
On August 27, 2025, former President Joe Biden’s planned nationwide speaking tour was abruptly canceled, with all but five engagements scrapped due to concerns that hosting him could provoke retaliation from President Donald Trump, according to a report by The Daily Beast.
The decision, driven by fears of Trump’s well-documented animosity toward Biden, has left the former president, who is battling aggressive prostate cancer, with limited public appearances and a significantly diminished post-presidential platform.
The cancellations, including high-profile paid speeches that could have earned Biden up to $300,000 each, highlight the chilling effect of Trump’s influence, particularly on institutions like colleges wary of his administration’s scrutiny, as political tensions and public health concerns loom large.
More Details of the Canceled Speaking Tour
The Daily Beast revealed that Biden’s team had lined up a series of paid speaking engagements before the November 2024 election, aiming to capitalize on his decades of public service with fees reaching $300,000 per event.
However, all but five gigs were canceled, with organizers citing fears of “upsetting the vengeful new president,” per the report.
The five remaining appearances included a keynote address at the bipartisan Advocates, Counselors, and Representatives for the Disabled in Chicago in April 2025, a speech at the National High School Model United Nations in March, a presentation at the National Bar Association Gala, a keynote at the Society of Human Resource Management Convention in July, and an unpaid talk at the Harvard Institute of Politics.
No public record confirms whether the other four events were paid.
The cancellations reflect Trump’s ongoing feud with Biden, whom he has blamed for issues ranging from inflation to foreign policy failures, accusing him of bringing America “to the brink of World War III.”
Biden’s insistence that he could have defeated Trump in 2024, despite stepping aside in July 2024 after a faltering debate performance, has further fueled tensions.
His health struggles, including a diagnosis of aggressive prostate cancer, add a personal dimension to the setback, with sources noting Biden’s pride has been deeply wounded.
Trump’s Influence and Retribution Fears

Trump’s rhetoric and actions have created fear among potential hosts.
Colleges, already targeted by Trump’s administration for scrutiny over funding and curricula, are particularly reluctant to host Biden.
This fear is further compounded by Trump’s history of targeting adversaries, including his calls for investigations into figures like Sen. Adam Schiff and Dr. Anthony Fauci, as reported by Politico.
A similar incident involved Australian comedian Alice Fraser canceling her U.S. tour in April 2025 over fears of retaliation for past Trump jokes, with her visa lawyer advising her to purge social media.
Biden’s team is practicing caution, aware of Trump’s vindictive streak.
The president’s Truth Social posts and public statements, including a July 2024 video calling Biden a “broken-down pile of crap” after his debate performance, underscore the personal animosity.
Trump’s FBI Director pick, Kash Patel, has supported pursuing Trump’s foes, amplifying concerns about political retribution, per Politico.
The cancellation of Biden’s speaking tour may mirror anxieties about Trump’s influence, seen in his threats to revoke ABC and NBC licenses and his D.C. crackdown with armed National Guard troops, as earlier reported by FrankNez Media.
Public and Political Reactions on Biden’s Canceled Tour
On X, some users expressed sympathy for Biden, with some like @fontainetricia1 noting the “sad” impact on his legacy.
Critics of Trump, including @NyraKraal, decried the cancellations as evidence of a “chilling effect on free speech.”
MAGA supporters, however, celebrated the move, with @LeBarkNews arguing Biden’s irrelevance justifies the cancellations.
Democrats, wary of Biden overshadowing Vice President Kamala Harris’s 2024 campaign, have mixed feelings, with one party member telling The Daily Beast in May 2025 that Biden should simply “ride off into the sunset.”
Biden’s limited public appearances, including a BBC interview in May 2025 where he criticized Trump’s foreign policy and a scheduled appearance on The View, have drawn scrutiny from Democrats who fear his visibility could harm party prospects.
His health challenges, reported by Reuters, have also added urgency to concerns about his post-presidential role.
The cancellation of Biden’s tour without a doubt underscores Trump’s ability to shape public discourse, even post-election, raising questions about democratic norms as he targets critics like John Bolton and even public media outlets.
For Biden, the cancellations limit his ability to generate income, and shape his legacy.
As the 2026 midterms approach, Biden’s sidelining could embolden Trump’s base while galvanizing Democratic opposition.
The controversy highlights the broader tension between personal vendettas and public service, with Biden’s health and Trump’s retribution casting a long shadow over American politics.
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