U.S. President Joe Biden starred in a slippery slope during a White House event where he was disoriented and forgot the name of the Secretary of Defense, Lloyd Austin, Whom he referred to as “the guy who runs this team there.”
The incident occurred while the president was announcing the nomination of two women generals to lead the country’s military combat orders.
The White House leader hesitated in naming Austin and evidenced the confusion: “And I want to thank the dry, the, the, ah, former general. I keep shouting general, but mine, my … the guy who runs this team there“.
The president also seemed to forget the name of the Pentagon, which he called “this team.”
“I want to make sure I thank the secretary for everything she has done to try to implement what we just talked about. And to recommend these two women for a promotion,” Donald Trump’s successor added.
Earlier, at the same event, Biden had mentioned the Defense Department leader by his name, “Secretary Austin,” while he appeared to be reading from a teleprompter.
Biden announced on December 8 last year the nomination of General Lloyd Austin as Secretary of Defense. Source: AFP
As part of the International Women’s Day, Biden signed a decree appointing two women generals: Jacqueline Van Ovost was selected to command the Us Transportation Command, while Laura Richardson will lead the US Southern Command, with competence in activities in South America.
If confirmed, the two officers will become the second and third woman in U.S. history to fill the role of “Combatant Commander.”
The American media echoed the moment the president spent. Biden, 78, has had problems in the past with the names of his cabinet secretary elections.
In December, he mispronounced the name of his candidate for the Department of Health and Human Services, Xavier Becerra, Before being corrected with a bad pronunciation.
And he also seemed to forget Donald Trump’s name during a virtual event in October, confusing him with former President George Bush.
Biden announced on December 8 last year the nomination of General Lloyd Austin as Secretary of Defense, an appointment he described as “necessary” and “historic.”
Austin, 67, became the first black person to lead the Pentagon, an institution where minorities are heavily represented at the grassroots but not yet at the top.
Austin, 67, became the first black person to lead the Pentagon. Photo: EFE
This retired army general, who fought in Iraq and Afghanistan before becoming the first man of color to lead the U.S. Army Central Command (Centcom), is exceptionally qualified. to take on the challenges and crises we face today, “the Democratic president-elect wrote in a statement.
General Austin shares my deep conviction that our country is stronger when it leads not only by the example of our power, but also by the power of our example, ”he concluded.
With information from agencies.
JPE