• White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre’s explanation for why President Biden left the previous day’s Medal of Honor ceremony early didn’t go over well on social media Wednesday.
• Reporters questioned Jean-Pierre on Biden leaving right after placing a medal on former U.S. Army Captain and Vietnam War veteran Larry Taylor but before the concluding prayer. Biden had stayed for the benediction at other Medal of Honor ceremonies. While his early exit was criticized online, the press secretary insisted that it was all planned.
• “He left as planned, as it was planned,” Jean-Pierre told reporters. “He left when there was a pause in the program in order to minimize his close contact with attendees who are about to participate in a reception.”

Tagged: White House