Politics

Biden’s Silence On Impeachment Is Fulfilling An Election Commitment, Psaki Says

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White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said Wednesday that President Joe Biden’s silence on former President Donald Trump’s impeachment trial fulfills an election commitment.

“The American public should read it as his commitment to delivering on exactly what they elected him to do,” Psaki said. “Which is not to be a commentator on the daily developments of an impeachment trial, but to push forward an American rescue plan that will ensure people are back to work, get the assistance they need, get shots in arms, reopen schools.”

“That’s what they asked him to do and that’s what he’s focused on doing every day.”

Psaki’s response was to a question about what Americans should think of Biden’s silence over the impeachment trial. Biden said Tuesday that he wasn’t going to watch the impeachment trial, citing larger concerns.

“I am not,” Biden said. “Look, I told you before I tell people that I have a job. My job is to keep people. We have already lost over 450,000 people and we could lose a whole lot more if we don’t act and act decisively and quickly.”

Biden hasn’t commented about Trump’s trial since he assumed his role as president.

Psaki suggested Biden may make a statement following the impeachment trial.

“Well he did put out a statement at the conclusion of the House trial, so I would certainly keep that option open,” she said.

The House voted 232-197 on Jan. 13 to impeach Trump a second time, charging him with a single article of “incitement of insurrection.” Trump’s impeachment trial is scheduled to continue through the weekend and may conclude at the beginning of next week, according to The Hill.

Trump’s conviction needs 67 Senate votes, including 17 Republicans, according to The Hill.