President Joe Biden and his administration came under heavy criticism for essentially hiding out following the history-making ruling by the Supreme Court on Friday.
The U.S. Supreme Court reversed its decades-old Roe v. Wade ruling, and “the authority to regulate abortion is returned to the people and their elected representatives,” part of the decision read.
But rather than address the historic event, the White House seemed to run for cover.
“After today’s ruling, the White House canceled the briefing & scheduled President Biden’s remarks. After he spoke, officials called a lid at 1:44 p.m., meaning no further presidential appearances,” CNN’s Kaitlan Collins tweeted.
“Biden didn’t take questions & no officials are expected to do so on camera for now,” the network’s chief White House correspondent added, also noting that calls from the White House Correspondents’ Association urging them to reconsider fell on deaf ears.
The press briefing remains canceled despite calls from the president of the White House Correspondents’ Association, today’s TV reporter, today’s print reporter and today’s foreign pool reporter to reconsider their decision to cancel the briefing.
— Kaitlan Collins (@kaitlancollins) June 24, 2022
“This is political cowardice,” author Zach Hunt summarized succinctly. “If you can’t handle the heat, get out of the presidency.”
This is political cowardice.@potus has known for a very long time that this day was coming.
If you can’t handle the heat, get out of the presidency. https://t.co/H6wpw7gJZM
— Zack Hunt (@ZaackHunt) June 24, 2022
Others pointed out that Biden leaves for Europe on Saturday, making several stops with his foreign policy meetings in Germany and Spain.
The White House called a lid and canceled the daily press briefing for today. Reporters won’t have an opportunity to ask @PressSec any questions on an historic day. Biden didn’t take questions after his remarks earlier today. He leaves for Europe tomorrow.
— Andrew Restuccia (@AndrewRestuccia) June 24, 2022
The thing about this is that it means that abortion-related questions will dominate the AF1 gaggle tomorrow (assuming the White House does one, as it usually does on foreign trips), which could take the focus away from the president’s trip to Europe for G7/NATO meetings. https://t.co/tJAE7L607a
— Morgan Chalfant (@mchalfant16) June 24, 2022
There was criticism leveled at Congress as well.
Democrats are responding to #RoeOverturned by starting a two week congressional vacation. https://t.co/wFRWVtz87a
— Bob Brigham (@BobBrigham) June 24, 2022
Though some tried to see the bright side:
It’s all cool, though. Pelosi recited a poem and the House Dems sang on the steps of Congress. The work here is done! https://t.co/zTNdwRydfK
— Justin Baragona (@justinbaragona) June 24, 2022
The canceled press briefing and Biden’s unavailability to directly meet with the press set off a wave of backlash on social media.
The most transparent and popular administration in history folks.
— BGCryptoman (@Bryancryptog) June 24, 2022
“Calling the lid” we heard nonstop though his ridiculous joke of a presidential campaign. Calling the lid means done for the day, weekend, etc. Also means 🍦 & nap time for Joe for the duration of “calling the lid!”
— DeJean76🗣FREE AMERICA!♥️Truth Social: DeJean76 (@dejean76) June 24, 2022
Hey, they’ve only had multiple weeks to prepare a response to this after the leaked draft opinion. What do you want them to do, work on a Friday afternoon?
— James (@jwhollis) June 24, 2022
Does Biden ever take questions at the White House? I’m thinking right now is a time where questions should be answered, but that’s me.
— jordan (@916kappa_p) June 24, 2022
They have to prepare the notecards for him that tell him what Roe is, how he feels about it, and where to sit when done.
— Mike Harmon (@sutnack1551) June 24, 2022
Weak statements. I expect more. Hiding is the wrong thing to do. I’ve been a Dem my whole life and voted for him, but he can’t run again. Cowardice doesn’t work for me.
— MB (@sugarcubedog2) June 24, 2022
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