Biden slammed as 'tone deaf' for starting 9/11 anniversary speech with joke about his 'high school ball club'

The 46th President took to the stage at a Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson ceremony in Anchorage, Alaska.

Biden was looking to commemorate the lives of nearly 3,000 people who died during the attack on the World Trade Center.

He said: “Governor Dunleavy, it’s good to see you. The Governor and I have something in common: we're both from Scranton, Pennsylvania.

“I wish I had him playing on my high school ball club when I was playing.

“I could've been an All-American having you in front of me.”

The US President later acknowledged yesterday was a “solemn day” but became the first Commander-in-Chief since the attack not to spend the day at an attack site or the White House.

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Biden’s comments provoked outrage on social media, particularly with users affiliated with the Republican Party.

GOP rapid response director Jake Schneider said: “Gross. He can’t not make it about himself, can he?”

Abigail Jackson, who works as communications director for Republican Senator Josh Hawley, sarcastically wrote: “Somber and respectful.”

However, the US President also released a commemorative post on social media which was captioned “Never Forget”.

It added: “Today, we remember the 2,977 precious lives stolen from us on 9/11 and reflect on all that was lost in the fire and ash that September morning.

“The American story itself changed on this day 22 years ago. But what could not — and will not — change is the character of this nation.”

GB News presenter Nigel Farage was among those to heap further pressure on Biden over his decision to steer clear of 9/11 memorials yesterday.

The former Brexit Party leader said: “Having worked for 20 years in the international commodities business, I knew many people that were killed in a tower that day.

“The memorial, the museum, all that has been built there is magnificent.

“How extraordinary that on this day it's Kamala Harris, the Vice President that goes to downtown New York, whereas the president, Joe Biden, goes off to Alaska.

“I would have thought that was deeply inappropriate and frankly on the verge of being insulting.”

Vice President Kamala Harris was among elected officials attending events at the National September 11 Memorial in New York City.

First Lady Jill Biden also laid a wreath at the Pentagon Memorial.