Biden Mistakes Syracuse Trustee for Obama at Portrait Unveiling

The former president awkwardly calls for the Black trustee to join him on stage, saying he 'looks like' the 44th president.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 2:10am

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An abstract, fragmented painting depicting two figures in suits, one dark and one light, standing at a podium, with the figures repeated in overlapping geometric shapes and waves of color, conveying a sense of motion and disorientation.The awkward exchange between Biden and the Syracuse trustee he mistook for Obama highlights ongoing racial sensitivity issues in American politics.Syracuse Today

During a portrait unveiling event at Syracuse University, former President Joe Biden mistook the school's Black Board of Trustees chairman, Jeffrey Scruggs, for former President Barack Obama. Biden repeatedly called for Scruggs to join him on stage, saying 'Barack, what are you doing?' and commenting that Scruggs 'looks like' Obama, despite Scruggs' apparent reluctance.

Why it matters

The incident highlights Biden's tendency for verbal gaffes and raises questions about racial sensitivity, as some have criticized the moment as 'racist.' It also underscores the continued presence of racial stereotyping, even among the highest levels of political leadership.

The details

At the event, Biden spotted Scruggs, who is Black, on stage and mistook him for his former colleague Obama. Biden repeatedly called for Scruggs to join him at the podium, saying 'Come here, come here, come here' and commenting 'Doesn't he look like Barack?' Scruggs eventually walked over, shaking his head and disagreeing with Biden's assessment.

  • The portrait unveiling event took place on Tuesday, April 15, 2026.

The players

Joe Biden

The 83-year-old former president of the United States.

Jeffrey Scruggs

The chairman of the Syracuse University Board of Trustees, who is Black and was mistaken by Biden for former President Barack Obama.

Barack Obama

The 44th president of the United States, who Biden mistakenly thought Scruggs resembled.

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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

“'Doesn't he look like Barack?'”

— Joe Biden, Former President

“'Well, you know, I try.'”

— Jeffrey Scruggs, Syracuse University Board of Trustees Chairman

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges around racial sensitivity and stereotyping, even at the highest levels of government. It underscores the need for greater awareness and care when addressing individuals, particularly those from diverse backgrounds.