Joe Biden Says Every Living President But Trump Has Done This
President Joe Biden has had a busy first month in office, signing a wave of executive orders intended to reverse the actions of his predecessor Donald Trump and taking measures to combat coronavirus, reform climate policies, and push for economic relief. Recently, he took some time out of his packed schedule to attend a CNN Town Hall on Feb. 16, 2021 in Milwaukee, Wis., per CNN.
During his time in Middle America, the president clarified his plans for the COVID-19 vaccine — promising that everyone who wants to get one will be able to do so by the end of July 2021 — and laying out a path forward through the pandemic. There was just one topic Biden deigned to speak on, though. Forbes reported the commander-in-chief refused to mention Trump by name throughout the interview, depriving the ex-president of the attention he often craves. Despite leaving office in January 2021, Trump continues to cast a large shadow over American politics — and it's one Biden is "tired" of hearing about.
"For four years, all that's been in the news is Trump. The next four years, I want to make sure all the news is the American people," Biden said, via Daily Mail. Based on this, it's not surprising to hear that Biden told moderator Anderson Cooper he has "talked to all living presidents" since taking office — with the exception of one. Can you guess which one that might be?
Joe Biden has not spoken to Donald Trump since he assumed office
As Joe Biden spoke about his experience as president thus far, Anderson Cooper asked whether he has called any former presidents. Though Biden confirmed he had, he declined to mention names on the basis of "privacy concerns," according to Daily Mail. "But, by the way, all of them have with one exception picked up the phone to call me as well," he added. Knowing what we do about the contentious relationship between Biden and Donald Trump, it seems clear who this "one exception" is! Cooper appeared to be in on the joke too, quipping, "I know you don't want to talk about him," as the audience laughed in response.
Calling up the current commander-in-chief is something of an informal tradition for former presidents, who have been known to offer strategic advice and counsel. It isn't the first time Trump has flouted tradition, as he was also the first president in over a century to skip his successor's Inauguration.
According to Jeffrey Engel, the founding director of the Center for Presidential History at Southern Methodist University, Trump has never exactly fit within the exclusive ex-presidents' circle. "People within the club historically have been respected by ensuing presidents," Engel explained to NBC News. "...I'm not sure I see a whole lot of people calling up Trump for his strategic advice." Sounds like Biden shouldn't hold his breath waiting on Trump to pick up the phone anytime soon.