3 weeks ago
Last Updated: September 26, 2024, 09:50 IST
New York, United States of America (USA)
Volodymyr Zelensky (L), Joe Biden (C) and Keir Starmer (R) pose for a group photo at an event concerning the recovery and reconstruction of Ukraine at the United Nations on September 25, 2024 in New York. (Reuters)
Biden confuses New York for Washington while addressing world leaders
In yet another gaffe, US President Joe Biden on Wednesday experienced a moment of confusion during a speech to world leaders at the InterContinental New York Barclay hotel, mistakenly welcoming them to “Washington.”
This comes as the outgoing US president has faced scrutiny over his mental and physical fitness for office. In his address, Biden expressed gratitude to the leaders gathered for the annual United Nations General Assembly, saying, “Thank you, thank you, thank you. Welcome to Washington.”
Without acknowledging his error, he continued with his remarks, reaffirming US support for Ukraine amid ongoing conflict with Russia. He noted that Russian President Vladimir Putin has waged war on Ukraine for 944 days.
Series of gaffes
This incident follows a series of gaffes by the 81-year-old president, including a previous mix-up where he referred to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as “President Putin” during a NATO summit in July.
Biden also repeatedly called Zelenskyy “Mr. President” without using his last name during this recent event. After Biden’s remarks, Zelensky and leaders from the UK and Italy addressed the gathering.
