White House Disputes New York Times' Concerns Over Biden's Fitness, Criticizes Reporting

The White House press secretary has criticized the New York Times for its recent reporting on President Biden's age and mental fitness, while the Times maintains that interviews are necessary for accountability and transparency.

President Biden's avoidance of in-depth interviews with major newspapers has sparked a feud between the White House and The New York Times, with both sides exchanging accusations and justifications.

According to a Politico Magazine report, Vice President Kamala Harris was confronted by New York Times publisher A.G. Sulzberger last May about Biden's lack of sit-down interviews. Sulzberger reportedly questioned Harris, arguing that only an interview with the Times could confirm Biden's mental fitness for a second term.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre has criticized the Times' coverage, accusing the paper of feeling "entitled" to special treatment and misrepresenting the administration's position. She maintained that Biden granted far fewer press conferences and interviews than his predecessors and that the Times' coverage was not influenced by frustration over denied interviews.

The Times, however, stands by its reporting, stating that it has sought an on-the-record interview with Biden, as it has done with every president for over a century. Spokesman Charlie Stadtlander emphasized that avoiding interviews undermines important norms and sets a dangerous precedent for future presidents to avoid accountability.

Sulzberger has privately expressed concerns about Biden's age and fitness, according to Politico. A journalist from the Times revealed that Sulzberger believes a Times interview would dispel doubts and confirm Biden's well-being.

The White House has declined to comment on private discussions with reporters but emphasized its belief in the free press and transparency. Spokesman Andrew Bates said the administration engages in honest and respectful dialogue with the Times and other media outlets.

Biden has granted only two print interviews since becoming president, with The Associated Press and The New Yorker. He has participated in friendly interviews with liberal reporters and comedians but has avoided major independent news organizations.

Harris, on the other hand, sat for an interview with the Times' podcast in 2023. Sulzberger's insistence on a Times interview with Biden reflects a belief that only such an in-depth encounter can provide the public with a clear assessment of the president's fitness for office.

The conflict between the White House and the Times underscores the challenges of maintaining a healthy relationship between the media and the administration. The Times argues for the importance of accountability, while the White House insists on the privacy of the president. The resolution of this feud remains uncertain, but it highlights the ongoing tension between media scrutiny and the protection of the president's personal and political interests.