Administration of Joseph R. Biden, Jr., 2023

December 20, 2023

Colorado Supreme Court Decision Disqualifying Former President Donald J. Trump From Appearing on the Presidential Primary Ballot

Q. Mr. President, your reaction to the Colorado ruling on Trump and the ballot?

The President. I'm not going to comment on a court case. Iâ[inaudible]. That's up to the court. That's all I have to say about it.

Q. Is he an insurrectionist?

The President. What did you say?

Q. Is Trump an insurrectionist, sir?

The President. Well, I think certain things are self-evident. You saw it all. Now, whether the 14th Amendment applies, I'll let the court make that decision. But he certainly supported an insurrection. There's no question about it. None. Zero.

And he seems to be doubling down onâabout everything. Anyway, I've got to go do this event.

Efforts To Gain Release of Hostages Held by Hamas

Q. Hey, what isâare we expecting a hostage deal anytime soon?

The President. Yes.

Q. Oh, really? Okay.

The President. Well, wait, waitâwhere?

Q. Over inââ

Q. Venezuela.

Q. Oh, no, I wasâI was talking aboutââ

The President. You were talking about theââ

Q. ââover in the Middle East.

The President. We're pushing it. WeâI don'tâthere's no expectation at this point. But we are pushing it.

U.S. Citizens Detained in Venezuela

Q. Can you address the prisoner exchange with Venezuela, sir?

The President. Yes, Iâcan I do that after this event? Okay?

Q. Yes, sir.

The President. All right? All right? Looks good, and it looks like Maduro, so far, is keeping his commitment on a free election. But it ain't done yet. Got a long way to go. But it's good so far.

Israel's Military Operations in Gaza/Civilian Casualties in Gaza

Q. And your reaction to 20,000 dead in Gazaâthat death toll reachedâlikely to be reached today?

The President. It's tragic.

Q. Thank you, sir.

NOTE: The President spoke at 11 a.m. on the tarmac at the Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport. In his remarks, he referred to President NicolÃ¡s Maduro Moros of Venezuela.

Categories: Interviews With the News Media : Exchanges with reporters, Milwaukee, WI. Locations: Milwaukee, WI.

Names: Maduro Moros, NicolÃ¡s; Trump, Donald J.

Subjects: 2021 civil unrest and violence at U.S. Capitol; 2024 Presidential election; Gaza, conflict with Israel; Gaza, hostages held by Hamas; Israel, military operations in Gaza; Venezuela, detention of U.S. citizens; Venezuela, President; Wisconsin, President's visit.

DCPD Number: DCPD202301131.