Joe Biden mistakenly called Ukraine Iraq and dropped his ice cream in a “gaffe” filled clandestine trip to Harvard University, according to its student newspaper. The Harvard Crimson revealed his visit came as a surprise to students on Wednesday 17 April, after he was secretly invited to speak at a small politics seminar by senior advisor and Harvard fellow, Mike Donilon.
Biden reportedly arrived shortly before 3pm for a photo opportunity with the Institute of Politics Student Advisory Committee, before heading to the private seminar with a select group of around 50 students. The Harvard Crimson reported: “His appearance was marked by gaffes of the sort that became political lightning rods during the 2024 presidential race, including mistakenly referring to Ukraine as Iraq while discussing Russia’s invasion before Donilon corrected him.”
It added: “When Biden bit into an ice cream bar after the talk, the partially melted dessert fell to the floor.”
The 82-year-old’s appearance was not advertised online, making one of his few public outings since the Presidential race ever more exclusive.
His visit was organised weeks before Harvard’s confrontation with President Trump, which came to boiling point after it refused demands to change hiring and courses.
As a result, Harvard potentially faces its tax-exempt status being revoked, and a £1.5 billion ($2.2 billion) funding freeze.
The former President reportedly celebrated Harvard’s refusal, saying: “Harvard stepped up in a way no one else has. You should be really thankful.”
When word got out about Biden’s visit, a group of pro-Palestinian students attempted to disrupt the event by protesting outside the building, where they chanted, rang bells, and hammered drums.
One attendee said the noise was faint and indistinguishable inside, but audible, reported The Harvard Crimson.
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