President Joe Biden criticized Meta’s decision to remove fact checkers and replace them with user-generated community notes as “really shameful” during a press conference where he also discussed various topics such as the economy, new sanctions on Russia, and potential pardons. Biden, who was celebrating four years of continuous job growth, expressed concern over the impact of Meta’s policy change, questioning the ethics of allowing a billionaire to dictate the absence of fact-checking on a platform with millions of users. The shift in Meta’s approach to handling false information represents a significant departure from its previous efforts to combat misinformation on its platforms. CEO Mark Zuckerberg defended the decision, citing concerns about political bias among fact checkers and emphasizing the importance of community-generated contributions to address false claims.
Biden also addressed speculation about potential pardons and commutations in his final days in office, stating that he would consider the actions of former President Trump before making any decisions. He dismissed the idea of pardoning himself or his family, asserting that he has not committed any wrongdoing that would warrant such action. Biden did not provide specific details on individuals being considered for pardons or commutations.
In a recent interview with USA Today, the President revealed that he has yet to reach a decision regarding potential preemptive pardons before the end of his term, leaving the possibility open for an unprecedented move to shield some of his associates. He cautioned Trump against seeking retribution, emphasizing the need to avoid settling scores.
CNN previously disclosed that high-ranking White House officials, administration figures, and notable defense attorneys in Washington, DC have been engaged in discussions surrounding preemptive pardons or legal assistance for individuals who may face legal action initiated by Trump after assuming office.
Expressing confidence in his own electoral prospects, the President suggested that both himself and Vice President Harris could have secured victory over Trump in the 2024 presidential election. Reflecting on the decision to step aside and endorse Harris, the President highlighted the importance of party unity and expressed faith in her ability to win in 2024.
Despite his belief in Harris’s capabilities, Trump emerged victorious in the 2024 election with 312 electoral votes, while Harris garnered 226. When queried about Harris potentially pursuing the Democratic nomination in 2028, the President deferred to her judgment, affirming her competence to make that decision.
Refusing to comment on recent intelligence regarding the possible origin of the “Havana syndrome,” a mysterious illness affecting individuals worldwide, the President stated that he was not fully briefed on the matter and would refrain from offering remarks. He initially veered off-topic in response to a question about the syndrome, delving into a discussion about domestic terrorism incidents on New Year’s Day.
Looking ahead to his post-presidency role, the President assured reporters that he does not intend to fade from public view or disengage from political affairs. When asked if he plans to remain active in the political sphere like some of his predecessors or adopt a more reserved approach, he underscored his commitment to staying visible and engaged in national matters.
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