President Joe Biden had another moment with reporters when he seemed to admit that he is following orders rather than giving them.
During a brief interaction with reporters on Tuesday evening, Biden confessed that he was “not supposed” to be having a press conference at that moment.
Biden updated the nation in a speech Tuesday, covering the state of the COVID-19 pandemic and his administration’s plan to deal with the omicron variant. But the president soon trailed off to focus on his $2 trillion Build Back Better Act which was stymied by Sen. Joe Manchin’s opposition.
After noting how his plan would lower costs “across the board,” Biden told reporters, “I’m not supposed to be having this press conference right now.”
He was immediately inundated with more questions by the press.
You can’t make this up.
Biden is saying he’s ‘not supposed to be having this press conference.’ pic.twitter.com/GsgtDZhziW
— Sen. Marsha Blackburn (@MarshaBlackburn) December 21, 2021
It was yet another instance where the president has let on that he would “be in trouble” if he allowed questions from reporters.
“I’m sorry, I’m going to get in trouble with staff if I don’t do this the right way,” Biden said in June.
Speaking with reporters after the passage of the $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill in November, the president said, “I’m going to get in real trouble. … This is the last question I’m taking,”
Tuesday’s speech followed by Biden’s odd admission again about talking to reporters set off plenty of commentary on social media about who really is in charge at the White House.
Biden – “I’m not supposed to be having this press conference right now.”
America – “We’re not supposed to be having this Presidency right now.”
— Lauren Boebert (@laurenboebert) December 21, 2021
Biden once again says he’s not supposed to be taking questions from the press
— Amber Athey (@amber_athey) December 21, 2021
He’s said this and similar a bunch of times now. How is it that no reporter has ever asked him to explain what he means, or who is telling him this?
— Matt (@matt0999) December 21, 2021
Who is telling him not to have a press conference? This is surreal.
— Dr. MAN (@YourDailyHam) December 21, 2021
Psaki: “He takes questions multiple times a week”
Biden: “I’m not supposed to be having this press conference right now”
What is going on in the White House?? pic.twitter.com/vLBF4Of3CG
— Mercedes Schlapp (@mercedesschlapp) December 21, 2021
Biden: “I’m not supposed to be having this press conference.”
WHO IS TELLING HIM NOT TO TAKE QUESTIONS?
— Monica Crowley (@MonicaCrowley) December 21, 2021
I’m not supposed to be having this press conference. The President of the United States just told the American people that, now you know exactly why the White House doesn’t want him taking questions without pre-authorized questions and answers. He’s not in control. #Biden
— PK (@NEVERBOW) December 21, 2021
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