Administration of Joseph R. Biden, Jr., 2023

March 28, 2023

U.S. Banking System

Q. Can I follow up onâearlier you said there appeared to be more coming on banking. What should we expect coming up as it relates to this banking crisis?

The President. Well, first of all, I think it's pretty much under control now. It remains to be seen, but we're looking to see whether it needs any further legislation.

Shooting in Nashville, Tennessee

Q. Sir, do you believeâsir, do you believe that Christians were targeted in the Nashville school shooting? Do you think that Christians were targeted?

The President. I have no idea.

Q. Josh Hawley believes they were. What do you say to that?

The President. Well, I probably don't then. [Laughter]

Q. Probably don't then.

The President. No, I'm joking. No, I have no idea.

Q. He saysâhe says it's a hate crime. Do you believe that?

Israel/Judicial Reform

Q. Are you worried about Israel's democracy in general? Like, does it have aâis it secure or are they at an inflection point as you often talk about?

The President. Well, I don't know they're at an inflection point, but I think it's a difficult spot to be in, and they've got to work it out.

Q. And what do you hope the Prime Minister will do on that particular law?

The President. I hope heâI hope he walks away from it.

Russia/Nuclear Weapons

Q. Mr. President, any reaction to Russia sending nuclearâtactical nuclear weapons to Belarus?

The President. They haven't done that yetââ

Q. But areââ

The President. ââunless something happened while I was on the helicopter.

Q. Are you concerned about that?

The President. Sure, I'm concerned about it.

Russia/Nuclear Weapons

Q. What do you make ofâwhat do you make of Putin's announcement that he would send those nuclear weapons to Belarus?

The President. What I've been talking to you guys about for the last year: This is dangerous kind of talk he uses, and it's worrisome.

Q. Will youâ[inaudible]?

Q. [Inaudible]âsir?

Q. Sir, did youâ[inaudible]?

NOTE: The President spoke at 5:30 p.m. on the South Lawn at the White House after exiting Marine One. In his remarks, he referred to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel; and President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin of Russia. A reporter referred to Sen. Joshua D. Hawley.

Categories: Interviews With the News Media : Exchanges with reporters, White House. Locations: Washington, DC.

Names: Netanyahu, Benjamin; Putin, Vladimir Vladimirovich.

Subjects: Banks and financial institutions, mismanagement and failures; Israel, political situation; Israel, Prime Minister; News media, Presidential interviews; Russia, conflict in Ukraine; Russia, nuclear weapons; Russia, President; Tennessee, shooting in Nashville; Ukraine, Russian invasion and airstrikes.

DCPD Number: DCPD202300240.