President Joe Biden has come under fire on social media after he was seen leaving a White House Medal of Honor ceremony prematurely, before the closing prayer was read.
Critics accused the President of disrespecting the military veteran being honored with the nation's highest military accolade.
The incident occurred on Tuesday, shortly after President Biden presented the medal to former U.S. Army Captain Larry Taylor. Taylor, 81, was recognized for his heroic actions during the Vietnam War. In 1968, then-1st Lt. Taylor risked his life by flying his helicopter into a dangerous situation to rescue four comrades who were surrounded by enemy forces and facing imminent death.
During the ceremony, President Biden recounted the harrowing circumstances of Taylor's bravery, stating, "It was pitch black. No moon. No stars. No light beyond the glow of Lieutenant Taylors cockpit control, when he heard a whisper coming through his radio, Were surrounded. Lieutenant Taylor knew the risks, but he was ready."
However, after placing the medal around Taylor's neck, President Biden departed from the ceremony before the audience had finished applauding and the Master of Ceremonies had read the closing prayer. The benediction was subsequently read while Taylor stood alone on stage. A member of the audience appeared to signal to Taylor to remain standing despite the President's departure.
Footage from previous Medal of Honor ceremonies in 2020 and 2021 showed that President Biden stayed on stage with the medal recipients until the conclusion of the prayer. In these official videos, the President only left after the event was formally dismissed and the White House band began to play.
Social media users were quick to highlight the President's seemingly abrupt exit. Townhall.com posted, "Joe Biden just BOLTED out of the room immediately after awarding the Medal of Honor to Army Captain Larry Taylor. The ceremony continued on for several minutes afterwards. Biden completely missed a concluding prayer."
Young Americans for Libertys account noted, "A very confused President Biden walks out in the middle of Medal of Honor ceremony before the benediction." Conservative influencer Graham Allen criticized, "Biden just DITCHED the closing prayer of the Medal of Honor ceremony Absolutely ABHORRENT."
RedState.com writer Bonchie questioned, "What in the world is going on here? Biden just walks out in the middle of a Medal of Honor ceremony as people applaud. Did he think he was at the State of the Union?" Podcaster Ryan Knight commented, "Biden bizarrely walks out of ceremony honoring veterans at the White House before it concludes. Its clear hes suffering from cognitive decline but Blue MAGA refuses to see it. Theyre conditioned to defend their leader & party no matter what."
Washington Post columnist Marc Thiessen added, "He wasnt supposed to leave yet. In East Room ceremonies they always ask people to remain in their seats while the president exits when the ceremony is finished. More mental confusion."
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