Former President Joe Biden found himself at the center of attention during the Easter holiday weekend after sharing what appeared to be a family gathering photo on social media.

According to the New York Post, social media users raised doubts about the authenticity of a family picture posted by Biden on X, formerly Twitter, suggesting that the 82-year-old might have been digitally inserted into the image.

The controversial photo showed Biden's family members seated on steps in Delaware, with the former president positioned at the top wearing a blue suit. Sharp-eyed observers quickly pointed out several peculiarities in the image, including Biden's unusual hand placement, inconsistent lighting on his face compared to other family members, and an awkward overall positioning that made it unclear whether he was crouching or sitting.

Social media erupts with photoshop speculation

X users meticulously analyzed various aspects of the image, highlighting technical inconsistencies. Many pointed out the apparent discrepancy in lighting between Biden and the rest of his family members, noting that while Jill Biden cast a shadow, her husband did not.

Social media user RedEaglePatriot offered a different perspective, suggesting that while the image appeared doctored, it likely wasn't manipulated. The user noted that Biden's hand placement on someone's back indicated the photo might be genuine despite its awkward appearance.

One X user shared detailed observations about the technical aspects of the image:

I mean this is obviously photoshopped right? Is he supposed to be standing? Crouching down? This doesn't even look like a plausible physically position guys.

White House response to mounting criticism

Kelly Scully, Biden's spokesperson, addressed the growing controversy on Tuesday. She firmly denied any manipulation of the photograph, dismissing the allegations as baseless claims propagated by internet users.

The photo controversy comes at a time when Biden has largely remained out of the public eye since the Democrats' loss in November. His recent public appearance was marked by a speech on Social Security in Chicago last week. The image notably excluded Hunter Biden, adding another layer of discussion to the ongoing debate about the authenticity of the family photograph.

Technical analysis raises more questions

Several social media users with photography expertise highlighted specific technical elements that appeared suspicious. They noted issues with Biden's forearm length and the physical impossibility of his finger placement given the arm angle shown.

Tennessee Star reporter Tom Pappert questioned why Biden wore full formal attire and TV makeup for what was supposed to be an intimate family photo. The contrast between his appearance and the casual nature of the gathering drew additional scrutiny. Other observers pointed to Jill Biden's hair appearing altered on her right side, where it met with her husband's blue suit, further fueling speculation about image manipulation.

Looking beyond the Easter controversy

The photoshop allegations have emerged against the backdrop of Biden's diminished public presence following his presidential debate performance against President Donald Trump in the 2024 campaign.

Kelly Scully addressed the mounting criticism by stating emphatically: "This is a bizarre and false claim. Reporting based on random internet posts is irresponsible." While the controversy continues to generate discussion online, the incident highlights ongoing public scrutiny of Biden's public appearances and social media presence since leaving office.

Current status and future implications

The Easter family photo controversy has sparked intense debate about authenticity in political imagery. Biden's current position away from the political spotlight since the November election defeat has been punctuated by this social media incident. The former president's team maintains the photo's authenticity despite widespread speculation. The situation reflects the increasing scrutiny of political figures' social media presence and the public's growing awareness of potential digital manipulation in shared images.