Administration of Joseph R. Biden, Jr., 2023

November 9, 2023

Hostages Held by Hamas in Gaza

Q. Mr. President, why the delay in getting hostages out?

The President. We're hopeful. Things are moving along.

Gaza Conflict/Israeli Military Operations

Q. Did you ask for a 3-day pause to Netanyahu?

The President. You know I've been asking for a pause for a lot more than the 3 days? [Laughter] Yes.

Q. Did you ask him to pause for 3 days to get the hostages out for that length of time?

The President. Yes. I've asked for even a longer pause for some of them.

Q. Are you bringing up the issue of an endorsement?

Federal Government Funding/U.S. Assistance to Ukraine and Israel/Border Security

Q. Mr. President, we're 8 days from a shutdownâthe shutdownâGovernment shutdown. Just 8 days. Can you give us an update on what you're thinking on how to move past that?

The President. I wish the House would just get to work. I'm not being facetious. I mean, this is not a political statement. The idea we're playing games with a shutdown at this moment is just bizarre. And I think that we ought to be able to combine Ukraine and Israel. We ought to be ableâand I'm open to discussions on the border, and I've already made some proposals, soâbut there's just no need for any of this.

2024 Presidential Election/United Auto Workers

Q. Will you be bringing up the issue of an endorsement, Mr. President, with Shawn Fein?

The President. Pardon me?

Q. Will you be bringing up the issue of an endorsement with Shawn Fein when you meet him?

The President. Will I bring up the endorsement?

Q. The issue of an endorsement. He hasn'tâthe UAW hasn't endorsed you yet.

The President. Oh, no. They're going to be fine.

Gaza Conflict/Israeli Military Operations

Q. Mr. President, were you frustrated with Prime Minister Netanyahu that he has not listened more to some of the things you have asked him to do?

The President. It's taking a little longer than I hoped.

Q. It's taking a little bit longer?

United Auto Workers

Q. Do you support the UAW's efforts to unionize Tesla and Toyota, Mr. President?

The President. Absolutely.

Q. Yes.

The President. Thank you.

NOTE: The President spoke at 10:40 a.m. on the tarmac prior to boarding Air Force One en route to Belvidere, IL. Reporters referred to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel; and Shawn Fain, president, United Auto Workers.

Categories: Interviews With the News Media : Exchanges with reporters, Joint Base Andrews, MD.

Locations: Joint Base Andrews, MD.

Subjects: Automobile industry, strengthening efforts; Border security; Gaza, conflict with Israel; Gaza, hostages held by Hamas; Israel, military operations in Gaza; Israel, U.S. assistance; Labor movement and organized labor; Maryland, Joint Base Andrews; Maryland, President's visit; News media, Presidential interviews; Ukraine, U.S. assistance; United Auto Workers.

DCPD Number: DCPD202300991.