Aides at the White House are having conversations about the possibility of President Joe Biden speaking to the public about unidentified flying objects, according to a report.
A White House official told The Hill there has been an increase of conversations throughout the White House about Biden addressing the issue, potentially as early as this week ahead of his trip to Poland.
“To date, I think they’ve been happy about having Kirby out there fielding questions on this,” one White House ally told the outlet, referring to White House spokesman John Kirby.
They added, “Until we know more, it’s okay to have him out there taking questions and then they’ll find the right moment for the president to address it.”
Democratic strategist Rodell Mollineau explained he understands why Biden has yet to talk about the matter.
“It would be a reiteration of what’s already out there,” Mollineau said to The Hill.
He continued, “The question is, ‘What is the end goal and are the nerves of the American people that heightened?’ Or is this the media and some of the president’s detractors trying to elongate a story?”
According to Mollineau, “The moment he comes out – this might seem counterintuitive – it doesn’t lower anxiety, it likely heightens it.”
Mollineau also suggested Biden’s lack of communication could cause lawmakers to create more anxiety.
“It’s human nature to have some fear of the unknown,” Mollineau said.
He added, “Lawmakers are taking advantage of this situation to stoke fear and anxiety and perpetuate conspiracy theories. I think those that are trying to use this for their own purposes aren’t making this any easier.”
Kirby defended Biden amid the criticism of his lack of communitcation.
Kirby argued the administration has been “as transparent as we can be.”
He explained, “I won’t speak for the president’s personal speaking schedule, but, I mean, he has been deeply engaged in every one of these decisions. He has been kept informed, including as of this morning, on what’s going on with recovery efforts.”
ABC News noted Biden has only said one word about the issue publicly.
When asked last week about the object shot down near Alaska, Biden said, “Success.”
Officials said the owner or purpose of the three objects shot down over the past few days is unknown.
Kirby said on Monday Biden told the federal government “to study the broader policy implications for detection, analysis, and disposition of unidentified aerial objects that pose either safety or security risks.”
