In a recent campaign rally in Grand Rapids, Michigan, former President Donald Trump sparked controversy with his sharp criticism of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Trump mocked Pelosi, calling her "crazy as a bedbug" and alleging she had "turned on him like a dog" in reference to President Joe Biden.
This rally marked Trump's return to the campaign trail following an assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania, which left him with a minor injury and resulted in the death of one attendee. The gunman was shot dead by Secret Service agents, and the investigation into the motive is ongoing.
During the rally, Trump questioned Pelosi's loyalty to Biden, highlighting her recent comments on MSNBC's Morning Joe, where she avoided endorsing the president's re-election bid. "She's [Kamala Harris] not as crazy as Nancy Pelosi, Crazy Nancy. Did you see Nancy Pelosi is selling out Biden now? Did you see?" Trump said. "She turned on him like a dog. 'Well I don't know if he should continue,' all of a sudden. Where did that come from? She was a hundred percent, all of a sudden, she's not sure."
Pelosi's remarks have fueled speculation about Biden's political future. When pressed by interviewer Jonathan Lemire on whether she wanted Biden to remain in the race, Pelosi responded, "I want him to do whatever he decides to do. And that's the way it is. Whatever he decides, we go with." Despite this, Pelosi appeared to endorse Biden's record in a post on X (formerly Twitter), emphasizing the achievements of the Biden administration and the Democratic Party.
Meanwhile, other senior Democrats, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, have reportedly expressed concerns about Biden's chances of winning the 2024 election. According to The New York Times and ABC News, both leaders have privately urged Biden to consider stepping aside.
The reports of Democratic defections have reportedly left Biden feeling "seething" and "betrayed." CNN anchor Kaitlan Collins disclosed that Biden is disheartened by the lack of support from long-time ally Pelosi. The growing calls for Biden to step aside come amid concerns about his ability to secure victory in the upcoming election and effectively lead the nation.
Pelosi's stance on an open convention has also added pressure on Biden. During a meeting with California Democrats, Pelosi emphasized the importance of a transparent selection process for the party's next nominee if Biden decides not to run for re-election. This move aims to prevent the perception of a predetermined nomination for Vice President Kamala Harris.
Adding to the chorus of voices urging Biden to reconsider his candidacy, Rep. Zoe Lofgren, another close ally of Pelosi, publicly called for Biden to exit the race. Lofgren cited concerns about Biden's likelihood of defeating Trump and the potential impact on crucial House and Senate races. "Simply put, your candidacy is on a trajectory to lose the White House and potentially impact crucial House and Senate races down ballot," she wrote.
Despite the mounting pressure, Biden's campaign remains firm in its stance that the president is committed to staying in the race. Campaign chair Jen O'Malley Dillon reiterated Biden's determination to defeat Trump, stating on Morning Joe, "Absolutely the president's in this race. You heard him say that time and time again, and I think we saw on display last night exactly why."
