President Joe Biden's reference to Trump supporters as "garbage" has stirred widespread controversy in recent days, intensified by a questionable White House transcript revision.

Now, a former top staffer to first lady Jill Biden has stepped forward to slam the administration's attempt to backtrack and hide what was actually said, as Fox News reports.

During a Tuesday discussion with Voto Latino, Biden caused uproar by labeling supporters of Trump as "garbage".

This comment emerged amid criticisms of a joke about Puerto Rico made by a comedian at a Trump rally, which Biden denounced as a display of "hateful rhetoric".

The White House tried to quell the backlash by revising the official transcript of the call. Originally, Biden's remark explicitly targeted Trump supporters, but the altered version softened this by attributing the term "garbage" to the comedian responsible for the joke at Trump's rally.

Backlash from Biden's Comment, Transcript Alteration

White House senior deputy press secretary, Andrew Bates, defended the transcript changes on social media, claiming that Biden was attacking the divisive language used at the rally, not individuals.

The altered transcript tried to clarify, stating, "The only garbage I see floating out there is his supporter’s -- his -- his demonization of Latinos is unconscionable, and it’s un-American."

However, the attempt to revise Biden's harsh words did not go unnoticed. Michael LaRosa, former press secretary for Jill Biden, criticized the White House on X, accusing them of a "bonehead move" and noting it wasn't the first instance of such a mistake.

LaRosa's criticism pointed to a deeper issue within the administration's handling of public relations, suggesting a pattern of problematic communication management.

Trump, Harris React to Biden's Remarks

Former President Trump swiftly condemned Biden's original "garbage" remark, drawing a parallel to Hillary Clinton's infamous "deplorables" comment from the 2016 campaign. Trump labeled Biden's word choice as even more offensive and indicative of a disdain for American citizens.

Trump took to the media to express his disapproval, arguing that such statements reveal a presidency fueled by contempt rather than unity. He stated, "You can’t lead America if you don’t love the American People. Kamala Harris and Joe Biden have shown they are both unfit to be President of the United States."

Vice President Kamala Harris responded to the escalating controversy by attempting to distance herself from Biden's comment. She emphasized her dedication to representing all Americans, irrespective of their political leanings, and underscored the importance of respectful discourse.

Harris and Biden's Campaign Dynamics

In her statements, Harris sought to clarify the administration's stance and reaffirm her commitment to an inclusive approach to leadership. "First of all, he clarified his comments, but let me be clear, I strongly disagree with any criticism of people based on who they vote for," Harris explained during a public appearance.

She continued, asserting her presidential intentions, "I believe that the work that I do is about representing all the people, whether they support me or not. And as president of the United States, I will be a president for all Americans, whether you vote for me or not."

This distinction drawn by Harris not only attempts to mend the rift caused by Biden's comment but also positions her as a unifying figure in contrast to the discord sown by divisive rhetoric.

Public and Political Reaction to Biden's Language

Biden's use of the term "garbage" to describe a segment of Trump supporters has ignited a discussion on the nature of political dialogue and the responsibilities of those in leadership. This episode is reminiscent of Biden's frustration expressed in a July 15 NBC News interview where he lamented the hostile signs and gestures he encountered from Trump supporters in rural America.

Such expressions of political displeasure are not new to Biden's experience, as he described seeing large Trump signs and offensive gestures aimed at him during his travels across the country. This ongoing tension highlights the polarized atmosphere that continues to define American politics.

The incident has not only tested the White House's crisis management but also raised questions about the long-term implications of such polarizing language on national unity and political discourse.