In a recent call with Vice President Kamala Harris, President Joe Biden didn’t hold back in his assessment of Trump supporters, referring to them as “garbage.” His words have stirred up outrage among conservatives who view this rhetoric as deeply divisive, especially from someone who has often claimed to be a president for all Americans.

The event, which was aimed at mobilizing the left for upcoming elections, took an unexpected turn when Biden appeared to lash out, calling a significant portion of the American populace “garbage.” While the president has been clear about his disagreements with Republicans, this harsh characterization of millions of Americans came across as particularly telling. Many conservatives have since voiced concerns that Biden’s true feelings about Trump supporters are surfacing as the 2024 election draws near.

“They talk about us being ‘divisive’ when we’re simply standing up for our values,” said one Trump supporter following Biden’s remarks. “Meanwhile, Biden himself is outright insulting millions of Americans—what does that say about his vision of ‘unity’?”

Biden’s administration has often spoken of unity and healing, yet moments like these seem to point in the opposite direction. This call with Harris, a rising figure within the Democratic Party, has many Americans wondering whether the administration is really interested in bringing the country together or if they are simply using “unity” as a tool to silence those who disagree.

Adding to the apparent hypocrisy, Harris, who has repeatedly spoken on the need for “healing,” also participated in a pro-administration event at the Ellipse in Washington, D.C., where she called for a show of “solidarity.” The VP’s rally was framed as an event for unity, but for many Republicans, it felt like just another opportunity to disparage those who dare to oppose the administration.

From conservative perspectives, it’s becoming clear that Biden and Harris see those who hold traditional American values as obstacles rather than fellow citizens. Biden’s choice of language, calling Trump supporters “garbage,” resonates as yet another sign of the growing disdain within the administration for Americans who don’t align with their progressive agenda. Conservatives across the country are questioning how Biden can claim to unify when he openly derides those who dare to disagree with him.

This pattern of divisive rhetoric only seems to confirm what many Republicans have long feared—that this administration isn’t about unity at all, but about vilifying Americans who support traditional values. And if Biden’s recent comments are any indication, the path forward is one where conservative voices will need to stand strong against the continued attacks on their character and beliefs.