Administration of Joseph R. Biden, Jr., 2023

December 5, 2023

2024 Presidential Election

Q. Mr. President, would you be running if Trump wasn't running? Would you be running for President if Trump wasn't running?

The President. I expect so. But look, he is running, and I justâI have to run.

Q. Would you drop out if Trump runs out?

The President. No, not now.

Hostages Held in Gaza, Palestinian Territories

Q. What's the latest on the American hostages in Gaza?

The President. We're pushing hard. We're talking to the Qataris. I don't know where it's going to go, but we're not giving up.

Q. Does Hamas have all eight of them, or are other groups holding them too?

The President. Well, there's others. But weâlook, I'm not going to talk more about it. But we're not walking away.

U.S. Assistance to Ukraine

Q. Have you spoken to anyone on the Hill about Ukraine funding?

The President. Yes, a couple. And look, the failure to support Ukraine is just absolutely crazy. It's against U.S. interests. It's against the interests of the world. It's just wrong. And we're going to get thatâwe're going to get that aid. We're going to get it.

So, anyways, thank you all for waiting. Appreciate it.

NOTE: The President spoke at approximately 9:30 p.m. on the South Lawn at the White House after exiting Marine One. In his remarks, he referred to former President Donald J. Trump. The transcript was released by the Office of the Press Secretary on December 6.

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

Names: Trump, Donald J.

Subjects: 2024 Presidential election; Gaza, hostages held by Hamas; News media, Presidential interviews; Qatar, role in mediating Gaza conflict with Israel; Ukraine, U.S. assistance.

DCPD Number: DCPD202301084.

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