Concern over President Biden’s lack of press accessibility mounted Wednesday evening, after the commander-in-chief told reporters he was “happy to take questions” before having his microphone and camera feed cut off.
The incident occurred at the end of the 46th president’s appearance at a House Democratic Caucus event, where he was joined virtually by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and her members.
Biden stated after delivering his prepared remarks, which lasted for just under 10 minutes, “So I want to thank you all. I really mean it … I want to thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
“And I’m happy to take questions if that’s what you — I’m supposed to do, Nance,” he continued. “Whatever you want me to do.”
But before reporters could get their chance to speak to the president, the feed turned off and a screen appeared that read, “Thank you for joining.”
Biden has gone longer than his 15 most recent predecessors — going back 100 years — without holding a solo press conference.
All 15 prior presidents held a solo press conference within 33 days of taking office, according to a CNN analysis of data from the American Presidency Project.
President Donald Trump held his first solo press conference 27 days after taking office, while President Barack Obama held one 20 days into the job.
Thursday marks Biden’s 43rd day in office.
A White House spokesperson did not immediately respond to The Post’s request for comment.
Asked about the matter Wednesday, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said, “We look forward to holding a full formal press conference, but in the meantime, the president takes questions from the reporters covering the White House regularly, including this morning.”
“His focus day in and day out is on getting the pandemic under control and putting people back to work. That’s what people elected him to do.”
The commander-in-chief has spoken to reporters briefly before boarding the presidential aircraft and has taken some questions from press after making public statements about the coronavirus and other matters.
Still, Biden has yet to face reporters alone.
The lack of a solo presser comes despite a flurry of executive actions Biden has taken since Jan. 20 and his $1.9 trillion relief plan working its way through Congress.
