President Joe Biden shrugged off a question Thursday about his family’s corruption allegations, saying, “Where’s the money?”
The moment came at the end of a joint White House press briefing with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
Reporters shouted questions as the two prepared to leave the stage after spending 40 minutes answering four preselected journalists.
As the fanfare subsided, Biden was questioned about Republican claims that a classified FBI document contained evidence that Biden was involved in a $5 million bribery scheme during his tenure as vice president.
‘Where is the money?’ he said.
‘I’m just kidding. That’s a lot of nonsense.’
President Joe Biden shrugged off a question about his family’s corruption allegations at the end of a news conference Thursday, saying, “Where’s the money?”
His supporters insist that the allegations are part of a political smear and point out that the FBI has decided not to pursue the allegations any further.
But Rep. James Comer, Republican chairman of the House Oversight Committee, has been pushing for the document’s release, subpoenaing the FBI last month.
He and Senator Chuck Grassley allege that it “describes an alleged criminal plot involving then-Vice President Biden and a foreigner, relating to the exchange of funds for policy decisions.”
They also said it was related to Ukraine.
White House officials have repeatedly expressed frustration at being asked about what they believe to be baseless allegations, and the FBI has warned that the information has not been verified.
Previously, Biden managed to screw up the performance when he welcomed Sunak to the White House.
“Well, Mr. President,” he began as they settled into the Oval Office, before correcting himself. ‘Mister President? I just demoted you.’
Sunak laughed at the faux pas as Biden continued, “Prime Minister, it’s great to have you back.”
Rep. James Comey, chairman of the House Oversight Committee, has led the prosecution and subpoenaed the FBI over a document that he says contains damning allegations
Sunak makes his first visit to the White House.
Biden, 80, has often been accused of snubbing the UK in favor of Ireland, the land of his ancestors, and he has a history of botching the pronunciation of Sunak’s name.
Sunak comes with a mission to build better relations as his country tries to find its new place in the world after leaving the European Union.
He arrived armed with gifts and presented the President with a personalized wax jacket. The $400 navy blue Bedale-Barbour jacket was made near Sunak’s general constituency in north-east England.
President Joe Biden welcomed British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to the White House on Thursday. They should talk about economic relations, Ukraine and artificial intelligence
He also presented the President with a copy of a book written by his British great-great-grandfather.
Written by Christopher Biden in the mid-19th century, Naval Discipline covers the Royal Navy’s rules on mutiny.
The President mentioned it in a speech during his visit to Northern Ireland in April.
However, US officials have dashed hopes of a free trade deal between Washington and London.
Instead, their talks will focus on other forms of economic relations, the dangers of artificial intelligence and Ukraine.
Sunak is visiting the White House for the first time since taking office in October
Sunak was the guest of honor at the UK-US friendship night at the Washington Nationals game on Wednesday night. It included a flyby of US and British aircraft
“And as before, the US and the UK have stood together to support Ukraine and stand up for the values of democracy and freedom and make sure they prevail and I know we will do that,” Sunak said.
“But I also fully agree with what you said: our economies are undergoing perhaps the greatest transformation since the industrial revolution, as new technologies offer incredible opportunities but also give our adversaries more tools to wreak havoc .”
Biden brought up the history of the Oval Office, including the famous wartime meetings between wartime president and prime minister.
“You know, Prime Minister Churchill and Roosevelt met here a little over seventy years ago,” he said. “And they claimed that the strength of the partnership between Britain and the United States was the strength of the free world.”
He said there were dozens of stories about Churchill’s visit and bathing habits.
Sunak arrived armed with gifts and presented the President with a personalized wax jacket. The $400 navy blue Bedale-Barbour jacket (similar to that pictured above) was made near Sunak’s constituency in north-east England
Prime Minister Winston Churchill (left) and President Franklin D. Roosevelt in the White House
Sunak continued, “Walking around at three in the morning…Winston Churchill molesting Mrs. Roosevelt.”
‘Do not worry. I won’t bother you and the First Lady so much.
His government is keen to forge better ties with Washington and forge closer economic ties as London finds its new place in the world after leaving the European Union.
After the turmoil of recent years – with Theresa May, Boris Johnson and Liz Truss all coming and going in quick succession from No. 10 – Sunak is keen to portray a more stable presence.
British officials and ministers have also been quietly trying to bolster US support for Ukraine amid fears that “America First” Republicans in Congress could halt supplies of arms and ammunition.
At the same time, Sunak’s Secretary of Defense Ben Wallace is among the possible candidates to succeed NATO Secretary General if Jens Stoltenberg resigns. Sunak will know that US support is essential to win the post, raising questions about whether the prime minister plans to use his visit to the White House to lobby Biden.