Share on FacebookIn May 2013, the Obama administration was navigating a storm of political scandals. But on one particularly wet day in the Rose Garden, it wasn’t just metaphorical clouds hanging over the White House—it was literal rain.
President Obama was scheduled to hold a joint press conference with Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Running 47 minutes behind, the two leaders stepped out into the drizzle to face reporters.
With confidence, Obama opened by acknowledging the rain: “I’m sorry the weather’s not fully cooperating with our lovely Rose Garden press conference, but I think we’ll be OK.”
A Host With Umbrella Manners
The rain didn’t let up. As the leaders prepared to take questions, the drizzle turned into a steady downpour. Always quick with a quip, Obama asked, “Mr. Prime Minister, do you want an umbrella? Because we can arrange it, if you need it.”
Erdoğan declined. Instead, he suggested the weather might encourage brief questions and even briefer answers.
Still, President Obama decided it was time to call in backup—presidential-style. “Why don’t we get a couple of Marines—they’re going to look good next to us,” he joked, as uniformed servicemen stepped in to hold umbrellas for both leaders. Meanwhile, members of the press stood unprotected in the rain.
A Moment of Levity—or a Breach of Protocol?
The gesture sparked mixed reactions. Some viewed it as lighthearted and pragmatic. Others criticized the optics of using Marines to shield the president from rain, arguing that it sent the wrong message during a time of scandal. While there’s no regulation strictly forbidding Marines from holding umbrellas, some commentators pointed to long-standing military customs and questioned the moment’s symbolism.
The Clouds Part—Literally
In a fitting twist, minutes later the sun broke through. Obama stepped out from under the umbrella and dismissed the Marines with a smile. The press conference continued, this time with dry suits and clear skies.
It was a small moment during a politically charged time—but one that reminded viewers just how closely the president’s every move is watched. Whether you saw it as presidential charm or poor optics, the image of Marines holding umbrellas in the Rose Garden became yet another snapshot in the ongoing conversation about politics, power, and perception.
