Former NBC News host Chuck Todd delivered a scathing assessment of President Joe Biden’s presidency on his podcast Friday, arguing that Biden bears direct responsibility for President Donald Trump’s return to the White House. In a “Chuck ToddCast” episode shared August 16, Todd contended that Biden lacked the leadership necessary to permanently move the country beyond the Trump era.
Todd acknowledged that collective opposition to Trump’s first presidency indicated the country viewed his leadership as harmful to America’s long-term image, which contributed to Biden’s 2020 victory. However, he argued that Biden’s presidency failed to capitalize on this sentiment. Todd indicated that Biden wasn’t a good enough leader and that a better leader helps the country turn the page on divisive periods.
The former Meet the Press host questioned how weak a presidency must be to encourage the country to move backward, noting that America rarely reverses course politically. He characterized the perception of the Biden presidency as weak and ineffective, arguing this perception enabled Trump’s political comeback.
Todd acknowledged that some legislation signed during Biden’s term might achieve long-term success, but he emphasized that Biden’s ultimate legacy will be defined by Trump’s return to power. “And that’s on Joe Biden,” Todd stated during the podcast episode.
The media veteran also analyzed Trump’s political skills, suggesting that his second term has strengthened his ability to manipulate those around him. Todd described Trump’s talent for convincing others that political contests are purely about winners and losers, with no governing rules or principles constraining behavior.
Todd’s critique of Biden extends beyond his presidency to questions about his family-man image. In a June 2025 discussion with CNN’s Jake Tapper about Tapper’s book “Original Sin,” Todd wondered whether the media had been sold a decades-long narrative about Biden’s family priorities. He referenced Biden’s daily commute from Washington to Delaware as evidence of his family commitment, but suggested this could equally demonstrate political ambition following family tragedy.
Todd expressed particular dismay about Biden’s decision to run for president while his family faced multiple crises. He followed Hunter Biden’s trial proceedings closely and indicated he couldn’t believe Biden put his children through the scrutiny that accompanies a presidential campaign. Todd argued that Biden’s original decision to seek the presidency in 2020 was fundamentally flawed because his family was in crisis.
The journalist has also criticized media outlets for providing platforms to Hunter Biden following the 2024 election. In July 2025, Todd condemned podcasters who interviewed Hunter Biden, arguing they were choosing spectacle over substantive journalism. He declared he would never book Hunter Biden, explaining that as someone who wasn’t on the ballot, his defense of his father carries questionable credibility.
Todd argued that platforming Hunter Biden serves no beneficial purpose for the Biden family or the Democratic Party. He criticized former Democratic National Committee chair Jaime Harrison for featuring Hunter Biden on his podcast, suggesting it was a poor marketing decision for a new show.
Despite his harsh assessment of Biden’s presidency, Todd has acknowledged Trump’s significant historical impact. In a June 2025 podcast episode marking ten years since Trump’s presidential campaign announcement, Todd credited Trump with transforming the Republican Party, the presidency, and American culture. He argued that Trump’s influence exceeds that of recent presidents, including Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, and Ronald Reagan.
Todd suggested that Trump’s lasting impact on American politics and society represents a generational shift rather than a temporary political moment. He noted that Trump’s ability to secure non-consecutive terms as president, like Grover Cleveland, ensures his place as a significant chapter in American history.
The veteran journalist has also warned about broader threats to American democracy. In August 2025, Todd argued that ongoing redistricting battles in states like Texas and California represent skirmishes in what he termed a “cold civil war.” He criticized both Republican and Democratic governors for prioritizing partisan advantage over minority rights within their states.
Since leaving NBC News, Todd has focused on his independent podcast and been appointed as the inaugural USC Capital Campus scholar-in-residence. He continues to analyze American politics while developing plans for local news ventures, particularly in youth sports coverage.
