White House spokesperson asserts Biden is making the most of his remaining time in office, countering claims of a lack of leadership

The White House has responded to growing criticism from within the Democratic Party regarding President Biden’s leadership in his final days in office. Intra-party voices have raised concerns about Biden’s failure to actively combat President-elect Donald Trump and lay a solid foundation for the party’s future post-Biden era.

White House spokesperson Andrew Bates countered these critiques, stating that President Biden is “making every day of his term count.” Bates highlighted the president’s ongoing work to advance domestic manufacturing, combat climate change, lower drug costs, and improve infrastructure, among other achievements. He emphasised Biden’s commitment to American democracy, noting that the president is fulfilling his campaign promise by ensuring an orderly transition and respecting the will of the voters.

Despite Bates’ defence, some within the party, particularly from the progressive wing, have been vocal in their dissatisfaction. Usamah Andrabi, spokesperson for the progressive group Justice Democrats, called Biden’s presidency “one of the lamest of lame ducks,” accusing the White House of lacking leadership. Others, including a Democrat close to senior lawmakers, expressed frustration at what they described as a “total vacuum” of direction.

Criticism has also centred around Biden’s apparent lack of media engagement. After nearly two weeks abroad post-election, Biden was accused of minimal interaction with the press, with reports stating he spoke just seven words to reporters during the trip. In response, Bates contested these claims, asserting that Biden had participated in multiple gaggles with the media, where he criticised Trump’s proposed tariffs, which could increase the cost of living for American families. Bates further emphasised Biden’s engagement with Democratic leaders about the future of the party.

Despite the sharp criticism, some Democratic lawmakers have come to Biden’s defence. Delaware Senator Chris Coons, a close ally of Biden, praised the president’s legacy, saying that Biden had left the party with “a lot to learn from” in the years ahead.

With less than a year left in office, Biden’s final months are shaping up to be a balancing act of defending his legacy while also ensuring the Democratic Party’s future amid the looming threat of a potential Trump administration.