Joe Biden mispronounces Rishi Sunak’s name in Diwali speech

A bit of a blunder from the president

Joe Biden mispronounced Rishi Sunak during a speech in which he congratulated the new Tory leader for becoming the first person of colour to hold the job of prime minister.

The US president was speaking at an event in Washington on Monday evening to mark the beginning of Diwali.

He labelled Sunak’s appointment as the first non-white PM “a groundbreaking milestone,” highlighting how significant it is that a person of colour can rise to the highest political office in the country.

But it sounds like he may need a bit of practice with saying the new prime minister’s name, calling him ‘Rashee Sanook.’

The president said: “And whether it’s the United Kingdom, where just today, we’ve got news that Rishi Sunak is now the prime minister. As my brother would say, ‘go figure’,” Mr Biden said.

“And the Conservative Party, expected to become the Prime Minister, I think, tomorrow when he goes to see the King.

“Pretty astounding. A groundbreaking milestone. And it matters, it matters.”

'"Go figure!"

US President Joe Biden reacts to incoming prime minister Rishi Sunak's 'ground-breaking' win.

Latest 👉 https://t.co/jUh3qMyzSV pic.twitter.com/fMNj07DyzR

— Sky News (@SkyNews) October 25, 2022

Later, the president tweeted his congratulations to Sunak on becoming the UK’s new Prime Minister.

He added: “Together, I look forward to enhancing our cooperation on issues critical to global security and prosperity, including continuing our strong support for Ukraine.”

Congratulations to Rishi Sunak on becoming Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

Together, I look forward to enhancing our cooperation on issues critical to global security and prosperity, including continuing our strong support for Ukraine.

— President Biden (@POTUS) October 25, 2022

Sunak’s grandparents were from Punjab before the Indian subcontinent was divided into India and Pakistan. In the 1960s, his parents then moved to the UK from East Africa, with Sunak later born in 1980.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted his congratulations to the new PM, saying that he “looks forward to working closely together on global issues.”

He added: “Special Diwali wishes to the ‘living bridge’ of UK Indians, as we transform our historic ties into a modern partnership.”

Warmest congratulations @RishiSunak! As you become UK PM, I look forward to working closely together on global issues, and implementing Roadmap 2030. Special Diwali wishes to the 'living bridge' of UK Indians, as we transform our historic ties into a modern partnership.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 24, 2022

Sunak became the third prime minister in the last two months on Tuesday, just four days after Liz Truss’ resignation.

In his first speech as PM, he said he had been elected as Tory leader to “fix” the “mistakes” made by his predecessor.