President Biden faced criticism for "quiet quitting" during a fiscal showdown in Congress that could lead to a government shutdown just days before Christmas.
The 1,500-page funding bill needed to keep the government running was unveiled Tuesday night, only three days before the current funding cycle ends. Complicating matters, President-elect Trump demanded a renegotiation to include a debt ceiling increase and cuts to Democratic spending, which he called "Democrat giveaways."
While these demands emerged, Biden was in Wilmington, Delaware, attending a memorial service for his late ex-wife and daughter. He is set to return to Washington later on Thursday.
So far, Biden has remained silent on the fiscal battle. However, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre criticized Trump on Wednesday for "playing politics" during the negotiations.
Fox News Digital sought clarity from the White House on whether Biden plans to address the issue but received no response. His absence has fueled frustration among critics.
"Presidents serve four years, but Biden abandoned leadership long ago," GOP strategist Colin Reed said. He criticized Biden for vacationing in Delaware as the nation faces a fiscal crisis.
Reed suggested Biden's administration "checked out" before the end of their term. He also linked the recent midterm results to Americans wanting "a new direction."
Adding to the backlash, liberal "Obama bros" from a popular podcast criticized Biden for his absence, saying it feels like Trump is still in charge. The New York Times also observed Biden seemed "a little older and a little slower" in his final days as president.
"I don’t get it. It’s like he’s doing some kind of ‘quiet quitting,’" GOP campaign expert David Kochel remarked.