'Petty little man': Joe Biden trolled as he ribs Donald Trump as ‘defeated looking’ amid hush money trial

SCRANTON, PENNSYLVANIA: President Joe Biden took a swipe at former President Donald Trump's appearance, dubbing him "defeated-looking" during a campaign event in Scranton, Pennsylvania, on Tuesday, April 16.

The remark came as jury selection continued in Trump's Manhattan trial over alleged concealment of hush money payments in 2016.

Biden's jibe at Trump

"Just the other day, a defeated-looking guy came up to me and asked if I could help. He was drowning in debt. And I said, ‘I’m sorry, Donald, but I can’t help you,'" Biden quipped to a small crowd in his birth city.

Although Biden didn't directly mention the ongoing trial, his comments echoed the political divide between the two leaders.

Biden continued to rib Trump, stating, “I have to say, if Trump’s stock in the Truth Social company drops any lower, he might do better under my tax plan than his!”

The visit to Scranton provided Biden with an opportunity to contrast his upbringing with Trump's affluent background in Queens.

“People like Donald Trump learned very different lessons. He learned the best way to get rich is inherit it. Not a bad way!” Biden said.

“He learned that paying taxes was something people who work for a living did, not him. He learned that telling people ‘you’re fired’ was something to laugh about. I guess that’s how you look at the world when you’re at Park Avenue or Mar-a-Lago.”

Referencing Trump's reality show 'The Apprentice', Biden emphasized the stark contrast between their upbringings, stating that in Scranton, being told 'you're fired' wasn't entertainment but a real concern for many.

In a new jab, Biden nicknamed Trump "Donald 'Herbert Hoover' Trump," invoking the memory of the 31st president, under whose tenure the Great Depression occurred.

The exchange between the two politicians underscores their divergent views on taxation and economic policy. While Biden advocates for higher taxes on the wealthy and corporations, Trump continues to champion tax cuts for the same groups, arguing it would stimulate economic growth.

Trump, who arrived at court earlier in the day for his trial, retaliated against Biden's remarks, accusing him of incompetence and using the trial as a political tool.

“I should be right now in Pennsylvania, in Florida, in many other states, in North Carolina, Georgia, campaigning. This is all coming from the Biden White House because the guy can’t put two sentences together,” Trump said while entering the courtroom.

"He can’t campaign. They are using this in order to try to win an election. And it’s not working that way. It’s working the opposite way,” he added.

Pennsylvania, a pivotal swing state, holds significant importance for both candidates. Trump, who narrowly won the state in 2016, seeks to regain ground, while Biden aims to maintain his narrow victory margin from the 2020 election.

The current RealClearPolitics averages suggest a tight race in Pennsylvania, with Biden holding a slight lead. However, Trump maintains leads in other key swing states such as Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, and Wisconsin, the New York Post reported.

Social media backlash

Biden drew fierce criticism for describing Trump as "defeated looking."

"In front of a packed house of 30. I don't think it will go over well at all his poking fun of Trump in swing states, he better keep his remarks scripted," one posted on X.

"Mocking requires a certain level of consciousness and awareness of what's going on around you," another offered.

"Have we ever had another president go after his political opponent with the Justice System?" someone else asked.

"Seems courageous. Wonder if Biden will debate him?" a comment read.

"He’s a petty little man that knows he’s not supposed to be there," another fumed.

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