Joe Biden ended a speech in Connecticut at the National Safer Communities Summit at the University of Hartford on Friday by remarking, “God save the Queen, man,” to the audience. The comment comes months after the death of Queen Elizabeth II, who passed at the age of 96, last September.
When asked for context to the quote, White House Principal Deputy Press Secretary Olivia Alair Dalton told CT Insider that Biden was speaking directly to someone in the audience. “He couldn’t do the full rope line due to weather, and was commenting to someone in the crowd,” Dalton wrote in an email.

Joe Biden At A Rally In Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JUNE 17: U.S. President Joe Biden addresses union workers on June 17, 2023, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The labor rally highlights workers and the issues that motivate them to take action in advance of the 2024 election. (Photo by Mark Makela/Getty Images)

Biden previously reflected on Queen Elizabeth II’s passing in a White House statement, last year. “Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was more than a monarch. She defined an era,” Biden wrote at the time. “We first met the queen in 1982, traveling to the UK as part of a Senate delegation. And we were honored that she extended her hospitality to us in June 2021 during our first overseas trip as President and First Lady, where she charmed us with her wit, moved us with her kindness and generously shared with us her wisdom.”

Joe Biden Confuses Supporters

Joe Biden ended his remarks today calling for gun control by saying, “God save the queen.” No one has any idea what he’s talking about. Seriously, how much longer can this keep going on? pic.twitter.com/bZQzvp23RA

— Clay Travis (@ClayTravis) June 16, 2023

Biden also advocated for universal background checks and the outlawing of AR-15s in other parts of his speech. “Many of you are worn out. You’re worn out. No, I understand. Try doing it again while you’re 110 years old, Biden said. We all want families to be protected, whether we are Democrats or Republicans. Without fear that it will be our last time seeing them, we all want to drop them off at a place of worship, a mall, a movie theater, or a school door. As Biden continues to get ready for the impending 2024 presidential election, the speech is being given.