Biden's Claims of European Leaders Seeking His Advice Highlight His Irrelevance

Former President Joe Biden, in a rare public appearance on Wednesday, made the peculiar claim that he continues to receive phone calls from European leaders asking him to “get engaged” in international affairs.

Biden, who made these comments during a keynote speech at the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) convention in San Diego, appeared to assert his relevance in global politics, even though his tenure as president ended in January 2025.

His remarks raise an important question: Why is he still positioning himself as a key figure on the world stage when there is a new, dynamic president leading the country and shaping global policy?

It seems that Biden is still clinging to a time that has passed, attempting to stay relevant while overshadowed by the strong, decisive leadership of President Donald Trump.

Biden’s claim that he’s been "getting calls" from a number of European leaders urging him to “get engaged” reeks of desperation. This isn’t the type of claim made by a man who is truly at the center of global diplomacy.

Rather, it sounds like an attempt to maintain some relevance in the international arena, an arena where his presidency was marked by confusion, inconsistency, and missed opportunities.

Trump, on the other hand, has consistently positioned the U.S. as the world leader, not just in words, but in action. Biden’s mere suggestion that he is still sought after by foreign leaders could be seen as an attempt to bolster his own ego at a time when his influence is minimal.

In his conversation with SHRM President and CEO Johnny Taylor, Biden casually mentioned, "I’m getting calls. I’m not going to go into it, I can’t, from a number of European leaders asking me to get engaged."

This statement alone is laughable. It’s hardly a secret that Biden is no longer in power, and the world has moved on. European leaders are not waiting by their phones for advice from a former president whose policies led to a weakened U.S. position globally.

Instead, they are looking to the current leadership, and to President Trump’s bold, pragmatic approach to international relations. The world is no longer as interested in Biden’s advice as he seems to think.

Biden’s attempt to stay in the conversation by claiming that he provides advice to world leaders, "because things are different," is an awkward and ineffective way to assert his importance.

The reality is that while Biden may be receiving calls, they are likely coming from individuals who are either looking to fill the void left by his presidency or are asking for advice out of politeness rather than genuine necessity.

The fact that he has no problem admitting that he is not "getting engaged" and is instead "just giving advice" only underscores the point that Biden no longer commands the respect he once did on the world stage.

In what seemed to be an attempt to self-validate, Biden said, "How can you just walk away? You don’t see me out there publicly doing a lot of this. But I’m also dealing with a lot of Democrats and Republican colleagues, all of them, wanting to talk, not because they think I have the answer, just to bounce things off me."

While he may have some conversations with colleagues from both sides of the aisle, the implication that these discussions are anything more than casual consultations is questionable at best.

Biden’s political relevance has waned, and now, he finds himself talking to other politicians in a much more muted capacity. His claim that others are seeking his advice might be a reflection of an older era when he was a prominent figure in the Senate, but the reality is that today, those conversations are likely more about nostalgia than actual policymaking.

In contrast, President Trump continues to dominate the political landscape, both domestically and internationally. His policies have reshaped the global order, strengthened the U.S. economy, and brought the country into a new era of prosperity.

Trump’s approach to foreign diplomacy has been clear and decisive—making deals, forging alliances, and taking action when necessary. European leaders are more likely to call Trump for guidance on global issues, knowing that he has the power to influence international decisions in ways Biden simply cannot.

The contrast between Biden’s self-portrayal as a wise elder statesman and Trump’s leadership is stark. While Biden is working on his memoir and seemingly reflecting on a bygone era, Trump is actively shaping the future.

Biden’s insistence that he’s working "like hell" on a 500-page book only highlights his disengagement from the pressing issues of the day. His time is being spent writing about the past rather than addressing the challenges of the present.

Meanwhile, Trump is busy implementing policies that are making a real difference in the lives of Americans and ensuring that the U.S. remains the world’s most powerful nation.

Biden’s return to the public spotlight has been minimal, and when he has reappeared, it has often been met with resistance from his own party. His first public speech as a former president was in April 2025—nearly three months after leaving office.

This delay in re-engagement shows that Biden’s political capital is running out, and he is no longer the focal point of the political conversation. Democrats, who once heralded his presidency as the salvation of the party, are now distancing themselves from him, especially as they face mounting pressure from an increasingly powerful Republican Party led by Trump.

Biden’s claims of being an influential figure in global politics are laughable when compared to the undeniable leadership that Trump demonstrated during his presidency.

Trump’s foreign policy achievements, such as brokering peace deals in the Middle East, confronting China on trade issues, and strengthening NATO, have left an indelible mark on the world.

Biden, meanwhile, has been more focused on managing his legacy and holding onto scraps of political influence. His claims that European leaders are reaching out to him are more a product of his imagination than reality.

Biden’s attempt to remain in the political conversation while sidelined by history highlights the stark contrast between his presidency and Trump’s. While Biden spends his time reflecting on the past, Trump is focused on the future, shaping policies that will have a lasting impact on America and the world.

It is no surprise that Biden continues to cling to the past, but the American people are moving forward with Trump, who is leading the charge toward a stronger, more prosperous future.

In conclusion, Biden’s claims of receiving calls from European leaders asking for his engagement are a transparent attempt to stay relevant in a world that has moved on.

His presidency is behind him, and his efforts to remain in the political spotlight are becoming increasingly futile. The world is no longer looking to him for guidance, and his political influence is steadily waning.

On the other hand, President Trump’s leadership is only growing stronger as he continues to make meaningful contributions to the global stage. Biden’s time has passed, and it’s time for the world to look to Trump for true leadership.