President Joe Biden is being criticized after pictures revealed some of what he did while his public schedule was largely empty.
During a press briefing on Tuesday, a reporter noted Biden had “nothing on his schedule today aside from the [President’s Daily Brief.]
She asked White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki, “Can you shed any light on how he’s spending his day?”
“Well, let’s see. This morning, I think he had some policy meetings, also a PDB meeting. He, later this afternoon, I think, is doing some remarks review,” Psaki responded. “There are some days that we spend some time doing internal meetings and discussions with policy experts, with policy leaders, and that’s what’s happening today.”
She added, “He would say he doesn’t have nearly enough time — of free time on his schedule because it is packed no matter whether people see him or not.”
Watch the video below:
Jen Psaki struggles to explain why Biden’s schedule is so empty today. pic.twitter.com/Xh00o8jD8G
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) January 25, 2022
Later, the White House account tweeted, “Today, [Biden] visited a local business, Honey Made, and met with the store’s owner. While he was out, [Biden] also chatted with Capitol Learning Academy students, spoke with Marines outside of Marine Barracks, and had a quick treat at Jeni’s Ice Creams.”
Today, @POTUS visited a local business, Honey Made, and met with the store's owner. While he was out, @POTUS also chatted with Capitol Learning Academy students, spoke with Marines outside of Marine Barracks, and had a quick treat at Jeni’s Ice Creams. pic.twitter.com/ocQrde21Sd
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) January 26, 2022
Conservatives ripped into the president:
While crime wreaks havoc on our communities, Russia prepares to invade Ukraine, inflation spikes and our border crisis rages, President Biden went shopping and ate ice cream.
— Claudia Tenney (@claudiatenney) January 26, 2022
But remember, he’s “overachieving.”
After shopping and ice cream, Biden called a lid at 3:05 p.m.
— Katie Pavlich (@KatiePavlich) January 25, 2022
Joe Biden can't answer tough questions.
— Andrew Pollack (@AndrewPollackFL) January 25, 2022
He just wants to be asked what his favorite ice cream flavor is.
The only thing on Biden's schedule today as Russia threatens to invade Europe and the border crisis breaks records – shopping and ice cream.
— Ronna McDaniel (@RonnaMcDaniel) January 25, 2022
Amid multiple crises, Biden goes for ice cream.pic.twitter.com/Bbs8LdO53p
— The Post Millennial (@TPostMillennial) January 25, 2022
The world: Inflation is out of control. Supply chain is cut off. COVID policy is failing. Southern border is open. Stock market tanking. Americans are being told to evacuate from Ukraine because of a possible Russian incursion.
— Christina Pushaw 🐊 🇺🇸 (@ChristinaPushaw) January 26, 2022
Joe Biden: Hey look, ice cream! 🍦 👀
https://twitter.com/toddstarnes/status/1486133878297440261
things could not be going worse for Joe Biden (and America) and he's literally just strolling around DC posing for pictures with ice cream. https://t.co/DWov6oGHDn
— Abigail Jackson 🇺🇸 (@abigailmarone) January 25, 2022
What flavor did Biden get?
— Jim Banks (@RepJimBanks) January 25, 2022
Rocky economy? Cookies N Crime? Chocolate Chip Shortage? https://t.co/AhoN45PNV9
An image sure to strike fear in Russia… https://t.co/7j5GWndtIQ
— Kayleigh McEnany (@kayleighmcenany) January 25, 2022
Biden did take time to answer some questions from reporters about concerns that Russia will invade Ukraine.
He said it is a “little bit like reading tea leaves” trying to determine if Russian President Vladimir Putin will decide to launch an invasion.
“There will be enormous consequences if he were to go and invade, as he could, the entire country, or a lot less than that as well, for Russia. Not only in terms of economic consequences and political consequences, but there would be enormous consequences worldwide,” he continued. “If he were to move in with all those forces, it would be the largest invasion since World War II. It would change the world.”