The Democratic National Committee snubbed former President Joe Biden in their Easter message, raising questions about his standing in the party after stepping aside from re-election.
At a Glance
- The DNC’s Easter social media post featured Democratic presidents Carter, Kennedy, Obama, and Clinton but notably excluded Biden
- Biden recently completed his term and declined to seek re-election, allowing Vice President Kamala Harris to run instead
- Harris ultimately lost to Donald Trump, who won both the Electoral College and popular vote
- The omission comes after Biden’s controversial proclamation of Transgender Day of Visibility on Easter Sunday
- Trump criticized Biden in his own Easter message, calling him “the worst and most incompetent president”
Biden Excluded from DNC Easter Recognition
In what appears to be a deliberate decision, the Democratic National Committee published an Easter greeting that featured images of former Democratic presidents Jimmy Carter, John F. Kennedy, Barack Obama, and Bill Clinton, but conspicuously left out Joe Biden. The social media post, which showcased past Democratic leaders celebrating Easter, has raised eyebrows across political circles as Biden is the most recent Democratic president, having completed his term earlier this year after deciding not to pursue re-election.
Following Biden’s decision to step aside, Vice President Kamala Harris became the Democratic nominee but ultimately lost to Donald Trump, who secured both the Electoral College victory and the popular vote for the first time in his political career. Biden has reportedly expressed regret about his decision not to run, believing he could have defeated Trump. The DNC has not responded to media requests for comment about the notable omission.
Easter Controversy Follows Transgender Day Proclamation
Biden’s absence from the DNC Easter message comes on the heels of controversy surrounding his proclamation of March 31, 2024, as Transgender Day of Visibility, which coincided with Easter Sunday this year. The International Transgender Day of Visibility has been observed annually on March 31 since 2009, but its overlap with Easter this year sparked significant backlash from conservatives who viewed it as disrespectful to one of Christianity’s holiest days.
“Today, we send a message to all transgender Americans: You are loved. You are heard. You are understood. You belong. You are America, and my entire Administration and I have your back.” – Joe Biden.
In his proclamation, Biden emphasized his administration’s support for transgender Americans and highlighted his efforts to strengthen LGBTQ+ rights, including appointing transgender leaders to his administration and ending the ban on transgender military service. The timing of the proclamation drew sharp criticism from prominent conservatives, including former Trump administration officials and Donald Trump Jr., who characterized it as an attack on Christian faith and Easter traditions.
White House Defense and Trump’s Response
White House Deputy Press Secretary Andrew Bates defended the president against criticism, stressing that Biden aims to unite Americans while upholding dignity and freedoms for all. The administration maintained that Biden, as a practicing Catholic, respects Easter traditions while also supporting marginalized communities. Despite the controversy, the White House proceeded with its annual Easter Egg Roll, a tradition dating back to 1878.
“As a Christian who celebrates Easter with family, President Biden stands for bringing people together and upholding the dignity and freedoms of every American. Sadly, it’s unsurprising politicians are seeking to divide and weaken our country with cruel, hateful, and dishonest rhetoric. President Biden will never abuse his faith for political purposes or for profit.” – Andrew Bates.
Former President Trump used the occasion to issue a scathing critique of Biden’s presidency, particularly focusing on immigration policies. In his Easter message, Trump claimed Biden “purposefully allowed Millions of CRIMINALS to enter our Country, totally unvetted and unchecked,” and labeled him as “our WORST and most Incompetent President.” The pointed criticism underscores the continuing political tensions between the former and current administrations.
Potential Party Tensions Emerge
The DNC’s decision to exclude Biden from their Easter message has fueled speculation about possible tensions within the Democratic Party following the 2024 election loss. Some political observers interpret the omission as a sign that party leadership may be distancing themselves from Biden after his late-term decision to step aside in favor of Vice President Harris. This move ultimately resulted in the Democrats losing both the White House and control of the Senate to Republicans.
“Sleepy Joe Biden purposefully allowed Millions of CRIMINALS to enter our Country, totally unvetted and unchecked, through an Open Borders Policy that will go down in history as the single most calamitous act ever perpetrated upon America.” – Donald Trump.
As Democrats begin the process of rebuilding after the electoral defeat, the party’s treatment of Biden may indicate a strategic shift away from the current administration’s policies and leadership. The silence from DNC officials regarding Biden’s exclusion from their Easter messaging only adds to questions about internal party dynamics and the vision for the party’s future direction as they prepare for the upcoming 2026 midterm elections.
