South Lawn

(December 23, 2023)

3:02 P.M. EST

THE PRESIDENT: I hope you all have a good Christmas.

Q Did you tell Netanyahu himself about — Netanyahu, sir —

Q Merry Christmas to you, sir.

Q How did the conversation go with President Netanyahu today?

Q Netanyahu, sir — did you tell him not to strike Hamas in a preemptive strike?

THE PRESIDENT: I — I had a long talk with Netanyahu today, and it’s a private conversation.

Q About the economy, sir, what’s your outlook on the economy next year?

THE PRESIDENT: All good.

Take a look. Start reporting it the right way.

Q Mr. President, do you think that the president — any president is absolutely immune from criminal prosecution — any president at all?

THE PRESIDENT: I can’t think of one.

Q Mr. President, did you ask for a ceasefire, sir?

THE PRESIDENT: I had a private conversation. I did — I did not ask for a ceasefire.

Q Do you have any message for Africa?

THE PRESIDENT: For whom?

Q For Africa.

THE PRESIDENT: Yes, it has a great future. We’re going to continue to work with Africa to build the infrastructure and to grow that continent. A billion people. A billion people.

Merry Christmas!

3:03 P.M. EST