It's a familiar refrain in political discourse these days: bring up the state of the nation—soaring prices, endless conflicts, legislative stumbles—and a chorus of Trump supporters will counter with "But Biden." It's become the default defense, a reflexive whataboutism that seeks to shift blame for the current administration's shortcomings onto its predecessors.
Yet, as we approach the two-year mark of Trump's return to the Oval Office, this tactic is losing its potency. In the early days of 2025, when "day one" promises failed to materialize, pointing to the previous administration might have offered some cover. But now, with inflation rising since Biden's departure, prices climbing, the Ukraine war unresolved, and a new conflict with Iran that was touted as a quick victory but has dragged on, the excuses ring hollow.
Trump assumed office with unprecedented advantages: a Republican-controlled Congress, a favorable Supreme Court, and a team of loyalists. He has no one to blame but himself for the current malaise. Yet, his approval ratings are now dipping into territory once occupied by Biden, and his administration continues to peddle the narrative that things are actually going well—while simultaneously blaming the past for any perceived failures.
The second-term agenda has hit numerous roadblocks, from legal challenges to political missteps. The tariff policy, promised as a boon to American industry, has instead resulted in a $100 billion refund to companies and damaged international trade relations. The war in Iran, which Trump initiated with little planning or clear objectives, has become a quagmire, with weapons shortages curbing military options.
The "But Obama" excuse for the Iran conflict is particularly galling. Trump withdrew from the Obama-era nuclear deal, then resorted to bombing instead of negotiating a better agreement, a move that defies his self-proclaimed deal-making prowess. And as the conflict enters its sixth month, Trump has adopted a hands-off approach, leaving many to question his strategy.
This pattern of deflection is reminiscent of a child refusing to take responsibility, always blaming someone else. It's a tactic that might have been amusing in a toddler, but it's deeply troubling in a president. The refusal to own mistakes, coupled with grandiose claims of a "golden age," raises concerns about his mental acuity and his ability to lead.
As the midterms approach, we can expect a barrage of "buts"—but Biden, but Obama, but Kamala, but the Democrats. These excuses are not just weak; they are an admission that Trump has failed. He was given the power to enact his agenda, and he has not delivered on his promises. Instead of offering solutions, he offers scapegoats.
Democrats must seize on this, calling out the whataboutism for what it is: a confession of defeat. When Trump and his allies invoke past leaders to excuse the present mess, they are conceding that they cannot defend their own record. It's time for accountability, not excuses.
Joslin Joseph, a Marine veteran and award-winning journalist, argues that the country is in bad shape, and no amount of blaming others will change that. The "But Biden" defense is a tired, transparent tactic that only underscores the administration's failures. It's time for Trump to own his record, and for voters to see the deflections for what they are—an admission of failure.
