Video footage circulating on social media shows Republican Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst making a comment about President Joe Biden’s claim that his uncle was eaten by cannibals in Papua New Guinea during World War II. The incident occurred as Ernst was leaving the stage after a conference focused on the border crisis and engaged in a conversation with Republican Louisiana Sen. John Kennedy. In the footage, Ernst can be heard saying, “In essence, one should always be cautious when placing trust in an individual whose uncle fell victim to cannibalism.”
HOT MIC: @SenJoniErnst to @SenJohnKennedy following the Senate GOP border press conference — "Bottom line, never trust a man whose uncle was eaten by cannibals."
😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/eb8mUGhc0r
— Joe Karwacki (@JoeKarwacki) June 4, 2024
Ernst’s joke seemed to allude to the president’s previous statements in April during his speech at a war memorial in Pennsylvania. Biden was recounting the story of his uncle, Second Lt. Ambrose J. Finnegan Jr., who he claimed was shot down over Papua New Guinea during the war. According to a CBS News report, Biden mentioned that the body was never found due to the presence of cannibals in that region.
These remarks made by the president offended Prime Minister James Marape of the country, who accused Biden of disrespecting the nation by portraying its citizens as savages. “While President Biden’s comments may have been unintentional, it is unfair to label my country in such a manner,” he expressed to The Associated Press.