What Did Joe Biden Do Today?

Weekend Recap: May 25-26, 2024

President Joe Biden delivered the 2024 commencement address at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. He began by acknowledging West Point's historical significance, highlighting its strategic importance during the American Revolution. The President commended the 1,036 graduates of the class of 2024 for their perseverance through rigorous training and academic challenges.

President Biden emphasized the graduates' readiness to join the U.S. Army, praising their dedication and achievements. He referenced the graduates' diverse backgrounds and accomplishments, such as athletic feats and academic honors, and highlighted the importance of their role in the military.

The President discussed current global challenges, including support for Ukraine against Russian aggression and efforts to maintain peace and stability in the Middle East and Indo-Pacific regions. He stressed the importance of alliances and military readiness in addressing these challenges.

President Biden also addressed the reduction in rates of sexual assault and harassment in the military, calling for continued efforts to eliminate such violence. He reaffirmed his commitment to using military force when necessary to protect national interests and praised the graduates for their commitment to duty, honor, and country.

The President concluded his speech by encouraging the graduates to uphold the values of the U.S. Constitution and reminding them of their duty to defend democracy. He emphasized America's unique foundation on equality and freedom, urging the new officers to be guardians of these principles.

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President Joe Biden announced that the Mexican Government has extradited Nestor Isidro Perez Salaz, known as “El Nini,” to the United States. El Nini, a key figure in the Sinaloa Cartel, faces charges of fentanyl trafficking and various violent crimes. Biden expressed gratitude to Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador for this action. He emphasized the commitment of both governments to combat the fentanyl and synthetic drug epidemic and to hold criminals accountable.

El Nini, a lead hitman for the cartel, was involved in the murder, torture, and kidnapping of rivals and witnesses. He also played a role in the cartel's production and distribution of fentanyl, including in the U.S. The U.S. had offered a $3 million reward for information leading to his arrest. He was captured in Culiacan, Mexico, in November 2023, shortly after a pledge by President Biden and Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador to enhance cooperation against drug trafficking.

Additional source: CBS News

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Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg discussed various transportation-related issues on CBS's Face The Nation with Margaret Brennan. Despite economic concerns, he highlighted the high volume of holiday travelers, with tens of millions of Americans driving or flying. Record-breaking air travel is expected, similar to last year, although severe weather could cause disruptions. Buttigieg noted that cancellations were low last year, and investments in infrastructure aim to improve airport capacity and conditions through President Biden's infrastructure package.

Buttigieg addressed the impacts of climate change on transportation, mentioning increased extreme weather and turbulence. He emphasized the importance of long-term investments in resilient infrastructure to prevent repeated damages. The PROTECT program, part of the infrastructure package, focuses on improving transportation infrastructure to withstand climate impacts.

The interview also covered the shortage of air traffic controllers, with the U.S. needing 3,000 more to meet ideal staffing levels. Buttigieg explained the lengthy process of hiring and training controllers due to the job's complexity and stressed the administration's efforts to increase hiring and training capacities.

Safety concerns at Boeing were another topic, with a 500% increase in employee-reported issues. While Buttigieg found the reporting culture encouraging, he acknowledged the concerns' seriousness. The FAA is scrutinizing Boeing, requiring safety improvements before allowing increased production.

On electric vehicles (EVs), Buttigieg highlighted the increasing sales but emphasized the need for lower prices and expanded charging infrastructure. The administration aims to support long-distance travel and lead the EV revolution with American-made vehicles, reducing reliance on foreign manufacturing, particularly from China. Biden's tariffs on Chinese-made EVs aim to protect American jobs and industries despite some opposition within the Democratic Party.

Finally, Buttigieg discussed road safety and the concern over driving under the influence of cannabis, which is treated as seriously as drunk driving. He mentioned initiatives like automatic emergency braking and safer street designs to reduce road fatalities. The ultimate goal is to make road travel as safe as air travel, with a vision of reducing road fatalities to zero.

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President Biden gives the commencement speech at the United States Military Academy West Point