Administration of Joseph R. Biden, Jr., 2024

April 5, 2024

Earthquake in New York and New Jersey

Q. Your reaction to the earthquake, sirâthe New York City earthquake? Can you talk about it briefly? Your reaction, sir, to the New Yorkââ

Q. ââin spite of the earthquake?

The President. With regardâwithââ

Q. Did you threaten to stop militaryââ

The President. With regardââ

Q. ââaid to Israel?

The President. With regard to the earthquake, I spoke to the Governor. He thinks everything's under control. He's not too concerned about itâthe Governor of New Jerseyâso things are all right.

Thank you.

[*At this point, several reporters began asking questions at once*.]

Israel

Q. Did you threaten to stop military aid to Israel, Mr. President?

The President. Pardon me?

Q. Did you threaten to stop military aid to Israel? The President. I asked them to do what they're doing. [Several reporters asked questions at once.]

Q. Are you abandoning Israel?

The President. Where you from, man?

Q. Are you abandoning Israel?

The President. Is that a serious question?

NOTE: The President spoke at 12:52 p.m. on the South Lawn at the White House prior to boarding Marine One. In his remarks, he referred to Gov. Philip D. Murphy of New Jersey.

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

Names: Murphy, Philip D.

Subjects: Gaza, international assistance; Israel, military operations in Gaza; New Jersey, earthquake; New Jersey, Governor; News media, Presidential interviews.

DCPD Number: DCPD202400267.

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