Biden appears to rest his eyes at African summit in Angola

President Biden was captured on video appearing to rest his eyes during a summit with African leaders in Lobito, Angola. The 82-year-old president was seen closing his eyes and resting his head while Tanzania’s Vice President Philip Mpango was speaking. Despite this momentary lapse, Biden remained alert and engaged, giving remarks both before and after the incident.

While the White House did not immediately respond to requests for comments, several observers on social media commented that it looked like the president had fallen asleep during the meeting. Outkick founder Clay Travis pointed out the potential intentionality behind the incident, questioning the wisdom of sending an 82-year-old on a three-day trip to Africa. Others, like Jake Schneider and radio host Ross Kaminsky, criticized the episode as embarrassing for the United States.

However, the moment of rest did not overshadow the purpose of the summit, as Biden announced $1 billion in humanitarian aid to support Africans displaced by historic droughts and food insecurity. He emphasized the importance of the United States continuing to provide humanitarian aid and development assistance to those in need, stating that it is the right thing for the wealthiest nation in the world to do.

Biden’s visit to Angola marked his first time stepping foot on African soil during his presidency. This visit comes as North Carolina residents continue to face challenges following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene in late September. The White House has requested $98 billion in additional disaster relief funding to aid in recovery efforts in the areas affected by the hurricane.

Overall, despite the momentary lapse in attention, President Biden’s commitment to providing aid to those in need and engaging with African leaders demonstrates the United States’ continued dedication to supporting global humanitarian efforts.