President Joe Biden appeared flustered by a question about his administration’s decision to severely restrict the viability requirements for receiving a $1,400 direct stimulus payment on Wednesday, refusing to answer the question and ending the question and answer session early.
The visibly flustered President raised his hand as if preparing a response, then shook his head. “Sorry I couldn’t hear, thank you all for coming.”
MEDIA: Are you comfortable having to limit the direct payments?
BIDEN: YES.
MEDIA: What do you say to the 12 million Americans who won’t receive checks anymore? (Ignored).
BIDEN: Thank you all for coming. pic.twitter.com/XaTNylXcYw—
Maggie VandenBerghe
Millions of Americans families are now ineligible for the direct stimulus under the Biden plan that were eligible for the Trump stimulus, meaning any positive effect the Biden payments will have on helping American families is dubious at best.
Earlier this week, the White House abruptly shut down a livestream after the President said he was willing to answer questions from the audience:
The White House abruptly cut off the live feed feed for an event President Joe Biden was hosting with the House Democratic Caucus after the commander-in-chief appeared to venture off-script by saying he would be willing to answer questions from the audience.
Biden appeared with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and other members of the Democratic Party during the live event, and spoke about his administration’s ongoing obsession with COVID-19 and the steps purportedly taken to halt its spread.
“I’d be happy to take questions if that’s what I’m supposed to do, Nance,” Biden said to Pelosi. “Whatever you want me to do.”
Within moments, the feed cut to a blue screen, and President Biden was no longer visible. A “Thank You For Joining” message informed viewers that the event was now over.
Biden has yet to hold an official live question-and-answer style press conference at the White House.