President Biden’s recent appearance at a summit with African leaders in Lobito, Angola, has sparked controversy and criticism after a video captured him seemingly closing his eyes during a speech given by Tanzania’s Vice President Philip Mpango. The 82-year-old president appeared to rest his eyes for more than a minute while seated at a table with various officials from African countries. Although Biden remained alert and engaged before and after this brief moment, many observers on social media quickly reacted, with some even suggesting that he had fallen asleep during the meeting.
Social media was abuzz with comments about the incident, with individuals like Clay Travis, founder of Outkick, questioning the decision to send an 82-year-old on a three-day trip to Africa. Jake Schneider, who worked on President-elect Trump’s campaign, humorously asked who was running the country if Biden was falling asleep during his own meetings. Denver-based radio host Ross Kaminsky labeled the episode as “embarrassing” for the United States and expressed concern about potential challenges from foreign adversaries in the absence of a fully alert president.
Despite the criticisms surrounding this incident, earlier in the day, Biden had announced a significant commitment of $1 billion in humanitarian aid to support Africans affected by historic droughts and food insecurity. During his speech in Angola, the president emphasized the importance of the United States providing support to those in need and announced the new humanitarian assistance as part of ongoing efforts to address the challenges faced by African nations.
Biden’s visit to Angola marked his first trip to African soil since taking office, highlighting his administration’s commitment to engaging with the continent. This visit comes at a time when people in North Carolina are still recovering from the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which caused extensive damage and devastation in the region. The White House recently requested additional disaster relief funding to aid in the recovery efforts following the hurricane.
As President Biden continues his diplomatic engagements and humanitarian efforts, the incident at the African summit serves as a reminder of the challenges and responsibilities that come with leadership on the global stage. While criticisms and controversies may arise, the focus remains on supporting those in need and fostering relationships with nations around the world.
