What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
April 18, 2024 Recap
President Biden issued a statement on the new sanctions against Iran, highlighting the recent large-scale missile and drone attack launched by Iran against Israel. He outlines the U.S. response, which included defending Israel with the help of allies and partners and now imposing new sanctions. These sanctions target key leaders and entities tied to Iran’s military capabilities, specifically those involved with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Iran's Defense Ministry, and the missile and drone programs. The statement underscores a collective effort among G7 nations to increase economic pressure on Iran and restrict its military programs. Biden reaffirms the U.S. commitment to Israel's security and to holding accountable those who support or enable Iran's military actions.
President Biden issued a proclamation for Education and Sharing Day in the USA, 2024, commemorating the life and teachings of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, the leader of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement. This day honors his contributions to education and his advocacy for justice, equality, and hope, values that he embedded in the fabric of American society.
The proclamation highlights his influence in building schools and community centers worldwide, his advisory role to past U.S. presidents, and his vision of education as a cornerstone for a just society. It acknowledges the ongoing struggle against antisemitism and violence, noting the U.S. government's commitment to combating hate and supporting Israel's security. President Biden declares April 19, 2024, as Education and Sharing Day, urging participation in related activities and affirming the administration's commitment to education as a gateway to opportunity and equality.
Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby held a press gaggle en route to Philadelphia covering several key topics.
Jean-Pierre announced President Biden's upcoming travel to Virginia on April 22nd to celebrate Earth Day, promising more details soon. She also strongly criticized Arizona Republican officials for blocking the repeal of an 1864 abortion ban, which she described as lacking necessary exceptions and threatening women's health.
Kirby discussed recent sanctions targeting Iran's UAV industry due to its support for Russia in Ukraine, emphasizing the ongoing, iterative process of sanctioning. He also briefed on a virtual meeting currently discussing Middle Eastern affairs, particularly focusing on Rafah and Israeli intentions regarding a potential ground offensive. On trade issues, Kirby mentioned President Biden's recent conversation with Chinese President Xi, touching on unfair trade practices and new U.S. tariffs on steel. He updated on the lack of new information regarding hostages taken on October 7th, underscoring the active negotiation efforts for their release.
Kirby hinted at the possibility of a U.S. veto in an upcoming U.N. Security Council vote on Palestinian statehood, reaffirming the U.S. commitment to a two-state solution through direct negotiations.
The session closed on a lighter note, with Jean-Pierre addressing a humorous query about a "cannibal" tab in her briefing book and reflecting on a poignant moment when President Biden honored his uncle at a war memorial.
U.S.-Israel Strategic Consultative Group (SCG), led by U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and Israeli counterparts, Minister for Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer and National Security Advisor Tzachi Hanegbi, held a meeting focused on discussing the recent unprecedented missile and drone attack by Iran against Israel.
Key topics included enhancing Israel's defense capabilities and expanding military partnerships. Following a G7 leaders' call, new sanctions coordinated with Congress and G7 countries were also discussed. The meeting also covered strategies regarding Hamas in Rafah, with both sides expressing a mutual goal to defeat Hamas there. The U.S. expressed concerns over potential actions in Rafah, and Israel agreed to consider these concerns in future expert discussions overseen by the SCG. Further meetings are planned.
President Biden intends to nominate John Bradford Wiegmann as General Counsel of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence and Curtis Raymond Ried as U.S. Representative to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe with ambassadorial rank.
John Bradford Wiegmann, with a long-standing career in national security, currently serves in the Department of Justice and has held various governmental roles since 1996. He studied at Duke University and Harvard Law School.
Curtis Raymond Ried, a career diplomat, is the current Deputy Assistant to the President and Chief of Staff at the National Security Council. He has extensive international experience, with past postings including Israel and the UN. Ried graduated from George Washington University and Sciences Po in Paris and speaks multiple languages, including French, German, and Hebrew.
President Biden spoke at a campaign event at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Recreation Center in Philadelphia, PA, after being endorsed by members of the Kennedy Family. He expressed deep honor and emotional connection to the support of the Kennedy family and reflected on historical moments of significant influence in his life. He recounted the impactful legacy of the Kennedy family, particularly Bobby Kennedy, and the inspiration derived from key historical events like the assassinations of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Bobby Kennedy. Biden emphasized the guiding principles of dignity, respect, and the denouncement of power abuse, attributing these values to the teachings of his own family and Bobby Kennedy.
He outlined his vision for America, starkly contrasting it with Donald Trump's, framing the upcoming election as a choice between two fundamentally different paths for the nation. Biden advocated for democracy, economic growth that includes all social strata, and addressing the climate crisis. He concluded by invoking the poetic words of Seamus Heaney to inspire hope and a call to action, reinforcing his optimism for the future of America and rallying support for continued progress under his leadership.
The Senate recently received nominations from The President for several key positions: Miranda L. Holloway-Baggett is nominated as the U.S. Marshal for the Southern District of Alabama. Carmen G. Iguina González and Joseph Russell Palmore are nominated as Associate Judges of the District of Columbia Court of Appeals for fifteen-year terms. Curtis Raymond Ried is nominated as the U.S. Representative to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe with an ambassadorial rank. Lastly, John Bradford Wiegmann is nominated as the General Counsel of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.
National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan expressed his deepest condolences to Kenya after a helicopter crash that resulted in the death of General Francis Omondi Ogolla and several others. General Ogolla, who served nearly four decades, was notable for his contributions to Kenyan-U.S. relations, particularly in combating terrorism and enhancing regional cooperation. He had trained in the U.S. and maintained strong ties with key U.S. defense and diplomatic figures. Sullivan's statement conveyed the U.S.'s deep connection with General Ogolla and extended sympathies to all affected by the tragedy, affirming U.S. support for Kenya in the aftermath.
Principal Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer met with Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal to reaffirm the U.S.'s strong support for Ukraine in its self-defense and recovery efforts against Russian aggression. During the meeting, Prime Minister Shmyhal expressed gratitude for U.S. support and emphasized the need for further U.S. security assistance due to pressing battlefield needs. They also discussed the ongoing reforms in Ukraine and the significance of continued progress in these reforms for Ukraine's integration into Euro-Atlantic structures.
President Biden speaks at a campaign event at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Recreation Center in Philadelphia, PA (Photo credit IMAGO / ZUMA Wire)
Could you give us a highlight or tidbit several times a week, or daily, that is easy to repost on social media to our groups.....I want to make sure the source is listed in the note I add.