President Joe Biden has been reported to use a derogatory term when referring to his predecessor, Donald Trump, in private conversations, as per a soon-to-be-released book. The 81-year-old president’s choice of words for the 78-year-old former president was revealed in a preview of Bob Woodward’s upcoming book “War,” as reported by CNN on Tuesday.
In public, Biden tends to refer to Trump indirectly, using phrases such as “my predecessor” or “the former guy,” if he chooses to mention the 45th president at all. This revelation adds to previous reports about Biden’s fiery temperament and his tendency to use strong language. In October 2021, Politico reported that Biden often used expletives during meetings with West Wing aides, switching between different terms depending on his mood.
The upcoming book by Woodward, published by Simon & Schuster, is touted as a comprehensive and personal account of one of the most turbulent periods in presidential politics and American history. It particularly focuses on Biden’s response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
The book also includes a conversation between Biden and former President George W. Bush. During this call, the 43rd president reportedly offered consolation to Biden during the problematic withdrawal from Afghanistan. According to Woodward, Bush empathized with Biden, stating that he too had been let down by his intelligence team.
The White House has not responded to requests for comments on the revelations in Woodward’s book.