Joe Biden has come under fire after mispronouncing the name of Rishi Sunak, who became the first British prime minister of color on Tuesday.
Speaking at the White House on Monday, after Sunak's ascent to 10 Downing Street was confirmed, the president said "Rashid Sanook" is "now the prime minister" of the U.K.
Following cheering from the crowd, the president said: "As my brother would say, go figure. Of 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."
Biden was hosting an event celebrating Diwali, the Hindu festival of light, in the White House's East Room when he made the remarks.
Sunak, a practicing Hindu, replaced Liz Truss as British prime minister on Tuesday morning after meeting King Charles III in Buckingham Palace.
Sunak's parents, both of Indian descent, emigrated to the U.K. in the 1960s from East Africa.
In his first address to the British people after becoming prime minister, Sunak said the government faces "difficult decisions" amidst market concern over Britain's fiscal position.
He said: "The government I lead will not leave the next generation, your children and grandchildren, with a debt to settle that we were too weak to pay ourselves."
Truss announced she would resign on October 20 after less than seven weeks in office, making her the shortest-serving prime minister in British history.
The pound collapsed after she announced a massive unfunded program of tax cuts, after which Truss backtracked and fired her finance minister.
Sunak became Conservative Party leader on Monday after both his rivals, former prime minister Boris Johnson and ex-defense minister Penny Mordaunt, pulled out of the race before submitting nomination papers from 100 Tory MPs as required.
Speaking outside 10 Downing Street on Tuesday morning, before heading to Buckingham Palace to submit her resignation to the king, Truss said it had been a "huge honor to lead the country."
Flanked by her husband and two daughters, she said: "In just a short period this government has acted urgently and decisively. We helped millions of households with their energy bills."
Sunak received messages of congratulations from world leaders on Monday, after it was confirmed he would become British prime minister.
Indian leader Narendra Modi tweeted: "Warmest congratulations Rishi Sunak!
"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."
European Council President Charles Michel said: "Congratulations to Rishi Sunak on becoming the UK's Prime Minister.
"Working together is the only way to face common challenges…and bringing stability is key to overcoming them."
Sunak campaigned for Britain to leave the European Union ahead of the 2016 Brexit referendum.
The White House has been contacted for comment.
Update 10/25/22, 7:11 a.m. ET: This article has been updated to include comment and background information.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
About the writer
James Bickerton is a Newsweek U.S. News reporter based in London, U.K. His focus is covering U.S. politics and world ... Read more
