‘This is political cowardice’: White House calls early lid, cancels daily press briefing on historic day

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.

“This is political cowardice,” author Zach Hunt summarized succinctly. “If you can’t handle the heat, get out of the presidency.”

Others pointed out that Biden leaves for Europe on Saturday, making several stops with his foreign policy meetings in Germany and Spain.


There was criticism leveled at Congress as well.

Though some tried to see the bright side:

The canceled press briefing and Biden’s unavailability to directly meet with the press set off a wave of backlash on social media.

Frieda Powers

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