State Department denies Blinken’s message to Germans about Biden missing meeting for bedtime.
The State Department has refuted claims made by the Wall Street Journal suggesting that President Biden snubbed a meeting with German high officials to sleep. According to the WSJ report, Germany had arranged a meeting between Biden and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz at the Schloss Elmau resort in Bavaria following the June 2022 G-7 summit.
It was alleged that Secretary of State Antony Blinken appeared at the early evening lounge meeting without Biden and informed those present that the President would not be attending because he needed to go to bed, as reported by two sources speaking to the WSJ.
However, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller has categorically denied these claims, stating that Secretary Blinken never made such remarks. This statement was reiterated by the State Department to the WSJ in response to the original report.
A source familiar with the 2022 meeting described it as an informal gathering in the lounge, where Biden was never expected to be present. Blinken has stood by Biden’s side in the aftermath of a contentious debate with former President Trump, defending the President’s performance.
During an event at the Brookings Institute on July 1, Blinken expressed confidence that global observers continue to support Biden despite concerns over his performance in the debate. He highlighted Biden’s efforts to strengthen alliances and partnerships, emphasizing the President’s commitment to reestablishing America’s role in the world.
Blinken stated that under Biden’s leadership, confidence in American leadership has significantly risen, indicating widespread approval of the President’s approach to international relations.
