During a recent joint press briefing with Finland’s President Sauli Niinisto, President Biden repeatedly requested reporters to restate their inquiries.
During the limited Q&A session, Biden had trouble hearing at least three questions. The topics pressed upon by the journalists included the future of Finland now that it has joined NATO and the consistency of America’s NATO membership.
The White House offered an explanation to Fox News Digital, attributing the miscommunication to the acoustics of the large room where the press briefing was held.
The reporter queried, amidst America’s political unpredictability, the failures of bipartisan senators in Washington to pass a bill barring future U.S. presidents from leaving NATO without Senate consent. This reporter then asked Biden to clarify the measures he would take to assure Finland of America’s enduring commitment to NATO.
Biden expressed his assurance that America would remain a part of NATO, citing widespread bipartisan backing for the alliance, while also acknowledging the uncertainty of the future.
Further confusion arose when a Finnish reporter questioned Biden, referencing his previous comments about Finland’s influence on NATO becoming NATO’s influence on Finland.
Biden provided clarity by stating that his comments were made in reference to the person residing across the border in Moscow, who wished for Finland’s impact on NATO. He then reiterated his assertion that it was more likely for NATO to influence Finland. The reporter then asked about Finland’s changing global role during the NATO accession process.
In response, Biden emphasized that Finland’s inclusion in NATO strengthens both the nation and the alliance.
