NGOs and leading climate activists have been calling for Malpass to step down after he dodged questions about the science behind climate change at a New York Times event, “I don’t even know — I’m not a scientist,” he said at the event. Reporters asked House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre if he should be fired.
On 9/23/2022, during White House press briefing, a reporter asked White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, “could you — could you just come back to the President’s reelection decision, because —
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: You like asking me that question, Sebastian.
Reporter: No, no — you were asked this like a few months ago because everyone was going crazy over, “Is he going to — is he going…” And you said, “Yes, he is.” And that was meant to stop the whole thing, but —
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Well, I said that — look, I’m — I’m —
Reporter: Five days ago, he said it’s way too early. So which —
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Whoa, whoa, wait. Hold on. I’m going to answer your question.
Reporter: Okay.
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: I’m at the podium, right? There’s a Hatch Act. We have to — I have to be very mindful when talking about 2022 and even 2024, which is worlds away, as you all know. You cover this. This media cycle changes every second. So, look, the President was clear even during that “60 Minutes” interview. And I have been clear. He has been clear multiple times that he intends to run. He said that. He said that in that same interview that he intends to run.
Reporter: Thanks, Karine. What is the White House’s take and the President’s take on World Bank President Malpass’s comments on climate change? Does the President still have confidence in Mr. Malpass?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: So I’ll take your — I guess — well, I guess I’ll take both your questions first. So, we disagree with the comments made by President Malpass. We expect the World Bank to be a global leader of climate ambition and mobilization as well, of significant — of sigvican- — significantly more climate finance for developing countries, as is the business of the World Bank. The Treasury Department, which oversees our engagement with international financial institutions, has and will continue to make that expectation clear to the World Bank leadership.
Reporter: And with regard to the confidence that the President has or does not have?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Again, we disagree with the comments of the president. I’ll leave it there.
Reporter: I just want to follow up again on the World Bank president. You said that you disagree with the comments that he’s made. But in terms of having confidence in him or supporting him, you know, there are reports suggesting that some in the administration have tried to oust him. So, you know, given that contest [sic] — context, does the White House still support him or have confidence in him?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: So, removing him requires a majority of shareholders, so that’s something to keep in mind. The U.S. believes the World Bank must be a full partner in delivering on the aggressive global climate agenda, poverty reduction, and sustainability development. Again, Treasury will hold Malpass accountable to this position and support the many staff working to fight climate change at the World Bank. But again, it would — removal would require a majority of stakeholders here. So, it is — it is a partnership, is how we see this.
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WH responds Biden interview ‘Much Too Early’ to Decide 2024; Fire World Bank President David Malpass who dodged climate question?