President Biden was sworn in as the 46th president of the United States 48 days ago – but he has not yet scheduled a formal press conference.
The president, since taking office, has signed dozens of executive orders and shares and is preparing to sign the second biggest stimulus package in the history of the United States, the American Rescue Plan.
BIDEN TO DELIVER THE FIRST ADDRESS PRIMETIME THURSDAY
Although the president responded to questions from reporters about his government’s initial actions, the White House has yet to schedule a time for him to do so in a formal setting.
During previous administrations, former President Trump took 28 days to give a press conference, just 21 days for former President Obama and 34 days for former President George W. Bush.
White House press secretary Jen Psaki, who always gives briefings to reporters, was asked on Monday whether the president would hold a press conference, and she responded by saying he would do so before the end of March.
Psaki, instead of committing himself to a specific date, pointed out about 40 times that the president responded to shouted questions from reporters.
“I don’t know if you will see him more than 40 times a month,” said Psaki.
“The president answers questions several times a week. In fact, he answered questions twice yesterday,” said Psaki on Monday. ” We hope to hold a full press conference. We are working to set an end date for this and as soon as we do, we will notify everyone. “
“This president came during a historic crisis,” added Psaki. “I think the American people understand that their energy and focused attention has been on ensuring that we have enough vaccines … and on pushing for an American rescue plan.”
The media world has questioned when Biden will face reporters in a formal setting.
CNN’s Jake Tapper tweeted that “Biden’s 15 most recent predecessors all held a formal solo press conference 33 days after taking office.”
Biden has not yet addressed a joint session of Congress, another priority for the beginning of the term in most administrations. Usually, presidents make their first speech to Congress in February.
“It is not an affront,” Psaki promised reporters when asked whether Biden has yet to address lawmakers.
PSAKI SAYS BIDEN WILL HOLD A PRESS CONFERENCE BEFORE THE END OF THE MONTH
“We are in the middle of a global pandemic,” she said. “We intend for the president to hold a joint session … but we don’t have a date for that.”
Psaki, last week, also said that the president would speak at a joint session of Congress after approval of a final version of his American Rescue Plan – which the House could consider later this week.
Meanwhile, Biden is due to make his first prime-time speech as president on Thursday, to celebrate the one-year anniversary of the COVID-19 shutdowns.
The World Health Organization declared the new coronavirus a pandemic on March 11, 2020.
“The president will deliver his first prime-time speech to celebrate the one-year anniversary of the COVID-19 shutdown on Thursday,” said Psaki. “He will discuss the many sacrifices that the American people made last year and the serious losses suffered by communities and families across the country.”
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Psaki said the president “will look forward to highlighting the role that Americans will play in fighting the virus and getting the country back to normal.”
Biden’s speech on Thursday will be his first major speech since the day of the inauguration.
Fox News’ Morgan Phillips contributed to this report.