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Joe Biden faces ridicule for 'forgetting' Laken Riley's name and pitching immigration bill

President Biden confuses deceased nursing student Laken Riley with USC Head Coach Lincoln Riley during Union address.

Updated on: Mar 8, 2024, 10:21:53 IST
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During the recent Union address, President Joe Biden found himself at the center of a lighthearted yet embarrassing moment as he confused the deceased nursing student Laken Riley with Lincoln Riley, the USC Head Coach. Joe Biden, who is giving a speech for the first time after announcing his candidacy for a second presidential run, also compared thousands of refugees trying to enter the country with Riley, leaving the internet confused like never before.

Biden's State of the Union address live: US President Joe Biden will deliver his State of the Union address tonight. (REUTERS)
Biden's State of the Union address live: US President Joe Biden will deliver his State of the Union address tonight. (REUTERS)

Joe Biden gets confused between Laken and Lincoln Riley

While raising the Laken Riley support pin, which was earlier given to him by U.S. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, Joe Biden confuses the deceased nursing student Laken Riley with Lincoln Riley, USC Head Coach. Greene, who launched the initiatives "Say Her Name Laken Riley" and "STOP THE BIDEN BORDER CRISIS," earlier handed over the protest pin to Joe Biden after sporting a T-shirt honoring the late 22-year-old.

Biden addresses refugee children

The already heated social media reactions intensified when Biden compared Laken Riley to the countless refugees seeking entry into the country and “used the narrative to pitch for his immigration bill." He expressed concern about accidentally hurting innocent immigrants who are only trying to support their families, while still acknowledging the complexities of the situation.

Joe Biden called out for using Laken Riley's name for his immigration pitch

The president mentioned Riley's name after it was called out by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), stating she was murdered by “an illegal.” In response, following the wrap up of his legislative speech Biden listed down the things he wont' do on immigration. He said, “I will not demonize immigrants saying they ‘poison the blood of our country’ as he said in his own words,” referring to former President Donald Trump.

The POTUS added, “I will not separate families. I will not ban people from America because of their faith,” he added, in reference to Trump’s zero tolerance policy and so-called “Muslim ban.”

“They’re not even pretending to care anymore. They hate you.” said an internet user. Others added, “After MTG screams Laken Riley’s name Biden goes off prompter, rattled and admits: “THOUSANDS of Americans are being Killed by ILLEGALS.” “Joe Biden just confused Laken Riley, a college student killed by an illegal immigrant, with USC football coach Lincoln Riley. This just happened. The man’s brain is mush. Incredibly disrespectful.”

Later, Rep. MTG reacted to Joe Biden Laken Riley’s name mistake. "He finally tried to say her name, but couldn't even say it correctly," tweeted Greene, who found this confusion an "absolute disgrace." "I handed him a pin to remember Laken Riley. He refused to SAY HER NAME!" she added.

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