for office while boasting about his own physical condition.
This pattern of behaviour underscores the deep-seated rivalry that continues to define Trump's approach to governance, even after leaving office. The cabinet meeting, rather than being a forward-looking strategy session, often resembled a political rally focused on a familiar opponent.
The Shadow of the Shutdown
The context of this meeting is significant, as it was the first cabinet conclave following the end of the lengthiest federal government shutdown in US history. While topics like domestic investment and national security were nominally on the table, the persistent return to criticising Biden suggests that partisan politics remains a dominant lens for the current administration.
Analysts suggest that this continued focus on a past political foe, rather than solely on future policy, could signal the tone for the upcoming political cycle. The marathon meeting ultimately served as a stark reminder that for Trump and his allies, the figure of Joe Biden remains an ever-present benchmark and target.
