Many people have strongly criticized the president after he delivered what was widely viewed as a poor imitation of Joe Biden.

It’s no secret that Trump has long held a negative opinion of his predecessor, frequently referring to him as “Sleepy Joe” and blaming the current state of the United States on policies introduced under the Biden administration. However, his feelings appeared to go further when he openly mocked Biden during a public appearance.

On Tuesday (January 13), Trump was addressing the Detroit Economic Club in Michigan when he chose to perform the controversial impression.

Midway through his speech, he told the audience: “You know, when you come up here, you’re taking a big risk. Especially me, because I go off the teleprompter about 80 percent of the time.

“But isn’t it nice to have a president who can do that?”

After drawing some laughter from the crowd, Trump continued: “Do you remember the speeches Joe used to give? First of all, they only lasted a few seconds.”

He then mocked Biden by claiming he would “always cough before speaking,” before coughing himself to imitate him.

Trump went on to say that Biden’s speeches were usually “very short,” except for one occasion when he claimed the former president appeared “out of it” and “floating.”

“Remember that time? He was floating,” Trump said. “Way up there… that was a bad speech. But hey, he made it through—if you call that making it through.”

While Trump seemed entertained by his own performance, many people online were not amused.

One Reddit user reacted angrily after a clip of the speech circulated, writing: “An absolute disgrace of a human being who gives others permission to behave in the most hateful ways possible.”

Another commenter said they feared younger generations might come to view such behavior as acceptable for a president, adding that Trump had caused unprecedented harm to the country.

“He sounds exactly like what he is,” one user wrote, while another added: “There truly is no limit to this man’s lack of decency.”

The controversial remarks came only hours after Trump toured a Ford factory, where he encountered a worker who openly criticized him.

The employee shouted an insult at Trump, who responded by raising his middle finger. The worker has since been dismissed from his job, though supporters have raised thousands of dollars for him online.