What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
June 3, 2024 Recap
President Joe Biden issued a statement congratulating Claudia Sheinbaum on her historic election as the first woman President of Mexico. He expressed his anticipation of working closely with her to strengthen the partnership and friendship between the U.S. and Mexico. Biden reaffirmed the commitment to advancing mutual values and interests for the benefit of both nations. He also commended the Mexican people for successfully conducting a democratic electoral process involving over 20,000 positions at various levels.
During a call, President Joe Biden congratulated Mexican President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum on her historic electoral victory. Both leaders emphasized their commitment to maintaining a strong and collaborative partnership to advance democracy, security, and prosperity in both countries.
Communications Director Kirsten Allen announced that Vice President Harris will travel to Lucerne, Switzerland, on June 15 to attend the Summit on Peace in Ukraine. She will emphasize the Biden-Harris Administration's commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the principles of the UN Charter, supporting Ukraine's quest for a just and lasting peace. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan will accompany her to represent the United States at the summit.
The White House held a briefing with small business owners and local business leaders from Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. The dialogue focused on the Biden-Harris Administration’s efforts to boost the U.S. economy by supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses, particularly in historically neglected communities. Over 60 representatives from small businesses, local chambers of commerce, and economic development organizations met with senior officials from the White House, the Council of Economic Advisers, and the Small Business Administration.
Key points discussed included the Administration's investment in local businesses and the region’s economy, resulting in more than 1.5 million jobs and over $65 billion in private sector investment. Additionally, there has been a significant increase in new business applications, with over 1.8 million in the represented states.
This meeting was part of the White House Regional Business Briefings series, following an initial Mid-Atlantic gathering in March, with more planned for the summer.
Notable administration participants included Isabel Casillas Guzman (SBA Administrator), Gene Sperling (American Rescue Plan Coordinator), Heather Boushey (Council of Economic Advisers), Kate Balcerzak (Director of Partnerships and Private Sector Engagement), and Jackson Spivey (Senior Advisor, Office of Public Engagement).
National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan spoke by phone with Ambassador Akif Cagatay Kilic, the Turkish president's chief foreign policy and Security Advisor. They stressed the urgent need for Hamas to agree to Israel’s proposal for an immediate ceasefire as part of a hostage deal. The discussion also covered bilateral topics such as counterterrorism, defense cooperation, and sanctions compliance. Additionally, they highlighted the importance of a peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan and welcomed the improved relations between Türkiye and Greece.
Sullivan also met with security advisors from Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania to discuss support for Ukraine amidst Russian aggression. They focused on preparations for the upcoming NATO Summit, including steps to integrate Ukraine closer to NATO and ensure a path to eventual membership. The advisors emphasized the importance of strengthening the transatlantic defense industrial base and discussed using Russian sovereign assets to benefit Ukraine. Sullivan reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to NATO's Article 5 and the security of eastern flank Allies.
President Biden spoke with Amir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani of Qatar about a comprehensive ceasefire and hostage release deal concerning the crisis in Gaza. They agreed that this deal offers a solid plan for ending the crisis. President Biden confirmed Israel’s readiness to proceed with the terms offered to Hamas and stressed that this is the best opportunity for an agreement. He emphasized that Hamas’ refusal to release hostages prolongs the conflict and delays relief for Gaza. The U.S., Egypt, and Qatar will work to ensure the deal’s full implementation. President Biden urged Amir Tamim to encourage Hamas to accept the deal and affirmed that Hamas is the only obstacle to a complete ceasefire and relief for Gaza. The President thanked the Amir for his efforts and agreed to cooperate closely in the coming days.
The G7 Leaders have issued a statement expressing their full support for President Biden's proposed comprehensive deal for Gaza. This deal includes an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, increased humanitarian aid, and a lasting resolution to the crisis while ensuring Israel's security and the safety of Gazan civilians. The G7 reaffirms its commitment to a peaceful two-state solution and calls on Hamas to accept the deal, urging countries with influence over Hamas to assist in this effort.
White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby held a press gaggle to provide updates on key international matters. He announced that Vice President Harris and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan will travel to Lucerne, Switzerland, on June 15th to participate in the Summit on Peace in Ukraine, emphasizing the U.S. commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Kirby reiterated that the U.S. and its allies will continue supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression, emphasizing that the war could end if Russian forces withdrew.
Kirby also congratulated Claudia Sheinbaum on her historic election as the first woman president of Mexico and expressed the U.S.'s eagerness to work with her administration. Addressing questions on Israel and Hamas, Kirby affirmed the U.S. stance on Israel's right to defend itself and discussed the recent ceasefire proposal that Hamas has received. He emphasized that the U.S. supports Israel's efforts to eliminate the threat posed by Hamas.
When asked about OPEC+'s decision to extend output cuts, Kirby refrained from commenting but assured President Biden remained focused on keeping consumer fuel prices down. He also defended President Biden's absence from the Ukraine peace summit, highlighting the U.S.'s consistent and strong support for Ukraine. Regarding potential executive orders on migration, Kirby did not provide details.
Kirby confirmed that President Biden publicly discussed the ceasefire proposal as an Israeli proposal, with no objections from Israel about the announcement. He also highlighted the evolving U.S. support for Ukraine, including potential changes in military support based on battlefield conditions while maintaining the prohibition on long-range strikes inside Russia. This briefing encapsulates Kirby's remarks and the key discussion points during the press gaggle.
We would like to wish a very happy birthday to First Lady Dr. Jill Biden!
