The White House press officials changed the transcript of a call where President Joe Biden criticized supporters of Donald Trump. The original transcript, prepared by White House stenographers, quoted Biden as saying, “The only garbage I see floating out there is his supporters.” However, the transcript released by the White House press office changed “supporters” to “supporter’s,” indicating that Biden was referring to the comedian Tony Hinchcliffe, not Trump supporters.
This alteration was made after consulting with the president, which raised concerns among the stenographers who believed it was a breach of protocol. The stenographers’ office is responsible for producing accurate transcripts of the president’s remarks for preservation by the National Archives. The supervisor of the stenographers’ office expressed concerns about the edit in an email to White House communications officials.
The White House’s handling of the transcript drew criticism from House Republicans, who accused White House staff of releasing a false transcript of Biden’s remarks. They called on the administration to retain documents and internal communications related to the incident, citing a potential violation of the Presidential Records Act of 1978.
Despite the controversy, Biden clarified on social media that he was not referring to all Trump supporters as garbage but was specifically addressing the hateful rhetoric about Puerto Rico made by a supporter at a Trump rally. Vice President Kamala Harris also distanced herself from Biden’s comments, emphasizing the importance of treating Americans with respect regardless of their political beliefs.
The incident underscores the importance of transparency and accuracy in documenting the president’s remarks. The authenticity and integrity of official transcripts are crucial for historical record-keeping and public accountability. The handling of this situation raises questions about the White House’s communication practices and adherence to established protocols.
As the White House faces scrutiny over the altered transcript, it remains to be seen how the administration will address the concerns raised by the stenographers and House Republicans. The incident highlights the challenges of balancing political messaging with the preservation of accurate historical records in the digital age. It serves as a reminder of the responsibilities that come with documenting the words and actions of the president for the benefit of future generations.
