Joe Biden’s mental fitness has been in question for years now. He’s done nothing to deflect those doubts either.
And Biden committed a massive blunder that proves he’s no longer fit to serve as president.
In a tense exchange with reporters after announcing a prisoner swap deal with Russia on Thursday, President Joe Biden appeared visibly frustrated and confused.
He attempted to place blame on former President Donald Trump, for not securing the release of hostages who were taken after Biden assumed office.
Biden, in a partisan remark, criticized Trump during his announcement of the deal with Russia.
As he was leaving the podium, a reporter pointed out that Trump had “said repeatedly that he could’ve gotten the hostages out without giving anything in exchange.” In response, Biden snapped, “Why didn’t he do it when he was president?” before walking off the stage.
WATCH:
REPORTER: "President Trump has said repeatedly that he could've gotten the hostages out without giving anything in exchange..."
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) August 1, 2024
BIDEN: "Why didn't he do it when he was president?"
(Two of the three Americans were wrongfully detained during Biden's presidency) pic.twitter.com/jGDPtM3Pya
The Republican National Committee quickly highlighted that two of the three American hostages freed in the deal announced by Biden were seized by Russia after he took office.
Biden’s comments included moments where he seemed defensive, anticipating criticism over making what some might see as an uneven deal to secure the prisoners’ release.
The three Americans and one U.S. green card holder held by Russia were reportedly jailed on fabricated charges, while the Russians released in the swap were hardened criminals, including an assassin involved in a political m*rder on German soil.
Trump has asserted that he could have negotiated the release of the hostages without any concessions. For instance, in a May post on Truth Social, Trump stated:
“Evan Gershkovich, the Reporter from The Wall Street Journal, who is being held by Russia, will be released almost immediately after the Election, but definitely before I assume Office. He will be HOME, SAFE, AND WITH HIS FAMILY. Vladimir Putin, President of Russia, will do that for me, but not for anyone else, and WE WILL BE PAYING NOTHING!”
In July, following a Russian court’s sentencing of Gershkovich, Trump reiterated his stance, writing:
“Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich was just sentenced to 16 years in prison by a Russian Court. Biden will NEVER GET HIM OUT, unless he pays a ‘king’s ransom.’ I will get him out FOR NO COMPENSATION immediately following our victory on November 5th, and it will be my great honor to do so. Vote for TRUMP, and The Wall Street Journal should STOP BEING STUPID!!!”
On Thursday, Trump’s running mate, Sen. JD Vance (R-OH), suggested that the Russians agreed to release the prisoners, including Gershkovich and former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan, because they were wary of Trump’s potential return to the White House.
“We certainly want these Americans to come back home. It was ridiculous that they were in prison, to begin with, but we have to ask ourselves, ‘Why are they coming home?'” Vance remarked during a CNN interview.
“And I think it’s because bad guys all over the world recognize Donald Trump’s about to be back in office, so they’re cleaning house.”
He continued, “That’s a good thing, and I think it’s a testament to Donald Trump’s strength.”
Stay tuned to The Federalist Wire.
