President Joe Biden recently made headlines during an event at Syracuse University, where he unveiled his official portrait at the College of Law’s Dineen Hall. The ceremony featured an oil-on-canvas painting by Michael Shane Neal, which will be permanently displayed in the Law Library Reading Room for public viewing.
While addressing the audience, Biden called out Jeffrey Scruggs, chairman of the Syracuse University Board of Trustees, jokingly referencing Obama. He gestured for Scruggs to come on stage, delighting the crowd.
Scruggs, who is Black, approached with a smile as the president continued his remarks. Biden added a comment about positioning on stage before they exchanged a handshake, creating a memorable moment.
“I always want to turn around to one guy and say, ‘Barack, what are you doing?’”
Biden pulls Syracuse University Board of Trustees Chairman Jeffrey Scruggs into the spotlight mid-speech, saying he looks like former President Obama during the unveiling of the 46th president’s… pic.twitter.com/ksf5fc0nP7
— Fox News (@FoxNews) April 14, 2026
This event marks one of Biden’s few public appearances since stepping down from office in January 2025. He has kept a lower profile in recent months, making occasional outings to local coffee shops and sporting events in Philadelphia.
In March 2026, Biden participated in the funeral of Rev. Jesse Jackson, where he addressed the current political landscape briefly. His subdued presence comes as he navigates ongoing treatment for prostate cancer, diagnosed last year. Following initial announcements in May, he began hormone therapy and radiation treatment.
Radiation concluded in October 2025, with Biden commemorating the end of treatment by ringing a ceremonial bell alongside his medical team. While metastatic prostate cancer remains incurable, medical experts suggest that it can often be managed effectively with modern therapies.
