White House: Trump surrendering is not Biden's focus today

Former President Donald Trump’s arraignment Tuesday is not a priority for President Joe Biden, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Tuesday.

“So first, I have to say this, it's an ongoing case, so we're just not going to comment on the case specifically itself,” Jean-Pierre said. “Look, the president is going to focus on the American people like he does every day. This is not something that is a focus for him. He is going to focus on things like making sure that that we lower, continue to lower prices for the American people.”

Jean-Pierre’s comments came minutes after Trump turned himself in to authorities in the Manhattan district attorney’s office, where he will be booked on criminal charges connected to his alleged role in a hush money payment made to porn star Stormy Daniels.

“Of course, this is playing out on many of the networks here on a daily basis for hours and hours,” Jean-Pierre said. “So, obviously, he will catch part of the news when he has a moment to catch up on the news of the day, but this is not his focus for today.”

The White House has stuck to a “no comment” script since the news broke that Trump had been indicted Thursday.

Jean-Pierre said that when the White House first learned about the indictment, the president was not given a heads up.

The press secretary also said that the White House is prepared for any unrest that may happen in relation to Trump’s indictment. Biden on Monday said he has faith in New York City's police ahead of potential unrest in the city.