Biden Compares Black Trustee to Obama at Syracuse Portrait Unveiling

The president's gaffe-prone remark during the event sparked debate on social media.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 12:21am

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A serene, cinematic painting of an empty university auditorium stage, with a lone podium bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, conveying a sense of political reflection and nostalgia.Biden's awkward comparison of a Black university trustee to former President Obama at a portrait unveiling event sparks debate over the president's tendency for verbal missteps.Syracuse Today

Former President Joe Biden raised eyebrows at Syracuse University on Tuesday after making an awkward on-stage remark comparing a Black member of the school's Board of Trustees to former President Barack Obama during the unveiling of his portrait. The comment sparked debate on social media, with some criticizing Biden's gaffe-prone behavior and others defending it as a joke.

Why it matters

Biden's remark highlighted his tendency for verbal missteps, which have been a recurring issue throughout his political career. The incident also sparked discussions about racial sensitivity and the appropriate way for public figures to address issues of diversity.

The details

During the event, Biden was addressing the law school's leadership by name when he made the awkward joke, saying 'I always want to turn around to one guy and say.. 'Barack what are you doing?' as the audience laughed. Biden then added, 'I feel like he should be standing on the right and I should be standing on the left,' referring to the Black trustee, Scruggs, and the former president.

  • Biden returned to his alma mater Syracuse University on April 15, 2026 to celebrate the unveiling of his portrait.

The players

Joe Biden

The former president of the United States who was unveiling his portrait at Syracuse University.

Scruggs

A Black member of Syracuse University's Board of Trustees whom Biden awkwardly compared to former President Barack Obama.

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What they’re saying

“I always want to turn around to one guy and say.. 'Barack what are you doing?'”

— Joe Biden, Former President

“I feel like he should be standing on the right and I should be standing on the left.”

— Joe Biden, Former President

The takeaway

Biden's gaffe-prone behavior during the portrait unveiling event highlighted the ongoing scrutiny and criticism he faces over his verbal missteps, which have been a recurring issue throughout his political career. The incident also sparked discussions about racial sensitivity and the appropriate way for public figures to address issues of diversity.