Joe Biden focused on COVID-19 relief as Senate starts impeachment trials

Joe Biden has shown himself to be a stark contrast to his predecessor Donald Trump from the first day he moved into the Oval Office. With the impeachment trials of the former president already underway, Biden remains focused on his administration’s agenda and COVID-19 relief.

Speaking with the press before he met with executives and shortly after the trial started, Biden made clear that he was not going to tune in to watch the trial occur. Instead, Biden said that he was more focused on getting the COVID-19 relief aid to Americans rather than what was happening at the Senate. Trump is facing trial before the upper chamber this week after he was impeached by the House on his last days in office.

“The Senate has their job,” said Biden. “They’re about to begin it. I’m sure they’re going to conduct themselves well. And that’s all I have to say about impeachment.”

Prior to Biden’s comments, White House press secretary Jen Psaki already stressed that Biden was not going to further comment or engage in a trial against his predecessor. “Joe Biden is the president. He is not a pundit. He’s not going to opine on the back and forth arguments, nor is he watching them, that are taking place in the Senate.” Psaki also noted that Biden remains in touch with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer about his COVID-19 relief plan.

On Wednesday, Biden unveiled a task force under the Defense Department that would focus on the assessment of the military’s approach towards China. The group would be made up of 15 experts who will provide recommendations to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on matters related to China. Their findings and recommendations are due in four months. The Pentagon announced through a statement that final public reports from the task force are not anticipated. However, the group will discuss its recommendations with Congress and other stakeholders.

Tensions between the US and China have risen during the Trump administration, and Biden plans on taking a different approach. Having yet to speak with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Biden said last week during his visit to the State Department that he plans on working closely with US allies in order to effectively engage with China.