Biden Says “We’re the United States of Amerigotit” in Latest Verbal Slip at DC Conference

Former President Biden’s Speech at LGBTQ+ Conference Marked by Verbal Slip

Former President Joe Biden urged LGBTQ+ leaders to “continue the fight” for equality during an address at the International LGBTQ+ Leaders Conference in Washington, D.C. on Friday, where his message was partially overshadowed by a verbal misstep.

While emphasizing American resilience and values, Biden slurred his words, stating, “We’re the United States of Amerigotit, that’s who we are! We’re the U.S.!” The verbal stumble represents the latest in a series of gaffes that have periodically marked Biden’s public speaking throughout his political career.

The former president’s address centered on mobilizing elected officials, advocates, and community leaders to remain vigilant in defending LGBTQ+ rights during the second Trump administration. Biden expressed concern about the current political climate, telling attendees, “All of us are dismayed by the present state of the union.”

“This is no time to give up. It’s time to get up. Get up and fight back,” Biden urged the audience, framing the struggle for equality as fundamentally about constitutional protection. His remarks reflected the anxiety many LGBTQ+ advocates feel following President Trump’s return to office, amid concerns about potential policy rollbacks affecting the community.

During his speech, Biden directly criticized his successor and the Republican Party’s approach to LGBTQ+ issues. “Donald Trump and the MAGA republicans are trying to distort and derail our fight for equality,” he said. “They’re trying to turn it into something scary, something sinister.”

The former president countered this characterization by positioning equality as a straightforward moral imperative rather than a divisive issue. “At its core, it’s about making every American given the opportunity to be treated with basic decency, dignity, and respect they all deserve. That’s what every single American deserves, every American,” Biden emphasized.

The conference appearance came as tensions between the outgoing and incoming administrations continue to simmer. Trump has signaled intentions to reverse numerous Biden administration policies, particularly those implemented via executive action. This political transition has heightened concerns among many civil rights organizations about the continuity of protections for vulnerable communities.

Biden’s administration had enacted several LGBTQ+ policy initiatives, including reversing the Trump-era ban on transgender individuals serving in the military, expanding anti-discrimination protections, and issuing executive orders strengthening safeguards for LGBTQ+ Americans in housing, healthcare, and education.

In recognition of these efforts, Biden received the Chris Abele Impact Award during the conference. The honor, named after LGBTQ+ Victory Action board member Chris Abele, acknowledges significant contributions to advancing LGBTQ+ rights. The award underscores Biden’s legacy on these issues despite his administration’s abbreviated single term.

The conference occurs at a critical juncture for LGBTQ+ advocacy groups, which are strategizing how to preserve recent gains while preparing for potential challenges under the returning Trump administration. Many organizations have reported increased donations and volunteer engagement since the election, suggesting a mobilization similar to what occurred following Trump’s first victory in 2016.

As Biden transitions to his post-presidential role, his appearance at the conference signals his intention to remain engaged in advocacy for marginalized communities, continuing themes that defined his political career and presidency.