"This President today is part of the problem and accelerates it," Biden said, adding that Trump is "consumed with his blinding ego".

Biden's criticism comes a day after Trump threatened the nation's governors that he would deploy the military to states if they did not stamp out violent protests over police brutality that have roiled the nation.

Authorities under federal command later forced back peaceful demonstrators in Washington with tear gas so the President could walk to nearby church St John's Church and pose briefly with a Bible. The church had sustained damage during Sunday protests.

Loading

Biden noted that "peaceful protesters" were dispersed from the "doorstep of the people's house, the White House" using tear gas and flash grenades to stage what he called a "photo op" publicity stunt.

"The President held up a Bible," Biden added. "I just wished he opened it once in awhile instead of brandishing it."

The 20-plus minute address was covered live by US cable networks and Biden used it to declare, "This job's not about me. It's about you. It's about us".

"Look, the presidency is a big job. Nobody will get everything right. And I won't either," Biden said, but promised, "I won't fan the flames of hate".

Loading

As the former vice president spoke, the National Guard maintained a visible presence to defend public buildings as Philadelphia grapples with sustained violent protests. Several adjacent businesses - banks, convenience stores and hotels - were boarded up. A very small audience, including Mayor Jim Kenney, was on hand.

Biden is trying to create a stark contrast with Trump, who has embraced the language of confrontation and war, casting himself as the "President of law and order." Trump signalled he would stake his reelection on convincing voters his forceful approach was warranted in a time of national tumult and racial unrest.

"I will seek to heal the racial wounds that have long plagued this country - not use them for political gain," Biden said.

AP