'Embarrassing in front of the world': Joe Biden elicits mockery as he calls France 'our first friend' during state visit in Paris

President Joe Biden recently visited France to reinforce the historic and strategic alliance between the two nations
PUBLISHED JUN 9, 2024
Joe Biden was praised by Emmanuel Macron for his leadership and commitment to European allies (Marc Piasecki/Getty Images)
Joe Biden was praised by Emmanuel Macron for his leadership and commitment to European allies (Marc Piasecki/Getty Images)

PARIS, FRANCE: President Joe Biden's state visit to France aimed to underscore the longstanding alliance between the two nations, commemorating significant historical events and discussing current global security matters.

However, his comment referring to France as America's "first friend" attracted widespread mockery on social media platforms, overshadowing the diplomatic efforts of the visit, as reported by CBS News.



 

Joe Biden emphasizes an enduring partnership between the United States and France

During his state visit, President Biden emphasized the enduring partnership between the United States and France, dating back to the American Revolutionary War.

"France was our first friend," Biden declared, underscoring the historical significance of the Franco-American relationship. The visit was hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron and included several ceremonial events and meetings aimed at reinforcing their alliance.

The visit kicked off with a solemn ceremony at the Arc de Triomphe, featuring a wreath-laying at France's tomb of the unknown soldier and a military parade along the Champs-Élysées.

This was followed by official meetings at the Elysee Palace, where both leaders made public statements and addressed pressing global issues, particularly the ongoing war in Ukraine.

"United we stand, divided we fall. Allied we are and allied we will stay," Macron said in his toast at the state dinner. Biden responded by highlighting the steadfast nature of the US-France partnership, stating, "That's what democracies do."

PARIS, FRANCE - JUNE 8:PARIS, FRANCE - JUNE 8: French President Emmanuel Macron (L) with US President Joe Biden (R) as he departs from the Elysee Palace on June 8, 2024 in Paris, France. U.S. President Joe Biden is in France to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the invasion of Normandy and to emphasize the continued role of the United States in helping to protect democratic values in Europe. (Photo by Antoine Gyori - Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images)
The visit was hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron and included several ceremonial events and meetings  (Photo by Antoine Gyori - Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images)

The leaders' discussions prioritized the war in Ukraine, focusing on the urgent need to support Kyiv against Russian aggression, a topic that has seen varying levels of support and tension, particularly in the US political landscape.

Biden's visit to France coincided with the 80th anniversary of D-Day, a reminder of the historic bond forged during World War II.

The commemorations included a joint appearance with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Paris, signaling a united front in the face of global security threats.

Despite this show of solidarity, Biden and Macron have occasionally disagreed on the pace and scale of support for Ukraine.

Calling himself a student of French history, Biden expressed honor in visiting France. Macron, in turn, praised Biden's leadership and commitment to European allies, subtly contrasting it with the Trump administration's 'America First' policy, which had strained transatlantic relations.

PARIS, FRANCE - JUNE 8:PARIS, FRANCE - JUNE 8: US President Joe Biden departs from the Elysee Palace on June 8, 2024 in Paris, France. U.S. President Joe Biden is in France to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the invasion of Normandy and to emphasize the continued role of the United States in helping to protect democratic values in Europe. (Photo by Antoine Gyori - Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images)
Joe Biden emphasized an enduring partnership between the United States and France during a state visit (Photo by Antoine Gyori - Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images)

Joe Biden's comment about France being America's 'first friend' sparks mockery online

Biden's comment about France being America's "first friend" became a focal point of ridicule on social media.

One Facebook user commented, "Biden is the biggest joke ever in American history," while another quipped, "Joe remembers hanging out in the playground with Napoleon."

A user wrote, "Joe the disaster is an embarrassment to the United States." Another user posted, "He claims he's fluent in French but gives no proof of it. Kind of like everything else he says!" One user mentioned, "Biden is an absolute national disgrace whenever he opens his mouth."

A user stated, "France's President looked Presidential............ idiot-joe, he just looked like his feeble old self, SAD!" Another user remarked, "Biden once again embarrassing in front of the world."

Lastly, a user said, "Joe also said he’s a student of French History. Wow. He’s done everything Simply amazing. NOT!"

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.

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