Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre confirmed President Joe Biden will not be awakened if defense systems detected an incoming nuclear weapon.
Democrats urged the 81-year-old President to step down after his disastrous debate with former President Donald Trump on June 27. But Biden has emphatically refused to step down.
Biden reportedly told governors he needs to get more sleep, and not do events after 8 p.m.
According to The New York Times, Biden recently told Democrat governors that his “health is fine,” “it’s just my brain.”
During the White House press briefing on Tuesday, Fox News reporter Peter Doocy asked Jean-Pierre whether Biden would be awakened if the U.S. came under attack.
“Well, [Biden] also said he’s the sharpest before 8 pm, so say that the Pentagon at some point picks up an incoming nuke – it’s 11 pm – who do you call? The First Lady?” Doocy asked.
“He has a team that lets him know of any news that is pertinent and important to the American people. He has someone – that is decided obviously with his national security team on who gets to tell him that news,” Jean-Pierre responded.
But only the President has the authority to launch nuclear weapons if the U.S. comes under attack.
DOOCY: Biden says he's best before 8p, but say the Pentagon picks up an incoming nuke at 11pm — who do you call? Nurse Jill?
KARINE JEAN-PIERRE: "He has a team." pic.twitter.com/qVf4zHmaNB
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) July 9, 2024
