Psaki Dodges Hunter Questions Again as Grand Jury Intensifies; Advisor Says Solution Is to “Eliminate Dependence on Fossil Fuels”

On 3/31/2022, Psaki again dodged every question about Hunter Biden despite ABC News reporting the DOJ investigation was “intensifying” with a grand jury hearing testimony about Burisma payments and Chinese business deals. She stood by Biden’s 2020 debate claim that “nothing was unethical” about Hunter’s dealings. An economic advisor said the energy crisis proved the need to “reduce and eliminate our dependence on fossil fuels.” Psaki had “no updates” on food shortages and the administration announced X gender markers for passports.

Grand Jury Investigation Intensifies

ABC News reported that “in recent weeks, a grand jury in Wilmington has heard from a parade of witnesses about payments Hunter Biden received while on the board of the Ukrainian gas company Burisma and also about how he paid his taxes in recent years.” Federal prosecutors were also examining “how Hunter Biden reported money from business deals in China.”

When asked whether Biden had read the reports, Psaki shut it down. “I don’t have anything additional to add on this from the podium,” she said.

Standing By “Nothing Was Unethical”

A reporter cited Biden’s 2020 debate exchange. “Then-Vice President Biden was asked if there was anything inappropriate or unethical about his son’s relationships, business dealings in China and/or Ukraine. The President said nothing was unethical and that his son ‘has not made money in terms of this thing about China.’ Does the White House stand by that comment?”

“We absolutely stand by the President’s comment,” Psaki said. “I don’t speak for Hunter Biden, so there’s not more I can say.”

The video included Biden’s debate response: “There is no controversy about Hunter Biden. It’s all a lie. It’s a flat lie because the President has nothing else to run on."

"Eliminate Our Dependence on Fossil Fuels”

A Biden economic advisor used the energy crisis to push the administration’s long-term climate agenda. “This ultimately shows that dependence on fossil fuels, dependence on foreign oil, is not in the sustainable, long-term, best interest of the United States,” the advisor said.

“The circumstances in global oil markets today provide the clearest possible signal why the United States needs to do everything it can to accelerate toward energy security and true energy independence,” the advisor continued. “And the only way that we can ultimately do that is to reduce and eliminate our dependence on fossil fuels.”

A reporter pressed on the SPR release strategy. “One analyst has said that if the market maintains a structural deficit, releasing reserves might actually keep prices higher. If this does not work, will the administration stop?” the reporter asked.

The advisor would not commit. “We would always adjust our strategy to do what is most effective to bring prices down,” the advisor said.

Biden: Save $80/Month With an EV

Biden made his own EV pitch. “Under my plan, we can take advantage of the next generation of electric vehicles. A typical driver will save about $80 a month from not having to pay gas at the pump,” Biden said. “If your home is powered by safer, cheaper, cleaner electricity like solar or heat pumps, you can save about $500 a month on average."

"No Updates” on Food Shortages

Despite Biden’s promise in Europe to address food shortages — and his gaffe about wanting to “disseminate” them — Psaki had nothing new to offer. “Do you have any updates on the president’s efforts to prevent real food shortages sparked by the war?” a reporter asked.

“It’s a top focus. We will have more to say on that issue in the coming days. But I don’t have a specific announcement for you today,” Psaki said.

X Gender Markers for Passports

The State Department announced the availability of X gender markers on U.S. passport books. “Right now we’re talking about our new passport books,” an official said. “Over the course of the next year, we’ll be updating our systems to allow for other forms of US identity documents.” The option was limited to U.S. citizens and did not apply to foreigners seeking entry.

Key Takeaways

ABC reported the DOJ’s Hunter Biden investigation was “intensifying” with grand jury testimony on Burisma payments and Chinese business deals; Psaki had “nothing additional to add.”
Psaki stood by Biden’s 2020 debate claim that “nothing was unethical” about Hunter’s foreign business dealings.
An economic advisor said the energy crisis proved the need to “reduce and eliminate our dependence on fossil fuels” — framing $4+ gas as an argument for the green transition.
Psaki had “no updates” on food shortages despite Biden’s Europe promises.
The State Department introduced X gender markers on U.S. passports.

Transcript Highlights

The following is transcribed from the video audio (unverified — AI-generated from audio).

Does the White House stand by Biden’s comment that nothing was unethical? We absolutely stand by the President’s comment.
The only way we can ultimately achieve true energy independence is to reduce and eliminate our dependence on fossil fuels.
A grand jury in Wilmington has heard from a parade of witnesses about payments Hunter Biden received from Burisma.
Do you have updates on food shortages? It’s a top focus. I don’t have a specific announcement today.
A typical driver will save about $80 a month with an electric vehicle. $500 a month with solar or heat pumps.
There is no controversy about Hunter Biden. It’s all a lie. It’s a flat lie.

Full transcript: 1123 words transcribed via Whisper AI.