Biden Calls Trump a “Loser” Over Washington Renovations at Maryland Gala

On June 27, 2026, former President Joe Biden gave a ten-minute keynote at a Maryland Democratic Party fundraiser in Hanover. He called President Donald Trump a “loser” and cited the demolition of the White House East Wing for a ballroom, the Kennedy Center renaming, a planned triumphal arch, and the troubled Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool as proof of “narcissism, incompetence and corruption” in the Trump administration.

Forbes‘What a loser:’ Former US President Biden slams TrumpThe GuardianThe HillCNNindy100The Independent

During his second term, Trump has pursued high-profile beautification projects. The East Wing demolition aims to create a ballroom with cost estimates from $400 million to $600 million. The Kennedy Center name was added then removed after a federal judge’s order. The Reflecting Pool renovation, begun in early 2026, has faced algae blooms, coating failures, and a $1.7 million no-bid contract to a Trump donor.

The Independent

Reflecting Pool: $14.7 million renovation budget, $1.7 million no-bid contract, later reported costs above $16 million (Independent). National Parks Service estimates $100 million for full rehab (Forbes). Obama’s 2012 work cost $34 million (Associated Press). CNN/SSRS poll: 30 % favorable for Biden, 34 % for Trump, 57 % for Obama (The Hill). Ages: Biden 83; Trump 80.

Forbes

Biden opened with “democracy isn’t a spectator sport,” praising grassroots door-to-door work. Gov. Wes Moore praised Biden’s 2024 federal aid after the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse, saying it helped “heal” Maryland. Former spokesperson Andrew Bates warned that revisiting the 2024 loss could be “painful” for the party. Jill Biden said her husband’s prostate-cancer will likely be lifelong.

CNN

Bates’s warning shows concern that Biden’s focus on Trump may distract from rebuilding the Democratic bench. CNN noted some Democrats remain uneasy about Biden’s 2024 election handling. Former aides also criticized Jill Biden’s public response to Bates, highlighting internal tension.

CNN

Reflecting Pool cost estimates vary: Trump claims over $100 million; the Associated Press reports Obama spent $34 million in 2012; Independent cites a $16 million 2026 cost; the National Parks Service estimates $100 million for a full rehab that was not pursued. The $1.7 million no-bid contract’s recipient remains unnamed, and the Kennedy Center renaming lawsuit is unresolved.

The Independent

• “whoa, what a loser.” — Joe Biden, former President

Forbes

• “The reflecting pool reflects something even worse than the narcissism and incompetence at the core of this administration.” — Joe Biden

indy100

• “What makes me angry is that Trump wants to give taxpayers’ money, your money, to the January 6th insurrectionists. That’s what he wants to do,” — Joe Biden

CNN

• “To all you who love our country, my message tonight is straightforward and simple: Get up, dammit. Get up now. Continue this fight!” — Joe Biden

CNN

The Maryland Democratic Party will keep fundraising for the November 2026 midterms, and Biden is slated for more state appearances. The Reflecting Pool’s remediation remains under National Parks Service oversight, while congressional committees are expected to review the Kennedy Center renaming lawsuit and the White House ballroom budget later this year.

Forbes