President Biden was captured on video appearing to rest his eyes during a summit with African leaders in Lobito, Angola. While sitting at a table with officials from African countries, the 82-year-old president closed his eyes and rested his head while Tanzania’s Vice President Philip Mpango spoke. Despite this moment, Biden remained alert and gave remarks before and after the brief period of rest. Observers on social media commented that it appeared as though the president had fallen asleep during the meeting, with some questioning the decision to have an 82-year-old undertake a three-day trip to Africa.
Critics such as Outkick founder Clay Travis and former President Trump’s rapid response director Jake Schneider criticized Biden for seemingly falling asleep during the meeting. Denver-based radio host Ross Kaminsky called the incident embarrassing for the United States, expressing concerns about the country’s leadership in the absence of an alert president. Despite these criticisms, earlier in the day, Biden had announced $1 billion in humanitarian aid to support Africans displaced by historic droughts and food insecurity. He emphasized the importance of the United States providing aid and development assistance, stating that it is the right thing for the wealthiest nation in the world to do.
Biden’s visit to Angola represented the first time he had set foot on African soil during his presidency. This trip came at a time when people in North Carolina were still dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which had caused destruction and devastation in late September. In response to this disaster, the White House had requested $98 billion in additional disaster relief funding to support recovery efforts in affected areas. Despite facing challenges at home, Biden’s announcement of $1 billion in humanitarian aid for Africans displaced by droughts and food insecurity underscored his administration’s commitment to addressing global issues and supporting those in need.
The incident of Biden appearing to rest his eyes during the summit in Angola raised questions about his physical stamina and ability to effectively lead the country. Critics, including individuals on social media, expressed concerns about the president’s age and the impact it may have on his performance in such high-profile meetings. Some commentators questioned the decision to send an 82-year-old on a lengthy international trip, suggesting that it was unwise given the demands of such travel. The video of Biden seemingly falling asleep during the meeting sparked discussions about his fitness to serve as president and prompted comparisons to other world leaders.
Despite the controversy surrounding Biden’s moment of rest during the summit, his announcement of $1 billion in aid for Africans in need highlighted his administration’s focus on providing humanitarian assistance and addressing global challenges. The president stressed the importance of supporting people affected by droughts and food insecurity in Africa, emphasizing the need for investment in addition to aid. This message aligns with the broader goals of Biden’s foreign policy agenda, which seeks to strengthen diplomatic relations and promote humanitarian efforts worldwide. While the incident in Angola may have drawn criticism, Biden’s commitment to supporting vulnerable populations demonstrates his administration’s dedication to addressing pressing global issues.
