During a Halloween event at the White House on October 30, President Joe Biden’s playful interactions with costumed babies ignited a mix of amusement and concern across social media. Photographs emerged showing Biden humorously pretending to nibble on the legs of infants dressed in various costumes, including a standout image of him playfully biting the leg of a baby dressed as a chicken.
The images quickly went viral, prompting a wave of reactions online. Many users found the moment endearing, with comments such as, “Somebody give him an ice cream,” referencing Biden’s well-known love for the treat. However, the reaction was not universally positive. Some commenters expressed discomfort, with one stating, “That’s the creepiest photo I’ve seen in a while,” while another accused Biden of being a “creepy toucher.”
Criticism continued, with some users calling for the president to “keep his grubby hands, teeth, and nose away from children,” and labeling the behavior as “pervy.” Another wrote, “This is not normal behavior; this is very pervy pedo behavior,” echoing sentiments of unease surrounding the interactions. A particularly strong reaction stated, “Keep him away from my kids,” reflecting a significant divide in public perception.
The Halloween incident comes amid ongoing controversies surrounding Biden, particularly regarding his recent remarks about supporters of his political opponents. During a call, Biden reportedly described Trump supporters as “garbage,” leading to further debate on social media.
Biden has not publicly commented on the Halloween photos or the responses they have generated. His press secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre, did address the “garbage” remark, clarifying that Biden did not consider Trump supporters as such.
As the online discourse continues, the incident raises questions about the nature of political figures’ interactions with children and the varying interpretations of their behavior in public settings.