President Joe Biden found himself in hot water for the second time this week after photos from the annual White House Halloween celebration went viral.
Photos and video from the event showed the 46th president playfully biting several babies as they trick-or-treated in front of the White House.
Biden, 81, pretended to nibble on the arms, legs, and toes of at least four costumed children as his wife, who was dressed as a panda, handed out Halloween-themed books and he handed out candy.
“Remember when Joe Biden’s dog Major bit people at the White House at least 24 times. Maybe he learned it from his owner,” someone on social media wrote.
Biden was pictured playfully biting the leg of a young child dressed as a chicken and the arm of a baby dressed in a ghost outfit. He also brought the feet of two other children to his mouth.
Although it appeared none of the guardians seemed to mind, social media was appalled by his actions.
“Joe Biden sucking on a baby’s foot at The White House Halloween Party. HOW is this guy still in Office? Who approves of this disgusting behavior?” one person questioned.
During the White House Halloween party, Biden is seen biting the legs of babies. Though it’s playful, it looks very weird,” another observed.
Biden’s behavior during the event forced the White House to respond Thursday.
According to KOMO News, when pressed for an explanation, White House spokesperson Andrew Bates referred to an article by Axios, which featured an image of President Biden biting a baby. Underneath the photo was the caption, “Biden jokingly bites the leg of a baby dressed as a chicken.”
Bates highlighted the word “jokingly,” though it is unclear what the joke was.