Italian PM Giorgia Meloni redirects President Biden during G7 skydiving display

Critics slam President Biden's momentary distraction at G7, calling it an 'embarrassing mishap.'

At the recent G7 summit in southern Italy, a skydiving demonstration became the scene of an unexpected moment involving President Joe Biden. 

While the world's wealthiest democracies' leaders gathered to watch the evening's parachuting event, President Biden, at 81 years old, seemed momentarily distracted. 

The US President shuffled a few steps away from his fellow heads of state, turning his attention and appearing to speak with an officer handling parachute equipment.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni quickly stepped in, tactfully guiding President Biden back to the group. Meloni, walking backwards to keep her eyes on the event, gently touched Biden’s arm, signaling it was time to rejoin the other leaders. 

This small yet notable incident was caught on camera and has since circulated widely, sparking comments and reactions across social platforms.

The Republican National Committee's RNC Research X account highlighted the incident with a video post asking, "WHAT IS BIDEN DOING?" Critics, including National Review senior writer Dan McLaughlin and Outkick writer Ian Miller, took to Twitter to express their views, describing the moment as an embarrassing mishap.

In defense of President Biden, White House Senior Deputy Press Secretary Andrew Bates explained that Biden was simply congratulating one of the divers, a gesture that included a thumbs up, suggesting that the situation might have been misinterpreted.

The G7 summit has been a busy event for President Biden, who also had an unusual greeting with Meloni upon arrival, and an awkward moment during his introduction on stage. 

Despite these hiccups, Biden is set to continue his schedule, which includes a departure from the summit a day early to attend a campaign fundraiser in Hollywood, hosted by actor George Clooney.