WATCH: Biden snaps at media calling it 'fake' while shushing reporter during White House conference
WASHINGTON, DC: President Joe Biden hosted the inaugural 'Creator Economy Conference' at the White House on Wednesday, 14 August engaging with a group of 100 social media influencers.
The event was characterized by Biden's pointed interactions with the media, during which he used a phrase made famous by his former opponent, ex-president Donald Trump, to challenge the credibility of the press.
Pres. Biden takes group selfie with White House Creator Economy Conference.
— Howard Mortman (@HowardMortman) August 14, 2024
"Now, is that the real press or the fake press back there? That was a joke. That was a joke." pic.twitter.com/6aziblLSvP
Joe Biden critiques White House reporters over economy coverage
Joe Biden started by asking if he was talking to the real or fake press. "Now, is that the real press or the fake press back there?" Daily Mail reported.
He then directed his comments toward the reporters stationed at the back of the room, urging them to cover the economy in a more positive light. At the event, President Joe Biden addressed a reporter's question about whether the US had overcome inflation by stating that his policies had been successful.
“We’re going to have a soft landing,” Biden said. “My policies are working. Start writing that way, OK?”
When asked about the president's comment, Jared Bernstein, chair of the United States Council of Economic Advisers said he had never heard anything like this.
"Well, what do you think he meant by ‘start writing that way?’ That’s the first that I’ve heard that he said that, I can only interpret it to mean that he thinks that’s not being done,” Bernstein said toward the end of his response as noted by the outlet.
Biden also addressed how younger generations consume news, noting that his grandchildren rely on social media rather than traditional sources.
“With all due respect, they don’t read the same newspapers or watch the same television I do,” Biden said. “They listen to all of you,” he told the social media influencers.
Hello from the White House’s first ever creator economy conference! pic.twitter.com/lqeaEINYss
— Kaya Yurieff (@kyurieff) August 14, 2024
Joe Biden praises social media influencers at White House event
Biden praised the social media influencers for their impact, stating, “That fact is that you are the future. You are the future.”
He also mentioned that more people are aspiring to enter the social media industry, saying, “And there are more people who want to go into your business than any other these days.”
He continued to acknowledge the influencers for breaking through in ways that he believes will “change the entire dynamic of the way in which we communicate.”
Biden added, “And that’s why I invited you to the White House, because I’m looking for a job," he joked.
Joe Biden shushes reporters while addressing influencers
The event took a more contentious turn when President Joe Biden chose to interact solely with the influencers, telling the press that he would not be taking their questions as noted by the publication.
Interesting dynamic to watch..@POTUS shushes traditional media reporters as he asks room of content creators attending the first ever "Creator Economy Conference" for questions.
— Raquel Martin (@RaquelMartinTV) August 14, 2024
The group of 100 creators was invited to the WH to discuss challenges facing the creator economy pic.twitter.com/Ld0RQeVNjo
Despite a reporter’s attempt to ask about the Venezuelan election, Biden responded, “I’m not talking to you guys,” before letting out a 'shush' at the reporter when they persisted.
“Yes. I’m not going to answer your question. I’m talking to them first – OK? The audience first. OK?” Biden stated.