In a striking and rare public appearance, former President Joe Biden issued a stark warning that his successor Donald Trump will attempt to "steal" the upcoming 2026 midterm elections. Speaking at the Columbia Museum of Art in South Carolina on February 27, 2026, where he was honored for his lifetime achievement in politics, Biden declared that the United States is currently experiencing "dark days" and urgently called on Americans to participate in the democratic process by voting.
A Dire Warning About Electoral Integrity
Biden, now 83 years old, has maintained a low public profile since leaving office and undergoing treatment for an aggressive form of prostate cancer. His speech in Columbia marked a significant return to the political spotlight, where he directly challenged Trump's electoral strategies. "Here's the good news," Biden told the crowd. "In America, the power still belongs to the people for now. And the way to show the power is vote, show up and vote. And folks, when we do that, that's bad news for Donald Trump, and he knows it."
The former president emphasized that Trump is actively creating barriers to voting because he cannot win through legitimate means. "That's why he's trying to pull out more and more barriers – put them up," Biden asserted. "He's trying to steal the election, because he knows he can't win your vote, so he's going to do everything he can to prevent you from wanting to vote." This criticism specifically targeted Trump's plans to implement potentially prohibitive voting requirements ahead of the midterms.
Echoes of Past Campaigns and Current Criticisms
Biden revived a familiar theme from his successful 2020 presidential campaign against Trump, reminding attendees that "the battle for the soul of this nation is one that's never really over." His speech coincided with the Trump administration's military attacks on Iran, adding to the tense political atmosphere. Biden did not address his personal health during the address, instead focusing his criticism on Trump's recent State of the Union address and the administration's immigration crackdown.
He specifically mentioned the January deaths of US citizens Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis during immigration enforcement actions. "He doesn't mention Renee Good, Alex Pretti ... [or] offer even a word of solace to their families," Biden said of Trump. The former president also noted Trump's failure to acknowledge victims of sex offender Jeffrey Epstein during his speeches, despite Trump's previous association with the disgraced financier who died in federal custody in 2019.
Political Context and Public Sentiment
Biden's warning comes as Trump's approval ratings have reached historic lows. Recent polling data reveals significant public dissatisfaction with the current administration. An Associated Press-Norc Center for Public Affairs Research survey in early February found that 61% of Americans disapprove of Trump's performance. Additionally, a NPR/PBS News/Marist poll indicated that most US adults believe Trump is moving the country in the wrong direction.
The political landscape has shifted dramatically since Biden abandoned his 2024 re-election campaign following a disastrous debate performance in June of that year. Although he endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as his successor, Trump ultimately defeated her later in 2024 to return to the White House. Biden's current intervention highlights ongoing concerns about democratic norms and electoral integrity as the nation approaches another crucial election cycle.
His speech in South Carolina serves as both a mobilization effort and a cautionary tale about the threats facing American democracy. By emphasizing the importance of voter participation and calling out what he perceives as deliberate voter suppression tactics, Biden has positioned himself as a vocal defender of electoral processes during what he describes as particularly challenging times for the nation.
