Joe Biden draws flak as he announces becoming great-grandfather amid emergency news briefing on LA fires

WASHINGTON, DC: President Joe Biden sparked widespread criticism on social media after he shared the news of becoming a great-grandfather during an emergency press briefing on the devastating wildfires raging in southern California.

According to OK! Magazine, Biden's granddaughter Naomi gave birth to a 10-pound, four-ounce baby boy on Wednesday, January 8. First Lady Jill Biden confirmed the child's name as William Brannon Neal IV in a post on Instagram.

"We are proud to introduce you to our great-grandson: William Brannon Neal, IV," she captioned the post with a photo of the newborn with his great-grandparents.

President Joe Biden's remark at press briefing

President Biden provided updates to reporters on the emergency efforts to tackle the California wildfires while accompanied by California Governor Gavin Newsom at a Malibu fire station, reported Marca.

The publication reported that the ongoing tragedy has led to the death of two people, forced 70,000 residents to evacuate, and destroyed over 1,000 structures. Starting in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, the fire has shown no signs of containment and left 400,000 homes without power.

"We're prepared to do anything and everything as long as it takes to contain these fires and help reconstruct, make sure that we can get back to normal," Biden said at the briefing. "It's gonna be a hell of a long way. It's gonna take time. But the government is here to stay, as long as you need us. Give everything you need."

At the end of the meeting, the 82-year-old unexpectedly changed the subject and announced, "But the good news is, I'm a great grandfather, as of today... So, I can remember this day for a lot of wrong reasons."

Internet slams Biden for his comments during a serious meeting

Critics of President Joe Biden called him out for sharing the happy personal news amid the tragic updates. 

"'Your homes may have burned to the ground, but the good news is I’m a great-grandfather!' Joe Biden is a heartless moron," wrote a person.

"This man is an absolute disgrace," shared another.

"Joe Biden always makes it about himself," jibed a third.

"Joe Biden, not so much reading the room during a California wildfire press conference," added another.

"Well… sad for the rest of you who lost your homes and all your possessions… but Joe Biden is now a great grandfather!!! Everyone clap!" remarked one individual.

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