Progressive Democrats are voicing their discontent with President Biden's handling of the post-election period, particularly his subdued response to President-elect Donald Trump's prominent actions, including Cabinet appointments and international meetings.

Since Trump's re-election victory, Biden has maintained a relatively quiet presence, allowing Trump to command media attention at various significant events. For instance, Biden delegated the attendance of the Notre Dame Cathedral's reopening in Paris to First Lady Jill Biden, thus ceding an opportunity for Trump to engage with French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy under the media spotlight.

"This is an exceptionally passive lame-duck period for a Democratic administration, representing a substantial missed opportunity," Usamah Andrabi, spokesperson for the progressive group Justice Democrats, commented to the Wall Street Journal.

Democrats also express concerns that Biden and the White House haven't been forceful enough in their critique of Trump's Cabinet selections. Trump has already faced one nominee withdrawal, former Rep. Matt Gaetz, while his nomination of former Fox News host Pete Hegseth for Defense Secretary has also sparked controversy.

President Biden seen wearing a "Trump 2024" baseball cap. (X screenshot)

"We should be more proactive and assertive. We need to actively challenge these nominations, which are shaping up to be disastrous," Washington Democratic Gov. Jay Inslee stated to the Journal.

Progressive Democratic strategist Waleed Shahid emphasized the need for Biden to engage more directly with the public on these issues, telling the Journal, "Most voters are unfamiliar with figures like Kash Patel, Matt Gaetz, or Tulsi Gabbard. However, far more Americans would be aware if President Biden addressed them… Winning the attention battle requires communicating directly with voters and explaining the situation, something President Biden has consistently avoided."

French President Emmanuel Macron greets President-elect Donald Trump at the Elysee Presidential Palace in Paris on December 7, 2024. (Mustafa Yalcin)

In response to the criticism, the White House defended Biden's approach, highlighting his focus on foreign policy engagements. White House spokesman Andrew Bates told the Journal, "President Biden is maximizing every day of his term, diligently advancing an unparalleled agenda that will benefit hardworking Americans for generations to come."

Prominent Democratic governors have been more outspoken in their criticism of the incoming administration. California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced an initiative last month to "Trump-proof" California, which includes allocating $25 million for potential legal challenges against the Trump administration.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom has pledged to "Trump-proof" California in anticipation of President-elect Donald Trump's upcoming term.

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy has also expressed his readiness to vigorously oppose the Trump administration, while acknowledging the necessity of maintaining a functional relationship with the White House. "If your values are under attack, or if communities or individuals are unjustly targeted, you must fight fiercely," Murphy stated. "Simultaneously, you must cultivate a working relationship with the president."