With rail strike looming, Biden says he has 'not directly engaged,' contradicting White House press secretary

President Biden contradicted White House officials on Thursday, claiming not to have been directly in touch with either side in the looming national rail-road strike. 

Biden told reporters in Nantucket, Massachusetts that negotiations between unions representing railroad workers and their employers were ongoing. The president added since the talks were ongoing, he himself had not engaged directly with any of the parties. 

"My team has been in touch with all the parties, in rooms with the parties," said Biden. "I have not directly engaged yet because they're still talking."

Biden's remarks contradict those of White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, who said earlier this week that Biden was "directly involved" in the negotiations.

"The president is indeed involved directly," said Jean-Pierre. "I don't want to get into the details at this time, but he has been involved. He remains focused on protecting America's families."