Tension Between Obama and Biden? Awkward Moment at Ethel Kennedy's Funeral Draws Attention

Tensions seemed to surface between President Joe Biden and former President Barack Obama during the funeral for Ethel Kennedy on Wednesday in Washington, D.C.

The widow of former Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy passed away last Thursday at the age of 96. She was one of the final prominent figures tied to the "Camelot" era of her brother-in-law, President John F. Kennedy.

Before the funeral service at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle, an exchange between Biden and Obama caught the attention of onlookers, with former President Bill Clinton watching from the side, appearing somewhat uncomfortable.

At one moment, Obama was seen shaking his head "No" while turning away from Biden, his arms folded.

Biden tapped Obama’s arm in an attempt to regain his attention, and the interaction seemed to ease up afterward.

In August, Politico had reported that Biden still held onto some resentment toward Obama and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, among others in the Democratic Party. The frustration stemmed from their role in pushing him to withdraw from the presidential race in July, following his difficult debate performance against Republican Donald Trump.

Biden’s chief frustration with Obama, according to Politico, was that the former president hadn’t addressed any concerns about his candidacy directly with him.

After the June debate, Obama offered support to Biden in a post on X, stating that "bad debate nights happen," but then stayed silent as pressure mounted to remove Biden from the Democratic ticket.

At Ethel Kennedy’s funeral, Biden, Obama, Clinton, Pelosi, and members of the Kennedy family delivered remarks.

Biden appeared notably displeased when Pelosi, during her speech, directly addressed him.

Nevertheless, Pelosi said brightly, "Mr. President, Mr. President, Mr. President. How fitting for Ethel to have three great presidents of the United States speak at her funeral."

Axios recently reported that Pelosi revealed she hasn’t spoken with Biden for months, following her involvement in his removal from the race.