The president’s early leave was attacked on social media
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre’s explanation for President Biden’s early departure from the previous day’s Medal of Honor ceremony faced criticism on social media Wednesday.
Journalists raised questions about Biden’s decision to leave immediately after presenting the medal to former U.S. Army Captain and Vietnam War veteran Larry Taylor, before the concluding prayer. Unlike previous Medal of Honor ceremonies where he had stayed for the blessing, Biden’s early exit sparked an online backlash. Despite the backlash, Jean-Pierre maintained that the departure was premeditated.
“He departed as scheduled, following a prearranged plan,” Jean-Pierre informed the reporters. “His departure coincided with a brief pause in the program to reduce his close contact with attendees who were preparing for a reception.”
She added, “We’ve got to put this all in context; we planned for the president to leave when there was a pause in the program so that it would minimize his being in the room; he did just that. And I also would want to add that before the event started, the president spent a good amount of time with Captain Taylor and his family; everybody was masked because he wanted to spend that quality, important time.”
Users on “X,” formerly known as Twitter, did not believe the explanation and mocked Jean-Pierre for attempting to spin the situation.
“Don’t lie,” conservative media personality Graham Allen insisted.
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 up 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.
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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.”
If this is the case why didn’t they just say that? This is a whole lot of “CYA” if you ask me. https://t.co/LOZyi8j4Wz
— Jeffery A Dove Jr. (@JefferyADoveJr) September 6, 2023
Former Trump White House press secretary Sean Spicer wrote, “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
Video footage from Medal of Honor awards ceremonies in 2021 and 2022 clearly showed that Biden remained on stage with the medal recipients during the concluding prayer, only leaving after the event was dismissed and the White House band began playing.
Jean-Pierre also addressed criticism of Biden removing his mask during Tuesday’s ceremony, despite the White House previously stating that he would adhere to COVID-19 protocols following first lady Jill Biden’s positive test.
“The president removed his mask, as I had mentioned he would, to deliver incredibly powerful remarks about Captain Taylor and his remarkable service to our nation,” Jean-Pierre acknowledged. “He also briefly kept his mask off for a short time afterward.”