On the evening of Monday, January 13, a press conference held by the Biden administration regarding the California wildfires descended into chaos, as President Joe Biden’s staff reportedly began shouting at White House reporters who were attempting to pose questions about the situation. This incident understandably elicited a significant reaction on social media.
The press conference coincided with President Biden’s announcement of a disaster declaration related to the wildfires. He stated, “Today, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. has made additional disaster assistance available to the State of California by authorizing an increase in federal funding for emergency operations initiated in response to the wildfires and straight-line winds that began on January 7, 2025, and are ongoing.”
The statement elaborated on the aid being provided, noting, “Under the President’s directive today, federal funds for debris removal and emergency protective measures, including direct federal assistance, have been raised to cover 100 percent of the total eligible costs for a duration of 180 days, as determined by the State within the first 270 days from the onset of the incident period.”
Additionally, President Biden expressed his condolences regarding the devastating fires, stating, “Our hearts are heavy for the 24 innocent lives lost in the wildfires across Los Angeles. Jill and I are praying for them and their families. We are profoundly saddened by the destruction wrought by the unprecedented wildfires currently affecting Southern California.”
He further remarked, “I am receiving regular updates on the vigorous efforts to combat the wildfires in Los Angeles and have instructed our team to respond swiftly to any requests for additional federal firefighting support. At my direction, hundreds of federal personnel, along with specialized aerial and ground resources, have been deployed to California to assist in firefighting efforts and aid affected communities. My administration remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting survivors, and we will continue to utilize every available resource to address this urgent crisis.”
During the press conference on Monday night, President Biden appeared disengaged while his staff members raised their voices in an attempt to silence the press. The RNC Research account shared a video of the event, stating, “Biden sits and makes faces at the press as his handlers SCREAM at them to leave the room following his wildfires briefing. Fewer than seven days until Biden disgraces that room no longer.”
In a similar vein, conservative commentator Nick Sortor remarked while sharing the same footage, “🚨 NOW: Biden staffers are SCREAMING at the press to prevent them from asking Biden questions about the California fires. Meanwhile, Biden makes peculiar faces as if he is in distress. This clown show of an administration ends in less than 7 days.”
Another user commented on the same clip, noting, “President Biden’s staffers were seen aggressively interjecting, raising their voices and shouting at the media for inquiring about the Los Angeles wildfires. How dystopian is this?” Additionally, another observer stated, “Can you believe this? Biden sits and makes faces at the press as his handlers SCREAM at them to leave the room following his wildfires briefing.”
