On Tuesday, White House reporters persistently questioned Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre about President Biden’s cognitive abilities.
Fox News reporter Peter Doocy asked Jean-Pierre who the Pentagon contacts if they detect an incoming nuclear threat late at night, past Biden’s “8 pm window.”
According to The New York Times, Biden recently told Democratic governors that his health is fine but added, “it’s just my brain.” He also mentioned that he needs to get more sleep, work fewer hours, and avoid events after 8 p.m.
Doocy questioned Jean-Pierre about Biden’s early bedtime and the potential for a late-night emergency call.
“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.
Jean-Pierre confirmed that Biden is not the first person contacted in the event of a nuclear war emergency.
“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 explained.
This raises concerns about the U.S. being on limited time (where seconds count) to respond to a nuclear threat if Biden is asleep. If Biden were to be awakened, there are questions about whether he would be fully alert without his medical assistance.
WATCH:
DOOCY: Biden says he’s best before 8pm, but say the Pentagon picks up an incoming nuke at 11pm — who do you call? Dr. Jill? KJP: “He has a team!”