Joe Biden held an emergency press conference on Sunday where he gave an update on America’s efforts in Afghanistan and on tropical storm Henri which has hit large parts of the US east coast. But during the conference, Mr Biden paused for several seconds as he appeared to struggle to remember the name of the FEMA director, Deanne Criswell, who he had just spoken to before going live. It follows a worrisome press conference last week where the president gave his first public update on Afghanistan with viewers worried about his cognitive health after he suggested there has been “no question” of US credibility on the withdrawal from Afghanistan.
Video clips of the blunder were widely shared online with viewers criticising the president for his behaviour.
Mr Biden is heard saying: “There’s no one better to lead this operation than, than, umm…Deanne….uh…Criswell.”
Some viewers suggested it was even more worrying as Mr Biden was likely reading off a teleprompter.
Others were saying it was time for Mr Biden to resign as they have lost confidence in his ability to govern.
The US President has however struggled with a stutter from a very early age and some viewers suggested the pause may have been the result of Mr Biden trying not to stammer as he spoke.
He has been very open about the coping mechanisms he has been using to overcome his speech disorder throughout his political career.
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During the presser, Mr Biden revealed US troops have extended their border around Kabul airport as western forces come under further pressure to evacuate Afghans.
He added ISIS may seek to capitalise on the chaos by attacked US troops or Afghans as plans to extend the August 31 full withdrawal are being discussed.
The US head of state said: “Let me be clear – the evacuation of thousands of people from Kabul is going to be hard and painful.
“No matter when it started, when we began. It would have been true if we had started a month ago, or a month from now. There is no way to evacuate this many people without pain and loss and heartbreaking images you see on television.
Mr Biden also came under attack last week as he delivered his “worst performance” during a press conference on Afghanistan.
When reporters were invited to ask him questions, one journalist wanted to know whether Mr Biden thought America’s credibility on the world stage was diminished because of the situation in Afghanistan.
Mr Biden defiantly suggested none of America’s allies has questioned US credibility, despite prominent politicians, diplomats and advisors going on record attacking both Mr Biden and former President Donald Trump for their involvement in the Middle Eastern country.
Mr Biden was also late to his press conference by nearly an hour.
GB News presenter Andrew Neil also suggested Mr Biden was being “held hostage” by the Taliban who could dictate who could move around the country through the checkpoints they have set up.
There were also rumours the Pentagon has been forced to purchase fuel off the Taliban after officials refused to deny the claims.