Joe Biden trolled for suggesting former Rep Gabby Giffords is dead in bizarre speech at Arizona rally

PHOENIX, ARIZONA: President Joe Biden found himself the subject of online trolling after seemingly implying that former Democratic congresswoman Gabby Giffords had died while praising her husband, Senator Mark Kelly, during a rally in Arizona.

Giffords, who survived a horrific shooting in 2011, continues to be a prominent advocate for gun control and mental health awareness.

Biden addresses historical injustices to Native Americans while making controversial reference to Gabby Giffords

Biden’s comments came as he addressed the crowd on behalf of the US government, apologizing to Native Americans for the historical injustices suffered by Indigenous children in boarding schools.

Before discussing these issues, he was introduced by Gila River Indian Community Governor Stephen Lewis.

In his remarks, Biden acknowledged Kelly and referenced Giffords in the past tense, saying, “I’m Joe Biden, Jill Biden’s husband. Governor, thank you for the introduction. And to the – Gila River Indian Community – for welcoming me today. You know, I say this with all sincerity. This, to me, is one of the most consequential things I’ve ever had the opportunity to do in my career as President of the United States. it is an honor, a genuine honor to be in this special place on this special day. Thank you to Senator Mark Kelly, a great friend who also was married to an incredible woman who was my friend.”

Social media users troll Biden over Gabby Giffords comment

Social media users quickly jumped on Biden’s comments, flooding platforms with humorous jabs and memes.

One user wrote, "He can’t tell the difference between live and dead."

Another user replied, "Dudes lost it. All of it."

Another added, "I mean maybe it's just that they are not friends anymore?"

"The little jogs he did got to him," one user said.

One user said, "Ouch Joey."

Another said, "She doesn't wanna be his friend anymore?"

Biden’s history of gaffes continues amid apology to Native Americans

This wasn’t the first time Biden has mistakenly suggested someone has died. In 2010, while serving as vice president, he offered condolences for the mother of Ireland’s prime minister, saying, “God bless her soul,” despite her being very much alive.

After the awkward reference to Giffords, Biden turned his focus to the Native American community, delivering an apology he called “overdue” for the government's role in forcibly relocating Indigenous children to boarding schools.

These institutions, which operated for 150 years until the 1960s, were sites of significant abuse, with many children dying and countless others suffering physical and sexual violence.