Reporters were once again hustled out of the Oval Office and prevented from questioning President Biden on Monday.
Biden met Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, and both international leaders spoke for around four minutes about their countries’ alliance. After discussing the countries’ dedication to helping Ukraine and dealing with climate change, Biden thanked the press before being led out of the room by White House staffers.
As reporters shouted unanswered questions, Biden and Frederickson could be seen smirking. The pair also appeared to be conversing while ignoring the reporters. One reporter can be heard questioning Biden about Danish leadership in the world, to which Biden could be seen laughing.
As per Fox Bangor reports, the video of Biden laughing as the press was barred from asking questions is the latest incident of the president avoiding or mocking reporters throughout his term.
A similar scenario played out in May when Biden met with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez. As reporters were pushed out of the room, Biden was spotted grinning, chuckling, and remaining mute, similar to his encounter with Frederiksen. This denial of the press came at a time when the Trump administration’s border policy, Title 42, was poised to expire.
Back in October, Biden openly criticized reporters in another Oval Office session, this time with Israeli President Isaac Herzog. As reporters shouted questions, the president raised his eyebrows and silently mimicked them talking. As staff dragged reporters away, he laughed and slapped his knee.
The encounter enraged the press, particularly Bloomberg White House correspondent Nancy Cook, who showed concern about the president’s refusal to answer questions just weeks before the 2022 midterm elections.
“The Biden WH seems *particularly intent* on the press not asking any [questions] of POTUS 14 days out from the midterms, w/WH aides screaming in the faces of reporters who try to ask Biden q’s following each event today,” Cook tweeted.
In May, the White House stated that the administration planned to change the regulations governing who might attend press briefings and conferences. The White House noted that under the new guidelines, credentials will be removed if journalists do not perform “in a professional manner,” followed by suspensions and bans for repeat offenses.
This came after Today News Africa reporter Simon Ateba repeatedly shouted at White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre for ignoring reporters seated in the rear of the room.
Ateba told Fox News Digital, “I think it may be used to kick out unfriendly and tough reporters. The rule will be used against people like me who have been trying hard to ask questions. It’s simply a threat against the First Amendment.”
