Fact-Check: "Joe Biden is friends with Donald Trump"
What We Know
The claim that "Joe Biden is friends with Donald Trump" lacks substantial evidence. Historically, Joe Biden and Donald Trump have maintained a contentious relationship, particularly during their respective presidential campaigns and presidencies. According to a detailed overview of their political and personal histories, both figures have often been at odds, especially during the 2020 election cycle.
While there have been instances where Trump has suggested a hypothetical friendship, such as stating they could have been "great friends in another life" if they were not political rivals, this does not substantiate the claim of an actual friendship (MSN News). Furthermore, a Pew Research Center survey indicates that supporters of both candidates often do not have close friends who support the opposing candidate, reflecting a broader societal division that extends to personal relationships.
Analysis
The assertion that Biden and Trump are friends can be critically assessed through various lenses. First, the historical context provided by BBC News illustrates that both politicians have had a long-standing rivalry, with Biden often criticizing Trump's policies and actions during his presidency. This animosity is further supported by the findings from the Pew Research Center, which reveal that most supporters of both candidates do not have friends who support the opposing candidate, indicating a significant divide in personal relationships along political lines (Pew Research Center).
Moreover, while some sources suggest that Trump and Biden may have shared moments of camaraderie, such as during ceremonial events or informal interactions, these instances do not equate to a friendship. For example, Trump's comments about potentially being friends in another context do not reflect the reality of their political interactions (Yahoo News, MSN News).
The reliability of sources discussing their relationship varies. While mainstream news outlets like BBC and Pew Research are generally credible, other sources may present opinions or interpretations that do not align with the factual history of their interactions. For instance, articles that speculate on their relationship often lack direct evidence of friendship and instead focus on hypothetical scenarios or past interactions (The Atlantic, CNN).
Conclusion
The claim that "Joe Biden is friends with Donald Trump" is False. The evidence indicates that while there may be moments of cordiality between the two, their relationship is primarily defined by political rivalry rather than friendship. The lack of substantial personal connections, as highlighted by surveys and historical context, supports this verdict.
Sources
- US election 2020: Trump and Biden pictured through the years
- Few Trump supporters have close friends who back Biden
- Trump's Presidency Is Over. So Are Many Relationships.
- The complex history of Joe Biden's decades-long friendship
- After Trump's unholy alliances, we've got a friend in Joe
- Trump told Biden they would be great friends 'in another life'
- Exclusive | Donald Trump reveals what he and Biden spoke about at DC meeting
- Opinion: What Biden and Trump have in common might surprise you
