In a press briefing at the White House this week, President Joe Biden stood by while his staff rushed reporters out of the room after being asked about Senator Chuck Schumer’s recent speech on Israel. The incident marks yet another instance of the Biden administration’s lack of transparency and disregard for the free press.
Biden, who was meeting with Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar, was asked about Schumer’s controversial speech where he bashed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and called for early elections. Despite the speech being widely criticized by many Americans, Biden praised Schumer and claimed that he shared the same concerns.
“Sen. Schumer contacted my staff, my senior staff, he was going to make that speech, and I’m not going to exag — er — elaborate on the speech, he made a good speech, and I think he expressed serious concern shared not only by him, but by many Americans,” Biden replied.
But as reporters pressed for more information, Biden sat back in silence, wearing a half smile while his staff quickly ushered them out of the room. The president’s reluctance to engage with the media and answer tough questions was shocking again, which continues to beg the question- what are they hiding?
It is no secret that the Biden administration has had a rocky relationship with the press. Press Secretary Jen Psaki has repeatedly dodged questions and refused to hold regular briefings, and this incident only adds to the administration’s disregard for transparency.
During the commotion, Prime Minister Varadkar appeared amused by the chaos, while Biden did nothing to address the situation. His lack of leadership and unwillingness to take control of the press briefing is concerning, to say the least.
Biden praises Sen. Chuck Schumer’s anti-Netanyahu speech: “He made a good speech.”
His handlers then promptly and aggressively herd the press out of the room. pic.twitter.com/qMPzj9kVYw
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) March 15, 2024
The incident at the White House demonstrates the dangerous path the Biden administration is heading down. A government that silences the press and refuses to be held accountable is dangerous. As Republicans, we will continue to demand transparency and hold the administration accountable for their actions.
