The White House has dismissed concerns about the mental capacity of President Joe Biden following what appeared to be an embarrassing incident at a Washington DC event that his political opponents have seized on to question his fitness for office.

Opening a White House-sponsored conference promoting healthy foods and diet, Mr Biden paused his speech to peer into the audience and ask: “Jackie, are you here? Where’s Jackie?” 

He continued: “I think she was going to be here.”

Reporters covering the event believed Mr Biden was referring to a Republican Party member of Congress, Jackie Walorski, who died in a car crash in August. (below)

Ms Walorski had been a promoter of the conference and other bipartisan initiatives to improve the health and wellbeing of Americans.

Mr Biden refused to answer questions when leaving the event (main picture) and the White House media office was soon deluged with media inquiries about the incident including questions about the state of the President’s cognitive facilities and memory.

Republican members of the US Congress also weighed in, saying it was clear Mr Biden was showing his age and was not fit for the high-pressure job of President and leader of the free world.

But a spokesperson for the President dismissed the criticism and concerns.

“I can confidently put to rest all of the claims and concerns that have circulated since the President’s speech,” White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre later told a West Wing media briefing.

“I have spoken to the President and I can categorically deny that he was referring to the late Ms Walorski,” she said as she edged towards the briefing room door.

“He told me he was referring to Jackie Kennedy,” Mr Jean-Pierre said as she ignored shouted questions, ran through the door, and closed it firmly behind her.