Administration of Joseph R. Biden, Jr., 2024

Remarks in an Exchange With Reporters Prior to Departure for Baltimore, Maryland

April 5, 2024

Earthquake in New York and New Jersey

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

Q. ——in spite of the earthquake?

The President. With regard—with——

Q. Did you threaten to stop military——

The President. With regard——

Q. ——aid 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 it—the Governor of New Jersey—so 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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