OPINION | This article contains the author's opinion.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre attempted to explain why President Joe Biden abruptly left in the middle of a Medal of Honor ceremony.
Many Americans said the president’s behavior was insulting to the U.S. military veterans.
“He left as planned, as it was planned,” Jean-Pierre awkwardly said. (Poll: Who Should Win the Presidency In 2024? VOTE)
“He left when there was a pause in the program in order to minimize his close contact with attendees who are about to participate in a reception.”
Critics say Biden showed blatant disrespect towards an American hero who was receiving the country’s highest honor, retired U.S. Army Captain Larry Taylor.
Joe Biden just BOLTED out of the room immediately after awarding the Medal of Honor to Army Captain Larry Taylor.
The ceremony continued on for several minutes afterwards.
Biden completely missed a concluding prayer. pic.twitter.com/BjSdeHcLPD
— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) September 5, 2023
The incident unfolded on Tuesday, following Biden’s presentation of the medal to Taylor.
The 81-year-old retired Army captain was recognized for his heroic actions during the Vietnam War. In 1968, as a 1st Lt., Taylor courageously piloted his helicopter into grave danger to rescue four comrades who were trapped by the enemy and faced certain death.
During the ceremony, Biden recounted Taylor’s extraordinary bravery, saying, “It was pitch black. No moon. No stars. No light beyond the glow of Lieutenant Taylor’s cockpit control when he heard a whisper coming through his radio, ‘We’re surrounded.’ Lieutenant Taylor understood the risks, but he was ready.”
Biden just DITCHED the closing prayer of the Medal of Honor ceremony…
Absolutely ABHORRENT.
— Graham Allen (@GrahamAllen_1) September 5, 2023
Social media users expressed skepticism about the explanation and mocked Jean-Pierre for what they perceived as an attempt to spin the situation.
Don't lie. pic.twitter.com/GAJyhUr9mu
— Graham Allen (@GrahamAllen_1) September 6, 2023
“Biden was in close contact with people while maskless for the entire ceremony to that point. The way this press secretary continues to insult the intelligence of anyone above a 50 IQ is breathtaking,” FOX News contributor Joe Concha wrote.
Biden was in close contact with people while maskless for the entire ceremony to that point. The way this press secretary continues to insult the intelligence of anyone above a 50 IQ is breathtaking. https://t.co/Iiguahnbdh
— Joe Concha (@JoeConchaTV) September 6, 2023
Former Virginia congressional candidate Jeffery A. Dove Jr. asked, “If this is the case why didn’t they just say that? This is a whole lot of ‘CYA’ if you ask me.”
Karine Jean-Pierre says it "was planned" for Biden to abruptly leave yesterday's Medal of Honor ceremony before it was over:
"He left when there was a pause in the program in order to minimize his close contact with attendees" pic.twitter.com/4FWaAcKLGA
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) September 6, 2023
“So, Biden ‘very purposefully’ abandoned a Medal of Honor recipient on stage before the ceremony was over — meaning the situation was as bad, if not worse, than it looked?” Townhall.com managing editor Spencer Brown asked.
So, Biden "very purposefully" abandoned a Medal of Honor recipient on stage before the ceremony was over — meaning the situation was as bad, if not worse, than it looked? https://t.co/V5rX6p7nel
— Spencer Brown (@itsSpencerBrown) September 6, 2023
Sean Spicer, former White House press secretary under Trump, questioned, “Is there anything the White House press corps won’t buy? He left before the benediction.”
is there anything the White House press corps won't buy? He left before the benediction https://t.co/LSxobxPs5N
— Sean Spicer (@seanspicer) September 6, 2023
Most Popular:
Popular Chain Caught Sponsoring Youth Drag Show
Opinion: Why Joe Biden Must Be Impeached
Joe Biden Decides Whether to Wear A Mask Again