During the Group of Seven (G7) summit in Italy, a video capturing US President Joe Biden seemingly wandering away from fellow world leaders has sparked a wave of speculation and debate on social media.
In the viral clip, Biden, aged 81, appears momentarily distracted during a skydiving demonstration, turning towards an officer who was packing a parachute and giving him a thumbs-up. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is seen intervening to redirect Biden back to the group of leaders.
The incident unfolded amidst a backdrop of global attention, with leaders gathered for critical discussions on international issues. Following the brief diversion, Biden and Meloni proceeded to pose for a photo-op, where Biden notably donned his signature aviator sunglasses.
Mixed reactions follow Biden’s actions at G7 Summit
The video quickly gained traction online, triggering discussions about Biden’s fitness to serve another term as President of the United States. Critics and observers expressed concerns about Biden’s focus and readiness during high-stakes diplomatic engagements.
In response to the circulating footage, White House Senior Deputy Press Secretary Andrew Bates defended Biden, dismissing the portrayal of events as misleading. “He’s saying congratulations to one of the divers and giving a thumbs up,” Bates said on X.
This incident was not the only unusual moment involving Biden during the G7 summit. Previously, another video captured Biden awkwardly saluting Prime Minister Meloni before exiting the stage, further adding to the scrutiny surrounding his performance at international events.
Biden’s tenure has seen several instances of public scrutiny over his physical and cognitive capabilities, including previous incidents such as difficulty sitting during a D-Day ceremony in France and appearing disoriented during a Juneteenth celebration at the White House.
The ongoing scrutiny and debate underscore broader concerns about leadership and governance as Biden navigates critical global challenges and domestic issues during his presidency.