Remarks by President Biden Before Marine One Departure
South Lawn
(December 23, 2023)
3:02 P.M. EST
THE PRESIDENT: I hope you all have a good Christmas.
Q Did you tell Netanyahu himself about — Netanyahu, sir —
Q Merry Christmas to you, sir.
Q How did the conversation go with President Netanyahu today?
Q Netanyahu, sir — did you tell him not to strike Hamas in a preemptive strike?
THE PRESIDENT: I — I had a long talk with Netanyahu today, and it’s a private conversation.
Q About the economy, sir, what’s your outlook on the economy next year?
THE PRESIDENT: All good.
Take a look. Start reporting it the right way.
Q Mr. President, do you think that the president — any president is absolutely immune from criminal prosecution — any president at all?
THE PRESIDENT: I can’t think of one.
Q Mr. President, did you ask for a ceasefire, sir?
THE PRESIDENT: I had a private conversation. I did — I did not ask for a ceasefire.
Q Do you have any message for Africa?
THE PRESIDENT: For whom?
Q For Africa.
THE PRESIDENT: Yes, it has a great future. We’re going to continue to work with Africa to build the infrastructure and to grow that continent. A billion people. A billion people.
Merry Christmas!
3:03 P.M. EST
