Flying high, hitting a new low

A raid by FBI agents on Donald Trump’s Florida home is just one of the ex-president’s legal worries. Meanwhile, Joe Biden enjoyed climate success and buoyant economic news, giving the Democrats hope for November’s midterms

- David Smith

Departing his small, unshowy home state of Delaware, Joe Biden roared into the sky aboard Air Force One, borne aloft by jet fuel and a dramatic uplift in his political fortunes.

More than 1,500km away, some unexpected guests arrived at the opulent Florida estate of the US president’s predecessor, Donald Trump .

At about 9am on Monday 8 August, FBI agents – said to number between 30 and 40, some wearing suits, most in T-shirts, casual trousers, masks and gloves – began a search of Mar-a-Lago for government secrets that should not have left the White House.

It was a tale of two presidents : Biden at his zenith, gaining praise for a “hot streak” ; Trump at his nadir, under criminal investigation for potential violations of the Espionage Act .

And yet, such is the upside down nature of American politics in 2022, determining who won and who lost the week was less clear cut. For Biden, to be sure, it was a much needed boost after months of Washington gridlock, miserable poll ratings and speculation that he could face a challenger from his own Democratic party in the 2024 presidential election.

But Trump, perversely, also appeared to end the week stronger within his party than he began it. He had faced dissent over revelations from the congressional committee investigating the January 6 insurrection. Yet his claim that his home had been “raided” by law enforcement prompted Republicans to unite behind him with renewed zeal.