The administration of President Biden has been adamant against the scrutiny of reports about Russian and Ukrainian relations. They have repeatedly dismissed critical lines of questioning, calling them “Russian talking points” or “misinformation”.
Jen Psaki, White House press secretary, and Ned Price, State Department spokesperson have denied any inquiries into sources or alternative narratives regarding the conflict in Ukraine. The White House repeatedly warned of a Russian invasion, citing troops stationed at the Russian-Ukrainian border. They also alleged plans for a false flag operation to justify an addition.
A reporter asked Price Thursday about the evidence that U.S. officials believed Russia wanted to release a propaganda video on Ukraine to justify starting a war.
According to the Pentagon, it was aware that Russia planned to “stage an attack” to encourage support for war with Ukraine. Matt Lee, an Associated Press reporter covering the State Department, asked Price for evidence and suggested it could be “Alex Jones territory.”
Price responded, “If you are looking for solace in the information that Russia is putting out then that is your choice.”
Psaki took aim at Republican Missouri Senator Josh Hawley on Wednesday. He suggested that Hawley is “parroting” Russian disinformation and is “consuming” talk points. Psaki’s remarks were made after Senator Josh Hawley called for the Biden administration not to support Ukraine becoming a NATO member and to focus on preventing Chinese ambitions within the Indo-Pacific.
“Well, if your only focus is on Russian misinformation and reciting Russian talking points, then you don’t align with long-standing bipartisan American principles, which are to defend the sovereignty of countries such as Ukraine,” Psaki stated in response to a reporter who asked her opinion about the senator’s statements.
Psaki said that others had the right to form their own alliances and to oppose any attempt or potential attempt by any country to invade or take over the territory of another country. “This applies to Sen. Hawley but also to those who may be echoing the talking points Russian propaganda leaders.”
When asked by a reporter Thursday if the U.S. would release evidence about the military’s involvement in the deaths of civilians in Syria in a counterterrorism strike, Psaki said that the reporter was using information from terrorist group ISIS.
“Skeptical about the U.S. Military’s assessment when it went and took out ISIS leader, that they aren’t providing accurate information, while ISIS is providing accurate data?” Psaki asked.
Psaki spoke softly with reporters at Friday’s press conference. She tempers her previous rhetoric and assures them that the Biden administration is open to “good faith scrutiny.”
Psaki stated, “Let’s just say that we welcome hard questions and good faith scrutiny,” “I wouldn’t have come out here if it weren’t for you.” “I wouldn’t have come out, or nearly 180 times, and engaged with you all.”
