Pointed critique, Joe Biden recently accused former President Donald Trump of promoting a policy that he described as “modern-day appeasement” towards Russia, drawing comparisons to the controversial actions of European leaders in the 1930s. Speaking in his first post-presidential interview on BBC Radio 4’s Today program, Biden condemned Trump’s suggestions that Ukraine should give up territory to Russia, a move Biden equated to the failed efforts to prevent Nazi expansion before World War II.
Biden’s remarks, aired on May 7, 2025, highlighted the dangers of Trump’s stance on Ukraine and the broader implications for U.S.-Europe relations. “What president ever talks like that?” Biden questioned, referencing Trump’s earlier comments about acquiring territories like Panama, Greenland, and even Canada. “That’s not who we are,” Biden continued. “We’re about freedom, democracy, opportunity — not about confiscation.”
The former president also expressed concern over the growing mistrust between the U.S. and European nations during Trump’s tenure, particularly as NATO allies began to question whether they could rely on American leadership. “Europe is going to lose confidence in the certainty of America and the leadership of America,” Biden warned, adding that European leaders were asking themselves, “Can I rely on the United States? Are they going to be there?”
Biden took particular issue with Trump’s ongoing rhetoric regarding the war in Ukraine, including his call for Crimea—illegally annexed by Russia in 2014—to remain under Russian control. He described Trump’s approach to international diplomacy, including his administration’s overtures to Russia, as deeply troubling, especially when paired with the suggestion that parts of Ukraine should be given up to end the conflict.
The term “appeasement,” which Biden invoked, historically refers to Britain’s failed efforts to pacify Adolf Hitler’s expansionist ambitions prior to World War II. Biden’s comment underlined his belief that Trump’s position on Ukraine could undermine global security and further strain vital international alliances.
As the interview progressed, Biden was also asked about his decision to step aside in the 2024 presidential race, giving way for Kamala Harris to challenge Trump. He acknowledged it was a tough decision but noted that doing so earlier, as some had suggested, would not have made a significant difference.
Biden ended the interview by addressing Trump’s self-congratulatory remarks about his first 100 days in office, offering a simple response: “I don’t see anything that was triumphant.” Instead, he said, “I’ll let history render the judgment.”
