President Biden Faces Criticism for Hosting White House Barbecue Amidst Ongoing Conflict in Israel

President Biden is receiving backlash for hosting a barbecue at the White House Sunday afternoon while a war rages in Israel and there are reports of Americans being held hostage by terrorists.

Concerns Raised by Republicans and Conservatives

Republican Missouri Senator Josh Hawley criticized President Biden on Twitter, stating, “While Hamas holds Americans hostage, Joe Biden is enjoying a picnic with a live band.” Hawley accompanied his tweet with a screenshot of a White House Pool report.

Details from the White House Pool Report

The pool report, sent via email on Sunday evening, mentioned that a reporter could hear a live band playing in the White House vicinity.

The reporter inquired about the band’s presence and received the response from the White House that the President and First Lady were hosting a BBQ for the White House Executive Residence Staff and their families.

Criticism on Social Media

A handful of other conservatives joined Senator Hawley in criticizing the White House for organizing the event, expressing their disapproval on various social media platforms.

Israeli Conflict and Casualties

The barbecue took place after the Israeli government officially declared war on Sunday, marking the first time since the Yom Kippur War of 1973 that such a declaration has been made. This followed surprise attacks launched by the terrorist organization Hamas.

Since the attacks began on Saturday morning, at least 700 people in Israel have lost their lives, and over 2,000 individuals have sustained injuries.

Potential Hostages and American Involvement

Reports indicate that Hamas has taken numerous hostages, including women and children. U.S. officials are currently working to verify whether any American citizens have been captured or killed.