Boris Johnson was still sharing his thoughts on Northern Ireland at the White House, when Joe Biden’s press aides suddenly started shouting at journalists and asking them to leave.
The awkward moment came at the end of the US president’s meeting with the UK prime minister on Tuesday.
Mr Johnson was speaking about the Good Friday Agreement and ensuring nothing the United Kingdom does interrupt the accords with Northern Ireland.
Part-way through his response - as Mr Johnson was responding to questions from two British reporters - he was cut off.
“On that point, Joe, we are completely at one. And I think nobody want to see anything that interrupts or un-balances the Belfast Good Friday...” Mr Johnson was saying before being cut short.
RECENTLY: Conference Staff orders the press and media to leave The White House as UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson speaks with President Biden
— United States News Block (@USNewsBlock) September 21, 2021
pic.twitter.com/9C6o83q4In
It was likely an attempt to stop reporters from asking questions of Mr Biden, who faces mounting pressure over the situation on the southern border.
Afterwards, Mr Biden appeared to quietly say something, but even the journalists in the room struggled to pick it up.
One was heard saying: "I have no idea. Hope the microphone got it,” when asked by a colleague what he said.
On Twitter, some others were distracted by Mr Biden’s body language, interpreting at as cold towards Mr Johnson:
Look at President Biden's body language, he obviously can't stand Johnson!
— RayHindle💙#JohnsonOut,#FBPE ex-RAF,detest#Brexit (@HindleRay) September 21, 2021
Ouch. Biden looks like he can’t get far enough away.
— bat in a hat (@Troyella5) September 21, 2021
Interesting that Johnson wears a mask in the US but not the UK. #PeckingOrder
Interesting body language there. Biden’s got everything crossed and can’t turn far enough away. Johnson’s in slob mode as usual
— Olwen (@ambridgeolwen) September 21, 2021
Loving the Johnson v Biden body language. 🙄😏
— Stephen 🔶 #FBPA #FBPE #FBPEGlobal #FBPPR (@TheStephenRalph) September 21, 2021
Others commented on the fact that Mr Johnson was seen wearing a mask throughout most of his trip - but is a less regular wearer in the UK.
Detail I know, but:
— Prof Colin TALBOT (@colinrtalbot) September 21, 2021
Boris Johnson may be able to parade around without a mask in the Commons and elsewhere.
But not in the Biden Whitehouse. There he has to bend the knee. pic.twitter.com/H4CLD9ufAS
Glad Biden forced Johnson to wear a mask and distance after his handshaking and no mask wearing with Bolsonaro
— sassyjan (@sassyjan3) September 21, 2021
Funny how Boris Johnson has to wear a mask when meeting the President and VP at the White House, yet doesn't wear a mask in Parliament or in Cabinet meetings. Does he care more about Joe Biden than his fellow MPs and Cabinet?
— Dancing bunny hugger, loving fresh air 🕷 ⭐ 3.5% (@dancelightning) September 21, 2021
