President Joe Biden has reportedly used a disparaging term to describe his predecessor, Donald Trump, in private discussions, according to an upcoming book. The revelation about the 81-year-old president’s language choice for the 78-year-old former president was made in a preview of Bob Woodward’s forthcoming book “War,” as disclosed by CNN on Tuesday.
In public, Biden typically refers to Trump indirectly, using terms such as “my predecessor” or “the former guy,” if he mentions the 45th president at all. This new information builds on earlier reports about Biden’s fiery temperament and his propensity for using strong language. In October 2021, Politico reported that Biden frequently used expletives during meetings with West Wing aides, alternating between different terms based on his mood.
Woodward’s upcoming book, published by Simon & Schuster, is promoted as a thorough and personal chronicle of one of the most tumultuous periods in presidential politics and American history. It specifically highlights Biden’s reaction to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
The book also features a conversation between Biden and former President George W. Bush. During this call, the 43rd president reportedly offered solace to Biden during the challenging withdrawal from Afghanistan. Woodward reports that Bush empathized with Biden, stating that he too had been disappointed by his intelligence team.
The White House has yet to respond to requests for comments on the revelations in Woodward’s book.