Biden's struggle to remember key Cabinet official’s name left allies 'shaken up': report
President Biden has faced increase scrutiny over his mental acuity since last week's presidential debate
By Adam Shaw Fox News
Published July 3, 2024 11:59am EDT
A public moment last month when President Biden appeared temporarily unable to say the name of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas reportedly left allies alarmed and "shaken up."
The incident took place on June 18 at an event celebrating the anniversary of the 2012 Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which protected some illegal immigrants from deportation.
As he spoke, Biden introduced Mayorkas, who has served in a high-profile role since 2021 and has been the main official dealing with the ongoing crisis at the southern border.
"Thanks to all the members of the Congress and Homeland Security Secretary," he said, pausing. "I…I’m not sure I’m going to introduce you all the way."
He then added, "But all kidding aside, Secretary Mayorkas."
The New York Times reported this week that two people with a clear view of Biden, who has fought a stutter throughout his life, said that his soft-spoken mumbling and fumbling over words left some concerned.
The Times reported that President Biden's tone and the struggle to name Mayorkas led to allies trading "alarmed looks" and later describing themselves as "shaken up." However, another person said they hoped it was a "one-off" bad moment for Biden.
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https://www.foxnews.com/politics/bidens-struggle-remember-key-cabinet-officials-name-left-allies-shaken-up-report
