Administration of Joseph R. Biden, Jr., 2024

March 8, 2024

2024 Presidential Election

Q. Mr. President, will you commit to a debate with former President Trump?

The President. It depends on his behavior.

Q. Mr. Presidentââ

The President's State of the Union Address

Q. Do you regret using the word "illegal" to describe immigrants last night, sir?

The President. Well, I probablyâI don't regretâit wasâtechnically not supposed to be here.

The President's State of the Union Address/Israel-United States Relations

Q. Well, why did Mr. Netanyahu need a "come to Jesus" meeting? What are you hoping to achieve?

The President. I didn't say that in the speech.

Q. After the speech.

Q. But what about after the speech?

The President. You guys are eavesdropping on things.

Humanitarian Situation in Gaza, Palestinian Territories

Q. But areâdoes that show your level of frustration with him on humanitarian aid? Does he need to be doing more?

The President. Yes, he does.

Republican Response to the President's State of the Union Address

Q. Have you seen Senator Britt's rebuttal, sir?

The President. I just saw a little bit on television.

Q. What did you think?

The President. I thought she was a very talented woman. I didn't quite understand the connections she was making.

TikTok Social Media Application

Q. Mr. President, do you still support banning TikTok? Would you sign that bill?

The President. If they pass it, I'll sign it.

Humanitarian Assistance Marine Corridor for Gaza

Q. Mr. President, who is going to provide security for the port you're planning to build to offer aid to Gaza?

The President. The Israelis.

Q. Is it going to be the IâIDF? Okay.

The President. Thank you.

Q. Are you concerned that Trump is meeting with Viktor Orban?

The President. I've got to go.

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre. Thanks, everybody.

Former President Donald J. Trump

Q. Are you concerned that Trump is meeting with Viktor Orban and continues to do so?

The President. If I'm not, you should be.

Q. What's the latest on the cease-fire talks Mr. President?

NOTE: The President spoke at 2:47 p.m. on the tarmac prior to boarding Air Force One en route to Philadelphia, PA. In his remarks, he referred to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel. A reporter referred to Prime Minister Viktor Orban of Hungary.

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

Locations: Joint Base Andrews, MD.

Names: Britt, Katie Boyd; Jean-Pierre, Karine; Netanyahu, Benjamin; Trump, Donald J.

Subjects: 2024 Presidential election; Gaza, international assistance; Illegal immigration; Israel, military operations in Gaza; Israel, Prime Minister; Maryland, President's visit; News media, Presidential interviews; State of the Union Address; TikTok social media application; White House Press Secretary.

DCPD Number: DCPD202400171.