During a Thursday press gaggle, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre addressed President Joe Biden’s remarks referring to Japan and other countries as “xenophobic.” The comments, made at a Washington D.C. fundraiser, drew attention for their potential impact on U.S. relations with key allies.
Biden’s comment centered on contrasting the United States with other countries, suggesting that America’s economy is strong because it is open to immigrants, while countries like China, Japan, Russia, and India are struggling because they are less welcoming to immigrants. This sparked questions from reporters about the president’s use of the term “xenophobic” to describe allied nations, leading to inquiries about whether Biden intended to apologize for his remark.
Jean-Pierre clarified that the “broader case” Biden was trying to make was about the United States’ identity as a nation of immigrants. She stated that Biden’s comment did not damage the relationship with Japan, noting that the president hosted Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida just last month, demonstrating the strength of the U.S.-Japan alliance.
When asked if Biden wanted to apologize to Japan, Jean-Pierre replied, “The broader case that he was trying to make, which I think most leaders and allies across the globe understand, is he was trying — he was saying that when it comes to who we are as a nation, we are a nation of immigrants. That is in our DNA.”
Reporters pressed Jean-Pierre, pointing out that “xenophobic” is a “very pejorative and negative word” to use about an ally. Jean-Pierre reiterated that the president’s remarks were intended to emphasize the openness of the United States to immigrants and that Biden respects America’s allies.
