White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre repeatedly refused to answer questions about Hunter Biden's laptop Tuesday despite the tranche of new information reported on in recent weeks.
The Washington Examiner has verified the authenticity of the laptop's contents in the ensuing months after they were first released in late 2020. Recently revealed information obtained from the laptop includes a voicemail left by President Joe Biden on his son's phone in 2018 that indicates he discussed and had knowledge of Hunter's business dealings despite the president's claims.
"What the president said stands, so if that's what the president said, that is what stands," Jean-Pierre told reporters during Tuesday's White House press briefing when asked if Biden stands by his claims of not having any knowledge about his son's businesses.
"From this podium, I'm not going to talk about alleged materials from the laptop. I'm not going to talk about alleged materials on the laptop. It's not happening," she added. She did not answer a question on whether or not she was "disputing" that Biden's voice was on the message.
Later in the briefing, Jean-Pierre was pressed on how Biden's silence on the issue squares with his vow to always "level" with the public.
"I cannot comment on any materials from the laptop," she said. "That's what I can share with you from this podium at this time."
In the voicemail, Biden is appearing to reference a report about his son's dealings with two Chinese businessmen.
"Hey pal, it's Dad. It's 8:15 on Wednesday night. If you get a chance, just give me a call. Nothing urgent. I just wanted to talk with you," Biden said in the Dec. 12, 2018, voicemail.
"I thought the article released online — it's going to be printed tomorrow in the Times — was good," Biden, who wasn't serving in public office at the time, said. "I think you're clear. And anyway, if you get a chance, give me a call. I love you."
