últimas notícias

President Biden gave his first press conference as president on Thursday afternoon. While Mr. Biden had periodically taken questions from reporters, he had not yet had a full press conference since taking office.

Mr. Biden had been criticized by conservatives and even some political allies for his delay in holding a formal press conference. By the same point in their presidencies, former Presidents Donald Trump and Barack Obama had formally taken questions from reporters.  

Before taking questions on Thursday, Mr. Biden announced he is doubling his COVID-19 vaccine goal, vowing 200 million vaccine shots in the arms of Americans in his first 100 days in office — up from a goal of 100 million. Meeting that goal would require the U.S. to roughly keep the current pace of vaccinations.

“I know it’s ambitious, twice our original goal, but no other country has even come close,” the president said.

Mr. Biden also touted the results of the American Rescue Plan, and noted that most Americans who are receiving stimulus checks have already received them.

“Help is here, and hope is on the way,” he said.

Mr. Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have been traveling the country to tout the American Rescue Plan, the $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief measure signed into law earlier this month. 

Mr. Biden also took questions on the immigration crisis at the southern border and whether he can successfully usher proposals on immigration reform, gun control, voting rights and climate change through Congress. While Democrats control the House, the Senate is evenly divided, with Vice President Kamala Harris casting tie-breaking votes.   

“Let’s see what happens,” Mr. Biden said of his ability to address those four issues. “I’ve been hired to solve problems, not create division.”

The president was also asked if he plans to run for reelection in 2024. “The answer is yes, my plan is to run for reelection. That is my expectation,” Mr. Biden said.

But when Mr. Biden was pressed again as to whether he will run again, the president still wasn’t 100% definitive.

“I said that is my expectation,” the president said, adding that he can’t plan for three or four years in advance. 

Contributing: Kathryn Watson and Melissa Quinn