Military Comments After Biden Press Gaggle
President Joe Biden faced criticism on Wednesday for making false claims about his uncle’s death in World War II. During a visit to a war memorial in Scranton, Pennsylvania, Biden told reporters that his uncle, Ambrose Finnegan, had been shot down over New Guinea and eaten by cannibals. He repeated the story later in the day during a speech on steel tariffs in Pittsburgh, telling union members that the US government had been unable to recover his uncle’s body due to the presence of cannibals in the area.
However, according to military records, Finnegan’s plane actually crashed into the ocean, and three crew members were lost in the wreckage. Only one crew member survived and was rescued by a passing barge. This information is in direct conflict with Biden’s claim that cannibals were responsible for his uncle’s death. The Pentagon’s Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency also states that there is no evidence of cannibalism in the area where Finnegan’s plane crashed.
Biden’s false account of his uncle’s death came during a visit to a war memorial that bears Finnegan’s name. The pushback against his comments was immediate, with many questioning why Biden would make such a claim about his own family. This is not the first time that the president has been caught telling a false story about his personal life. In fact, Biden has a history of sharing anecdotes that are later proven to be inaccurate.
In his speech on steel tariffs, Biden used his false story about his uncle’s death to attack former President Donald Trump. He claimed that Trump had refused to visit a military cemetery outside of Paris in 2018 and had disparaged fallen US troops buried there as “suckers” and “losers.” This accusation was originally reported in an article by Jeffrey Goldberg in The Atlantic. However, it was later refuted by documents and witnesses, leading to the article being discredited.
The president’s attack on Trump was met with criticism for using a false story to score political points. Many argued that Biden was perpetuating the already highly polarized and divisive rhetoric that has become a hallmark of American politics. Some also pointed out the irony of Biden making false claims about a president who himself has been accused of spreading misinformation. Others saw it as a sign that Biden is out of touch with reality and may not always have a firm grip on the facts when speaking in public.
Biden’s tendency to share false stories has caused concern among some supporters. They worry that it may undermine his credibility and distract from his policy agenda. The president has also been criticized for making false claims about his own achievements. For example, he has often spoken about being chosen to attend the Naval Academy, even though there is no record of him ever being nominated or applying to the academy.
Despite these criticisms, Biden has continued to share personal stories that have been debunked. During his presidency, he has shared at least 13 times a story about an interaction with an Amtrak conductor that has been proven to be false. He has also claimed that his uncle Frank Biden won the Purple Heart, despite the fact that the details of his story do not match the criteria for receiving the medal. The president’s tendency to exaggerate his personal experiences has led many to question the authenticity of his narrative.
In response to the backlash, the White House clarified that Biden was referring to a 2019 phone call to the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh. The synagogue was the site of the deadliest anti-Semitic attack in US history, in which 11 people were killed. Initially, Biden had claimed that he visited the synagogue and spent time there after the attack, but the synagogue stated that he had never been there. The president’s inaccurate statements drew criticism for exploiting a tragedy for political gain and for perpetuating false information.
Overall, Biden’s false claims about his uncle’s death have sparked discussions about his tendency to share misleading stories. While some argue that it is simply a quirk of the president’s personality, others see it as a concern for a public figure who is expected to be honest and accurate. As the leader of the country, Biden’s statements carry weight and can influence public perception. This is why it is important for him to be held accountable for the accuracy of the information he shares, especially when it concerns important topics such as war and the military.