During a media briefing on Thursday, Biden stressed the unknown objects were not threats but then later said he would order similar threats to be shot down, confusing the issue even further.
Biden also said he would direct his team to develop criteria to determine which objects are threats and which are benign.
After the news conference, Biden moved to leave without taking questions; however, he momentarily paused as reporters shouted questions at him and appeared confused. He returned to the podium and admonished the press gaggle before saying: “You can come to my office and ask a question when we have more polite people.” Biden then walked away again, paused again, then proceeded to the back.
Biden's decision to shoot down the initial balloon increased tensions with China, something he hopes to resolve through conversations with Chinese President Xi Jinping.