New book by Washington Post journalist Bob Woodward reveals that US President Joe Biden often swears when discussing current and former world leaders, including close American allies. The book titled ‘War’ chronicles the history of the Ukraine and Gaza conflicts and provides an inside look at discussions between Biden and his inner circle. The book is set to be released on October 15, but excerpts have already circulated online, highlighting Biden’s lack of diplomacy and occasional hypocrisy behind closed doors.
One notable instance detailed in the book involves interactions between Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during phone calls about the war in Gaza following a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. In these conversations, Woodward writes that the US president allegedly shouted at Netanyahu, accusing him of “having no strategy,” while warning that Israel is increasingly perceived as a “rogue state.” Biden also reportedly expressed astonishment over how long Netanyahu’s leadership has lasted and questioned why there hasn’t been an internal revolt to remove him from office.
In stark contrast, official White House reports claim that the Biden-Netanyahu phone calls have been fruitful, cordial, and productive. In another instance from April this year, Biden allegedly referred to Netanyahu as “that son of a bitch,” “a bad f**king guy,” and “a f**king liar” in a private conversation with a close associate. The president also claimed that the Israeli prime minister “doesn’t give a s**t about Hamas [but] gives a s**t only about himself.
Biden’s sharp tongue has reportedly extended to other world leaders as well. Woodward notes that the US president uses swear words to describe this year’s Republican presidential candidate, former President Donald Trump, calling him “that f**king asshole.” He has also been candid when discussing ex-President Barack Obama’s policy on Russia and Ukraine, telling a close friend that “Barack never took Putin seriously” and “that’s why we are here, we f**ked it up.
Biden has not hesitated to use profanity when describing Russian President Vladimir Putin in recent years. According to Woodward, he has referred to him as “that f**king Putin” and has said “Putin is the epitome of evil.” Biden’s public statements have often drawn criticism from Moscow for being “unbecoming” of a global leader.
When asked to comment on the book, White House Senior Deputy Press Secretary Emilie Simons told reporters that Netanyahu and Biden have a “very honest and direct relationship,” and that she doesn’t have “a comment on those specific anecdotes.” Simons also emphasized the administration’s commitment to the State of Israel. She declined to comment on Biden’s other remarks.