South Lawn

5:30 P.M. EDT

Q    Can I follow up on — earlier you said there appeared to be more coming on banking.  What should we expect coming up as it relates to this banking crisis?
 
THE PRESIDENT:  Well, first of all, I think it’s pretty much under control now.  It remains to be seen, but we’re looking to see whether it needs any further legislation.
 
Q    Sir, do you believe — sir, do you believe that Christians were targeted in the Nashville school shooting?  Do you believe that Christians were targeted?
 
THE PRESIDENT:  I — I have no idea.
 
Q    Josh Hawley believes they were.  What do you say to that?
 
THE PRESIDENT:  Well, I probably don’t then. 
 
Q    Probably don’t then.
 
THE PRESIDENT:  No, I — I’m joking.  No, I have no idea.
 
Q    He says — he says it’s a hate crime.  Do you believe that?
 
Q    Are you worried about Israel’s democracy in general?  Like, does it have a — is it secure or are they at an inflection point as you often talk about?
 
THE PRESIDENT:  Well, I don’t know they’re at an inflection point, but I think it’s a difficult spot to be in and they got to work it out.
 
Q    And what do you hope the prime minister will do on that particular law?
 
THE PRESIDENT:  I hope he — I hope he walks away from it.
 
Q    Mr. President, any reaction to Russia sending nuclear — tactical nuclear weapons to Belarus?
 
THE PRESIDENT:  They haven’t done that yet —
 
Q    But are —
 
THE PRESIDENT:  — unless something happened while I was on the helicopter.
 
Q    Are you concerned about that?
 
THE PRESIDENT:  Sure I’m concerned about it.
 
Q    What do you make of — what do you make of Putin’s announcement that he would send those nuclear weapons to Belarus?
 
THE PRESIDENT:  What I’ve talking to you guys about for the last year: This is dangerous kind of talk he uses, and it’s worrisome.

5:32 P.M. EDT