(Luis Cornelio, Headline USA) Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader took an apparent swipe at U.S. President Joe Biden during a Friday meeting in the Oval Office.
The incident occurred as Abinader extended an invitation to Biden for the 2025 Summit of the Americas, which is scheduled to take place in Punta Cana, one of the Caribbean’s most-desired tourist destinations.
“You will have time to be on the beach,” a smirking Abinader quipped, drawing a chuckle from Biden. Notably, Punta Cana, situated along the east coast of the island, boasts crystal-clear water beaches and lavish resorts.
Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader tells Biden the next Summit of the Americas “will be in Punta Cana, so you’ll have time to be on the beach” pic.twitter.com/3HjtNUHW6x
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) November 2, 2023
The Dominican Republic president previously emphasized, “Mr. President, we look forward to welcoming you soon to the Dominican Republic at the next Summit of the Americas in 2025, where we will continue to develop the goals of prosperity, security and democracy that binds us together.”
In the wake of this incident, social media was abuzz with reactions, particularly from conservative voices. Human Events podcaster Jack Posobiec remarked, “Gettin clowned by the President of the DR,” while political commentator Tim Young lamented, “The world is laughing at us…”
Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader TROLLS Joe Biden: The next Summit of the Americas “will be in Punta Cana, so you’ll have time to be on the beach” 🤣
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) November 2, 2023
Abinader’s apparent mockery of Biden came at a time when Biden has faced criticism for his perceived nonchalant approach to governance. The Republican National Committee recently issued a report alleging that Biden has spent a significant portion of his presidency on vacation, with an estimated 40% of his tenure, or 382 out of 957 days, away from the White House.
Despite the Biden embarrassment, Abinader pressed about security concerns in neighboring Haiti, which has been grappling with an escalating wave of violence and gang-related activities.
In a tweet, Biden thanked Abinader for the visit. “President Luis Abinader, it was great meeting with you,” Biden said on a tweet. “Like I said today, the United States’ and Dominican Republic’s partnership is stronger than ever before – a reality that will allow us both to expand economic opportunity, counter corruption, and tackle the climate crisis.”
President Luis Abinader, it was great meeting with you.
Like I said today, the United States’ and Dominican Republic’s partnership is stronger than ever before – a reality that will allow us both to expand economic opportunity, counter corruption, and tackle the climate crisis. pic.twitter.com/0s7eBnAvne
— President Biden (@POTUS) November 2, 2023