Biden at Camp David: 'Who Am I Yielding To?' and 'No Comment' on Hunter's Special Counsel (August 18, 2023)

President Joe Biden hosted the leaders of Japan and South Korea at Camp David for their first stand-alone three-way summit. When he finished his opening statement, he lost track of who came next. “Now I yield to—who am I yielding to?” Biden said [1].

The moderator introduced South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol. “We needed the voice of God to tell us that,” Biden joked [1].

When the moderator then introduced “the Prime Minister of Japan,” Biden chimed in: “President.” Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said, “Thank you,” according to the official transcript [1].

The video above shows that moment from the Aug. 18, 2023, news conference. Quotes are from the official transcript published by the American Presidency Project [1].

”Our New Camp David Trilat”

Biden had opened in high spirits. “Good afternoon, everyone, and welcome to Camp David. If I seem like I’m happy, it’s because I am,” he said. “This is a new era in partnership between Japan and the Republic of Korea and the United States, our new Camp David trilat” [1].

He also thanked both countries for “the contribution that your countries have made toward the relief following the devastating wildfires in Hawaii” [1].

”One Question Ends Up Being Six”

A Japanese reporter asked a string of questions of all three leaders. “And you have a great imagination. One question ends up being six. But thank you,” Biden said [1].

“I’m glad I didn’t have you as my law professor when he said ‘one question,’” he added, to laughter [1].

”Not Much, If Anything”

The Associated Press asked about Biden’s predecessor. “How confident should Asia be about a robust American commitment to a nuclear umbrella when the Commander in Chief who preceded you and is looking to succeed you spoke openly about reducing the U.S. footprint in the Korean Peninsula?” [1]

“Well, first of all, look, there’s not much, if anything, I agree on with my predecessor on foreign policy. His ‘America first’ policy, walking away from the rest of the world, has made us weaker, not stronger,” Biden said [1].

”No Comment”

The same reporter then asked about Biden’s son. “And if you’ll indulge me, Mr. President, on a domestic matter: What is your reaction to the Special Counsel appointment last week into your son?” [1]

“I have no comment on any investigation that’s going on. That’s up to the Justice Department, and that’s all I have to say,” Biden said [1].

”Success Brings Success”

On Japanese citizens abducted by North Korea, Biden recalled his 2022 trip. “Look, back in May of 2022, I met with the families of the Japanese abductees during my visit, heard their stories, and empathized with them and got a sense of the pain they’re feeling. It’s real,” he said [1].

“The bottom line is this: That we share a common position; we’re committed to working together to see the return of all prisoners of war and those who’ve been abducted and detained,” Biden said. “Success brings success” [1].

”We’re Winning All the Competition”

As the leaders left, reporters kept asking. “Mr. President, are you winning the competition with China?” one called out. “We’re winning all the competition,” Biden said. A question about whether he would “defend Taiwan militarily” went unanswered in the transcript [1].

He did answer one more. “To answer your question, I expect and hope to follow up on our conversation on Bali this fall,” Biden said of his talks with China’s Xi Jinping [1].

”$2 Million”

Kishida opened with condolences for Hawaii. “First of all, in Maui, Hawaii, wildfires caused devastating damage. I express my sympathy,” he said. “In order to offer support, a total of $2 million worth of support by our country has been decided” [1].

He also marked the format. “For the first time ever, instead of in the sidelines of multilateral conferences, we have held the trilateral summit on a stand-alone basis,” Kishida said [1].

Biden called it historic. “This has been a great, great meeting. Mr. President, Mr. Prime Minister, I—we meet in this historic place to make a historic moment,” he said [1].

By the Numbers

3: leaders at the first stand-alone summit of its kind [1].
6: questions Biden counted in one reporter’s question [1].
$2 million: Japan’s pledge for Maui wildfire relief [1].
$550 billion: Japan’s investment commitment under President Donald Trump’s 2025 deal [3].

What Happened Next

He pardoned his son. On Dec. 1, 2024, Biden wrote: “Today I signed a pardon for my son Hunter. From the day I took office, I said I would not interfere with the Justice Department’s decisionmaking, and I kept my word even as I have watched my son being selectively and unfairly prosecuted” [2].

‘America First’ produced a deal. In July 2025, Trump announced an agreement with Japan. “Japan will invest $550 billion directed by the United States to rebuild and expand core American industries. This is the single largest foreign investment commitment ever secured by any country,” the White House said [3].

For the White House’s handling of the Maui fires that same month, see HYGO News’ page on the Aug. 14 briefing, and for the Hunter Biden questions Biden faced earlier, the page on his family’s business.