Trump Claims Pope Francis Was ‘Freaking Out’ in Photo with Joe Biden

By: Georgia McKoy | Published: Jun 16, 2024

Donald Trump stirred the pot recently with a bold statement about a moment shared between Joe Biden and Pope Francis at the G7 summit. 

He claimed on his Truth Social platform that the Pope was “freaking out” during their meeting, igniting a flurry of reactions across social media.

The Photo That Caught Trump's Eye

At the G7 summit, a seemingly intimate photo of Pope Francis and President Biden, foreheads close together, circulated widely.

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Close-up view of President Joe Biden and Pope Francis touching foreheads during a conversation

Source: OliLondonTV/X

While many saw it as a sign of warmth, Trump saw it differently, suggesting the Pope was uncomfortable with the closeness. His post raised eyebrows: “Look at the Pope—He’s freaking out! This can’t be normal, can it?”

Analyzing the G7 Greetings

Footage from the summit shows Pope Francis warmly greeting Biden among other leaders, which seemed at odds with Trump’s interpretation. 

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Wide group photo of world leaders with Pope Francis at the center, standing under a modern canopy at the G7 summit in Italy, 2024

Source: POTUS/X

The interactions, captured publicly, offered a stark contrast to the discomfort Trump suggested, leading to varied interpretations of the Pope’s demeanor.

Inside Biden's Vatican Meeting

The White House released a detailed summary of Biden’s discussion with Pope Francis. 

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President Joe Biden and Pope Francis engaged in conversation, with Biden holding a document

Source: Wikimedia Commons

They touched on serious topics, including the Vatican’s efforts to mitigate the humanitarian crisis caused by the conflict in Ukraine, notably their work in helping return abducted Ukrainian children to their families.

Biden's Praise for Pope Francis

In a heartfelt acknowledgement, Biden expressed his profound respect for Pope Francis’s advocacy. 

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Joe Biden engaged in conversation with the Pope

Source: Wikimedia Commons

The official statement highlighted their conversation about global issues like poverty, persecution, and the environmental crises, illustrating a shared commitment to addressing these challenges.

Recalling Mutual Respect and Faith

Joe Biden has openly spoken about his respectful and warm relationship with Pope Francis, recalling their previous meetings with fondness. 

Pope Francis solemnly holding a ceremonial staff, dressed in ornate liturgical vestments during a religious service

Source: Wikimedia Commons

In 2021, he told reporters that Francis was pleased with his dedication to his faith, reflecting a deep personal connection between the two leaders.

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Trump Challenges Biden's Cognitive Health

Trump took a sharp jab at Biden’s cognitive capabilities during a recent speech, questioning his understanding of basic economic terms.

Former President Donald Trump speaking into a microphone at a public event, gesturing with his right hand

Source: Wikimedia Commons

“He doesn’t even know what the word ‘inflation’ means. I think he should take a cognitive test like I did,” Trump declared, stirring controversy and discussion about presidential fitness.

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A Confusing Moment for Trump

In a notable slip-up, Trump misidentified his former White House physician as “Doc Ronny Johnson,” instead of Ronny Jackson, during the same speech. 

Official portrait of Ronny Jackson smiling, set against an American flag backdrop. He wears a dark suit, white shirt, and striped tie

Source: Wikimedia Commons

This error was quickly picked up and circulated by media and critics, pointing to the irony in his comments about Biden’s mental state.

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Trump Lauds His Own Health Record

Despite the mix-up, Trump didn’t hesitate to praise his own health record under Dr. Ronny Jackson’s care. 

Donald Trump smiling and looking to his right while standing at a podium, dressed in a blue suit and tie under blue lighting

Source: Wikimedia Commons

He confidently stated, “Ronny Jackson… said I was the healthiest president, he feels, in history,” using this to bolster his image of robust health during his presidency.

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Trump on Biden's Age and Capacity

Trump continues to focus on Biden’s age, frequently bringing it up as a point of concern regarding his fitness for office.

Donald Trump speaking at the Conservative Political Action Conference in 2014, gesturing with his hand raised

Source: Wikimedia Commons

This strategy is part of a broader narrative Trump is crafting, emphasizing what he perceives as a significant contrast in vigor and mental acuity between himself and Biden.

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Ronny Jackson's Enduring Support for Trump

Ronny Jackson, now a congressman, remains a staunch ally of Trump, often supporting his claims about health and leadership. 

Donald Trump and Ronny Jackson posing together, both smiling, with an American flag in the background

Source: RonnyJacksonTX/X

Jackson’s backing plays a crucial role in reinforcing Trump’s assertions about his fitness and leadership qualities.

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Biden's Team Responds to Trump's Misstep

The Biden campaign quickly responded to Trump’s misnaming of Ronny Jackson, using the gaffe to counter criticisms of Biden’s mental fitness. 

President Joe Biden speaking at a podium with the Presidential Seal, inside the White House

Source: POTUS/X

Newsweek reports that they posted the clip on X (formerly Twitter), highlighting it as part of their strategy to deflect Trump’s ongoing attacks on Biden’s cognitive abilities.

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