Biden on the FBI Bribery File: 'Where's the Money? ... I'm Joking' and a Railroad 'From the Pacific Ocean' (June 8, 2023)

A Republican congresswoman was saying an FBI file held “damning evidence” against him, and as President Joe Biden left a news conference with Britain’s prime minister, a reporter shouted the question. “The bribery allegation. Congresswoman Nancy Mace says there’s damning evidence in the FBI file that you sold out the country. Do you have a response to the congressional Republicans?” the reporter asked on June 8, 2023 [1].

“Where’s the money? [ Laughter ] I’m joking. It’s——” Biden said. “It’s a bunch of malarkey,” according to the official transcript published by the American Presidency Project [1].

Moments earlier, Biden had stopped on his way out. “I’m supposed to walk off the stage now. [ Laughter ]” he said. When the question came, he said: “But wait, wait, wait, wait, wait.” [1]

The video above shows Biden’s news conference with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on June 8, 2023. Quotes are from the American Presidency Project and the Clerk of the House [1][2][3].

”From the Pacific Ocean — From the Atlantic Ocean”

In his answer on Africa, Biden described a project that had never been done before. “We’re talking about building—and I had my team putting together with other countries as well—to build a railroad from the Pacific Ocean—from the Atlantic Ocean all the way to the Indian Ocean. Never occurred before,” he said [1].

On the same answer, he mixed up two countries. “You know, the Canadians—the—excuse me, the Chinese have a Belt and Road Initiative,” Biden said [1].

He also made a prediction about Africa. “Look, the Global South—there are going to be a billion people in Africa very shortly. One billion,” Biden said [1].

And he stumbled on the name of the G-7’s own program: “There’s a new PPI [PGII; White House correction]—anyway—an industrial policy that we’re all signed on to.” The bracketed correction is in the official transcript [1].

”I’ve Just Demoted You”

Before their meeting that day, Biden made another slip. “Well, Mr. President—‘Mr. President.’ Just—I’ve just demoted you. [ Laughter ] Mr. Prime Minister, it’s great to have you back,” Biden told Sunak [2].

“And we’re going to solve all the problems in the world right in this next 20 minutes,” Biden said of their meeting [2].

“Is the special relationship in good shape, Mr. President? Is it in good shape?” a reporter asked. Biden gave a thumbs up. “Real good shape,” he said [2].

Asked about the smoke from the Canadian wildfires, Biden said: “You’re going to get a chance to ask me questions at the press conference.” [2]

“No, Not Sure, and Yes”

A reporter asked about money for Ukraine. “When do you expect to return to Congress and ask for new funding? And how much do you expect you will need? And do you think that Speaker McCarthy will agree to it, given some skeptical comments that we heard earlier this week?” [1]

“No, not sure, and yes. [ Laughter ]” Biden answered [1].

Then he made his case. “The fact of the matter is that I believe we’ll have the funding necessary to support Ukraine as long as it takes,” Biden said. “Do we think Russia would stop in Kyiv? Do you think that’s all there would be happening? I think not.” [1]

He also spoke about artificial intelligence. “We’re looking for watermarks on everything that has to do with—‘produced by AI’ so we know from whence it comes,” Biden said [1].

Asked about his economic program, he said: “I find that the Wall Street Journal—and I’m sure there is someone here from the Wall Street Journal and other publications that are talking about Bidenomics. I didn’t realize it was—I had Bidenomics going.” [1]

“Is It Time for a British NATO Secretary General?”

A reporter asked: “Is it time for a British NATO Secretary General?” Biden answered: “Maybe. That remains to be seen. We’re going to have to get a consensus within NATO to see that happen,” Biden said [1].

”I’m Honest”

As he left, a reporter asked “what do you say to Americans to convince them that they should trust the independence and fairness of the Justice Department when your predecessor, Donald Trump, repeatedly attacks it?” [1]

“Because you notice I have never once—not one single time—suggested to the Justice Department what they should do or not do, relative to bringing a charge or not bringing a charge. I’m honest. Thank you,” Biden said [1].

By the Numbers

1 billion: the population Biden said Africa would reach “very shortly” [1].
3: oceans Biden named for one railroad [1].
221-212: the House vote formalizing the impeachment inquiry six months later [3].

What Happened Next

The House opened an impeachment inquiry. On Dec. 13, 2023, the House voted 221 to 212 for H.Res. 918, directing committees “to continue their ongoing investigations as part of the existing House of Representatives inquiry into whether sufficient grounds exist for the House of Representatives to exercise its Constitutional power to impeach Joseph Biden” [3].

For Biden’s “1 billion” claim about Africa days later, and what U.N. data show, see HYGO News’ page on June 14, 2023. For the White House’s “Bidenomics” branding later that month, see the page on June 26, 2023.