In an emotional speech, President Joe Biden shared a controversial account of his uncle’s experiences during World War II.
On the morning of April 17, 2024, during a visit to a war memorial in Scranton, Pennsylvania, President Biden implied that his uncle, Ambrose Finnegan, may have fallen victim to cannibalism after his plane was shot down over New Guinea. He noted that while remnants of the aircraft were later discovered, his uncle’s body was never found.
In a subsequent address in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, he repeated the narrative about the absence of Finnegan’s body and associated his disappearance with the region’s historical cannibalistic practices. This speculation was met with disapproval from some residents of Papua New Guinea, emphasizing the sensitivity of historical practices.
The president’s comments generated confusion and criticism, compelling the White House to clarify that there was no supporting evidence for this claim. Pentagon records indicate that Finnegan’s plane crash was due to engine failure over the Pacific, not enemy action or cannibalism.
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre highlighted President Biden’s personal narrative about his uncle’s wartime death to emphasize Biden’s respect for the military. She juxtaposed this narrative with allegations that former President Trump had derogatorily referred to U.S. service members, allegations Trump vehemently denied.
James Marape, the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, responded to President Biden’s comments, suggesting they might have been a careless mistake but underlining that such labels are undeserved for his nation. Marape also called on the U.S. to help resolve WWII-related historical issues to provide clarity on the fate of missing servicemen like Ambrose Finnegan.
Maholopa Laveil, an economics lecturer at the University of Papua New Guinea, voiced concerns about President Biden’s comments. He condemned these statements as detrimental and unhelpful, highlighting the negative portrayal of Papua New Guinea amidst challenges like riots and tribal conflicts. Laveil pointed out that these unfounded claims were particularly inappropriate given the recent diplomatic engagements and cooperative projects between the U.S. and Papua New Guinea.
However, not all reactions to Biden’s comments were negative. Allan Bird, the governor of East Sepik in Papua New Guinea, responded with humor, attributing them to stories Biden may have heard during his youth.
Contrary to Biden’s narrative, official reports from the Pentagon’s Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency indicate that Finnegan’s plane crashed into the ocean due to mechanical failure, not enemy action, with all but one crew member perishing.
