What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
October 25, 2024 Recap
Editor’s note: At the time of this publication, Vice President Harris’s campaign rally in Houston, TX, was wrapping up, and transcripts were not yet available to write a summary of the event.
President Biden delivered remarks at Gila Crossing Community School in Laveen Village, Arizona, emphasizing his administration’s commitment to strengthening relationships with Native American communities and formally apologizing for the federal government’s role in the Federal Indian Boarding School policy. He reflected on Native Americans' contributions to culture, governance, and the military and acknowledged the trauma inflicted by the boarding school system, which aimed to erase Indigenous identities through forced assimilation. He shared stories of abuse suffered by Native children, who were often taken from their families, stripped of their names, and forbidden from speaking their languages.
Biden praised the work of Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, the first Native American Cabinet Secretary, for her efforts to document these boarding schools' impacts and rebuild trust with Native communities. He highlighted initiatives his administration has undertaken, including restoring Tribal sovereignty, modernizing infrastructure, investing in healthcare, supporting language preservation, and promoting Indigenous knowledge and environmental stewardship. Biden closed by affirming the administration’s commitment to an era of dignity and respect in the nation-to-nation relationship with Tribal Nations, acknowledging that healing and justice are essential for moving forward.
The G7 leaders have agreed to provide Ukraine with approximately $50 billion in Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration (ERA) loans, with funds expected to begin disbursement by the end of the year. These loans will be repaid through revenue from immobilized Russian sovereign assets, adhering to G7 legal frameworks and international law. The funds are intended to support Ukraine's budget, military, and reconstruction needs.
This decision follows the commitment at the Apulia G7 Summit and reflects G7 solidarity with Ukraine against Russian aggression. The G7 also commends the coordinated efforts of its Finance Ministers and the European Union in achieving this financing solution, underscoring their shared commitment to Ukraine’s freedom and reconstruction amidst ongoing conflict.
The recent trilateral meeting between U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, South Korean National Security Advisor Shin Wonsik, and Japanese National Security Advisor Akiba Takeo in Washington, D.C., reaffirmed the commitment of the three nations to promote security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific and address shared global challenges. The advisors expressed serious concerns about North Korea’s potential military support for Russia, including arms and missile transfers that defy U.N. Security Council resolutions. They urged Russia and North Korea to halt actions that amplify global security risks, and they reiterated their nations’ support for Ukraine by pledging assistance for energy infrastructure, recovery, and accountability measures against Russia’s ongoing actions.
Significant progress on trilateral initiatives, originally outlined in the “Spirit of Camp David” statement, was discussed, including advancements in missile warning data sharing, a quantum workforce training program, and the launch of joint defense exercises like FREEDOM EDGE. The advisors also highlighted recent high-level discussions in defense, commerce, and foreign affairs as essential to strengthening the trilateral alliance. They emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts to enhance technology and economic security, including securing critical minerals, ensuring trusted telecommunications, and expanding cybersecurity and maritime security coordination.
Regarding North Korea, the advisors condemned its illicit activities, such as cyber threats and arms transfers, as well as sending workers abroad to fund weapons programs. They committed to ongoing trilateral efforts to combat these threats, supported by the launch of the Multilateral Sanctions Monitoring Team to enforce U.N. sanctions. The advisors also strongly opposed unilateral efforts to alter the status quo by force within Indo-Pacific waters, reaffirming their support for international law under UNCLOS and calling for peaceful cross-Strait resolutions. In light of the rising tensions in the Middle East, they called for de-escalation and sustainable ceasefires. The meeting concluded with a commitment to institutionalize this trilateral partnership, aiming to foster peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific and beyond. The advisors agreed to work toward a future Trilateral Leaders’ Summit to solidify these goals further.
National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan met with ROK National Security Director Shin Wonsik in Washington, D.C., to address security issues, especially concerning the DPRK's support of Russia’s actions in Ukraine. They condemned the DPRK's deployment of troops to Russia and missile transfers to Russia, which violate UN Security Council resolutions and impact global security. The officials pledged continued support for Ukraine.
They also discussed recent hostile actions by the DPRK, such as its constitutional changes targeting the ROK and the destruction of infrastructure connecting the two Koreas. Sullivan reaffirmed the U.S.'s strong defense commitment to the ROK. They highlighted the robust U.S.-ROK Alliance, which now includes nuclear deterrence guidelines and has broadened into a global partnership addressing diverse security and clean energy goals.
National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan also met with Japan's National Security Advisor Akiba Takeo in Washington, D.C., to address bilateral cooperation and global and regional security concerns. They discussed ongoing efforts to bolster the U.S.-Japan partnership, especially initiatives from former Prime Minister Kishida's April visit, focusing on defense and economic security cooperation. Sullivan also expressed his commitment to working with Prime Minister Ishiba’s administration to strengthen the alliance. They addressed global security issues, notably Russia’s actions in Ukraine and concerns over DPRK troops possibly aiding Russia. Both reaffirmed the U.S.-Japan Alliance’s vital role in maintaining stability and a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific.
The 2024 National First Responders Day proclamation honors the dedication and sacrifices of America’s first responders, including police, firefighters, paramedics, and crisis responders. President Biden highlights their heroic roles, especially following recent disasters like Hurricanes Milton and Helene, where first responders saved lives and provided critical support. The administration emphasizes its commitment to these professionals through initiatives like the American Rescue Plan, which supported staffing and bonuses during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Protecting America’s First Responders Act, which extends benefits for those who have died or suffered permanent injury in service. Additional measures include the National Firefighter Registry for Cancer and protections against harmful PFAS chemicals in gear. Biden also underscores efforts to enhance community safety and disaster resilience through significant gun safety legislation and investments in infrastructure. He urges all Americans to honor first responders on October 28 with tributes to their service and remembrance of those lost in the line of duty.
White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby held an on-the-record press gaggle via teleconference to provide updates on key international security issues. He began by detailing a trilateral meeting between U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and his South Korean and Japanese counterparts, reaffirming cooperation on Indo-Pacific security concerns. A significant focus of their discussions was the troubling development of North Korea’s support for Russia in its conflict with Ukraine. The advisors expressed serious concern over North Korea's reported deployment of troops to Russia and the transfer of weaponry, including ballistic missiles, to aid Russia’s military efforts. The U.S. views this cooperation as violating United Nations Security Council resolutions, raising security risks beyond Europe and into the Indo-Pacific region.
Kirby also addressed the U.S. position on Israel's security operations, reiterating a firm commitment to supporting Israel’s right to self-defense. He clarified that while the U.S. advised caution about the potential civilian impact in densely populated areas like Rafah, there was no directive preventing Israel from operating there. Additionally, Kirby responded to inquiries about reports of conversations between Elon Musk and Russian President Vladimir Putin, stating that he could not confirm the claims and suggested that questions be directed to Musk’s team.
The briefing also touched on the reported deployment of over 3,000 North Korean troops to Russia for possible military engagement, potentially near the Russian city of Kursk. Kirby stated that the U.S. is closely monitoring this situation and consulting with allies to assess any implications.
Further security concerns in the Red Sea were discussed, particularly regarding Houthi attacks on commercial vessels. Kirby emphasized the U.S. commitment to maintaining Red Sea security, noting a recent U.S.-led coalition operation involving 20 countries to intercept missiles and drones launched by the Houthis. However, he could not confirm reports of Russian intelligence being provided to the Houthis via Iran, though he assured that efforts to address Houthi threats would continue. Kirby’s briefing underscored the U.S. commitment to supporting global allies and partners in stabilizing the Indo-Pacific, protecting Israel’s security, and addressing Russian and North Korean military activities.
President Joe Biden approved a disaster declaration for the Havasupai Tribe, enabling federal assistance following severe flooding on August 22-23, 2024. This support includes grants for temporary housing, home repairs, low-interest loans for uninsured losses, and business aid. Federal funds will help the tribe and some nonprofits with emergency work, facility repairs, and hazard mitigation on a cost-sharing basis. FEMA’s Benigno Bern Ruiz will oversee recovery operations. Further aid may be designated if additional assessments reveal further damage.
President Biden formally apologizes for the federal government’s role in the Federal Indian Boarding School policy during a speech at Gila Crossing Community School in Laveen Village, AZ
