Where’s Biden? White House pressed on president going dark as shutdown clock ticks down

The White House on Friday sidestepped a barrage of questions from the media about why President Biden has been missing in action while a potential government shutdown looms.

The possibility of thousands of federal employees being out of work during the holidays could be the final domestic crisis of Mr. Biden’s term, but he has largely stayed out of sight. He made limited public appearances this week, though he did stop and answer a reporter’s questions Tuesday about drone sightings.

When asked why Mr. Biden hasn’t spoken to Americans about the potential shutdown, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre blamed Republicans.

“Republicans blew up this deal. They did and they need to fix this, period,” she said. “Republicans need to stop playing politics with a government shutdown, and they are doing the bidding of their billionaire friends.”

Ms. Jean-Pierre was referring to an effort by House Republicans to fast-track a measure that would keep the government funded and raise the debt ceiling, a late demand by President-elect Donald Trump. But 38 Republicans voted against the measure and only Democrats supported it, sending it up in flames.

Congress must reach a deal by midnight Friday or the federal workers would be out of a job days before Christmas.

Ms. Jean-Pierre said Mr. Biden is getting updates and has spoken with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer, both New York Democrats.

“His team has been in touch with members, congressional members from both sides of the aisle,” she said.

Ms. Jean-Pierre said Mr. Biden’s hands-off approach will work.

“The president has had this approach before. He understands what strategy works here to get this done,” she said.