What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
July 15, 2024 Recap
President Biden has declared a major disaster in Kansas due to severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, and flooding from April 25 to 30, 2024. This declaration enables Federal assistance to support state, tribal, and local recovery efforts. Federal funding is available for emergency work, repair, or replacement of damaged facilities in several counties, as well as statewide hazard mitigation measures. Andrew P. Meyer from FEMA will coordinate the Federal recovery operations in the affected areas.
In today’s press briefing, Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas addressed the nation following an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. President Biden emphasized the urgent need for unity and lowering political tensions, underscoring that while Americans may disagree, they are not enemies and must stand together. The President, the First Lady, and the entire White House extended their condolences to Corey, a volunteer firefighter who was killed in the incident, and expressed relief that former President Trump was not seriously injured.
Secretary Mayorkas condemned the violence in the strongest terms and praised the swift response of the Secret Service agents. He announced that an independent review would be conducted to understand the security lapses that allowed the shooting to occur. The FBI is leading the ongoing criminal investigation. In light of the incident, security measures for former President Trump have been heightened, and Robert Kennedy Jr. will also receive Secret Service protection.
Secretary Mayorkas and Press Secretary Jean-Pierre highlighted the need to lower political rhetoric and condemned the spread of false conspiracy theories, which only exacerbate tensions. Secretary Mayorkas reassured the public of his confidence in the Secret Service and its director, confirming that security protocols are continually reassessed and adjusted as necessary. He also committed to making the findings of the independent review public to ensure transparency and accountability.
Additionally, the briefing included an appreciation for Kelly O'Donnell, the outgoing president of the White House Correspondents' Association, and a welcome for Eugene Daniels, the incoming president. The administration remains focused on addressing and mitigating threats, with a strong commitment to transparency and accountability through independent reviews. The overarching message from the briefing was clear: unity and a reduction in political violence are paramount as the nation navigates this challenging time.
In an interview with NBC's Lester Holt, President Joe Biden discussed the recent shooting of his political opponent, Donald Trump, at a rally. Biden expressed concern for Trump's health and emphasized that there is no place for violence in politics. He reflected on the broader issue of political violence, citing past events like the January 6th Capitol attack and the Charlottesville rally.
When asked about his comments on Trump, Biden clarified that he meant "focus on" rather than "bullseye," admitting it was a poor choice of words. He argued that addressing threats to democracy and discussing policy issues is crucial, even if it risks inciting unbalanced individuals.
Holt pressed Biden on whether he had considered the impact of his rhetoric. Biden maintained that while he condemns violence, it is essential to confront harmful actions and policies. The president emphasized the importance of focusing on issues that matter to the American public, such as the acceptance of election outcomes and inflammatory language.
Regarding the shooting's impact on the election, Biden said it was uncertain and stressed his priority was Trump's health and the response from security agencies. He affirmed his confidence in the Secret Service but called for an independent analysis of the incident.
Biden also commented on a recent court decision dismissing the documents case against Trump, attributing it to the Supreme Court's immunity ruling. He criticized the decision and reiterated his commitment to discussing appropriate actions and policies.
Addressing his future in the race, Biden dismissed speculation about stepping down, citing his achievements and the narrow gap in polling data. He expressed confidence in his decision to run and highlighted the importance of continuing his work.
Biden responded to concerns about his debate performance, attributing it to not feeling well but questioning why the media focused more on his errors than Trump's lies. He reaffirmed his mental acuity and achievements, contrasting them with Trump's policies.
Finally, Biden addressed Trump's vice presidential pick, J.D. Vance, noting Vance's alignment with Trump's policies despite past criticisms. Biden confirmed his willingness to debate Trump again and asserted his readiness to demonstrate his capabilities to the American people.
President Biden speaks with NBC’s Lester Holt
