President Joe Biden declined to comment on the indictment of former President Donald Trump during a press conference on Friday, stating firmly that he would not speak on an ongoing criminal case related to Trump. The President emphasized that his administration is focused on their agenda and priorities, aiming to take the political temperature down.
Vice President Kamala Harris and White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre also made similar statements, emphasizing that the administration would not comment on any ongoing case. Jean-Pierre did note that the administration is always prepared for any contingencies and that Biden supports peaceful protests.
During the same news conference, Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema, who appeared with Harris, commented on Trump’s indictment, stating that regulations create a platform or framework for people to agree on and govern themselves. He noted that when there’s a transgression against the law, it doesn’t matter who is involved, and citizens must exercise their rights and freedoms. However, Hichilema did not speak directly about Trump.
The indictment of Trump remains under seal, so the nature of the charges is unclear. However, they are believed to stem from payments made during the 2016 presidential campaign to silence claims of an extramarital sexual encounter, which Trump has denied.
Biden and his administration aim to remain focused on their objectives while staying out of active criminal matters related to Trump’s indictment. The President underscored the broader tactics that his administration is trying to take as it relates to the Republican former president’s indictment by a Manhattan grand jury: Take the political temperature down, stay out of active criminal matters, and focus on Biden’s agenda and priorities.
The White House is always prepared for any contingencies, including possible protests, but it would not comment on any ongoing case. The administration is committed to upholding the rule of law, as noted by President Hichilema, who spoke about the importance of regulations and exercising one’s rights and freedoms as citizens of their respective countries and the global community.
President Biden and his administration will remain focused on their agenda and priorities while staying out of active criminal matters related to Trump’s indictment. The White House will not comment on any ongoing case, and the nature of the charges against Trump remains unclear. The administration is committed to upholding the rule of law and supporting peaceful protests.