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, responding to Biden’s behavior at the Juneteenth celebration.
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, “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. 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.