‘Classless and stupid’: White House hits back over criticism of Joe Biden for petting a dog during Hawaii visit

During his visit to Hawaii, Joe Biden was seen petting a dog and the President's actions gave the opposition Republican Party an opportunity to criticise him.

US President Joe Biden's visit to Hawaii after the devastating wildfires there that claimed hundreds of lives, has stirred a can of worms. Biden was met with protests from irate locals and survivors of the horrific wildfire disaster. During his visit, Biden was seen petting a dog and the President's actions gave the opposition Republican Party an opportunity to criticise him.

US President Joe Biden (C) greets a dog wearing protective boots as he meets with first responders during an operational briefing on response and recovery efforts following wildfires in Lahaina, Hawaii on August 21, 2023. The Bidens are expected to meet with first responders, survivors, and local officials following deadly wildfires in Maui. (AFP)

On Monday, in a criticism of Biden's actions, RNC Research had tweeted: "Biden gets distracted by a dog: "That's some hot ground, man!".

However, in the wake of Biden's criticism for petting the golden retriever while talking to a FEMA worker in Hawaii, the White House has hit back with a statement.

“He’s petting one of the dogs that’s working hard searching for remains so survivors who’ve lost loved ones can have closure,” tweeted White House deputy press secretary Andrew Bates.

"This criticism is classless and stupid," added Bates in the tweet.

In the video of Biden while petting the dog, he is heard asking a FEMA worker, "What’s the boss’s name?”. Notably, the president is a dog owner himself.

During his visit, Biden spoke to the people of Lahaina in Hawaii. “May God bless all those we’ve lost, may God find those who we haven’t determined yet, and may God bless you all,” said Biden.

Earlier, while vacationing near Rehoboth beach in Delaware, when Biden was asked to say something on the increasing death toll in Maui, Biden had replied “no comment”.

So when the President visited Hawaii on Monday, protestors held “no comment” signboards to tease him. Angry protestors also hurled insults and yelled “Go home Joe!” during Biden's visit.

President Biden was accompanied by first lady Jill Biden and they also toured areas devastated by the Maui wildfires during their visit on Monday.