Former Biden Warns of 'Dark Days' Under Trump

Former President Joe Biden spoke publicly for the first time since completing radiation treatment for an aggressive form of prostate cancer, delivering remarks in Boston after receiving the Edward M. Kennedy Institute’s Lifetime Achievement Award. He warned of “dark days” under President Donald Trump, accusing the administration of attacking free speech and testing the limits of executive power and saying the president has used the federal government’s prolonged shutdown to exert new control. Biden stressed the need for limited presidential power, a functioning Congress and an independent judiciary, and urged Americans not to “check out” but to remain optimistic and resilient. He praised federal employees who resign in protest, universities, comedians and late-night hosts who defend free speech, and commended Republicans who vote against Trump. He predicted the nation would “find our true compass again” and “emerge… stronger, wiser and more resilient,” concluding by exhorting people to “get back up.”