Secret “cheat sheets” used by US president Joe Biden at his first press conference have been captured by photographers.
Mr Biden was photographed with the notes on Thursday, as he took part in the first press conference of his presidency.
One note showed the pictures and names of 25 journalists who were allowed into the East Room of the White House for the hour-long event, and their outlets.
The faces of a select few were circled, in apparent reference to those he would take questions from, and in what numerical order.
In another image from the event, Mr Biden was seen with factual information cards on topics including the state of the country’s infrastructure.
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“The United States now ranks 13th globally in infrastructure quality — down from 5th place in 2002” and “China spends 3 times more on infrastructure than the US”, were two of the bullet points on the card.
Critics claimed it showed Biden was intending to snub Conservative outlets and suggested he can’t handle a fully spontaneous discussion.
Others said they showed the President was prepared and serious.
Stella Parton, the country singer and sister of Dolly Parton, wrote on Twitter that having notes was "professional and shows true leadership", in defence of the president.
Mr Biden took questions from 10 journalists during the event, with the exception of Fox News — an outlet supportive of Donald Trump, the former president, and claims of election fraud.
Mr Trump infamously used his first press conference to berate the press and so-called “fake news,” and claimed that he was “the least racist” and “least antisemitic person” when asked about crime.
Mr Biden on Thursday announced that he will travel to Pittsburgh next week to announce details of a million-dollar plan for rebuilding infrastructure.
