Administration of Joseph R. Biden, Jr., 2024

January 18, 2024

Iran-Pakistan Military Confrontation

Q. What do you make of these attacks between Iran and Pakistan?

The President. As you can see, Iran is not particularly well liked in the region.

Q. Yes.

The President. And where that goes, we're working on now. I don't know where that goes.

The President's Meeting With Congressional Leaders

Q. And how was yourâhow was your meeting yesterday?

The President. I thought the meeting went well yesterday. I thought the meeting went well.

Border Security

Q. What are the sticking points on the border agreement?

Q. Mr. Presidentââ

Q. Where are the disagreements you're working on?

The President. I don't think we have any sticking points left.

U.S. Airstrikes in Yemen/Houthi Militant Organization

Q. Are the airstrikes in Yemen working?

The President. Well, when you say "working," are they stopping the Houthis? No. Are they going to continue? Yes.

U.S. Assistance to Ukraine

Q. Mr. President, how do you feel about aid for Ukraine after yesterday's meeting with Members of Congress?

The President. I think the vast majority of Members of Congress support aid to Ukraine. The question is whether or not a small minority are going to hold it up, which would be a disaster.

Q. Mr. Presidentââ

Iowa Republican Presidential Caucus Results

Q. How concerned are you with the Arab American votes during this election? And what Iowa means to you, to your reelection race?

The President. Well, I don't think Iowa means anything. The President got 50-some- thousand votes, the lowest number of votes anybody who's won got. You know, this idea that it's been a runaway, I think he can characterize it any way he wants. I'll let them make that judgment.

What was the second part of the question?

Former President Donald J. Trump/Arab American Voters/2024 Presidential Election/Situation in Gaza, Palestinian Territories

Q. The part was: Are you concerned with the Arab American votes voting for you during this election because of Gaza? Many say they will not vote for you.

The President. Well, look, the President wants to put aâthe former President wants to put a ban on Arabs coming into the country. We'll make sure heâwe understand who cares about the Arab population, number one.

Number two, we've got a long way to go in terms of settling the situation in Gaza. [*At this point, several reporters asked questions at once*.]

March for Life in Washington, District of Columbia

Q. The March for Life is tomorrow in Washington, DCâthe March for Life is tomorrow in Washington, DC.

The President. Yes, I know that.

Q. What's your message to those attending?

The President. March.

[*Several reporters asked questions at once*.]

Q. Mr. Presidentââ

Q. Sirâsir, can you talk about inflation? When will prices come down?

2022 Shooting in Uvalde, Texas

Q. Should anybody be held forâshould anybody be held criminally responsible for failures after the Uvalde shooting? Should anybody be held responsible with criminal charges?

The President. I have not read the full report. The report will be out todayââ

Q. Today.

The President. âânumber one. We're going to do what we can to implement the recommendations of the Justice Department. But I don't know if there is any criminal liability. IâI have not read the report.

Q. Were youâwere you briefed by the Attorney General on this?

The President. I was briefed by my staff on it. [Several reporters asked questions at once.] The President. Thank you.

NOTE: The President spoke at 11:46 a.m. on the South Lawn at the White House prior to boarding Marine One.

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

Names: Trump, Donald J.

Subjects: Border security; Department of Justice, report on 2022 shooting in Uvalde, TX; District of Columbia, March for Life; Iran, regional involvement; News media, Presidential interviews; Texas, 2022 shooting in Uvalde; Ukraine, U.S. assistance; Yemen, Houthi militant organization.

DCPD Number: DCPD202400028.