WASHINGTON (TND) — President Joe Biden called a lid for the day Monday following a barbeque celebration at the White House Sunday, meaning he won't have any media availability Monday evening amid the ongoing crisis in Israel.
The announcement came just before noon and signaled to the media that the president will make no more public appearances for the day. Commenters on social media expressed outrage at the decision, citing a lack of urgency about the war in Israel on President Biden's behalf.
“Everyone complaining that the House has no Speaker when the White House has no President. What a joke,” on user said.
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“WHERE IS THE PRESIDENT???” Fox and Friends co-host Lawrence Jones III asked.
Following the president’s announcement, Hamas terrorists threatened to execute Israeli civilian hostages and broadcast the footage.
The criticism is similar to what Biden received on Sunday, when the White House hosted a barbeque event complete with a live band, a press pool reporter said. The president learned earlier that day that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared war with Hamas.
“In the late afternoon and early evening, a live band could be heard coming from the area near the Rose Garden,” the reporter’s comments read. “Your pooler asked why a band was playing. From the White House: The President and First Lady are hosting a BBQ for White House Executive Residence Staff and their families,” the pool reporter wrote.
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Commenters on X blasted the president, urging him to take action in the Middle East.
“While Hamas holds Americans hostage, Joe Biden is enjoying a picnic with a live band,” Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., wrote.
“Given recent events, and certainly with the news of many Americans being held hostage in Gaza, I think I would have cancelled the White House BBQ with the live band,” one user said.