President Joe Biden took time out of his address on Thursday to convey his sympathies to the family of Jo-Ann Stores CFO Matt Susz, who died unexpectedly the day before.
The homage, however, fell short for many onlookers once the president announced Susz’s death.
Members of Congress and industry executives were in attendance to commemorate Biden’s signing of the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2022 at the White House, where members of Congress and company executives were in attendance to celebrate the new law aimed at decreasing shipping prices on US products.
Pres. Biden to CEO of Joann Inc.: "My sympathies to the family of your CFO, who dropped dead very unexpectedly." pic.twitter.com/dAT0nuDaMe
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) June 16, 2022
“By the way, my sympathies to your – the family of your CFO, who dropped dead very unexpectedly. My best to their family, that’s tough stuff.” Biden remarked, addressing Jo-Ann Stores CEO Wade Miquelon, who was there for the meeting.
The president’s emotion looked sincere, but people chimed in as video of his remarks circulated online.
People’s reactions varied from cringe-worthy memes to critics who claimed Biden’s gesture was cruel, uncaring, and boorish. Some quipped that the phrase dropped dead would never appear on a sympathy card, while others considered the botched condolences effort insulting.
Biden is known for offering condolences and words of consolation to family members who have died. In his own life, he has suffered significant losses, including the sad deaths of his first wife and daughter in a car accident in 1972, as well as his son Beau, who died of brain disease in 2015.
The president has long been prone to gaffes, some of which fans dismiss as an innocent facet of his personality, while others view as potentially harmful to the United States’ international standing.
