Biden’s Brazil blunder: Joe runs into flag and appears to snub leader at UN

President Joe Biden appeared to snub Brazil multiple times during a joint address with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva at the United Nations on Wednesday after the president accidentally walked into a Brazilian flag.

Biden, who spent three days in New York for the U.N. General Assembly, seemed confused as he approached the podium after he stumbled into the 7-foot flag, which left it teetering. The president also fumbled with a headset that was used to translate Lula’s speech and failed to shake the Brazilian leader’s hand before exiting the stage.

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“Can you hear me, President Biden? This is a historic moment for Brazil and for the U.S.,” Lula asked Biden when he fumbled with the headset. When he did not respond, Lula repeated the question, to which Biden nodded.

Biden fumbled with the headset throughout the rest of Lula’s speech, even accidentally dropping it at one point.

The speeches focused on a partnership between Brazil and the United States, which includes initiatives in both countries that center on the rights of workers. Biden’s speech comes amid a strike by United Auto Workers members.

“The two largest democracies in the Western Hemisphere are standing up for human rights around the world and the hemisphere, and that includes workers’ rights,” Biden said. “Let me be clear: Whether it’s the autoworkers union or any other union worker, record corporation profits should mean record contracts for union workers. In America, I’m proud that my administration is characterized as the most pro-union administration in American history.”

International Labor Organization Director-General Gilbert Houngbo also addressed the audience after the leaders and shook hands with Biden at the end of the address. Biden shook hands with Lula after the Brazilian president’s speech but failed to shake his hand when moving to get off the stage despite Lula extending his hand. The snub left Lula looking irritated, and he made a swiping motion with his hand.

Lula praised the partnership between the countries, which the leaders have said is open to other countries to join.

“It’s more than just another bilateral. It’s a faith relationship that we are building here and a new era for U.S.-Brazilian relations amongst equal partners,” Lula said. “Poverty and inequality is not in the interest of anybody.”

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Wednesday’s events were just the latest errors for the president, who has confused the names of countries such as Syria and Libya and temporarily forgotten the names of members of his administration, including Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.

The mistakes have caused concern over the president’s mental acuity and ability to lead the country as the oldest president in history. The concerns come as Biden seeks reelection next year.