Speaking in Queens, New York after the neighbourhood was dealt a massive blow by Hurricane Ida, Joe Biden moved to end his remarks with a touching moment, addressing a child who was standing on a balcony holding an American flag. However, he did not melt many hearts after telling the child "don't jump".
Biden spoke to the youngster after Senator Chuck Schumer pointed at the child, saying: "Look at that nice kid with the American flag, say hello". The president smiled and greeted the child, asking his age and, after getting "seven" in response, saying: "You are getting old!".
He then went on for a small spirit-lifting remark: "By the way, the neat thing about America, every time we end up with a problem going into a serious circumstance, we come out better than when we came in. That's because we are so diverse, that's America. Be proud of it", adding: "And don't jump!"
Although his comment was met with a laughter in the crowd, some netizens were not so ecstatic about the joke.
Several people pondered what the reaction would have been had former President Donald Trump said that.
Biden's remarks, which sometimes turn into bizarre gaffes, often go viral. Most recently, he forgot a moment from his daughter's wedding, with his attempts to recall it mocked online.
The US president travelled to New York on Tuesday to discuss the aftermath of the devastating Hurricane Ida, accompanied by Senator Chuck Schumer and New York Governor Kathy Hochul.