Politics

Republicans mock Biden after he appears to freeze for nearly 1 minute at WH event: ‘Lights on but no one’s home’

By
Social Links for Victor Nava
Published June 11, 2024
Updated June 11, 2024, 7:29 a.m. ET

Republicans mocked President Biden on Monday after he remained virtually motionless for nearly a minute during a lively Juneteenth musical performance at the White House. 

The 81-year-old president’s gaze was fixed on the stage as gospel singer Kirk Franklin performed his song “Love Theory” in front of the commander in chief, Vice President Kamala Harris, second gentleman Doug Emhoff and other dignitaries on the South Lawn – all of whom danced along as Biden stood still. 

“Lights are on but no one’s home,” the Trump campaign’s war room account posted on X, in response to Biden’s behavior at the Juneteenth celebration. 

President Biden looks to singer and songwriter Charlie Wilson, left, as he stands with Patti LaBelle, Anthony Hamilton and Raheem DeVaughn, right, during a Juneteenth concert on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, Monday, June 10, 2024.
President Biden looks to singer and songwriter Charlie Wilson, left, as he stands with Patti LaBelle, Anthony Hamilton, and Raheem DeVaughn, right, during a Juneteenth concert on the South Lawn of the White House on June 10, 2024. AP

Trump campaign adviser Steven Cheung joked that it appeared as if the president was under the influence of marijuana at the event.  

“BIDEN: These edibles ain’t s—-. *15 minutes later*,” Cheung tweeted, including a video clip of the president standing rigid among the revelers. 

“Who said Biden’s got no rhythm?” Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) quipped on social media. 

In a separate post, the senator fumed that “While America was being invaded, Biden did … whatever he’s doing in this video.” 

Biden was flanked by Harris and Philonise Floyd, the brother of the late George Floyd, during the event ahead of next week’s national holiday commemorating the end of slavery. 

US actor Billy Porter (L), US Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff (2nd L), US Vice President Kamala Harris, US President Joe Biden, Philonise Floyd (3rd R), George Floyd's brother, and his wife Keeta Floyd (2nd R), attend a Juneteenth Concert in the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, DC on June 10, 2024.
Actor Billy Porter (L), US Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff (2nd L), Vice President Harris, President Biden, Philonise Floyd (3rd R), George Floyd’s brother, and his wife Keeta Floyd (2nd R), attend a Juneteenth Concert in the South Lawn of the White House on June 10, 2024. AFP via Getty Images

At one point, Philonise Floyd wrapped his arm around Biden and was able to rouse him. The two men exchanged a fist bump shortly after. 

“The White House lawn has never seen anything like this before,” Biden said in his remarks near the end of the program, noting that he was “proud” to have signed legislation designating Juneteenth as a federal holiday in 2021. 

The Biden campaign did not respond to The Post’s request for comment.