President Joe Biden has once again left the nation scratching their heads with his recent remark during a speech on combating gun violence. The shocking statement came at the end of his address at a Connecticut summit on gun control reform, where he uttered the words, “God save the queen, man,” before exiting the stage.
Biden wraps up his remarks in Connecticut: "Alright, God save the queen, man" pic.twitter.com/NJShsIA1eg
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) June 16, 2023
This unusual sign-off from the leader of the free world has sparked widespread confusion and speculation among Americans as many are left wondering whom the British salute was directed at and what Biden meant, if he meant anything at all.
White House spokeswoman Olivia Dalton had attempted a damage control by stating that the president “couldn’t do the full rope line due to weather, and was commenting to someone in the crowd.” However, the comment’s timing and context remain questionable.
It’s worth noting that this isn’t the first time Biden has used the phrase “God save the queen” as a sign-off. In 2017, after the certification of President Donald Trump’s election win, he reportedly blurted out those remarks after a session of Congress. However, using that statement now sounds worse than it did then.
Aside from its British origin, the phrase itself is outdated, as the current monarch of the United Kingdom is King Charles III following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II in Sept. 2022. This raises questions about the President’s awareness and attention to detail.
Political strategist Evan Berryhill took to social media, drawing a comparison between Biden’s comment and the behavior of intoxicated individuals attempting to pass off their words as coherent.
“I have seen countless – and I mean countless – drunk people say something totally obscure like “God save the Queen” and then jaunt around like a Joe Biden just did in an effort to play it off as if they were sober. He’s truly incapacitated,” Berryhill stated.
I have seen countless – and I mean countless – drunk people say something totally obscure like “God save the Queen” and then jaunt around like a Joe Biden just did in an effort to play it off as if they were sober. He’s truly incapacitated.pic.twitter.com/XhNfFwyTwK
— Evan Berryhill (@EvBerryhill) June 16, 2023
Founder of OutKick, Clay Travis, echoed Berryhill’s sentiments, tweeting, “No one has any idea what he’s talking about. Seriously, how much longer can this keep going on?”
Joe Biden ended his remarks today calling for gun control by saying, “God save the queen.” No one has any idea what he’s talking about. Seriously, how much longer can this keep going on? pic.twitter.com/bZQzvp23RA
— Clay Travis (@ClayTravis) June 16, 2023
As discussions about Biden’s error went on, some observers openly contemplated the invocation of the 25th Amendment to remove him from office.
Will anyone Invoke 25th amendment? https://t.co/j252qZekmS
— Roman Jankowski (@romanjankowski5) June 16, 2023
The reactions to Biden’s latest gaffe reflects ongoing discussions about Biden’s mental state and adds fuel to the ongoing debate surrounding Biden’s ability to fulfill his duties as POTUS.
In May 2022, numerous GOP lawmakers, including Rep. Ronny Jackson (R-TX) who was the White House physician for Presidents Trump and Obama, demanded that the 80-year-old undergo a cognitive test or withdraw his bid for reelection in 2024.
Concerned with the President’s “current cognitive state and ability,” 61 lawmakers, regardless of gender, age, or political party, emphasized the importance of documenting and demonstrating sound mental abilities for all presidents.