The Biden Administration faces scrutiny over President Biden's lack of public engagements as tensions escalate in the Middle East, with the White House attempting to deflect questions about his absence.
The White House has been evasive in addressing concerns over President Biden's absence from public appearances amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, prompting questions from the media. Fox News correspondent David Spunt pressed White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on whether the public would hear directly from Biden this week, given the escalating situation.
Biden's schedule for the week included only a handful of events, none of which were open to the press. On Thursday, he is scheduled to commemorate the Maui wildfires anniversary in a closed-press event, followed by a welcome for the Texas Rangers at the White House, open only to credentialed media.
White House Dodges Questions on Biden's Lack of Public Appearances Amid Middle East Tensions
Biden's planned departure for his Delaware beach house on Thursday and his arrival in Wilmington, Delaware, are listed as open to the press, but a scheduled meeting with campaign staff there is closed. The President and First Lady Jill Biden will then return to their Rehoboth Beach home on Thursday evening.
Biden's lack of public appearances has raised concerns, especially since his last public sighting was on Monday when he walked back to the White House after returning from their Wilmington residence. His only public engagement since then was a CBS News interview on Wednesday afternoon, which will not air in full until Sunday.
White House Dodges Questions on Biden's Lack of Public Appearances Amid Middle East Tensions
Jean-Pierre defended the President's absence, stating, "You'll see him tomorrow. There will be more opportunities. We have five months left here. There'll be plenty of opportunities, obviously, to see the president."
When asked if Biden had spoken to U.S. service members injured in an attack by Iranian proxies on a base in Iraq, Jean-Pierre said she had no specific conversations to report but expressed well wishes for their recovery.
White House Dodges Questions on Biden's Lack of Public Appearances Amid Middle East Tensions
Biden's absence has been noted amid speculation about his potential role in Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris' campaign in Pennsylvania, a key 2024 battleground. Harris has chosen Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate, bypassing Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro.
The White House's evasive responses have drawn criticism from political opponents and media outlets, who raise concerns about the president's engagement with the public and his handling of international affairs. The lack of transparency and Biden's absence from public events have fueled questions about his health, mental fitness, and commitment to addressing critical issues.
White House Dodges Questions on Biden's Lack of Public Appearances Amid Middle East Tensions
As tensions escalate in the Middle East and the 2024 election approaches, the Biden Administration faces increasing scrutiny over its communication and engagement with the public. The President's lack of public appearances has become a focal point, with critics questioning his ability to lead effectively under pressure.
