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Biden’s Harvard University Appearance Marked by Verbal Slip and Ice Cream Mishap
During a discreet visit to Harvard University, President Joe Biden reportedly made a verbal misstep, mistakenly referring to Ukraine as Iraq, and experienced a minor ice cream mishap, according to the university’s student newspaper, The Harvard Crimson. The unpublicized trip on Wednesday, April 17, involved a surprise appearance at a small politics seminar, arranged by senior advisor and Harvard fellow Mike Donilon.
Private Seminar and Reported Verbal Error
President Biden’s arrival occurred shortly before 3 p.m., commencing with a photo opportunity alongside the Institute of Politics Student Advisory Committee. Subsequently, he proceeded to a private seminar with a limited group of approximately 50 students. The Harvard Crimson detailed the event, noting, “His appearance included verbal slips reminiscent of those that drew political attention during the 2024 presidential campaign, notably misidentifying Ukraine as Iraq while discussing Russia’s invasion, before being corrected by Mr. Donilon.”
Ice Cream Incident Follows Talk
The student newspaper further stated, “Following his remarks, when President Biden took a bite of an ice cream bar, the partially melted dessert fell to the floor.”
Discreet Visit Amidst Limited Public Engagements
The 82-year-old President’s visit was not announced publicly, rendering one of his rare public outings since the Presidential race even more exclusive and unexpected.
Harvard-Trump Tensions and Background to Visit
Weeks prior to President Biden’s visit, Harvard University faced escalating tensions with former President Trump. The confrontation arose after Harvard declined demands to alter hiring practices and course curricula.
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This refusal has placed Harvard in a position where it potentially risks the revocation of its tax-exempt status, alongside a significant £1.2 billion (approximately $2.2 billion) funding freeze.
The former President reportedly welcomed Harvard’s stance, commenting, “Harvard demonstrated resolve in a manner unmatched by others. You should be truly grateful.”
Protests Erupt During Biden’s Harvard Engagement
Upon news of President Biden’s presence, a contingent of pro-Palestinian students organized a demonstration to disrupt the event. They gathered outside the building, vocalizing chants, ringing bells, and beating drums in protest.
According to The Harvard Crimson, an attendee indicated that while the protest noise was faint and somewhat indistinct within the building, it was nonetheless perceptible.