President Donald Trump used his indoor inauguration celebration at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., on Monday, January 20, 2025, to mock former President Joe Biden’s recent claim that he could have won the 2024 election, marking a contentious transition of power just hours after taking the oath of office.
At the White House earlier that morning, Biden and former Vice President Kamala Harris had welcomed President Trump for the traditional tea ceremony. The two couples then traveled together by motorcade to the Capitol for the swearing-in ceremony.
During the indoor inauguration parade at Capital One Arena, Trump shifted from ceremonial decorum to pointed criticism. “Has anyone ever heard of Kamala?” Trump said, drawing boos from the crowd. “We had to beat two opponents. We had to beat Biden, and we beat him. … The guy was like 39 points down — ‘I think I could have beaten Trump. They should have left me in, I could have beaten,'” Trump continued, mocking Biden.
Biden’s assertions about his electoral chances came in a recent USA Today interview where he reviewed internal polling data that supported his position. However, when Biden withdrew from the race in late July, national and battleground state polls showed him trailing Trump significantly.
The June debate proved pivotal in Biden’s decision to withdraw. During that confrontation, Biden struggled to defend his record and appeared hesitant and sluggish in his responses and affect. Trump celebrated his performance, stating that Biden’s problems weren’t related to his age but his “competence.” According to post-debate analysis, independent voters expressed particular concern over Biden’s performance.
In the debate’s immediate aftermath, Biden acknowledged his limitations. “I don’t speak as smoothly or debate as well as I used to,” he said while maintaining he knew how to “do this job” and “get things done.” House Democrats increased pressure for Biden to exit the race, with several members publicly expressing concerns about his ability to serve another term.
The final days of the administration revealed growing tension between Biden and Harris. According to sources familiar with the conversations, Harris expressed sadness to close associates about Biden’s recent electoral victory claims. When she replaced him atop the ticket, Harris had opportunities to distance herself but remained loyal. She defended him after the June debate and again when questions arose about his mental acuity following a special counsel report on his handling of classified documents. Sources close to Harris indicate she viewed this loyalty as particularly significant given the mounting pressure from party officials to break with Biden.
At the Capital One Arena celebration, Trump continued his criticism while signing his first executive orders. “Could you imagine Biden doing this? I don’t think so,” he called out. The day’s ceremonies had concluded earlier with the Trumps accompanying the Biden family to their helicopter departure for Joint Base Andrews, maintaining the tradition of peaceful transitions despite the day’s pointed rhetoric.
Biden’s withdrawal occurred amid unprecedented Democratic Party turmoil. He framed his departure as necessary for party unity while maintaining he could have prevailed.
Biden’s defense of his administration’s economic policies and infrastructure achievements did little to quell concerns about his ability to campaign for another term effectively.
