By Wednesday evening, Biden was working through the text to put his own touches on it. But he was unsure if a speech would need to be delivered, according to two administration officials familiar with his process who were granted anonymity to discuss private conversations.

President Biden and top Democratic lawmakers in Washington distanced themselves from pro-Palestinian protests engulfing many college campuses this week, as Republicans work overtime to associate them with the chaotic scenes unfolding around the country ahead of the 2024 elections.