Administration of Joseph R. Biden, Jr., 2021

July 3, 2021

Q. Mr. President, let me know if I can ask you a question.

The President. Sure. [Laughter]

Q. Right now, sir?

The President. Yes.

Ransomware Attack on Kaseya Ltd. Information Technology Network

Q. With the most recent hack by the Russians, would you say that this means thatââ

The President. We're not sure it's the Russians.

Q. Okay, with this mostâokayââ

The President. I still haven'tâI got a brief on theâas I was on the plane, that's why I was late getting off the plane. I got a brief, andââ

[*At this point, the President purchased some items from the orchard's bakery store.*] *Cashier. *Right here.

The President. All right.

Cashier. Would you like your receipt?

Q. Do you know who it might be, sir?

The President. I'll be in better shape to talk to you about itâhang on a second. [The President retrieved some notes from his jacket pocket.]

I'll tell you what they sent me, okay? Thatâthe ideaâfirst of all, we're not sure who it is for certain, number one. And what I did, I directed the full resources of the Government to assist in a response if we determineâwhat else do you need?

Cashier. Nothing. You're all set.

The President. Okay. And the fact is that I directed the intelligence community to give me a deep dive on what's happened, and I'll know better tomorrow. And if it is, either with the knowledge of and/or a consequence of Russia, then I told Putin we will respond. Andâbutââ

President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin of Russia

Q. You did tell him already, sir?

The President. No. No. I haven't called.

Q. Oh.

The President. Because we're not certain. And the initial thinking was it was not the Russian Government, but we're not sure yet. Soââ

Q. Mr. President, do you think Sha'Carriâdo you think Sha'Carri Richardson's banâher temporary ban for marijuana, do you think that's fair, sir?

The President's Visit to Central Lake, Michigan

Q. Could you tell us why you're in Michigan today? What is it about Michigan, coming on the eve of Independence Day, what brought you here?

The President. Cherry pie.

U.S. Track and Field Sprinter Sha'Carri Richardson/2021 Olympics in Tokyo, Japan

Q. Sir, do you think the ban is fair? Do you think her ban is fair for marijuana?

The President. Look, it's theâthe rules are the rules, and everybody knows what the rules were going in. Whether they should remain thatâthat should remain the rule is a different issue, but the rules are the rules. And I was really proud of her, the way she responded.

And soâokay, thank you, guys.

Collapse of the Champlain Towers South Condominium Building in Surfside, Florida

Q. Mr. President, one on Surfside. Do you have a comment on officials' announcement today that they will have to demolish the remaining parts of the tower?

The President. No, I don't. I have not been briefed by FEMA on whether or not that is wise that they've reached that decision.

NOTE: The President spoke at 3:30 p.m. at the King Orchards Market.

Categories: Interviews With the News Media : Exchanges with reporters :: Central Lake, MI. Locations: Central Lake, MI.

Names: Putin, Vladimir Vladimirovich; Richardson, Sha'Carri.

Subjects: Communications : News media :: Presidential interviews; Defense and national security

: Cybersecurity :: Cyber attacks; Florida : Residential building collapse in Surfside; Homeland Security, Department of : Emergency Management Agency, Federal; Japan : 2021 Olympic Games in Tokyo; Michigan : King Orchards in Central Lake" ; Michigan : President's visits; Russia : President; Russia : Relations with U.S.; Sports : Olympic Games.

DCPD Number: DCPD202100562.