U.S. President Joe Biden overruled his staff on Monday during an event at the White House, inviting children up on a stage with him.
He was given on-stage directions for a photo-op honouring women’s soccer team Gotham FC, but the president said he decided to ignore those instructions and would “do what he wants.”
After shaking hands with elementary and middle school students, Biden surprisingly called out his staffers, much to the delight of the crowd.
“You know, I thought when I got to be president, I’d get to do things that I want to do. But my staff tells me what I can’t do,” Biden said after walking into the event holding hands with star player Ali Krieger, the New York Post reported.
“But I’m going to do it anyway,” he said, before defying his aides’ orders and calling for the team and children with them to join him on stage.
“All the young women, young kids out there — that are out there, come on up and do this with me,” he said.
“Stand behind me, would you. Just come on.”
A moment later, Biden added, “And the guys.”
Biden was surrounded by the children and players as they stood around the soon-to-be-former president while he held up a customized jersey with the championship team.
According to the Post, some of the president’s remarks to the kids were inaudible, but he was heard on the microphone asking some for their names.
Biden did not specify why his staff barred such interactions, but in the past, he has been accused of appearing extra affectionate and touchy-feely with attendees at public events, resulting in Republicans calling him “Creepy Joe,” the outlet noted.
Biden previously faced allegations from women who accused the president of unwanted touching and kissing, and he vowed to be “more mindful about respecting personal space in the future.”
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