Joe Biden sparked confusion after ending a speech on gun control by saying “God save the Queen, man.”
The US President uttered the phrase while giving a speech to gun safety advocates at the National Safer Communities Summit in Connecticut on Friday evening.
Mr Biden, 80, told attendees that a storm was heading into the area and therefore he would be unable to shake hands with them.
Joe Biden ended his remarks today calling for gun control by saying, “God save the queen.” No one has any idea what he’s talking about. Seriously, how much longer can this keep going on? pic.twitter.com/bZQzvp23RA
— Clay Travis (@ClayTravis) June 16, 2023
He said: “I will stand in front of each section – no, I really mean it – if you can see the camera they can see you. It is the least consequential part of this whole meeting for you, I promise.”
Then just before putting down his microphone, he added: “All right? God save the Queen, man”.
His critics were quick to jump on the phrase and “God Save the Queen” was soon trending on Twitter.
But other Twitter users pointed out that Mr Biden has used the phrase before to end his speeches.
The White House press office reportedly clarified Mr Biden’s remarks in an email, saying: “He couldn’t do the full ropeline due to weather, and was commenting to someone in the crowd.”