Biden to Hold News Conference 64 Days After Taking Office—Longest Gap in 100 Years

President Joe Biden will have his first formal press conference as president next week—nine weeks after taking office and longer than any president in modern history.

The White House told reporters about the solo event slated for next Thursday but hasn't yet given a time.

Biden, who was sworn into office on January 20, has answered some shouted questions from reporters at other events or less formal settings, but his Republican rivals have recently questioned why he had gone so long without a lengthier press conference with more questions from reporters in a formal setting.

White House press secretary Jen Psaki has repeatedly defended the delay, as Biden focused on efforts to pass his COVID-19 relief legislation.

"He has done about 40 Q&As since he took office," she told reporters last week. "But in terms of a formal press conference, which I understand there's a big focus on, we will have one before the end of the month."