What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
May 20, 2024 Recap
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre issued a statement about the Senate's upcoming vote on a bipartisan border security agreement. President Biden has advocated for immigration reform since his first day in office, introducing a comprehensive plan. The new bipartisan legislation aims to provide significant policy changes, resources, and personnel to enhance border security. Key provisions include increasing Border Patrol and Customs personnel, investing in technology to combat drug trafficking, adding asylum officers and immigration judges, and establishing emergency authority to manage border shutdowns. The legislation also seeks to expand lawful immigration pathways and expedite work authorizations. The administration strongly supports this legislation and urges all Senators to prioritize border security over partisan politics.
On May 22, 2003, President Bush declared a national emergency via Executive Order 13303 due to threats to U.S. national security and foreign policy arising from issues hindering Iraq's reconstruction, peace, and institution-building. These threats persist, necessitating the continuation of the national emergency. Consequently, President Biden has extended this emergency for another year beyond May 22, 2024, as per section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act. This extension will be documented in the Federal Register and reported to Congress.
President Biden criticized the International Criminal Court (ICC) for its arrest warrant applications against Israeli leaders, calling the move outrageous. He emphasized that there is no equivalence between Israel and Hamas and reaffirmed the United States support for Israel's security.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken also criticized the ICC's move, questioning the court's jurisdiction and decision-making process. Blinken warned that this action could jeopardize efforts to secure a ceasefire and facilitate humanitarian aid and hostage negotiations. He expressed concerns about the legitimacy and credibility of the ICC's investigation.
ICC prosecutor Karim Khan stated that he requested the arrest warrants for Netanyahu, his defense chief, and three Hamas leaders over alleged war crimes. Khan believes there are reasonable grounds to hold these individuals criminally responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity after over seven months of conflict in Gaza.
Blinken mentioned that Israel was ready to cooperate with the ICC and had scheduled a visit for the prosecutor. However, Khan announced the charges publicly, raising further doubts about the investigation's legitimacy. The U.S. has previously opposed the ICC's actions, particularly during Donald Trump's administration, which imposed sanctions on court staff over investigations into U.S. activities in Afghanistan.
Additional source: Reuters
National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan met with Palestinian and Israeli leaders to discuss the Gaza crisis. He met with PLO Secretary General Hussein Al Sheikh and PA Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa to discuss ending the fighting, increasing humanitarian aid, and supporting the new PA government’s reform agenda. Sullivan praised the Palestinian Authority Security Forces for maintaining stability in the West Bank.
In Israel, Sullivan met with Opposition Leader Yair Lapid, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, Chief of Defense Herzi Halevi, and War Cabinet members Benny Gantz and Gadi Eizenkot. They discussed Israeli military operations in Gaza, new strategies for defeating Hamas, and reopening the Rafah crossing for aid. Sullivan reaffirmed U.S. support for Israel, the release of hostages, and the need for effective humanitarian aid delivery. He emphasized the importance of Israel's future security through a more integrated Middle East.
White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby held a press gaggle via teleconference to address various pressing issues, starting with the President's and Secretary Blinken's strong rejection of the International Criminal Court's (ICC) arrest warrants against Israeli leaders. Kirby emphasized the lack of equivalence between Israel and Hamas, aligning with the U.S. stance that the ICC has no jurisdiction in this matter. He also conveyed condolences regarding a helicopter crash in Iran, offering sympathy while pointing out that further details are the responsibility of Iranian authorities. Kirby reiterated U.S. support for the Iranian people’s civil rights and accountability for Iran’s destabilizing regional behavior.
Kirby updated on National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan’s visit to Israel, where he met with Israeli leaders to discuss the Gaza situation, U.S. support for Israel, humanitarian aid, and efforts to secure a hostage deal. During the Q&A session, Kirby addressed various questions. To Steve from Reuters, Kirby confirmed no details about a U.S. delegation to Raisi's funeral and dismissed allegations that U.S. sanctions contributed to the crash. He noted that offering condolences is standard practice despite Raisi's human rights abuses.
Nick from PBS asked about Rafah operations and the U.S.-Saudi bilateral security agreement. Kirby confirmed ongoing concerns over Rafah and reported significant progress in bilateral elements with Saudi Arabia without providing specifics. Kayla from CNN questioned the differing U.S. stances on ICC matters in Ukraine versus Israel. Kirby clarified the distinction and reaffirmed no ICC jurisdiction in Gaza.
In response to Nathan from KAN-TV, Kirby emphasized the importance of discussions on Gaza’s post-conflict governance and reiterated the U.S. position against an IDF occupation. Yuna from Israel 12 sought details on the U.S.-Saudi deal, to which Kirby mentioned significant progress but no specific details. Neria from Israel 13 asked about Netanyahu's statement against a Palestinian state. Kirby reaffirmed President Biden’s commitment to a two-state solution and the importance of regional leadership in achieving this goal.
Danny from AFP inquired about ICC arrest warrants for Hamas leaders. Kirby rejected any equivalence between Israel and Hamas and stressed the need for Hamas to be held accountable. Nadia questioned bipartisan efforts against a two-state solution and Biden's ceasefire statement. Kirby clarified that Biden referred to a temporary ceasefire tied to a hostage deal and reiterated ongoing commitment to a two-state solution.
Haley from Scripps asked for updates on the hostage ceasefire deal. Kirby reported no new progress but affirmed ongoing efforts. Brian followed up on Sullivan’s visit and ICC jurisdiction. Kirby highlighted near-final progress on U.S.-Saudi bilateral elements and rejected ICC jurisdiction in Gaza. Finally, James Rosen asked about the U.S. response to the transition in Iran and potential strategic advantages. Kirby emphasized continued U.S. efforts to hold Iran accountable for its destabilizing actions, regardless of internal changes. The session concluded with the moderator offering follow-up through NSC press distribution for unanswered questions.
President Biden, Vice President Harris, and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff attended the White House's Jewish American Heritage Month celebration. Emhoff emphasized the ongoing challenges faced by the Jewish community, particularly highlighting the rise in anti-Semitism and hate crimes. He praised Jewish leaders and student activists for combating anti-Semitism and fostering community resilience.
Emhoff shared personal anecdotes about his Jewish heritage and expressed the importance of maintaining joy and pride in Jewish identity despite current hardships. He recalled President Biden's deep connection to Jewish history and his unwavering support for Israel, especially following the October 7th attack by Hamas.
President Biden reinforced his administration's commitment to Jewish safety and Israel's security. He condemned the anti-Semitism surge in the U.S. and globally. He highlighted the government's actions to combat hate, including increased security funding for Jewish institutions and the national strategy to counter anti-Semitism.
The President reiterated America's support for Israel, rejecting any equivalence between Israel and Hamas, and affirmed efforts to secure a two-state solution for lasting peace. He assured the Jewish community his steadfast support and commitment to their safety and well-being.
Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff gives remarks at the White House's Jewish American Heritage Month celebration, flanked by President Biden and Vice President Harris
Great post! Looking forward to 4 more years for President Biden! 🙌🏼
The cutline on the last picture labels Douglas Emhoff as “First Gentleman.” Further up in the article he is correctly labeled “Second Gentleman.”