Biden cuts short foreign trip as debt ceiling standoff drags on

WASHINGTON — President Biden declined Tuesday to take reporter questions in the Oval Office about a debt ceiling standoff that could result in a federal default next month.

The 80-year-old Biden, who was hosting House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) and other congressional leaders, suggested he would take questions later in the afternoon on the West Wing driveway.

Few reporters expected the president to actually appear on the driveway. Biden similarly dodged questions on May 5 by claiming he’d host a “major press conference” later in the day when he actually filmed a Friday-night interview with a friendly MSNBC pundit.

“Hello, folks. Get a good picture of all of us. We’re having a wonderful time. Everything’s going well,” Biden said as journalists entered the Oval Office.

“I don’t have any comment to make,” the president added. “We’re just getting started. And we’ll be available at the sticks when this is over.”

The “sticks” refer to an array of standing microphones just north of the West Wing’s lobby.

McCarthy gave a downcast assessment ahead of the meeting, telling reporters Monday, “We’re far apart.”

“Seems more like they want a default than a deal to me.” the speaker added.

White House officials have steadfastly refused to negotiate with House Republicans on the debt ceiling, which must be raised by early June to avoid a default that could increase US borrowing costs while delivering a blow to American prestige abroad.

Biden, however, has expressed greater openness to making cuts than his staff when he has been asked about compromise — as House Republicans urge steps such as a clawback of unspent COVID-19 funds and restraints on increasing discretionary expenses.

The Tuesday meeting in the Oval Office included Vice President Kamala Harris, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY).

Biden departs on Wednesday for a three-nation tour of Japan, Papua New Guinea, and Australia, though White House officials announced late Tuesday that he now will skip the latter two, Papua New Guinea and Australia, in order to return to Washington and address the debt ceiling.