The New York Times Issues Scathing Rebuke Of President Biden Over Lack Of Interviews, Press Conferences

The New York Times slammed President Biden over his lack of media availability and unwillingness to give interviews in a scathing rebuke.

“For anyone who understands the role of the free press in a democracy, it should be troubling that President Biden has so actively and effectively avoided questions from independent journalists during his term,” a spokesperson for the New York Times wrote in a press release. “The president occupies the most important office in our nation, and the press plays a vital role in providing insights into his thinking and worldview, allowing the public to assess his record and hold him to account.”

The release went on to note that President Biden has given fewer press conferences and done far fewer interviews than any of his predecessors.

“It is true that The Times has sought an on-the-record interview with Mr. Biden, as it has done with all presidents going back more than a century. If the president chooses not to sit down with The Times because he dislikes our independent coverage, that is his right, and we will continue to cover him fully and fairly either way,” the statement continued.

The Times’ publisher has reportedly voiced the outlet’s concerns with Vice President Harris and other senior administration officials.

“Systematically avoiding interviews and questions from major news organizations doesn’t just undermine an important norm, it also establishes a dangerous precedent that future presidents can use to avoid scrutiny and accountability,” the press release continued.

According to a tally compiled by the White House Transition Project director Martha Joynt Kumar, Biden has sat for just 89 interviews since taking office. This is the lowest tally for a sitting president by a wide margin.

At the same time in their first terms, Donald Trump had given 300 interviews, Barack Obama had given 422, George W. Bush had given 135, Bill Clinton and George H.W. Bush had each given 168 and Ronald Reagan had given 189, the count notes.