

Joe Biden used the pro-LGBT Human Rights Campaign's annual dinner Saturday to deliver a blistering attack on President Trump.

Trump — who notably used the RNC convention in 2016 to say he would "do everything in my power to protect our LGBTQ citizens" — is an enemy to the LGBT community, Biden said.

"Forces of intolerance" and the "dregs of society," Biden said, "remain determined to undermine and roll back the progress you have all made. This time, they, not you, have an ally in the White House."

Trump "uses the White House as a literal bully pulpit," Biden said. "Callously exerting his power over those who have little or none."

Biden said he and "Barack" vowed upon leaving office to not attack the Trump Administration in its first year, but admitted they both opted to instead speak out.

"God forgive me," he joked. But "I could not remain silent after Charlottesville."



Biden ended his speech demanding the audience step up its attacks on the Trump administration.

"We are in a fight for America's soul," Biden said. "What has become of us? Our children are listening. Our silence is complicity."

During his remarks, Biden made repeated references to being the first member of the Obama Administration to publicly back gay marriage.

Biden said that Human Rights Campaign's Chad Griffin credited him with supporting gay marriage "early." Biden told the audience that he had told Obama — who had run in 2008 as an opponent of gay marriage — that, if asked, he would voice his support for gay marriage.

In another anecdote later, Biden again credited himself with vocally supporting gay marriage before Obama.

"I was told how I was ruining the chances" for re-election, Biden recalled. "I said I’ll make you a bet – the American people are already with us."