Joe Biden to Allies: Hands Off the GOP While It’s Self-Destructing

The Biden administration is consumed with apprehension over the arrest of Donald Trump on felony charges by the Biden administration’s Justice Department. At least, that’s what its members are telling reporters.

President Joe Biden has sworn White House aides and officials to “a vow of silence on the federal indictment of his predecessor,” writes Politico’s Jonathan Lemire. The Biden administration’s high-minded refusal to capitalize on Donald Trump’s political woes has reportedly irritated the president’s “inner circle,” some of whom believe the Oval Office is sacrificing the opportunity to highlight Trump’s manifest unsuitability for high office. But Biden “has been explicit.” The White House will seek to avoid even the appearance that the administration is trying to “influence the investigations” or attempting to capitalize on this grim moment for the country.

About the Author

Noah Rothman

Noah Rothman is a senior writer at National Review. His third book, Blood and Progress: A Century of Left-Wing Violence, was published by Hachette in May 2026.

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The Biden administration is consumed with apprehension over the arrest of Donald Trump on felony charges by the Biden administration’s Justice Department. At least, that’s what its members are telling reporters.

President Joe Biden has sworn White House aides and officials to “a vow of silence on the federal indictment of his predecessor,” writes Politico’s Jonathan Lemire. The Biden administration’s high-minded refusal to capitalize on Donald Trump’s political woes has reportedly irritated the president’s “inner circle,” some of whom believe the Oval Office is sacrificing the opportunity to highlight Trump’s manifest unsuitability for high office. But Biden “has been explicit.” The White House will seek to avoid even the appearance that the administration is trying to “influence the investigations” or attempting to capitalize on this grim moment for the country.

About the Author

Noah Rothman

Noah Rothman is a senior writer at National Review. His third book, Blood and Progress: A Century of Left-Wing Violence, was published by Hachette in May 2026.