Biden Explodes at Trump: "Completely Irresponsible" (Summary)

Election Result Rejection and Regime Transition Non-Cooperation Strongly Criticized
"No Nationwide Lockdown" Emphasized

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] President-elect Joe Biden on the 19th (local time) called President Donald Trump "completely irresponsible." Despite the number of deaths from the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) surpassing 250,000, Trump has not taken action, and by refusing to accept the presidential election results and failing to properly carry out the transition of power, Biden intensified his criticism of President Trump.

On the same day, the White House held a COVID-19 task force (TF) briefing for the first time since July. However, President Trump did not appear again that day.

At a press conference held after a video meeting with governors regarding the COVID-19 response, Biden was asked, "What is President Trump doing and what are the American people seeing?" He replied, "They (the American people) are witnessing tremendous irresponsibility." He added, "A very harmful message about how democracy functions is being sent to the entire world," emphasizing, "I don't know his (President Trump's) motives, but I consider it completely irresponsible."

When asked about possible legal actions regarding Trump's refusal to accept the election results and his lack of cooperation in the transition of power, Biden said, "(Lawsuits) only waste time," indicating a preference to resolve the issue through dialogue.

He also stressed that despite the rapid spread of COVID-19 in the United States, there will be no nationwide lockdown to minimize economic damage. Biden reiterated, "I will not lock down the economy. I will lock down the virus, and there will be no nationwide lockdown." He referred to mask-wearing as a patriotic duty and stated that mask mandates were discussed during the video meeting with governors held prior to the press conference.

Meanwhile, immediately after Biden's press conference, the White House held a COVID-19 TF briefing. CNN reported that this was the first public briefing held by the White House COVID-19 TF since July 8. Vice President Mike Pence claimed, "The mission to save Americans is not over."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.