Overview
A CNN analysis highlights a recurring pattern in US politics: Donald Trump and many Republicans frequently blame President Joe Biden for events and crises that occurred before Biden took office in January 2021. This includes the COVID-19 pandemic, the recession, civil unrest, and the January 6 Capitol attack—all of which happened during Trump’s presidency.
This phenomenon is not just a matter of political rhetoric; it reflects deeper trends in American political discourse, where the lines between fact and partisan narrative are increasingly blurred. The effort to rewrite recent history is not new, but the frequency and boldness with which it is now deployed by major political figures is notable. In the age of social media, misinformation and revisionist claims can spread rapidly, shaping public perception and influencing voter attitudes. The stakes are high, as these narratives can affect not only how citizens view the past, but also how they make decisions about the future.
Key Points
Revisionist Claims: Trump and GOP figures have repeatedly implied or stated that Biden was responsible for events in 2020, despite Trump being president at the time. This includes direct statements, social media posts, and interviews where the timeline of events is misrepresented. The goal appears to be to distance Trump and the Republican Party from the negative consequences of their own administration, while shifting blame to their political opponents.
- January 6th: One of the most striking examples is Trump’s claim that the “Biden FBI” was involved in the Capitol riot. On October 11, 2025, Trump posted on Truth Social:
“THE BIDEN FBI PLACED 274 AGENTS INTO THE CROWD ON JANUARY 6. If this is so, which it is, a lot of very good people will be owed big apologies.”
Fact Check & Context
This message is a clear example of revisionist rhetoric. Trump’s statement implies that the FBI, under Biden’s control, orchestrated the events of January 6. However, Biden was not president at the time—the inauguration was two weeks later. The FBI director was Christopher Wray, a Trump appointee, and any federal response or deployment of agents would have been under Trump’s administration. Fact-checkers and even Trump’s own former officials have refuted this claim. Kash Patel, Trump’s former chief of staff to the acting Secretary of Defense, clarified that FBI agents were dispatched after the riot began, not beforehand. The suggestion that the “Biden FBI” was responsible is not supported by evidence and serves to deflect blame from Trump’s own administration. This rhetorical strategy is part of a broader pattern, where Trump and his allies attempt to rewrite the timeline and shift responsibility for the Capitol riot and other events onto Biden and Democrats, despite the historical record showing otherwise.2020 Census: Republicans have blamed the Biden administration for the 2020 census results, even though the census was conducted under Trump. Decisions on statistical methods and data collection were made during Trump’s term, yet some GOP figures have accused Biden of manipulating the results to favor Democrats. This narrative persists despite clear evidence to the contrary, and is used to undermine trust in government institutions and the legitimacy of the census process.
COVID-19 and School Closures: GOP figures have accused Biden of closing schools during the pandemic, but most closures happened under Trump, when COVID-19 was at its peak. State and local officials made decisions based on public health guidance, and the federal government under Trump played a significant role in shaping the national response. Nevertheless, Biden is frequently blamed for the disruptions to education, even though he was not yet in office.
Fentanyl Deaths and Protests: Some Republicans have blamed Biden for fentanyl deaths and Black Lives Matter protests in 2020, even though these events occurred before Biden’s presidency. The opioid crisis and civil unrest were major challenges during Trump’s administration, but the narrative has shifted to suggest that Biden is responsible for the consequences. This tactic allows Trump and his allies to avoid accountability and redirect criticism.
- Hunter Biden Laptop Story: Trump and RNC figures have claimed the “Biden White House” suppressed the Hunter Biden laptop story before the 2020 election, but Trump was president at the time. The White House was under Trump’s control, and decisions about media coverage and government communication were made by his administration. Despite this, the story is often framed as an example of Biden’s alleged interference and corruption.
Historical Context and Examples
The use of revisionist history in politics is not unique to the Trump era, but the scale and speed at which it is now employed is unprecedented. Throughout American history, politicians have sought to reshape public memory to serve their interests. However, the proliferation of social media and partisan news outlets has amplified the impact of these efforts.
For example, during the aftermath of the 2020 election, Trump and his supporters promoted the false narrative that the election was stolen, despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary. This claim was repeated by prominent Republicans and echoed in conservative media, leading to widespread distrust in the electoral process. The January 6 Capitol attack was a direct result of this misinformation campaign, yet responsibility for the violence is now being shifted onto Biden and the Democrats.
Similarly, the response to the COVID-19 pandemic was marked by confusion and mixed messaging from the Trump administration. Decisions about lockdowns, mask mandates, and school closures were made at the state and local level, but the federal government played a crucial role in setting the tone and providing guidance. As the pandemic worsened, Trump and his allies began to blame Democratic governors and, eventually, Biden for the consequences, even though Trump was still president.
The census controversy is another example of how historical facts are manipulated for political gain. The census is a complex process that requires years of planning and execution. The 2020 census was conducted under Trump’s administration, but Republicans have accused Biden of rigging the results. This narrative is used to challenge the legitimacy of the census and sow doubt about the accuracy of population data, which has significant implications for representation and federal funding.
Analysis
This rhetorical strategy allows Trump and his allies to distance themselves from the negative events of 2020 and shift blame to Biden and Democrats. Critics and social media users have responded with the viral question: “Who was president in 2020?” to highlight the historical inaccuracy of these claims. The phrase has become a meme, used to call out attempts to rewrite history and hold politicians accountable for their actions.
The implications of this strategy are far-reaching. By distorting the timeline of events and shifting blame, Trump and the GOP can avoid responsibility for policy failures and crises. This not only affects public perception, but also undermines trust in government institutions and the democratic process. When citizens are unable to distinguish between fact and fiction, it becomes difficult to hold leaders accountable and make informed decisions.
Moreover, the spread of revisionist claims contributes to polarization and division. Supporters of Trump and the GOP may accept these narratives as truth, while opponents see them as blatant attempts to deceive. The result is a fractured political landscape, where consensus on basic facts is elusive and debate is replaced by partisan conflict.
Broader Implications
The effort to pin the problems of 2020 on Biden is part of a larger trend in American politics, where truth is often subordinated to political expediency. The rise of “alternative facts” and conspiracy theories has eroded the foundations of democratic discourse, making it harder to address real challenges and find common ground.
As the 2024 and 2028 election cycles approach, the use of revisionist history is likely to intensify. Politicians will continue to exploit public confusion and manipulate narratives to gain advantage. It is up to journalists, educators, and engaged citizens to push back against misinformation and demand accountability from those in power.
Conclusion
Despite the facts, the effort to pin the problems of 2020 on Biden continues, illustrating how political narratives can rewrite recent history for partisan advantage. The consequences of this strategy are profound, affecting not only how we understand the past, but also how we shape the future. In a democracy, truth matters—and it is the responsibility of all Americans to defend it.
Source: CNN, October 13, 2025
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