Transcript - Press Conference: Karine Jean-Pierre Holds a Press Briefing at The White House - March 16, 2023 | Factba.se

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:00:00 - 00:00:02 ()

It smells lovely in here.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:00:02 - 00:00:04 ()

Good afternoon, everybody.

Question

00:00:04 - 00:00:04 ()

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:00:04 - 00:00:11 ()

It does. It smells like, I don't know, potpourri or something. It smells lovely.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:00:11 - 00:00:20 ()

Welcome back to those who traveled with us out west. It was a really great trip. Three -- three days of wonderful activities.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:00:20 - 00:00:32 ()

Okay. So, tomorrow is one of the President's favorite holidays and many of my colleagues' as well, as I've been hearing all day long. And so, it's St. Patrick's Day, as you guys know.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:00:32 - 00:00:36 ()

And it's also, fun fact, my mom's birthday tomorrow. So --

Question

00:00:36 - 00:00:36 ()

Question

00:00:36 - 00:00:38 ()

Wish her a happy birthday.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:00:38 - 00:00:47 ()

Thank you. That's what I was about to do. I know she's watching, so you guys have to behave. My mom is watching. Happy birthday, Mom.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:00:47 - 00:01:05 ()

So, President Biden will host Leo Varadak- -- Varadkar -- sorry -- Varadkar, Taoiseach of Ireland, here at the White House for a bilateral meeting and St. Patrick's Day celebration, continuing a longstanding St. Patrick's Day tradition here at the White House.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:01:05 - 00:01:23 ()

To kick off the celebrations, Taoiseach and his partner, Mr. [DEL: Bennett :DEL] [Barrett], will join Vice President Harris and the Second Gentleman for breakfast at the Naval Observatory, where they will be serving Eggs St. Patrick's, of course. Apparently, that's a thing. It's going to be exciting.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:01:23 - 00:01:28 ()

Later tomorrow morning, the President will meet with Taoiseach for a bilateral meeting.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:01:28 - 00:01:33 ()

In the afternoon, the President and Taoiseach will go to the Capitol for the annual Friends of Ireland Luncheon.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:01:33 - 00:01:48 ()

And in the evening, the President and Taoiseach will return to the White House for the St. Patrick's Day Shamrock Presentation ceremony and reception, including a special performance from Ireland's own Niall Horan.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:01:48 - 00:02:05 ()

Niall is a multi-platinum-selling singer/songwriter who has toured the globe, including with One Direction. Going to keep my comments to myself on One Direction. I don't know who they are. Sorry. [Laughter] Many of you, I'm sure, do.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:02:05 - 00:02:07 ()

Question

00:02:07 - 00:02:11 ()

They gave the world Harry, Karine.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:02:11 - 00:02:11 ()

I know. [Laughs]

Aide

00:02:11 - 00:02:12 ()

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:02:12 - 00:02:24 ()

Um, okay. But I know a few members of my team are truly excited about that, especially Allyson. You guys all know Allyson, one of our wranglers. She's been thrilled this past couple of days.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:02:24 - 00:02:37 ()

So, and all -- anyway, St. Patrick's Day, we're all excited to be celebrating that tomorrow here at the Biden White House. And so, I'm sure you guys will all be celebrating with us and the rest of the country.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:02:37 - 00:03:10 ()

But today I have very sad news -- a goodbye to one of our day ones, one of our OGs, members of our team, Kevin Munoz, who's sitting right here. Many of you know him. He was here day one, obviously -- day one-ers -- of this administration. And since Kevin joined the Biden world in 2019 for the campaign, he has affectionately been known as our "Florida man" for his knowledge of all things Florida. If you have any questions about Florida, Kevin is your guy. That is his home state, of course.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:03:10 - 00:03:34 ()

And Dr. Munoz. And we -- we affectionally call him "Dr. Munoz" for his leadership during the early days when we were still in the throes of the COVID pandemic, and Kevin took that on without complaint and with clear brilliance and really led us through that path of -- of what was happening very early on in the administration.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:03:34 - 00:03:54 ()

And -- and as you know -- and again, just to add, he embedded himself into the -- into the core team of the White House Response Team on COVID and with their str- -- strategic decisions and how to move forward on COVID-19. And Kevin has just been, again, brilliant and fantastic in that role.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:03:54 - 00:04:10 ()

Those were difficult days, as you all know, working around the clock, and Kevin was exactly the right person for the job. He thrives in the pressure cooker, and has been a strategic and effective communicator on some of the most complex and critical issues we have faced as a country.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:04:10 - 00:04:27 ()

Kevin has also been an important spokesperson for us -- for us on issues of deep importance to the Latino community, and also LGBTQ Americans. And he has helped reach Spanish-speaking Americans across the country as a strong and effective bilingual communicator.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:04:27 - 00:04:42 ()

Kevin is wicked, wicked smart and has a huge heart. He cares about all of these issues, and he cares about his colleagues. And he certainly cares about the work that we have been doing here these last two years, and we will miss him dearly. And -- but he won't go far.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:04:42 - 00:04:46 ()

And also, his birthday was yesterday. So happy birthday, Kevin.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:04:46 - 00:04:52 ()

But we love you, and we will miss you. And thank you so much for your dedication and for your service.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:04:52 - 00:04:53 ()

With that, Darlene.

Question

00:04:53 - 00:05:18 ()

Thank you. Two questions on banking. So, the Treasury Secretary was on the Hill this morning testifying that the system remains sound and people can be confident about their deposits. When the President addressed the situation on Monday, he said that he was "going to ask Congress and the banking regulators to strengthen the rules for banks" to make sure that this type of failure is less likely happen in the future.

Question

00:05:18 - 00:05:28 ()

At this point, can you be a little more specific in terms of precisely what the President is looking for from Congress and the banking regulators on this issue?

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:05:28 - 00:05:48 ()

So, to answer the sec- -- the first question, I guess: We have seen bipartisan support on a piece of legislation -- the [DEL: Warner :DEL] [Warren]-Porter bill. And so we appreciate those folks putting their ideas together and putting that on the table. So we're going to work closely at that bill and other regulatory changes as well.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:05:48 - 00:05:58 ()

As you all know, the Obama-Biden administration put in place tough requirements after the 2008 financial crisis to make sure that this sort of crisis would not happen again.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:05:58 - 00:06:16 ()

But unfortunately, in the last administration, in 2018, some of those rolled back some of -- some of those regulations that would have been incredibly important as we move forward. So as the President said, Congress and regulators must strengthen those rules for larger banks so that this doesn't happen again.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:06:16 - 00:06:25 ()

And so, again, there's the legislation that we are encouraged to see. And -- and we'll, you know, continue to work with Congress on what else -- what else can be done.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:06:25 - 00:06:36 ()

And -- but, as we know, we can't -- there's quite a bit that we can do administratively. But without Congress, there's not -- without Congress, we can't fully deal with this issue.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:06:36 - 00:06:56 ()

So, as -- your question on the regulators -- you know, already underway, the regulators at -- that the President appointed over the last few years, reversing the changes that we saw in two thous- -- 2018, under the last administration, as I just mentioned. But that -- again, but we need Congress to take -- we can't let Congress off the hook, and they need to take action.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:06:56 - 00:07:02 ()

So, it's going to take both the Congress and regulators to strengthen those rules, and so that's what we're calling on to do.

Question

00:07:02 - 00:07:20 ()

And secondly, there are reports that a group of banks and other financial institutions are working on a $30 billion or so plan to shore up First Republic Bank in California. Can you say what role the U.S. government has in terms of trying to pull this rec- -- rescue package together?

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:07:20 - 00:07:25 ()

So, I'm not going to comment on any specific actions or any specific institutions from here.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:07:25 - 00:07:41 ()

Because of the actions that the -- that the regulators took over the weekend at the President's direction, depositors know that they are safe and -- and banks have access to resources to meet those -- to meet those depositors' needs but -- and demand, but I'm not going to get into any specific situations from here.

Question

00:07:41 - 00:07:41 ()

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:07:41 - 00:07:42 ()

Go ahead, Mary.

Question

00:07:42 - 00:07:55 ()

A question on TikTok. Over 100 million people now use this app. What is your message to them about why you're so concerned about this platform? What is the President's greatest fear about TikTok?

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:07:55 - 00:08:03 ()

So, we've talked about this many times from here before. The President has spoken about this. Look, we are -- want to make sure that our administration --

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:08:03 - 00:08:03 ()

[A cellphone disrupts the briefing]

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:08:03 - 00:08:08 ()

Okay? We're okay over there?

Question

00:08:08 - 00:08:10 ()

Just indigestion. [Laughter]

Question

00:08:10 - 00:08:11 ()

[Inaudible] TikTok.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:08:11 - 00:08:14 ()

Oh, budget TikTok. [Laughter] Smart.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:08:14 - 00:08:29 ()

Okay. So, look, we've expressed concerns over China's potential use of software platforms that could endanger or threaten America's safety and their national security. So that is the President's concern. That is why we have called on Congress to take action.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:08:29 - 00:08:44 ()

We see a bipartisan piece of legislation that you know that we are supporting. It's called the RESTRICT Act, as you all know and have been covering. And so, that's the President's main priority: to make sure when it comes to their safety, when it comes to their security, when it comes to our national security, that those things are protected.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:08:44 - 00:08:47 ()

And so, that has been the President's focus over the last couple of years.

Question

00:08:47 - 00:09:03 ()

You know, last month, the President said he wasn't sure if the U.S. should ban TikTok when he was asked about this. Now the administration seems to be hardening its stance. You're backing this legislation, as you mentioned. You know, we've learned -- now warning that a possible ban could be at risk here. What changed?

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:09:03 - 00:09:14 ()

So, look, when it comes to CFIUS, which is -- I'm not going to get ahead of CFIUS. They're the ones who are reviewing this, reviewing this particular software and app -- TikTok, obviously.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:09:14 - 00:09:20 ()

So, not going to get ahead of their process. There's a process here. We try to stay away from that process.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:09:20 - 00:09:24 ()

Again, going to support the bipartisan legislation that I've just spoke to.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:09:24 - 00:09:40 ()

Look, the bottom line is that when it comes to potential threats to our national security, when it comes to the safety of Americans, when it comes to their privacy, we're going to speak out. And we're going to be very clear about that, and the President has been the last two years.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:09:40 - 00:09:49 ()

And so, we're asking Congress to act. We're asking Congress to move forward with this bipartisan legislation -- the RESTRICT Act, as I just mentioned -- and we're going to continue to do so.

Question

00:09:49 - 00:10:01 ()

And just one more on this. You know, China says that the U.S. hasn't presented evidence that this app threatens U.S. national security. They say that this is simply about suppressing foreign companies. Is there evidence that the U.S. has that has been presented?

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:10:01 - 00:10:15 ()

Look, what I can say is: CFIUS has a process that they're going through. We're going to let them go through their process. We have concerns, as we've said many times before, about this particular software so- -- platform -- software platforms.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:10:15 - 00:10:26 ()

And -- and so we take the national security very seriously, the President takes that very seriously -- the safety of Americans very seriously, the privacy of Americans very seriously. And so, we're not going to get ahead of the review.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:10:26 - 00:10:34 ()

But, certainly, we, again, support this bipartisan legislation that we're coming -- that we're seeing out of -- out of Congress.

Question

00:10:34 - 00:11:01 ()

Just continuing on the questions about the banking sector. So the Biden administration has expressed a lot of concern in the past about consolidation in other sectors. You've spoken about meatpacking, shipping, ocean shipping, oil companies. Are you worried that this crisis surrounding several regional banks could lead to a consolidation, a concentration in the larger banking sector?

Question

00:11:01 - 00:11:02 ()

And -- and then I'll have another one.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:11:02 - 00:11:18 ()

So, promoting competition in our -- in the American economy, we see that as a priority. You se- -- you hear the President say these words I'm about to repeat right now, which is, "Capitalism without competition isn't capitalism." And so, that is something that you've heard the President say multiple times.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:11:18 - 00:11:33 ()

His executive order on this particular issue, promoting capita- -- capitalism -- sorry, competition -- pardon me -- specifically encourages the Justice Department -- in consultation with the Fed, the FDIC, and Comptroller of the Currency -- to revitalize merger and oversight.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:11:33 - 00:11:44 ()

So, again, this is something that the President believes in. He -- he believes that we have to have capitalism and you can't have capitalism without competition. And that isn't capitalism. And so, I'll just leave it there.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:11:44 - 00:11:47 ()

And it isn't -- again, the last thing I would say is: It's an important part of our American economy.

Question

00:11:47 - 00:12:06 ()

But, I mean, the question is: Are you concerned, and what can you do about it? You know, to ev- -- as -- as consumers are now making decisions, having seen what happened with SVB and with Signature, what's happening now with First Republic, you know, what tools do you have to push back against a further concentration in this critical sector?

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:12:06 - 00:12:15 ()

So, look, as it relates to specific banks and institutions, you know, I would -- I would -- I would refer you to the relevant banking regulators. So I'd leave that there.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:12:15 - 00:12:33 ()

And that's why the President -- but, more broadly, that's why the President took the actions that he did over the weekend. Remember, he directed his Treasury Secretary and the NSC director to come up with a plan on how to deal with what we were seeing with SVB, with the Silicon Valley Bank. And so, they took action.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:12:33 - 00:12:51 ()

And now, what we -- what we believe and what you heard from the Secretary today, which is decisive and forceful actions were taken by the government to strengthen public confidence in our banking system. So, there sho- -- there should be confidence in our banking system. No taxpayer money is being used or put at risk with this action.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:12:51 - 00:13:04 ()

And lastly, she said our banking system remained sound and that Americans can feel confident that their deposits will be there when they need them. This is -- this week's actions demonstrate our resolute commitment to ensure that depositors savings remain safe.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:13:04 - 00:13:11 ()

Again, this is something that happened and occurred at the President's direction. And we want to make sure that Americans do indeed feel confident.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:13:11 - 00:13:19 ()

I'm not going to speak to any specific bank, as you just asked me about the particular bank in California. We, clearly, are going to be monitoring.

Question

00:13:19 - 00:13:38 ()

Okay. And then just on the international front of the banking sector. You know, we've seen trouble now with Credit Suisse. The Swiss authorities are stepping in, offering credit line. What had been discussed there was also a further consolidation. So, the biggest bank in Switzerland, UBS, stepping in to aid Credit Suisse.

Question

00:13:38 - 00:13:48 ()

You know, would you have concerns about that on a global scale if you start to see this movement, you know, kind of happening globally?

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:13:48 - 00:14:02 ()

So, look, we're monitoring the situation. I know the Treasury has been in touch with their own Swiss -- their Swiss counterparts, which is important. And so, we're glad that the Swiss -- Swiss central bank provided reassurance in the form of a loan facility yesterday.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:14:02 - 00:14:14 ()

But I will say that what we're seeing currently with the Credit Suisse is a distinct issue. And it's a problem -- and its -- and its problems are not related to the current economic situation, the current economic environment.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:14:14 - 00:14:24 ()

Again, this is a distinct issue that we're currently seeing, and we're having this -- the Treasury Secretary is -- the Treasury, I should say, more broadly, is having conversations with their counter- -- counterparts.

Question

00:14:24 - 00:14:34 ()

And sorry to belabor the point, I just want -- want to see what the Biden administration's policy on this is. Do you discourage further consolidation in banking globally or in the U.S.?

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:14:34 - 00:14:43 ()

I would refer -- I would refer you to the Department of Treasury. They have been in -- in close contact with their Swiss counterparts, as it relates to this particular issue, this particular bank.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:14:43 - 00:14:56 ()

But, again, I want to be very clear: What we're seeing with the Credit Suisse is a distinct situation. It is not -- it is not -- it does not speak to the current economics -- economic environment that we're in.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:14:56 - 00:14:56 ()

Question

00:14:56 - 00:15:12 ()

Thanks, Karine. You -- you referenced the Dodd-Frank rules just a few moments ago. Do you believe that Silicon Valley -- [clears throat] -- excuse me. Do you believe that Silicon Valley Bank's failure could have been averted had those Dodd-Frank rules not been rolled back during the previous administration?

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:15:12 - 00:15:23 ()

So, right now -- and the President said this in his remarks on Monday, that we -- we got to get a full accounting of what happened. We need to know exactly what happened so we know who to hold accountable here.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:15:23 - 00:15:33 ()

Right now, his economic team -- the President's economic team is focused on stabilizing the financial system and protecting depositors, not investors. We've been very clear about this.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:15:33 - 00:15:51 ()

But again, it is not 2008. The banking system is far more resilient, on a better foundation, thanks to the tough requirements that were put in place by the Obama-Biden administration. And I just said this moment -- moments ago: In 2018, we saw what the Trump administration did. They did roll back some of those tough requirements.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:15:51 - 00:16:01 ()

But again, we need to see exactly -- do a full -- full review, get a full accounting of what occurred so we can make sure to hold those to account.

Question

00:16:01 - 00:16:11 ()

And the administration moved to ensure all deposits at Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank through the FDIC's Deposit Insurance Fund. So, will that be the policy going forward for other bank failures?

Question

00:16:11 - 00:16:22 ()

And in terms of future legislation, does the administration support changes to the existing $250,000 cap on FDIC insurance limit for checkings and savings accounts?

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:16:22 - 00:16:30 ()

So, again, I'm not going to get ahead or get into hypotheticals on what -- what the future is going to hold.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:16:30 - 00:16:43 ()

And -- and I said this moments ago as well, which is: Look, we need Congress to act, and we need Congress to take a look of what else can be done. That's why we're supporting the legislation -- the bipartisan legislation that I just mentioned.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:16:43 - 00:16:56 ()

Look, the President -- as I mentioned also earlier, the President appointed -- appointed regulators over the past two years to reverse the changes that we saw in the last administration. But, again, Congress needs to act.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:16:56 - 00:17:09 ()

As far as the $250,000 deposit insurance limit, we have -- we have more -- more to say on the specific regulatory changes in the next few days. I'm not going to get ahead of -- of what the regular- -- the regulators are going to decide moving forward.

Question

00:17:09 - 00:17:12 ()

But that's something that you guys are looking at?

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:17:12 - 00:17:19 ()

I'm just not -- I'm just not going to get into specifics or get ahead of what they're -- what they're currently looking at or what we're going -- what they're going to be announcing.

Question

00:17:19 - 00:17:36 ()

And then, just on a different topic. In terms of the video that you guys released of this U.S. drone that was intercepted by a Russian fighter jet, can you tell us if the President was involved in the decision to release that footage and why he or the administration felt it was important to get that out to the public?

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:17:36 - 00:17:42 ()

So, look, this is something that, I believe, the Pentagon believed it was important to get that out so that the public can see.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:17:42 - 00:18:03 ()

I don't have any -- I don't have any internal conversations to read out about -- about how it came to be. I know that there is -- you know, there's -- many times during this mi- -- this administration where we feel it's important to have transparency and to show the American people exactly what occurred. Just don't have any internal conversations to lay out for you at this time.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:18:03 - 00:18:04 ()

Question

00:18:04 - 00:18:19 ()

Yeah, thank you, Karine. What is the White House's reaction to environmental activists critical of the Biden administration's approval of the Willow oil project? They argue that the President has undermined his own goals on climate change in approving this.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:18:19 - 00:18:27 ()

So, a couple of things there. Look, the President -- you know, when it comes to -- you're talking about the Willow project?

Question

00:18:27 - 00:18:28 ()

Yeah, the Willow oil project.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:18:28 - 00:18:36 ()

Look, the President kept his word when he -- when he can -- where he can by law. Right? That is important to note.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:18:36 - 00:18:50 ()

And as the Interior Department said, some of the company's leases are decades old, granted by prior administrations. The company has a legal right to those leases. The department's options are limited when there are legal contracts in place.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:18:50 - 00:19:04 ()

For example, the DOI's Solicitor under President Clinton and law professor at [DEL: US :DEL] [UC] Hastings said, "They have lease rights, and that can't be ignored." That's a big figure on the scale in the favor of development.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:19:04 - 00:19:05 ()

And so I'll -- I'll leave it there.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:19:05 - 00:19:16 ()

But, again, the President is delivering the most aggressive climate agenda in the U.S. history. And that is going to be his continued -- his continued commitment to the American people.

Question

00:19:16 - 00:19:21 ()

And so, is it the position of the White House that there was no other option other than approving the permits for the project?

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:19:21 - 00:19:29 ()

Well, I just laid out there was -- there were -- those -- the lega- -- there was a legal right to -- they had legal right to those leases. Right?

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:19:29 - 00:19:33 ()

And he -- the President is going to do what he can under the -- as the law permits.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:19:33 - 00:19:39 ()

And so, again, this is a President who has delivered on the most aggressive climate agenda in the U.S. history. And he's going to continue to do that.

Question

00:19:39 - 00:19:47 ()

And do you have a reaction or a response to the two lawsuits filed by conservation groups against the government seeking to stop the project?

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:19:47 - 00:19:49 ()

I'm just -- I'm not going to comment on any lawsuits at this time.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:19:49 - 00:19:50 ()

Question

00:19:50 - 00:20:09 ()

On Ukraine. In the coming months, does the administration have any plans to ask Congress to pass an additional aid supplemental for Ukraine beyond the $6 billion that the President asked for in his budget request? And are there concerns about whether the political will to do so on the Hill is eroding?

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:20:09 - 00:20:20 ()

So, look, thanks to the bipartisan congressional support for Ukraine that was passed in September, we believe we have the resources we need through the end of this fiscal year. And I think that's important. Again, that was done in a bipartisan way.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:20:20 - 00:20:32 ()

So, of course, we're going to continue to elevate whether any additional resources are needed, based on the conditions that we're currently seeing on the ground that we do -- that we see as we move forward on the ground in Ukraine.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:20:32 - 00:20:40 ()

But, again, we appreciate the bipartisan support that we saw in September. We believe that it's going to go through the end of -- end of the fiscal year.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:20:40 - 00:20:46 ()

And, again, we're -- just everything that we have done, as it relates to Ukraine, has been done in a bipartisan way.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:20:46 - 00:20:47 ()

Question

00:20:47 - 00:20:55 ()

Thanks, Karine. You said the White House tries to stay away from the CFIUS process. But has there been any communication between the White House and CFIUS on the issue of TikTok?

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:20:55 - 00:20:58 ()

I -- I don't have any conversations to read out at this time.

Question

00:20:58 - 00:20:59 ()

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:20:59 - 00:21:05 ()

I just don't have any. We -- this is a process that's done on its own, separately.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:21:05 - 00:21:09 ()

But certainly, I don't have any conversation to read out.

Question

00:21:09 - 00:21:22 ()

And then just another one. Are -- is the administration planning for different contingencies as it relates to the case over the abortion pill, particularly as yesterday it seemed the judge -- the judge seemed receptive to the argument that the pill is unsafe?

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:21:22 - 00:21:31 ()

So, I want to be careful here. I'm not going to get into any litigation that's currently happening, get -- stay out of -- or put -- say anything that might get in the way there.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:21:31 - 00:21:39 ()

But this is about FDA's authority to make its independent, evidence-based decision on drugs. This is what this is about.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:21:39 - 00:21:47 ()

Decisions on what medication can be used in our country should not be determined in a court. They should be determined based on their safety, science, and the data.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:21:47 - 00:22:07 ()

And so, the bottom line is that mifepristone is safe, and there's no question about that. We know that because it's been around for two decades. It's in more than 60 countries across -- across the globe, clearly. It is -- it has been exhaustively shown to be safe, with real data on countless occasion, and it has been used in this country, again, for more than 20 years.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:22:07 - 00:22:16 ()

So, we'll wait for the next steps. I'm not going to get involved in what the judge said yesterday. We're going to see where this goes. And -- and we're not going to say much more from here.

Question

00:22:16 - 00:22:43 ()

I understand. I just -- on that, there was some criticism about the White House after the draft decision of Roe v. Wade -- or the opinion that overturned Roe v. Wade -- that they felt the White House had weeks to prepare for the -- what became the overturning of that opinion. And activists and even some Democratic lawmakers felt that the White House did not have a robust plan in place to respond to that. So, I'm wondering: In this case, is there planning underway here at the White House in the -- in case this --

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:22:43 - 00:22:45 ()

There's been discussion --

Question

00:22:45 - 00:22:47 ()

-- this decision goes the other way?

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:22:47 - 00:22:56 ()

-- here at the White House about what could happen next in case the judge decides to make this really unprecedented -- potentially unprecedented decision.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:22:56 - 00:23:16 ()

But I just want to go back to the Roe v. Wade and what are -- and the criticism that you just said that we received. And I would dispute those. I would dispute those criticisms, because on the day -- because on the day that it occ- -- it happened, you heard from the President. He laid out some executive actions from -- from this White House on how to move forward.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:23:16 - 00:23:31 ()

This is a President -- and the Vice President -- has been very vocal on making sure that the health of women are protected across -- just across the country. We're talking about millions and millions of women. And he's going to continue to do that. That is not going to change from this White House.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:23:31 - 00:23:43 ()

And we've continued to take action since then through the HHS and other -- and DOJ and other parts of his administration. This is an issue that's important to this administration.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:23:43 - 00:24:10 ()

And, again, what can potentially occur here is -- is, sadly, you know, unprecedented. And this is a -- this is going to put all -- everything that we have seen since June, when Roe and -- when Roe v. Wade was -- was taken away from women, puts women's lives in danger. And now we're seeing anti-abortion legislation across the country -- again, dangerous to the health of women.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:24:10 - 00:24:21 ()

And we're seeing, you know, national Republicans talking about a national ban. Again, that is dangerous to women. That's something that the President is going to continue to speak out against.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:24:21 - 00:24:22 ()

Go ahead, Kristen.

Question

00:24:22 - 00:24:37 ()

Karine, thank you so much. The NSA Director General has called TikTok a "loaded gun" because so many Americans rely on it both for social media and its -- they get their news from TikTok. Does the President, does the administration agree with that assessment?

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:24:37 - 00:24:43 ()

I'm just not going to get ahead of any -- any comments that's been made on TikTok at this time.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:24:43 - 00:25:01 ()

Again, CFIUS is looking at -- is doing a review. We're going to let them do their review. We've been clear about our concerns -- express our concerns with the software, this particular app, because we -- the President believes that it's important to -- to protect the privacy and the safety of Americans. It's important to protect our national security.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:25:01 - 00:25:03 ()

But I'm not going to get ahead of the review.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:25:03 - 00:25:07 ()

Again, we're going to show -- we are -- we're showing and we've been very clear in supporting the bipartisan legislation.

Question

00:25:07 - 00:25:12 ()

Let me try it this way: Does the President think that Americans should be on TikTok?

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:25:12 - 00:25:15 ()

Again, I'm not going to -- I'm not going to speak to -- to that.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:25:15 - 00:25:26 ()

What I can speak to is what the President believes that he needs to do, which is making sure that the safety and privacy of Americans are protected. And he'll speak to that.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:25:26 - 00:25:30 ()

But I'm not going to speak to actions that the American people should take or not take.

Question

00:25:30 - 00:25:50 ()

I just want to follow up on the video that was released of the drone. Given that it clearly refuted the initial accounts that were offered by the Russians about what happened, is there a broader impact on U.S.-Russia relations? In other words, has it made an already incredibly tense relationship worse?

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:25:50 - 00:25:53 ()

Do you mean is it going to lead to escalation?

Question

00:25:53 - 00:25:54 ()

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:25:54 - 00:26:14 ()

Well, look, a couple of things there. And we've been clear, the Pentagon has been clear, my colleagues at NSC has been clear as well: The actions by Russian pilots in international airspace were reckless and dangerous. We have raised those concerns directly with Russian leadership. And we will continue to exercise our rights in international airspace.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:26:14 - 00:26:22 ()

Clearly, we do not seek armed conflict with Russia. We maintain direct lines of communication for reasons like this to minimize risk of escalation.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:26:22 - 00:26:27 ()

But, again, we do not seek armed conflict with Russia. And so I'll leave it there.

Question

00:26:27 - 00:26:44 ()

One more, if I could, on the Willow Project. In addition to the environmental groups, there are a lot of young voters who are criticizing the President greenlighting an oil drilling venture in Alaska. What is his message to those young voters who feel like this is a betrayal?

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:26:44 - 00:26:53 ()

Look, this is a -- the message is this: This is a President that has delivered on the most aggressive climate agenda in the United States history, and he's going to continue to do that.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:26:53 - 00:27:22 ()

And he has -- he has the receipts for it, right? He has conserved more land and water in the first year than any President since JFK. He has fully closed off the U.S. Arctic Ocean to new oil and gas leasing. He has secured record investment in climate resilience and environmental justice. And his economic agenda is fueling an unprecedented clean energy manufacturing boom that is bringing energy costs down, reducing America's resilience on oil, and finally putting us back on track to meet our clean energy projects.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:27:22 - 00:27:30 ()

Again, this is a President who has done more on climate change than any other President in history. And he's committed to it, and he's going to continue to do so.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:27:30 - 00:27:31 ()

Question

00:27:31 - 00:27:42 ()

Thank you, Karine. Will any White House officials be meeting with the President of Taiwan when she's here in a couple of weeks? And is there still concerns that there could be fallout for her meeting with Speaker McCarthy?

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:27:42 - 00:27:51 ()

Well, first of all, I don't -- I don't have a -- I don't have a trip to -- I don't believe the trip has been announced or Taiwan has announced any transit at this time.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:27:51 - 00:28:01 ()

There's a couple of things I do want to say, because I know this has come up a couple of times. And so, any -- any potential transit that Taiwan might be making, certainly I would refer you to Taiwan.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:28:01 - 00:28:13 ()

I will say that transits of the United States by high-level Taiwan officials are consistent with the longstanding U.S. practice. The unoffic- -- unofficial nature of our relations with Taiwan in U.S. policy, which remains unchanged.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:28:13 - 00:28:26 ()

Every Taiwan President has transited the United States. President Tsai has transited the United States at least six times -- about six times since taking office in 2016, and done so without incident.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:28:26 - 00:28:36 ()

Such transits are undertaken out of consideration for the safety, comfort, convenience, and dignity of the passenger, and are in keeping with our One China policy, which remains unchanged.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:28:36 - 00:28:40 ()

Transits are not visits; they are private and official -- and unofficial.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:28:40 - 00:28:52 ()

So I will also note that high-level Taiwan officials have typically met with members of Congress, which is a separate and co-equal branch of government, during past transits. But I believe that Taiwan has not yet announced a transit at this time.

Question

00:28:52 - 00:29:05 ()

And a quick one on banking. Is there any actions that the White House is taking right now, before Congress can pass any new legislation, to prevent further contagion, further banks from failing, and that potentially bleeding into the economy?

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:29:05 - 00:29:20 ()

Well, as I mentioned, as I -- as you heard from the President directly over the weekend -- and he talked about this on Monday -- he directed his NEC and Sec- -- Treasury Secretary to -- to work with the bank regulators to take action.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:29:20 - 00:29:39 ()

And you heard from -- directly from the Secretary of Treasury today about what those actions were able to do to give confidence to the American people, making sure that taxpayers do not have to pay, are not responsible for what investors did, and making sure that our banking system continues and remains sound.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:29:39 - 00:29:41 ()

And so, those actions that -- that the government took --

Question

00:29:41 - 00:29:44 ()

But anything since the weekend? Anything since the weekend?

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:29:44 - 00:29:55 ()

Well, I can tell you this: that we have -- we have said that there's going to be -- more will be said on this once we find out how we -- how this occurred and getting to the bottom of exactly what happened.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:29:55 - 00:29:58 ()

The President thinks that's very important to do. He spoke about that on Monday.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:29:58 - 00:30:00 ()

So, I'm not going to get ahead of that.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:30:00 - 00:30:10 ()

In the meantime, Congress needs to act. It's important for Congress to act. There are things that we can do in the administration. But in order to really deal with this issue, we have to act.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:30:10 - 00:30:24 ()

That's why -- that's why -- we're not in 2008 because of the actions that the Obama-Biden White House took. But, again, many of those actions that were taken for -- to -- after what happened -- occurred in 2008 were rolled back by the last administration.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:30:24 - 00:30:28 ()

So, we have to actually address those issues, and so we're asking Congress to do just that.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:30:28 - 00:30:29 ()

Go ahead, Weijia.

Question

00:30:29 - 00:30:39 ()

Thank you, Karine. President Biden has said before that he himself does not have TikTok on his phone. Do you know if any of his grandchildren or any other family members who he spends time with has it on their phones?

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:30:39 - 00:30:40 ()

Question

00:30:40 - 00:30:44 ()

Can you find out? I mean, he spends time with them, so they --

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:30:44 - 00:30:46 ()

I hear you, he spends time with them. But -- I hear you.

Question

00:30:46 - 00:30:49 ()

-- and he's been influenced by them before to make Tik Toks, so --

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:30:49 - 00:30:59 ()

I hear -- I just -- it's just -- it's just not something that I'm aware of and I'm just not going to speak to. They are private citizens. I'm just not going to speak to what they have on their phones or not.

Question

00:30:59 - 00:31:10 ()

Got it. And on the Polish fighter jets: Just last month, the Russians warned that if the UK provided fighter jets to Ukraine, it would have serious military and political ramifications for the entire world.

Question

00:31:10 - 00:31:22 ()

I know that John Kirby stressed that this was a decision by Poland. But how does President Biden think that decision will impact the war and also potentially impact NATO?

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:31:22 - 00:31:40 ()

So, as -- as my colleague at NSC said, Admiral Kirby, it is a sovereign decision that is made by a country. It's their decision to make. Poland has been providing, as you know, a significant amount of security assistance to Ukraine, as more than 50 nations around the world, alongside the United States, has done as well.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:31:40 - 00:31:57 ()

And so, look, we are committed. And we've -- we've said this before. And because of the President's leadership, you've seen -- you've seen NATO be unified, you've seen the West be unified to -- committed to making sure that Ukraine is able to -- the people of Ukraine is able to fight for their democracy and for their freedom.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:31:57 - 00:32:11 ()

Remember, this is a war -- as you all know and covered, this is a war that Russia started. They are the ones that are invading a sovereign nation. And so, we believe it's important, along with our allies, to -- to help Ukraine the best that we can.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:32:11 - 00:32:21 ()

And so, we're going to continue doing an historic amount of security assistance, as we have done, and to make sure that they have what they need to continue to fight for their democracy and their freedom.

Question

00:32:21 - 00:32:28 ()

I hear what you're saying about the decision-making, but does the President think the decision will only impact Poland and Ukraine?

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:32:28 - 00:32:31 ()

Can you say that again? What do you mean a decision with Poland?

Question

00:32:31 - 00:32:46 ()

Well, it was Poland's decision, right? But now that they are delivering these fighter jets, how will that impact NATO Allies and the war, given what Russia has warned about providing fighter jets just last month?

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:32:46 - 00:33:01 ()

Look, we have said it is important for our partners, our -- across the globe, to do everything that they can to -- to help Ukraine. And so, that hasn't changed, you know.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:33:01 - 00:33:18 ()

And as you saw, the President was in Poland recently, had a one-on-one intera- -- engagement with President Duda. And you saw their commitment by both leaders to continue to do everything that they can, that we can to give Ukraine what they need.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:33:18 - 00:33:50 ()

And the President was -- President Duda was very, very thankful to the President for everything that we have done. We are thankful to President Duda being -- you know, being right there at the border alongside Ukraine, having to -- having to be one of the closest ally that have to -- that has to make sure that Ukraine has what they need, but also -- also be part of that alliance that continues to provide the security assistance that Ukraine needs. I'm not going to -- again, it's a sovereign decision. It is their decision to make.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:33:50 - 00:34:05 ()

But you have seen a strong alliance, a strong partners, a strong West. NATO is -- has come together to do everything that we can to make sure that the people of Ukraine have -- have the security assistance that they need on the ground to fight for their freedom.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:34:05 - 00:34:06 ()

And I'll just leave it there.

Question

00:34:06 - 00:34:14 ()

And then, just quickly: Did President Biden know that that was President Duda's decision before he announced it yesterday during that press conference?

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:34:14 - 00:34:29 ()

So, we were informed by -- by their decision, by the Po- -- by Poland to provide the jets to Ukraine. So, we continue to closely coordinate with our allies and partners, including Poland, as we provide assistance to Ukraine.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:34:29 - 00:34:45 ()

Yesterday, Secretary Austin, as you probably know, the tenth -- hosted the tenth Ukraine Defense Contact Group in which countries around the world continue to step up, support Ukraine as it defends itself from Russia -- Russian aggression. And that's what you're going to continue to see.

Question

00:34:45 - 00:34:47 ()

Question

00:34:47 - 00:34:47 ()

In the back, Madam?

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:34:47 - 00:34:50 ()

Yeah, I'll go -- go ahead. And then I'll keep going.

Question

00:34:50 - 00:35:08 ()

Thank -- thank you. There were some new figures out today showing the highest maternal mortality rate in half a century, or a little more, in fact. And, of course, that puts the U.S. right at the top of wealthy countries, in terms of maternal mortality. Does the White House, you know, have any plans about this? That's all. Thank you.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:35:08 - 00:35:12 ()

Yeah, I have a statement here that we wanted to share with all of you.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:35:12 - 00:35:30 ()

Look, the data that came out today show for far too long pregnant and postpartum women have gotten the short -- have been short-shifted here, which is exactly why the President and congressional Democrats are working to improve their access to healthcare, to lower healthcare cost, and to significantly increase investments in improving maternal health.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:35:30 - 00:35:51 ()

But meanwhile, what we're seeing from the other side, what we're seeing from Republicans, are doing the -- they're doing the complete opposite, which is consistent and on brand for them: working to gut healthcare for Americans, repeal Affordable Care Act, and make deep cuts to Medicaid, which is the last thing we should do, given that 40 percent of women have Medicaid coverage at the time of delivery.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:35:51 - 00:36:00 ()

It is incomprehensible, and it is incredibly dangerous what we're seeing from our Republicans colleagues in Congress.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:36:00 - 00:36:16 ()

The most powerful country in the world should not be accepting this as a reality. This is a crisis, and we are taking action. The President and the Vice President will continue this fight to ensure pregnant and postpartum women and all Americans have the care they need to stay healthy. And that's the commitment that you'll see from this President.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:36:16 - 00:36:18 ()

Go ahead, April.

Question

00:36:18 - 00:36:34 ()

Karine, two questions. First, on the abortion pill and the Texas case. What happens to disadvantaged women, particularly in the Black and brown community, if this pill is abolished or not allowed in that state? What happens?

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:36:34 - 00:36:42 ()

So, look, I'm not going get ahead of the decision that the courts are going to be making anytime soon, today -- who knows -- a couple of days. Going to stay out of that.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:36:42 - 00:37:04 ()

But we've been very clear. We've been very clear that what is -- what could potentially happen is unprecedented. We're talking about a pill that's been around for two decades, it's been in more than 60 countries across -- across the globe, that is safe. And this is something that the FDA should decide on what's safe and what could be -- what could be beneficial to women's health.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:37:04 - 00:37:13 ()

So, yes, if that -- this were to occur -- again, I'm not going to -- want to be very careful here -- this would be devastating to those -- to that very group that you just listed out, April.

Question

00:37:13 - 00:37:18 ()

So are you questioning his definitional qualification of what's safe -- the judge?

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:37:18 - 00:37:37 ()

I'm not questioning anything at this time. This is something that the judge has to decide. I want to be very careful. This is an ongoing litigation. But what could happen would be unprecedented. And the President and this administration -- you're going to continue to hear us speak -- speak up for women across the country.

Question

00:37:37 - 00:38:04 ()

And next question. Shanquella Robinson. Ben Crump has sent a letter to the White House about this case. This young woman was killed in Mexico in October of last year. The suspect is in this country, along with those -- back here -- along with those who were present during the br- -- the deadly beating. Okay?

Question

00:38:04 - 00:38:16 ()

He sent a letter asking for extradition of the suspect to Mexico for the Mexican authorities to deal with, or, if not, take jurisdiction of it here and deal with it. What's next? What's the White House willing to do?

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:38:16 - 00:38:28 ()

So, let me just first say our hearts go out to Miss Robinson's family and friends. It is devastating, what occurred. And, certainly, the -- the tragedy is just devastating.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:38:28 - 00:38:48 ()

And we've been following the news here. But because -- because there's an FBI investigation underway, there's very little that we can say. We got to -- as you know, we are very careful about criminal investigations or any investigations that are currently happening through DOJ -- in this particular case, FBI.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:38:48 - 00:38:53 ()

But our hearts go out to -- again, to the families.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:38:53 - 00:38:56 ()

And I would have to refer you to the DOJ and the State Department on this.

Question

00:38:56 - 00:39:12 ()

So, let me -- let me ask you this: So, since there's an FBI investigation, does that mean nothing happens until the investigation is complete? Or, I mean, could -- I mean, the United States has extradition -- extradition treaty with Mexico. Is it -- is all of this contingent upon the FBI investigation?

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:39:12 - 00:39:20 ()

What I can say is there's an investigation going on, so this is something that the FBI has to speak to. So that's why I'm referring you to the Department of Justice.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:39:20 - 00:39:29 ()

And it's also an issue of the State Department. Again, so, would refer you to the State Department, as it relates to another country, and the diplomatic conversations that occur there.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:39:29 - 00:39:36 ()

But again, this is something that we're clearly following here. And our hearts go out to her family.

Question

00:39:36 - 00:39:45 ()

And last question on this though: Are there capabilities for the United States to take jurisdiction over this if it doesn't go -- if the suspect is not extradited back?

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:39:45 - 00:39:55 ()

Look, April, I understand the question, and I appreciate the questions -- all important questions to ask of me. But, again, there's an ongoing investigation, so I would refer you to the Department of Justice.

Question

00:39:55 - 00:39:59 ()

But this is about process, not necessarily the investigation. Do -- does the United States have --

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:39:59 - 00:39:59 ()

But there is --

Question

00:39:59 - 00:39:59 ()

-- the capability --

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:39:59 - 00:40:10 ()

-- but there is a process that's currently happening because of the investigation, so I would refer you to the Department of Justice and also the State Department, as there are -- you know, this is a diplomatic issue that needs to be handled on that end.

Question

00:40:10 - 00:40:11 ()

Karine, you have time for, like, two more.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:40:11 - 00:40:15 ()

Okay. Go ahead. And then -- I'm sorry, and then I'll go to the back.

Question

00:40:15 - 00:40:25 ()

I know you were asked about this last week. At that point, you all didn't have an answer. I wonder if you do have an answer now as to whether or not the President will sign the COVID origins intelligence bill that was unanimously passed.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:40:25 - 00:40:32 ()

So, it's -- so, we are -- thank you for the question. I know I was asked about it, I believe on the plane on Monday, as you just mentioned.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:40:32 - 00:40:37 ()

So, we're looking at it. We have continued to share information with members of Congress.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:40:37 - 00:40:58 ()

And, as you know, just months after the President came into office, he asked his intelligence community to double down and to take a look of the -- of the origins -- of the COVID origins because we believe it's important to get to the bottom of this. And to get -- and also, if -- once we have -- once the intelligence community has made the -- made the assessments, clearly, we would share that with the public.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:40:58 - 00:41:03 ()

As it relates to the legislation, we're going to continue to -- we're going to take a look at it. And, certainly, we'll have more to share.

Question

00:41:03 - 00:41:06 ()

But you haven't made a decision whether he will sign it or not?

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:41:06 - 00:41:09 ()

No, we're -- we're just taking a look. We're taking a look into the -- into the bill.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:41:09 - 00:41:11 ()

Go ahead, Cristina, in the back.

Question

00:41:11 - 00:41:20 ()

Thank you, Karine. Can you confirm if the administration is considering redesignating Temporary Protected Status to Nicaraguans and what that would look like?

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:41:20 - 00:41:36 ()

So, we don't have anything to share on that at this time. Any announcement, as you know, when it comes to Temporary Protected Status, that is something that is housed under the Department of Homeland Security. And they -- they designate -- that would be something for Secretary Mayorkas to designate. And so, I just don't have anything for you.

Question

00:41:36 - 00:41:37 ()

Are there conversations? Any --

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:41:37 - 00:41:40 ()

I would -- I would refer you to the Department of Homeland Security.

Question

00:41:40 - 00:41:51 ()

And then, one more question on the -- on the video. Is there a red line for -- for Russia? Is there a point where these aggressions become an act of war? And I -- are they aware of that?

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:41:51 - 00:42:08 ()

So, look, as I said earlier, we have had -- the lines of communications with Russia has been open. We've had those conversations with -- with -- with Russia. And so, I'll -- I'll leave it there. And we'll continue to make those communica- -- the -- have those communications.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:42:08 - 00:42:16 ()

We're not looking for escalation. I said that moments ago. And -- and I'll just leave it there. That is not what we're looking for with Russia.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:42:16 - 00:42:18 ()

I'll try to take more in the back.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:42:18 - 00:42:19 ()

Go ahead, Courtney.

Question

00:42:19 - 00:42:33 ()

Thank you. I wanted to ask you about travel requirements. The U.S. lifted the requirement for COVID-19 tests for travelers flying from China. Do you have any update on the vaccine requirement for international travel in general?

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:42:33 - 00:42:35 ()

I don't have any updates at this time.

Question

00:42:35 - 00:43:02 ()

And a second question, on parole. The U.S. has had a humanitarian parole program that you opened for the four countries from Latin America. That program is being challenged in court in Texas. Can you talk about the implications of that case? I know that that type of parole has been a tool that the President has used repeatedly in the last two years, not just for the southern hemisphere but for other humanitarian crises.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:43:02 - 00:43:26 ()

Yeah, so as we -- as you know, that parole program that we put into place is working. It's working. The -- it's -- it's gone down -- those four countries crossing over -- coming -- coming to the border has gone down by more than 95 percent. And so this is a -- this is a program that the President was able to -- to utilize because of the tools that he had in front of him.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:43:26 - 00:43:36 ()

Remember, Congress is not acting. Republicans refuse to take action. The President put forth a comprehensive immigration reform bill on day one, and they have refused to work with us.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:43:36 - 00:43:41 ()

So, again, the President put this -- put this program together. And, again, it's working.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:43:41 - 00:43:56 ()

And instead -- instead of con- -- Republicans in Congress or Republicans working with us on fixing this issue or dealing with a real issue -- the border -- they want to repeal a program that is actually doing what it is supposed to be doing.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:43:56 - 00:44:02 ()

So this is a political stunt by them. This is something that they're not serious about, and it is unfortunate.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:44:02 - 00:44:13 ()

Look, we're going to secure the border and do the work. You've heard from -- from Mayorkas on this. Do the work -- Secretary Mayorkas on this -- do the work to continue to do that.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:44:13 - 00:44:25 ()

But we need Congress to act. We need Republicans to seriously come to the table and deal with it. Repealing a program that is working is -- just doesn't make sense. And it's a political stunt.

Question

00:44:25 - 00:44:25 ()

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:44:25 - 00:44:29 ()

I know -- I know I have to go. I'll take one more.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:44:29 - 00:44:29 ()

Go ahead, Karen.

Question

00:44:29 - 00:44:40 ()

Thanks, Karine. You laid out a very detailed schedule for the President tomorrow with the Prime Minister of Ireland, but it did not include a two-and-two press conference. Can you say why not and whether that might be added to the schedule tomorrow? This is kind of --

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:44:40 - 00:44:41 ()

So I think you've --

Question

00:44:41 - 00:44:43 ()

-- becoming a pattern with a lot of the world leaders who are coming to --

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:44:43 - 00:44:43 ()

Question

00:44:43 - 00:44:44 ()

-- the White House.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:44:44 - 00:44:48 ()

Look, I've spoken to this many times when it comes to diplomatic --

Question

00:44:48 - 00:44:50 ()

[Inaudible] bringing it up in the briefing that it's not a part of the schedule.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:44:50 - 00:45:02 ()

I -- right. And my -- I am -- again, I brought it up many times, and I gave an explanation. These are diplomatic conversations that happen with the -- with -- with the countries that are visiting, and it is something that is decided in that way.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:45:02 - 00:45:13 ()

But there will no -- there will not be a two-plus-two tomorrow, as you just noted. But, again, this is in coordination with -- with the country that come to visit here at the White House.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:45:13 - 00:45:29 ()

You're going to have an opportunity, or your colleagues will have an opportunity to ask questions during the -- the pool spray of the Oval -- at the Oval that -- that happen every time a -- a -- a head of state visits. So that is an opportunity to be able to pose a question to the President or -- or the head of state that is visiting the White House at -- on that day.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:45:29 - 00:45:32 ()

But, again, this is coordinated.

Question

00:45:32 - 00:45:34 ()

Karine, he never answers questions during those pool sprays.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:45:34 - 00:45:35 ()

That's not true. He has -- he's answered.

Question

00:45:35 - 00:45:36 ()

Question

00:45:36 - 00:45:37 ()

We get shouted at.

Question

00:45:37 - 00:45:37 ()

We get shoved out.

Question

00:45:37 - 00:45:39 ()

We get yelled at. "Press, thank you! Thank you!"

Question

00:45:39 - 00:45:42 ()

Will you commit to having him answer a question tomorrow?

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:45:42 - 00:45:43 ()

It's not -- here's --

Question

00:45:43 - 00:45:46 ()

We get yelled at during those.

Question

00:45:46 - 00:45:49 ()

The press is normally shouted down when we're in the Oval Office.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:45:49 - 00:45:50 ()

Question

00:45:50 - 00:45:51 ()

[Inaudible] shout at us to get out.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:45:51 - 00:45:54 ()

But here's -- I -- I hear you guys. I hear you guys.

Question

00:45:54 - 00:45:54 ()

[Inaudible] for the one-on-ones.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:45:54 - 00:45:55 ()

[Laughs] I hear you guys.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:45:55 - 00:46:06 ()

Look, the two-plus-two is something that is done in coordination with the country that is visiting. That is not something that is unilaterally decidal -- decided. That is something that is in discussion with the other country.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:46:06 - 00:46:19 ()

I was asked about the two-plus-two. I was also -- I also was adding that there is an opportunity where press will be in the room with the two leaders. I cannot speak to if -- who's going to take questions or who's not going to take questions.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:46:19 - 00:46:31 ()

As you know, this is a President that takes shouted questions often. But the two-plus-two is not a unilateral decision. It is a decision that happens with the visiting country in coordination with them.

Karine Jean-Pierre

00:46:31 - 00:46:35 ()

With that, guys, I'll see you.