KEY POINTS

  • The expletive came after a White House Competition Council meeting about lowering prices for Americans
  • Doocy said he only heard about the president's remarks from other reporters
  • Biden has a history of mocking Doocy's questions

President Joe Biden on Monday was heard lashing out at a Fox News White House correspondent for pressing him on inflation.

The president was caught mouthing an expletive under his breath toward Peter Doocy as reporters were being ushered out of the East Room following a White House Competition Council meeting to discuss ways to lower prices for Americans.

"Will you take questions on inflation then?" Doocy asked Biden. "Do you think inflation will be a political liability ahead of the midterms?"

"That’s a great asset, more inflation," Biden said before adding, "What a stupid son of a b----."

Doocy, who appeared on Fox’s The Five later Monday, said he only heard about the incident from other reporters, adding that he could not hear anything over the White House staff telling the press to leave the East Room.

Biden has a history of mocking Doocy’s questions, especially during his 2020 presidential campaign when most of the Fox News correspondent’s questions were about his son, Hunter.

Monday’s incident was also not the first time the president was caught using harsh language on a reporter. Last week, Fox White House correspondent Jacqui Heinrich attempted to press Biden on his administration’s approach to the tensions between Russia and Ukraine.

"Why are you waiting on Putin to make the first move, sir?" Heinrich asked.

"What a stupid question," Biden replied.

White House press secretary Jen Psaki later defended Biden’s dismissive remark, arguing that the president had taken "a lot of steps" to deter Russia from invading Ukraine.

In June, Biden also lashed out at CNN Chief White House Correspondent Kaitlan Collins who asked the president why he was "confident" that Russian President Vladimir Putin would change his behavior after their summit.

Biden, who appeared visibly upset with Collins’ question, replied: "I am not confident he will change his behavior. Where the hell…What do you do all the time? When did I say I was confident?"

The president later approached Collins before he boarded Air Force One and apologized following the incident.

During his first day in office, Biden warned his aides that he would fire them immediately if they were seen treating their colleagues with disrespect.

Intel has announced a major investment in US chip production, as a shortage contributes to surging inflation weighing on Joe Biden's presidency
Intel has announced a major investment in US chip production, as a shortage contributes to surging inflation weighing on Joe Biden's presidency AFP / MANDEL NGAN