President Joe Biden, while visiting FEMA Headquarters in Washington D.C. Sunday, and discussing the ongoing operations for Hurricane Ida:
THE PRESIDENT: Don’t kid yourself; this is going to take a lot of resources, a little bit of luck, and as my grandfather would say, “The grace of God and the goodwill of the neighbors.” And by the way, look out for your neighbors. If you’re in the region, look out for your neighbors. So, thank you very much, and thank you, Commissioner. I — I really think it all works. I’m not — I’m not supposed to take any questions, but go ahead.
Q Mr. President, on Afghanistan —
THE PRESIDENT: I’m not going to answer Afghanistan now.
Q Can you say if there’s still an acute —
THE PRESIDENT: Okay.
Q — risk at the airport, sir?
THE PRESIDENT: (Addressing the staff of FEMA.) Thank you. (Applause.) Really and truly, thank you, thank you, thank you.
On the video, when Biden says, “I’m not going to answer Afghanistan now,” he waves his hand at the reporter in a dismissive manner, hits the lectern gently, and turns and walks away.
The president doesn’t want to talk about an ongoing national security and foreign policy disaster, and so he will not talk about it.