President Joe Biden was photographed on Wednesday holding a “cheat sheet,” revealing he was calling on reporters with questions that were pre-approved by the White House.
The image was captured during a joint press conference with Biden and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeo.
The notes had the reporter’s photograph, name, and phonetic spelling of their name. It also had their pre-approved question written out for him.
The first question was listed as Los Angeles Times reporter Courtney Subramanian, whose last name he did not attempt to pronounce, despite having the pronunciation provided to him.
“How are YOU squaring YOUR domestic priorities — like reshoring semiconductors manufacturing — with alliance-based foreign policy?” the note card read.
Leaked Biden cheat sheet shows he received questions in advance pic.twitter.com/Kcn2Ui95uU
— TheBlaze (@theblaze) April 26, 2023
“Now we’re going to take some questions. The first question is from Courtney of the Los Angeles Times,” Biden said during the press conference.
“Thank you, Mr. President. Your top economic priority has been to build up U.S. domestic manufacturing in competition with China. But your rules against expanding chip manufacturing in China is hurting South Korean companies that rely heavily on Beijing. Are you damaging a key ally in the competition with China to help your domestic politics ahead of the election?” Subramanian asked.
While the question was worded differently during the press conference, the topic did align.
According to a report on CNN, the Los Angeles Times has claimed that they did not submit questions in advance to the White House — despite Biden holding a summarized version of her question right in his hand.
CNN: Republicans “seizing” on reporters asking Biden scripted questions pic.twitter.com/BlylBM5A3p
— Tom Elliott (@tomselliott) April 27, 2023
Biden had previously revealed that he calls on pre-selected reporters in June 2021.
While speaking at a press conference in Geneva, Biden said, “I’ll take your questions, and as usual, folks, they gave me a list of the people I’m going to call on.”
BIDEN: “I’ll take your questions and as usual, folks, they gave me a list of the people I’m going to call on” pic.twitter.com/RdAks1RIdp
— Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) June 16, 2021
Biden announced that he does intend to seek reelection on Tuesday.
