During a press conference in Helsinki on Thursday with Finnish President Sauli Niinisto, President Biden experienced several instances where he appeared to struggle to hear reporters' questions. On at least three occasions, Biden requested reporters to repeat their inquiries, leading to brief interruptions in the flow of the question-and-answer session.
The White House attributed the auditory challenges to the acoustics of the "large echoey room" where the press conference was held. Reporters questioned Biden on topics ranging from the United States' commitment to NATO to Finland's future within the alliance.
One reporter, addressing concerns about U.S. political volatility and a failed Senate bill aimed at preventing presidential withdrawal from NATO, was interrupted by Biden asking for clarification. After the reporter reiterated her question, Biden expressed confidence in the U.S.'s continued NATO membership due to bipartisan support, while acknowledging the unpredictability of the future.
Further difficulty arose when Niinisto called upon a Finnish reporter who began a question about Biden's previous remarks on the "Finlandization of NATO" and the "NATOization of Finland." Biden interjected, asking, "Sorry, what nation?" The reporter rephrased, emphasizing Finland's changing global position due to NATO membership. Biden clarified his earlier remarks, explaining they were made in reference to Russia's intentions and reaffirmed that Finland's NATO inclusion strengthens both the country and the alliance.
