President Joe Biden and Jill Biden have had a rocky relationship with Vice Presidents Kamala Harris and Doug Emoff since their loss to President-elect Donald Trump, according to a new report.
The Wall Street Journal reported on Monday that the “post-election relationship” between the Bidens and the Harris family has been “chilled” at times in private, citing people familiar with the matter.
Harris took the top spot among the Democratic nominees after weeks of pressure campaigning forced Biden to drop out of the race in July. The president has been praised as a hero and a patriot for withdrawing, but in recent weeks he has been criticized for not withdrawing sooner after President-elect Donald Trump’s victory.
The Wall Street Journal, citing two people close to the first lady and Harris, said first lady Jill Biden has been on the sidelines since she accused the president of opposing federally mandated busing policies during a Democratic debate in the 2020 election cycle. Don’t like Harris.
President Joe Biden (left) poses with Democratic presidential candidate Vice President Kamala Harris (right) during the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Phoenix Awards Dinner on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, in Washington stage. (AP Photo/Mark Schiffelbein)
Harris distances herself from Biden, labels Trump supporters ‘trash’‘
White House spokesman Andrew Bates and vice presidential spokesperson Kristen Allen denied there were any ripples between the two, the outlet reported.
In the final weeks of the campaign, Harris’ team grew frustrated with the president’s public appearances. Biden made headlines in late October after making a surprise appearance in the White House press room in early October when he called Trump supporters “trash,” although the White House denied that was his intention.
Harris has repeatedly defended the president against attacks on his age, health and ability to serve, even after he exited.
According to the Washington Post, Biden expressed regret for withdrawing from the race and said he believed he could have defeated Trump.
President Joe Biden, left, and Vice President Kamala Harris at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier during the National Veterans Day observance at Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia, Monday, Nov. 11, 2024 Watch during the wreath laying ceremony. (AP Photo/Mark Schiffelbein)
Click here to learn more about media and cultural reports
Biden has been careful not to blame Harris while insisting to aides that he could have won, the Washington Post reported.
According to the Wall Street Journal, other close aides to Biden in the White House are not convinced the president will defeat Trump.
According to the Wall Street Journal, White House staff described the work environment over the past few weeks as “exhausting” and “frustrating.”
Click to Get the Fox News App
According to the Washington Post, while acknowledging other mistakes, including his debate performance, Biden also said he regretted choosing Merrick Garland as attorney general.
Fox News’ Brie Stimson contributed to this report.
