The White House came under criticism Sunday for holding a barbecue with a live band while war continues to rage in Israel, with United States citizens confirmed to be among the deceased after Hamas’s surprise terror attacks.
In response as to why a live band could be heard around the Rose Garden, the White House told reporters that President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden were “hosting a BBQ for White House Executive Residence staff and their families.”
ANTONY BLINKEN SAYS US AND ISRAEL WILL REVIEW INTERNAL FAILURE, GOAL REMAINS TO REPEL HAMAS
“While Hamas holds Americans hostage, Joe Biden is enjoying a picnic with a live band,” Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) posted on X, formerly Twitter, along with a screenshot of the White House’s pool report.
Other conservatives voiced their displeasure with the White House’s event.
“At least FOUR Americans are presumed dead in Israel and Joe Biden is too busy having a BBQ party at the White House to care. This guy is truly sick,” conservative strategist Joey Mannarino shared on the social media platform.
“BIDEN’s BBQ was NOT a good look today,” journalist Trish Regan added.
The president and Secretary of State Antony Blinken have announced additional aid and support for Israel, as well as an increased military presence in the Middle East. However, that has not stopped Joe Biden’s critics from attacking him and his administration for being “weak.”
Relations between the White House and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have not been overly cordial since the latter returned to office last December, with the Biden administration uncomfortable with measures taken by Jerusalem’s right-leaning government.
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It is not yet clear whether U.S. citizens are among Hamas’s hostages after storming into Israel and taking more than 100 people. But U.S. officials have confirmed four Americans were killed in Israel, and they are working to discover whether Iran played any role in aiding Hamas.
Hamas killed 600 Israelis in its Saturday attack and left 2,000 wounded. The Israeli counterattack in Gaza and at Hamas structures has left 313 Palestinians dead and 1,990 wounded, with the fatalities expected to increase on both sides.
