Focus on the BIG picture.
Tuesday, Mar 17, 2026

Biden Absent as Key Leaders Gather for G20 Photo in Rio

Missing from group photo highlights Biden's evolving role on the world stage.
At the final G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro, US President Joe Biden was notably absent from the official group photograph with other world leaders, highlighting his increasingly marginal role as his presidency winds down.

Despite efforts to rally support for global issues, including Ukraine, Gaza, and climate change, Biden missed the photo opportunity due to 'logistical issues,' according to American officials.

While leaders like China's Xi Jinping, India's Narendra Modi, and Brazil's Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva took part in the photo, Biden was reportedly en route from talks with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau when the photo was taken.

Others, like Trudeau and Italy's Giorgia Meloni, were also absent.

Biden's absence and other incidents at the summit exemplify his diminished influence just as Donald Trump prepares to re-enter the White House.

Biden, who withdrew from the US presidential race after a poor debate performance, made his recently concluded South American tour in a bid to assure global leaders of stability amidst looming changes.

During this summit, Biden's agenda included securing international backing for Ukraine's sovereignty after authorizing Kyiv's use of long-range missiles—a decision potentially subject to reversal by Trump.

He also advocated for pressure on Hamas concerning a ceasefire with Israel.

Biden's initiatives, such as a $4 billion World Bank pledge for aiding impoverished nations, face uncertainty with Trump's impending policies, including his appointment of Elon Musk to a commission on reducing government spending.

Despite these challenges, Biden utilized his final moments on the international stage to solidify his legacy and ensure continuity of his administration's policies against Trump's contrasting foreign policy.

His efforts in the Amazon rainforest emphasized climate change advocacy amid threats of the US withdrawing from the Paris accord under a Trump administration.
Newsletter

Related Articles

0:00
0:00
Close
Trump Says US Asked China to Delay Beijing Summit With Xi by ‘a Month or So’
Trump and Vice President Vance Hold Executive Order Signing Ceremony at the White House
Debate Emerges Over Potential Architectural Changes to the White House Exterior
President Trump Meets Kennedy Center Board at White House Lunch
White House Signals Possible Shift in Timing for Trump–Xi Talks
White House Signals Possible Shift in Timing for Trump–Xi Talks
Trump Administration Rule Ends License Renewals for Many Immigrant Truck Drivers
US Intelligence Assessment Says Iran’s Leadership Is Consolidating Power Despite Military Pressure
Trump Reveals White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles Diagnosed With Early-Stage Breast Cancer
Growing Doubts Among Young Americans Who Once Backed Donald Trump
Washington State Suspect Arrested Over Super Bowl Weekend Shooting That Injured Six in San Jose
Washington State Suspect Arrested Over Super Bowl Weekend Shooting That Injured Six in San Jose
Trump Warns NATO Faces ‘Very Bad’ Future Without Stronger Allied Support in Iran Conflict
UK Minister Says Britain Not Bound to Support Every Demand From U.S. President
Starmer Says UK Working With Allies on Hormuz Shipping Plan After Trump Raises Pressure
Trump Intensifies Push for European Support to Secure Strait of Hormuz
Japan and Australia Decline U.S. Call for Naval Escorts in Strait of Hormuz
Pentagon Signs $96 Million Rare Earths Supply Deal With Australia’s Lynas
Pentagon Signs $96 Million Rare Earths Supply Deal With Australia’s Lynas
Thailand Orders Return of 284 Tonnes of Illegal Electronic Waste to the United States
Trump Returns to the White House After Weekend at Mar-a-Lago, Resuming Full Presidential Schedule
White House Signals Iran Conflict Likely to Continue for Several More Weeks
Trump Appointee Floats Proposal to Replace White House Entrance Columns with More Ornate Classical Design
White House Seeks International Coalition to Secure Gulf Shipping and Stabilize Global Energy Markets
White House Seeks International Coalition to Secure Gulf Shipping and Stabilize Global Energy Markets
Immigration Data Becomes Harder to Access as Trump Administration Intensifies Deportation Campaign
Olympia Becomes First City in Washington to Enact Legal Protections for Polyamorous Relationships
Ed Davey Urges Britain to Build Fully Independent Nuclear Missile Capability
US Treasury Links British Polo Patrons to Alleged Venezuelan Oil Proceeds Laundering Scheme
Starmer and Trump Discuss Urgent Need to Reopen Strait of Hormuz Amid Escalating Iran Conflict
Trump Anticipates Historic UFC Fight Night on White House Lawn Featuring Elite Fighters
White House’s Social Media War Messaging Draws Scrutiny as Iran Conflict Intensifies
White House Softens Tone on Deportations After Minneapolis Immigration Crackdown
Latin America Faces Renewed U.S. Push for Militarized Anti-Cartel Campaign
Richard Grenell Concludes Dramatic Tenure Overhauling the Kennedy Center Under Trump’s Cultural Agenda
Temporary U.S. Waiver on Russian Oil Sanctions Sparks Debate Over Impact on Ukraine War
Flights Delayed at Washington and Baltimore Airports After Chemical Odor at Air Traffic Control Center
Mild Weekend Weather Expected Before Strong Storm System Threatens Mid-Atlantic on Monday
Inside the Transformation of The Washington Post Under Jeff Bezos
Inside the Transformation of The Washington Post Under Jeff Bezos
Trump Announces U.S. Precision Strikes on Iran’s Kharg Island, Center of Tehran’s Oil Economy
Trump Announces U.S. Precision Strikes on Iran’s Kharg Island, Center of Tehran’s Oil Economy
Washington’s Housing Crackdown on Investors Raises Fears of Market Shock
Trump Urges Britain and Allies to Deploy Warships to Safeguard Strait of Hormuz
Trump Urges Britain and Allies to Deploy Warships to Safeguard Strait of Hormuz
Australia Warned of Growing Cyber Threat as Iran-Linked Hackers Expand Attacks on US Allies
Rare March Snow Dusts Western Washington Lowlands After Sudden Cold Snap
Trump Signs Order Targeting Fraudulent ‘Made in America’ Labels to Protect U.S. Manufacturing
Trump Signs Order Targeting Fraudulent ‘Made in America’ Labels to Protect U.S. Manufacturing
White House Condemns CNN for Airing Statement From Iran’s Supreme Leader During Wartime Coverage
×