At the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro, the absence of US President Joe Biden during an official group photo highlighted his increasingly sidelined role on the world stage. The moment underscored concerns that Biden’s influence is fading as former President Donald Trump inches closer to reclaiming the White House. While Biden made his final appeal for global support on pressing issues like Ukraine, Gaza, and climate change, his absence from the photo op raised eyebrows.
Instead of Biden, leaders such as China’s Xi Jinping, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Brazil’s Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva gathered in the front row, chatting and posing for the picture. US officials downplayed the incident, blaming “logistical issues” and claiming the photo was taken too early, before Biden had arrived. Other leaders, including Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, were also absent.
Despite the official explanation, the timing of the incident served as a stark reminder of Biden’s diminished status as a “lame duck” president, especially as Trump’s return looms. The fact that three prominent BRICS leaders countries with a vision to counter Western dominance dominated the photo only added to the perception that Biden’s influence is waning.
Further adding to the tension, footage from the summit showed Biden straying off the red carpet, a seemingly minor mistake that US officials tried to downplay, despite Brazilian media reporting that no other leaders appeared to do the same.
The G20 summit also highlighted Biden’s continued efforts to secure global support on key issues. At the summit, Biden urged leaders to back Ukraine’s sovereignty amidst escalating conflict with Russia. He also called for pressure on Hamas for a ceasefire agreement with Israel. However, Biden’s efforts to push these policies may be short-lived, as Trump’s potential return could reverse many of Biden’s decisions, including his military aid to Ukraine and his policies on Israel and climate change.
As Biden wraps up his presidency, his six-day South American tour has become a frantic attempt to secure his legacy. At the summit, Biden announced a $4 billion pledge for a World Bank fund aimed at supporting the world’s poorest countries a move that may be undone if Trump assumes office and decides to cut funding. Despite his valiant push for global cooperation, Biden’s legacy is increasingly at risk of being overshadowed by Trump’s looming return.
