The absence of Joe Biden from the G20 leaders’ group photo in Rio de Janeiro raised eyebrows but was explained by U.S. officials as a logistical issue. Biden, who was meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, reportedly arrived after the photo was taken. This left China's Xi Jinping, India's Narendra Modi, and Brazil's Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva as the most prominent leaders in the image.
The incident, along with other challenges during the summit, highlights the complex dynamics of Biden’s late-stage presidency as he seeks to solidify international alliances amid uncertainty about Donald Trump’s potential return to the White House. Biden used the G20 summit to reinforce support for Ukraine, Gaza, and climate change initiatives while facing questions about the future of his policies if Trump resumes office.
Despite these challenges, Biden announced significant initiatives, such as a $4 billion pledge for a World Bank fund to support impoverished nations and promoted his climate change legacy with a visit to the Amazon rainforest. However, the looming possibility of Trump reversing key policies casts a shadow over Biden’s efforts, leaving world leaders bracing for potential shifts in U.S. foreign policy.
