Fox News host Sean Hannity was criticized after he expressed outrage over reports of President Joe Biden using strong language in private, referring to former President Donald Trump as a "sick f**k" and a "f**king a**hole."
According to recent reports, Biden has privately described Trump using explicit language, with Politico citing three unnamed sources who heard Biden use the phrases.
While The New York Times previously noted Biden's occasional use of profanity in private, Hannity seized the opportunity to criticize the president's perceived shift away from a "kind, likable, gentle old man" persona.
On Monday night, Hannity stated:
"In private, [Biden] reportedly [called Trump] a 'sick f-word' and an 'f’ing a-word." And Trump isn't the only one who's the target of Biden's ire. Apparently, he's now turned on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who Biden is now reportedly calling 'a bad f-ing guy.'"
"The White House has denied that report. Regardless, it looks like Biden has given up on the charade of being that kind, likable, gentle old man, like a grandfather figure."
"He’s now fully revealing himself to be the arrogant lifelong politician that he’s always been.”
You can hear what he said in the video below.
Hannity's critics have been quick to point out the apparent double standard, especially in light of his defense of then-candidate Trump's controversial comments in 2016.
It was then when the now-infamous Access Hollywood tape in which Trump bragged about grabbing women without their consent made the rounds, bringing to light the following remarks:
"You know, I’m automatically attracted to beautiful — I just start kissing them. It’s like a magnet."
"Just kiss. I don’t even wait. And when you’re a star, they let you do it. You can do anything." ...
"Grab ’em by the p*ssy. You can do anything."
At the time, Hannity dismissed Trump's remarks as "locker-room talk," sparking criticism for downplaying explicit language from a presidential candidate.
Additionally, Trump has been known for using invectives, insults, and profanity in his speeches and online posts, but Hannity has not publicly criticized the former president over such language.
The contrast between Hannity's reaction to Biden's reported comments and his previous defense of Trump has fueled accusations of hypocrisy.
The White House has chosen not to comment on recent reports of Biden's private use of profanity.
Politico observed in its reporting that the epithets, which challenge Biden's often projected image of civility, are seen as indicative of the deep-seated anger he harbors toward the former president, whom he defeated handily in the 2020 election.
Biden's reported explicit language comes amid growing concern over Trump's encouragement of political violence, a threat Biden views as undermining the nation's democracy. The President's frustration with Trump has intensified in recent months as the former President solidifies his influence within the GOP and eyes a potential return to the White House.
The Trump campaign seized on the report, criticized Biden through a spokesperson who, with no sense of irony, said it's "a shame that Crooked Joe Biden disrespects the presidency both publicly and privately."
