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EXCLUSIVE: House Republican Conference Chair Elise Stefanik and House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer have accused the White House of disseminating a misleading transcript of President Biden’s comments, in which he allegedly labeled supporters of former President Trump as “garbage.” They caution that this alteration may breach the Presidential Records Act.
Fox News Digital has acquired a letter sent by Stefanik, R-N.Y., and Comer, R-Ky., to White House counsel Edward Siskel on Wednesday afternoon, demanding that all records related to these remarks and the transcript be preserved.
“In just under a week, American voters will decide who will lead them in the 2024 presidential election. They face a choice between two candidates: President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris. With his unpopularity stemming from controversial policies and ongoing scandals, President Biden has opted not to seek re-election,” they stated.
“Despite this decision, President Biden remains an influential figure in Vice President Harris’s campaign efforts and serves as a key spokesperson for the policies of the Biden-Harris Administration that Ms. Harris presumably aims to uphold should she win office,” they added.
BIDEN’S CONTROVERSIAL REMARKS AND THE BACKLASH
Stefanik and Comer highlighted Biden’s comments made during a recent event on Tuesday night: “Americans were understandably offended when President Biden referred to significant portions of our nation as ‘floating… garbage’ while attempting to support Ms. Harris’s presidential bid.”
“Such vindictive language from President Biden is not surprising given his history with those who do not align with his political preferences,” they noted. “Equally unsurprising was how the White House responded following these remarks.”
The duo criticized the White House for opting not to apologize or clarify but instead attempting to alter what was said by releasing an inaccurate transcript despite video evidence existing.
“This action is not only disreputable but also appears contrary to federal law including violations of the Presidential Records Act established in 1978,” they asserted. “It is unacceptable for White House staffers to modify statements made by the sitting president simply for political gain.”
A CLOSER LOOK AT BIDEN’S COMMENTS
This letter follows an incident where President Biden participated in a Zoom call with Voto Latino—a prominent organization focused on Latino voter engagement—on Tuesday evening. During this call, he addressed remarks made at a recent Trump rally where comedian Tony Hinchcliffe described Puerto Rico as “a floating island of garbage.”
Biden responded by saying, “The only garbage I see floating out there is his supporters.”
The White House later refuted claims that Biden had insulted Trump supporters directly, asserting that his words were taken out of context.
The official transcript released by the administration states: “The only garbage I see floating out there are his supporter’s—his demonization of Latinos is unconscionable; it’s un-American.” Deputy Press Secretary Andrew Bates clarified further stating that “the president referred specifically to hateful rhetoric at Madison Square Garden rally as ‘garbage.’”
PRESIDENTIAL TWEETS AND HARRIS’ DEFENSE
Biden reiterated via social media:
“Earlier today I referred specifically about hateful rhetoric regarding Puerto Rico expressed by Trump’s supporter at Madison Square Garden rally as garbage—which accurately describes it,” he tweeted on X (formerly Twitter). “His demonization against Latinos is unacceptable; that’s all I intended.” He emphasized that such comments do not represent American values.
Meanwhile, Vice President Kamala Harris attempted both distance herself from these remarks while also defending her superior:
“Let me be clear—I strongly oppose any criticism directed towards individuals based solely on their voting choices,” she stated during her speech near The Ellipse following her address last night.
“Voters will ultimately determine our national identity—whether we choose unity over division or allow ourselves remain divided under leadership consumed with animosity towards perceived adversaries.”
Citing her commitment throughout her career:
“You heard my speech last night—I believe my work represents everyone regardless if they supported me or otherwise,” she affirmed.
“As your future president—I pledge allegiance toward serving every American irrespective whether you voted for me or against me.”
The White House did not immediately respond when Fox News Digital sought comment regarding these developments.
A DEMAND FOR TRANSPARENCY FROM REPUBLICANS
In their correspondence directed toward counsel Siskel—the two Republicans remarked: “While it seems like Mr.Biden’s influence continues waning—his statements still hold weight even amidst growing divisiveness.”
They insisted upon retaining all documents along with internal communications concerning both Mr.Bidens’ statement alongside its subsequent inaccurate transcription release.
“We also demand issuance rectifying any inaccuracies present within said transcripts,” concluded their letter.
During another rally held Wednesday evening within North Carolina—Trump declared both Joe & Kamala have treated America poorly overall stating:
“My response towards Joe & Kamala remains straightforward—you cannot lead America without loving Americans! You cannot serve effectively if harboring hatred against its citizens—and there’s plenty evident here!”
Fox News Digital reached out again seeking additional commentary from The Whitehouse.
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