Speeches and Remarks

South Lawn

11:07 A.M. EST

THE PRESIDENT:  Well, good morning.

AUDIENCE:  Good morning!

THE PRESIDENT:  They tell me there’s 2,500 people here today — (applause) — looking for a pardon.  (Laughter.)

Well, good morning and welcome to a wonderful White House tradition.  We’ve got a lot of folks joining us today.  Members of my cabinet, members of the White House staff and their families.  We’ve got students from 4-H programs and Future Farmers of America.  Where are you?  (Applause.)

And, of course, a special thanks to everyone at the National Turkey Federation.  Leslee Oden, president of the Federation.  Leslee, where are you?  There you are.  (Applause.)  And John Zimmerman, chairman of the Federation, and his family from Northfield, Minnesota.  John.  (Applause.)

I was in Northfield last year with our — last year with my secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack, and our great friend, the Minnesota governor, Tim Walz — (applause) — talking about our historic investment in transforming rural America. 

Back in Minnesota, John has been a turkey grower for 35 years.  He’s raised over 4 million turkeys.  (Applause.)  Whoa.  And with the help of his nine-year-old son, Grant, they’ve raised two special guests we’re honoring today: Peach and Blossom.  (Applause.)  Let’s bring Peach up to join us. 

They tell me Peach weighs about 42 pounds. 

What do you say, Peach? 

Peach is making a last-minute plea here.  (Laughter.)

The two turkeys are named after Delaware state flower, the peach blossom.  And by the way, Delaware has a long history of growing peaches.  In fact, the peach pie in our state is one of my favorite.  It’s a state dessert.  And peach blossom flower is — also symbolizes the resilience, which is, quite frankly, fitting for today.  (Laughter.) 

This White House tradition began when turkey was presented to President Truman.  And that president — then President George H.W. Bush began pardoning turkeys. 

In the last four years, I’ve had the honor to continue that tradition by pardoning Peanut Butter and Jelly, Chocolate and Chip, Liberty and Bell.  And today, Peach and Blossom — (applause) — will join the free birds of the United States of America.  (Applause.) 

Born this past July at the Zimmerman family farm, raised by the —

(Peach gobbles.)

Yeah, I hear you.  (Laughter.)  Peach wants to speak a little bit here.  (Laughter.)

Raised by the family with the help of neighboring chil- — neighborhood children, who helped the turkeys get ready for this very moment.

According the experts, Peach weighs 41 pounds and loves to eat hotdish and teter to- — tator tots, and cross-country skis.  (Laughter.)  You know, dreams to see — but his — the real dream he has is to see the Northern Lights, I’m told.  He lives by the mo- — the motto, “Keep calm and gobble on.”  (Laughter.)

Meanwhile, Blossom weighs 40 pounds, loves to eat cheese curds and watch boxing — (laughter); dreams of visit — to visit each one of Minnesota’s 10,000 lakes — (applause); lives by the motto, “No fowl play, just Minnesota nice.”  (Laughter.)

They just finished a two-day road trip from Minnesota to Washington, D.C. 

By the way, do you have chairs?  Sit down.  (Laughter.)  I forgot you had chairs.  (Applause.)  I’m sorry.  (Laughter.)  Started thinking about the arduous trip they made, and you guys are still standing.  (Laughter.)

Well, that trip is 1,100 miles.  (A turkey gobbles.)  It takes 16.5 hours.  Through it all, they stayed calm, and they gobbled on and are still gobbling.  They were s- — (a turkey gobbles) — they — (laughter) — they were — stayed nice, listening to their favorite music, which apparently includes the song “Living on a Prayer.”  (Laughter.)

Well, fellas, your prayer is going to be answered today. 

Based on your temperament and commitment to being productive members of society, I hereby pardon Peach and Blossom.  (Applause.)

They will now head back to Farmamerica, Minnesota’s center for agricultural int- — interpretation, to serve as educational ambassadors of America’s top turkey growing state and inspire the next generation of agricultural students. 

Congratulations. 

Let me close on a more serious note.  This event marks the official start of the holiday season here in Washington.  It’s also my last time to speak here as your president during this season and give thanks and gratitude. 

So, let me say to you: It’s been the honor of my life.  I’m forever grateful. 

Later today, my wife, Jill, and I will travel to Staten Island, New York, for a Friendsgiving with members of the Coast Guard and their families to demonstrate our gratitude for their service and sacrifice, like my son.  (Applause.) 

We also keep in our hearts those who have lost so much, who will have an empty seat at the di- — at the Thanksgiving dinner table tonight — or, excuse me, Thursday night. 

May we use this moment to take time from our busy lives and focus on what matters most: our families — my dad used to have an expression; he’d say, “Family is the beginning, the middle, and the end” — our friends and our neighbors, and the fact that we blessed these — to live in America, the greatest country on Earth.  And that’s not hyperbole.  We are.

No matter what, in America, we never give up.  We keep going.  We keep the faith. 

We just have to remember who we are.  We’re the United States of America.  There is nothing, nothing, nothing beyond our capacity when we do it together. 

So, happy Thanksgiving, America.  God bless you all.  And may God protect our troops.

Thank you.  (Applause.) 

11:12 A.M. EST

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South Lawn

7:26 P.M. EST

THE PRESIDENT:  Good evening, everyone.  Good evening, good evening, good evening.

If you have a seat, please take it.  But don’t jump in the pool.  (Laughter.)

Jill and I are hosting this dinner tonight for a very simple reason: to say thank you — thank you to so many dear friends. 

We began this journey to redeem the soul of the nation and to find the light in the darkness.  Jill and I never could have gotten to where the White House has become without you.  We never could have gotten as much done as we did without you.  And that’s not hyperbole.  I mean it from the bottom of my heart.

Maybe the most important thing you’ve done is lend your name, your reputation, your character to this effort.  It’s more than just saying, “We’re for that administration.”  You put yourself on the line.

And we never forget.  We’re incredibly grateful.  

One thing I’ve always believed about public service and especially the presidency is the importance of asking ourselves, “Have we left the country in better shape than we found it?”  (Applause.) 

And tonight, I can say with all my heart the answer to that question is a resounding yes, because of you.  (Applause.)  Because of you.

Kamala and I promised we’d have an administration that looks like America, that taps into the full talents of our nation.  I look out at so many of you — our Cabinet members, our White House staff — who poured their heart and soul into their work.  And I want to thank their families for the sacrifices they made to allow that to happen.  (Applause.)

I believe we can be proud we’re leaving America in a better place today than when we came into office four years ago. 

This country was living through the worst pandemic we’d seen in over 100 years.  Our economy was in a tailspin.  We had just witnessed something we thought we’d never, ever see in America: a violent insurrection on January the 6th.  And so much more. 

We’ve come a long way since then.  We’ve passed historic legislation, often with some bipartisan support — laws that are literally going to change America not just now but for decades and decades to come.  (Applause.)

I know I’ve only been around a few days, a few years.  (Laughter.)  I can’t believe how long it’s been.  (Laughter.)  But I fully believe America is better positioned to lead the world today than any point in my 50 years of public service.  (Applause.) 

If you’ll hold a second, as I say to my colleagues around the world when we meet, “If not America leading the world, who leads the world?”  I mean that literally.  Think about that question.  Who would lead the world if we did not step up?

That’s because of you — and I mean this ser- — sincerely — because of the incredible work you’ve done.  You should be so proud of the work you’ve done.  You should never forget all you’ve done for your country. 

And I’m so proud we can say we’ve done all this with a deep belief in the core values of America: that all of us — all of us are created equal, that everyone should be given a fair shot, that hate should have no safe harbor in America.  (Applause.)

We’ve stuck to our principles, set a high standard for character and integrity in public life.  

And I must say, I follow that standard because I had no choice.  I’m Jill Biden’s husband.  (Laughter and applause.)  That’s the title I’m most proud of.  Jill is the rock of our family.  She has been one of the — I think, one of the finest first ladies in history, in my view.  (Applause.) 

And those who you know Jill, you know I’m going to catch hell for saying that.  “Joe, don’t do that in public.  Don’t say that.”  (Laughter.) 

Jilly, I love you, kid.  I love you. 

Let me close with this.  It will surprise none of you that I’m going to quote an Irish poet.  (Laughter.)  William Butler Yeats wrote, “Think where man’s glory most begins and ends and say my glory was I had such friends.”  Thank you, thank you, thank you.  (Applause.)

As I look out over such friends, serving as president of the United States has been the honor of my life.  (Applause.)  But while our time in office is coming to an end, our cause endures. 

That’s because of the history of the journey of America.  America, the America of our dreams is calling us to stay engaged, to never give up, to keep going, to keep the faith. 

I know I will, and I know you will. 

We just have to remember who in God’s name we are.  We’re the United States of America.  (Applause.)  And there is nothing, nothing beyond our capacity when we do it together.

God bless you all.  And may God protect our troops. 

Please enjoy the dinner.  Thank you, thank you.  (Applause.)

(The dinner continues.)

THE FIRST LADY:  Wow.  (Laughs.)  This is so spectacular.  (Applause.)  That incredible performance, the fountain, these views of the house and the Washington Monument, and all of you.

It’s hard to believe that we’re in the final moments of this extraordinary journel — journey together.  (Applause.)  Some of you have worked with us over the past four years.  Some of you have been in our lives for decades.

THE PRESIDENT:  Forty years!  (Laughter.)

THE FIRST LADY:  You’ve seen us through our proudest, mountaintop moments and helped us achieve them.  (Applause.)  And you’ve been with [by] our side through the hard times and everything in between.

We’ve reached higher, moved further, became stronger because we did it together.  (Applause.)

It is the honor of our lives to serve as your First Family, and we couldn’t have done it without you.  (Applause.)  Time and time again, you’ve opened up your homes to us and carried us forward with your kindness.

Tonight, Joe and I have opened our home to celebrate you, the friends who grew into family.  (Applause.)

May we cherish the journey we’ve been on together and treasure the bonds that we will always share.

Now, this celebration is only possible because of our social secretary, Carlos Elizondo — (applause) — as well as Bryan Rafanelli, who put this magnificent tent event together.  (Applause.)  Thank you, Bryan.  I think you’re over here somewhere.  Thank you to your and you — you and your teams. Thank you for creating magic.  (Applause.)

And — wow — to the President’s Own Marine Band and all of our military band members — (applause) — yes — thank you.  Your music doesn’t just fill a space; you create something new, a place within us and among us where we feel more alive and more complete.

As a military — (laughs) — as a military mom, you make me proud.  Thank you.  (Applause.)  You make your commander in chief proud as well.  (Applause.)  And we deeply appreciate you and your families for your service.

So, finally, I want to talk about the person who brought all of us together: Joe.  (Laughs.)  (Applause.)

Throughout your life in public service, you’ve put people at the center, so it’s never a surprise to see people gather around you.

Four years ago, you set out to restore the soul of the nation.  That was — (applause) — that was never just a sound bite; it was your drumbeat.

Your wisdom and steady hand lifted our country out of a pandemic, set our economy on solid ground, and fortified our hope for what is possible. 

You led with an unshakable belief in the goodness of the American people and guided us on a new and brighter course. 

All the while, you continued to be a brother, an uncle, a friend, a partner, and a father and grandfather whose devotion can be measured by the calls that you fit in between bilateral meetings and security briefings, just when you check — you want to check in with everyone in our family and say, “I love you.”

What I’ve watched you do for more than 40 years is extraordinary.  What you’ve done over the last four years — (applause) — Joe, what you’ve done over the last four years is breathtaking.  (Applause.) 

Here, Joe.  (The first lady hands the president a glass.)

Oh, here.  (Laughs.)  He has a ginger ale.  (Laughs.)

Please join me in raising a glass to your president, my husband and hero, Joe Biden.  (Applause.)

(A toast is given.)

THE PRESIDENT:  Can I say something?

THE FIRST LADY:   Okay.  Wait a minute.  I have something more to say.  (Laughs.)  Wait, drink.

And now please stay and enjoy more of the beautiful music and the stunning views and head out to the dance floor. 

So —

THE PRESIDENT:  I want to say something.

THE FIRST LADY:  — we’re going to have a dance. 

THE PRESIDENT:  I know.  I want to say —

THE FIRST LADY:  Oh, he wants to say something.  Hold on.

PARTICIPANT:  Thank you, Joe!

THE PRESIDENT:  Folks — (applause).  No.  No, really, thank you.

The thing that I want to say to so many of you who I’ve come to know well is you’ve not only helped me politically and help our family, but when things have really gone bad — when we lost our son, when we lost — the accident and all, you were there.  You’re always there, reaching out in ways that I — you’ve made me promise, some of you, that I wouldn’t say what you’ve done.  But just incredible things you’ve done — incredible things you’ve done for the — our family.

And they’re the things that really matter to me more than anything else.  It’s not just you’re supporters and you’ve helped us win, but you’re there when things really went bad.  Like a lot of families, I was lucky.  I had strong family around me. 

I think of all the people who’ve lost family members in accidents and war and the like that they ha- — they have nobody.  They just walk alone.  But you were always there with me.

And I — I know some of you have been through really tough times yourselves, and you know what it means.  You know what it means. 

And I just want to say thank you, thank you, thank you. 

There’s a — another Irish poet who once said — (laughter) — that history teaches us not to hope on this side of the grave, but then, once in a lifetime, a longed-for tidal wave of justice rises up and hope and history rhyme. 

You’re making hope and history rhyme.  (Applause.)

9:27 P.M. EST

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South Lawn

4:29 P.M. EST

THE PRESIDENT:  Well, welcome to the White House.  (Applause.)  I don’t know — know any of these guys behind me, but they just showed up.  I don’t know where the hell they came from.  (Laughter.)

2024 NBA champions: the Bols- — you’re Celtics, right? —  (laughter) — the Boston Celtics.  (Applause.)  Not just any champion but the winningest franchise in league history, and now with a record 18 titles.  (Applause.)

Please have a seat, if you have one.  You don’t have to keep standing.  You may stand to stay warm, but — (laughter).

Let me just say, all of you may not know this, but my Secret Service name is “Celtic” — (laughter) — for real — because I’m Irish.  Everybody behind me is — is Irish in their heart.

I feel a special pride in this trophy.  From this old Irish Celtic to all you Celtics, congratulations.  (Applause.)  Con- — congratulations to the team ownership, players, coaches, staff, and family members, along with diehard fans, like the governor — Gov, stand — where are you, Gov?  Where’s the governor?  That’s it.  There you go, Gov.  (Applause.) 

The mayor, M- — Madam Mayor, stand up.  Where are you?  (Applause.)  All right.

And members of Congress, stand up.  All the members of Congress from the — not just Massachusetts but all of — (applause).  You’ve got half the damn Congress here.  (Laughter.)

You all know what the great Red Auerbach said?  He said, “Celtics aren’t just a basketball team.  They’re a way of life.”  “They’re a way of life.”

Passion.  Loyalty.  A first team mentally.  Full of heart, guts, and faith. 

We see it from you, the ownership group, the executives, the coaches — especially Coach Joe.  I used to like Joe — (applause) — Joe is the youngest head coach to win a title since the great Bill Russell.  (Applause.)  I told him I used to be the youngest; now I’m the oldest.  I liked being the youngest better.  (Laughter.) 

Laughs.)  Together — together, you guys built one of the deepest teams of all time: incredible players, led by Jayson and Jaylen and Derrick and Drew, Big Al.  (Applause.)

I know it wasn’t easy.  You came close more than once.  But you put in the work.  You clocked one of the greatest seasons ever: 64 wins, the best record in the league last year — (applause); more points per possession than any team in NBA history.  Ruled the playoffs, beating the Heat in five, the Cavs in five, and the Pacers in four.  (Applause.)  Then you dominated Dallas on both ends of the floor.  (Applause.)  And now, that 18th championship banner hangs in the rafters.  (Applause.)

With the start of the new season, you’re hungry for more. 

A total team effort that you show off the court as well, working across Boston through your foundations to fight injustice, to expand education, to register voters, to deliver health care to infants and moms, and so much more.  It matters, what you do.  It really, genuinely matters. 

So, let me close with this.  Something — I thought I knew a lot about this, but I was surprised to learn this today.  I didn’t realize that in 1963, President John F. Kennedy welcomed the Boston Celtics as the first NBA champions to visit the White House ever — first time.  It’s part of that wonderful dit- –tradition, celebrating the power of sports to bring people together.  It’s a tradition that I’ve honor- — I’ve had the honor to continue. 

No matter the sport, what these champions all have in common are core values, and I mean this sincerely: hard work, teamwork, respect, the knowledge that no one of us is ever as good as all of us can be when we’re together — (applause) — that when we get — when we get knocked down, we get back up.  As my dad would say, “Just get up, Joe.  Get up.” 

Character to keep going and keep the faith, that’s the Celtic way of life.  That’s sports.  And that’s America. 

As we celebrate Thanksgiving next week, that value set is something truly to be grateful for in America.  We just have to remember who we are.  We are the United States of America, and there’s nothing — nothing beyond our capacity when we do it together.  And I mean that for certain.  (Applause.)  

So, God bless you all.  God bless you all.  And may God protect our troops. 

Now I’m going to turn this over to Wyc.  He has a 40-minute speech for you.  (Laughter.)  But it — really, Wyc, thank you.  Congratulations, man.  You got a hell of a ball club.

MR. GROUSBECK:  Thank you, sir. 

THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you. 

MR. GROUSBECK:  Thank you.  Thank you.  (Applause.)  Thank you, Celtic. 

THE PRESIDENT:  (Laughs.)

MR. GROUSBECK:  Thank you very much, Celtic — I — excuse me, Mr. President — (laughter) — for welcoming us here today. 

And on behalf of all the Boston Celtics, we want to thank you for your ongoing service to this country.  (Applause.) 

I’d also like to extend my thanks to our Massachusetts senators.  I see my friend Senator Markey, Senator Warren.  Thank you, Governor Healey.  Thank you, Mayor Wu.  Thank you with our — for our Massachusetts representatives who are here and the hundreds of guests in attendance.  Your support means a great deal to all of us.

Joining me today are my wife, Emilia; my co-managing partners, Bob Epstein and Steve Pagliuca, with Judy Pagliuca and Esta Epstein; and other members of ownership.

And now I’d like to again present to you the world champion players of the Boston Celtics.  (Applause.)

THE PRESIDENT:  (Inaudible.)

MR. GROUSBECK:  I’d also like to present to you our team president, Rich Gotham; our president of basketball, Brad Stevens; and our head coach, Joe Mazzulla.  (Applause.)

We are here celebrating our 18th world championship.  Every day, those of us at the Celtics wake up and try to honor the great Celtics who came before us, and that’s why it has been particularly a pleasure and a thrill and an honor to raise banner 17 in 2008 and banner 18 this year in 2024.  (Applause.) 

We hope to demonstrate through what we do not only how to win basketball games on the court but how to make a difference and achieve your dreams.  We’re trying to show the people of the world that with, as you referenced, the teamwork, hard work, mutual respect, and integrity, you can achieve anything. 

We try to take that principle into not only our basketball games but into the community.  This group s- — supports meaningfully close to 2,000 charities a year in the Boston community and nationally and internationally.  So, thank you all for doing that.  (Applause.)

Thank you once again, Mr. President.  And I would now like to introduce two of our great Celtics champions, Jayson Tatum and Derrick White, to present you with some gifts for the team.  Thank you very much, sir.  (Applause.)  Thank you.

MR. TATUM:  Here you go, Mr. President. 

THE PRESIDENT:  I’ll be damned, man. 

(The president is presented with a Boston Celtics jersey.) 

MR. TATUM:  Let’s turn it around.

THE PRESIDENT:  I’m going to put this on.  (Laughter.)

Well, thank you.

MR. TATUM:  Absolutely.

4:39 P.M. EST

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Museum of Modern Art
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

11:26 A.M. BRT

THE PRESIDENT:  (In progress) everyone around this table.  It’s going to take all of us — time.  It’s going to take all of us and the ability to step up to take on responsibility.

First — it seems to me there’s certain key steps.  First, we have to invest at large scale to help countries meet Sustainable Development Goals and tackle gloma- — global challenges.  We’ve made good progress boosting the firepower of multilateral development banks so they have more resources to address the challenges like pandemics and climate change.

Now we need to make sure the World Bank can continue its work in the most vulnerable countries.  I’m proud to announce the United States is pledging $4 billion over the next three years to the World Bank’s International Development Association.  As my friend Ajay tells you, the IDA is a first responder to the world’s poorest countries.  I encourage everyone around this table to increase their pledges in December.

In addition, we have to mobilize private capital at scale.  I’m proud of my country’s work in this fund, including mobilizing $60 billion through the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment.  That partnership will be a game changer for food security, especially in the Lobito Corridor in Africa.

Second, debt relief.  Too many nations are fo- — forced to choose between investing in the future and paying off their debt.  That’s why, earlier this year, I came together with Kenya to announce the Nairobi-Washington Vision. 

It boils down to a simple proposition.  For countries that are willing to make bold reforms and smart investments, we should do three things: mobilize more resources from the multilateral developments banks; two, unlock low-cost private-sector financing; and three, commit the following money into the- — to flowing money into these countries rather than taking it out during their need — their moments of need.  And I want to note: All creditors must play a role, in my view.  

Finally, we all have to work to end the conflicts and crises that are eroding progress in food security around the world. 

Ukraine.  The United States strongly supports Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.  Everyone around this table, in my view, should as well. 

And, by the way, Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine led to the highest-record food crisis in all of history. 

On Gaza.  As I’ve said before, Israel has the right to defend itself after the worst massacre of Jews since the Holocaust, but how it defends itself — even as Hamas cruelly hides among civilians — matters a great deal. 

The United States has led the world in humanitarian aid to Gaza, and we’re going to keep pushing to accelerate a ceasefire deal that ensures Israel’s security but brings hostages home and ends the suffering of the Palestinian people and children.

I ask everyone here to increase their pressure on Hamas that is currently refusing this deal.

And on Sudan.  We’re seeing one of the world’s most humani- — serious humanitarian crisis: 8 million people on the brink of famine.  This deserves our collective outrage and our collective attention.  External actors must stop arming generals and speak with one voice to tell them, “Stop tearing your country apart.  Stop blocking aid to the Sudanese people.  Stop the violence.”

Let me close with this.  As you know, this is my last G20 Summit.  We’ve made progress together, but I urge you to keep going — and I’m sure you will, regardless of my urging or not. 

This group is — within — has within its power to usher in a new era of sustainable development, to go from billions to trillions in assistance to those who — most in need.

This all may sound lofty, but this group can lay the foundation to make that achievable.

Thank you very much, and I look forward to the rest of our discussion.  (Applause.)

11:32 A.M. BRT

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Museu da Amazônia
Manaus, Brazil

3:39 P.M. AMT

THE PRESIDENT:  Thanks for all being here.

Back in the late ‘80s, Chico Mendes, a Brazilian rubber tapper who turned environmental activist, said the following, I quote, “At first, I thought I was fighting to save rubber trees.  Then I thought I was fighting to save the Amazon rainforest.  Now I realize I was fighting for humanity.” 

At the time, I was a United States senator, working with a great Republican senator named Dick Lugar, from Indiana, to enact a new law: The United States would relieve other countries of debts owed to us if they commit to protecting their own forest.

These debt-for-nature swaps have since protected nearly 70 million acres of forests worldwide.

And today I’m proud to be here, the first sitting U.S. president to visit the Amazon rainforest, to recommit to protecting the rainforests, like this one.

The most powerful solutions we have to fight climate change is all around us: the world’s forests.

Trees breathe carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere.  And yet, each minute, the world is chopping down the equivalent of 10 soccer fields worth of forests — each minute. 

That’s why we’ve been a leader internationally in the fight to end and reverse deforestation by twenty-twe- — by 2030.

That’s why we’ve led by example at home, conserving an area of the U.S. lands and waters larger — larger than the state of — the nation of Uruguay.

We’ve done it by fighting for Tribal partners — lifting them up; Indigenous communities; and most impacted by deforestation and climate change.

Today’s announcement will support Indigenous communities to do some — the same here in the Amazon.

We all know there’s much more we can do and must do at home and abroad.

That’s why today I issued an official proclamation to support the conservation of nature around the world, because the fight to protect our planet is literally a fight for humanity for generations to come.  It may be the only existential threat to all our nations and to all humanity that exists.

With today’s proclamation, I am proud to announce, first, the United States Development Finance Corporation will mobilize hundreds of millions of dollars in partnership with a Brazilian company to reforest the Amazon.

Second, we’re launching a Brazil Restoration and Bioeconomy Finance Coalition to mobilize at least $10 billion by 2030 to restore and protect 20,000 square miles of land. 

And, third, I’m announcing an additional $50 million to the Amazon Fund that’s already — we’ve giv- — already given $50 million.

Fourth, we’ll provide the funding to help launch President Lula’s important new initiative, the Tropical Forest Forever Fund.  It’s in the interest of all of us.  The United States benefits from that as much as any other country does, including here in Brazil.

I’m also so proud to support bipartisan legislation to launch a new foundation for international conservation that would leverage public funds to mobilize billions more in private capital.

The fight against climate change has been a defining cause of my presidency.

My administration first rejoined the Paris Agreement on climate change.  We’ve launched 150-nation-strong Global Methane Pledge.  We’ve delivered a record climate financing to developing countries.  And we’ve pledged that we would deliver $11 billion per year by 2024.  I’m pleased to announce today that we not only kept that promise, we’ve surpassed it.

Back home, I signed the most significant climate change law in history, a law that positioned us to cut carbon emissions in half by 2030, that’s generated $450 billion in new clean energy investments, and that’s created hundreds of thousands of good-paying jobs and a manufacturing boom as well.

Folks, we don’t have to choose between the environment and the economy.  You can do both.  We’ve proven it back home.

It’s no secret that I’m leaving office in January.  I will have my su- — I will leave my successor and my country in a strong foundation to build on if they choose to do so.

It’s true some may seek to la- — deny or delay the clean energy revolution that’s underway in America, but nobody — nobody can reverse it — nobody.  Not when so many people, regardless of party or politics, are enjoying its benefits.  Not when countries around the world are harnessing the clean energy revolution to pull ahead themselves.

The question now is: Which government will stand in the way, and which will seize the enormous economic opportunity? 

Let me close with this.  It’s often said that the Amazon is the lungs of the world — the Amazon is the lungs of the world.  But in my view, our forests and national wonders are the heart and soul of the world. 

They unite us.  They inspire us.  They make us proud of our countries and heritage — a bridge to the past and to our future, a birthright we pass down from generation to generation. 

Zama- — the Amazon rainforest was built up over 50 million years — 50 million years.  History is literally watching us now. 

So, let’s preserve this sacred place, for our time and forever, for the benefit of all humanity.

Thank you very, very much.  (Applause.)

3:46 P.M. AMT

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Delfines Hotel & Convention Center

4:06 P.M. PET

PRESIDENT XI:  (As interpreted.)  Can you put on your earpiece?  We have simultaneous interpreting.

PRESIDENT BIDEN:  I’ve learned to speak Chinese.  (Laughter.)  Wish I did.

PRESIDENT XI:  Okay, let me begin first.  It’s a great pleasure to see you again, President Biden.  Over the past four years, China-U.S. relations have gone through ups and downs.  But under our joint stewardship, the two sides have also been engaged in fruitful dialogue and cooperation, and the relationship has been kept stable on the whole.

These developments reconfirmed the experiences and lessons of the past of 45 years of China-U.S. diplomatic ties.  When the two countries treat each other as partner and friend, seek common ground while (inaudible) differences, and help each other succeed, our relationship would make considerable progress.

But if we take each other as rival or adversary, pursue vicious competition, and seek to hurt each other, we would roil the relationship or even set it back.

The world today is turbulent, plagued by conflicts.  Old problems are compounded by new ones.  Humanity is faced with unprecedented challenges.  Major country competition should not be the underlying logic of the times.  Only solidarity and cooperation can help humanity overcome current difficulties. 

In an age of flourishing sci-tech revolution, neither decoupling nor supply chain disruption is a solution.  Only mutually beneficial cooperation can lead to common development.  “Small yard, high fences” is not what a major country should pursue.  Only openness and sharing can improve the well-being of humanity.

As two major countries, China and the United States should bear in mind the interests of the whole world and inject more certainty and positive energy into the turbulent world.

It is my consistent belief that as the world’s most important bilateral relationship, a stable China-U.S. relationship is critical not only to the interests of the Chinese and American peoples, but also to the future and destiny of the entire humanity. 

The two countries should bear in mind the well-being of the two peoples and the common interests of the international community, make the wise choice, keep exploring the right way for two major countries to get along well with each other, and realize the long-term peaceful coexistence of China and the United States on this planet.

The United States has recently concluded its elections.  China’s goal of a stable, healthy, and sustainable China-U.S. relationship remains unchanged. 

Our commitment to mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and winning cooperation as principles for handling China-U.S. relations remains unchanged. 

Our position of resolutely safeguarding China’s sovereignty, security, and development interests remains unchanged.

Our desire to carry forward the traditional friendship between the Chinese and American peoples remains unchanged. 

China is ready to work with the new U.S. administration to maintain communication, expand cooperation, and manage differences so as to strive for a steady transition of the China-U.S. relationship for the benefit of the two peoples.

I look forward to an in-depth exchange of views with you on China-U.S. relations and on issues of mutual interest. 

Thank you.

PRESIDENT BIDEN:  Well, thank you very much, Mr. President.  It’s good to see you and see all of you again.  You know, one year ago, we met in the Woodside Summit in San Francisco.  And I’m very proud of the progress we’ve both made together. 

On military communication, at multiple levels our leaders are now regularly talking to one another on a regular basis.

On AI, we have brought together our nations’ experts together to discuss risks and safety.

Our counternarcotics — on that issue, we resumed cooperation.  And I want to note: In my country, Mr. President, overdose deaths are coming down for the first time in five years.

We have a lot to discuss, but let me close with this.  Over — for over a decade, you and I have spent many hours together, both here and in China and in between.  And, you know, we — I think we’ve spent a long time — (laughs) — dealing with these issues.

Let me close with this.  We — I think — and I once had to count up the number of hours you and I spent alone together.  I remember being on the Tibetan Plateau with you and I remember being in Beijing.  I remember — all over the world.  And — both as my — first as vice president, then as president.

We haven’t always agreed, but our conversations have always been candid and always been frank.  We have never kidded one another.  We’ve been level with one another.  And I think that’s vital. 

These conversations prevent miscalculations, and they ensure the competition between our two countries will not veer into conflict — be competition, not conflict.

And that’s our responsibility to our people and, as you indicated, to the people around the world.  We are the most important alliance or most important re- — relationship in the entire world.  And how we get along together is going to impact the rest of the world.

And — so, you know, our two countries cannot let any of this competition veer into conflict.  And as I said, that’s our responsibility.  And over the last four years, I think we’ve proven it’s possible to have this relationship.

And — but — so, Mr. President, I’m anxious to get our meeting starting and discuss the issues we have remaining.

Thank you.

4:14 P.M. PET 

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Lima Convention Center
Lima, Peru

3:48 P.M. PET

PRESIDENT BOLUARTE:  (As interpreted.)  Dear Mr. President of the United States —

(The interpretive audio devices are adjusted.)

PRESIDENT BIDEN:  I have to tell you before I begin, when I was a young senator, the president — a senior senator from Texas said, “Joe, someday you’re going to run for president.  You better learn Spanish.”  (Laughter.)  I only speak English.

All right.

PRESIDENT BOLUARTE:  (As interpreted.)  Dear Mr. President Biden, first of all, I would like to welcome you to our dear country amidst the APEC 2024 Leaders’ Week.  We hope that you and your delegation are enjoying your stay here in Lima, Peru, and that you are well treated. 

Thank you very much for your visit.  Thank you very much for sharing our mutual interests through this APEC forum, where we gather with the most important 21 economies in the world. 

You, Mr. President, and your delegation are most welcome to my country.

PRESIDENT BIDEN:  Well, Madam President, thank you very much.  And my only concern is my colleagues are not going to come home with me.  (Laughter.)  They’re going to want to stay.  You have a truly beautiful country. 

And you’re a very important and valued partner.  That’s for real. 

Our countries work closely together, day in and day out, to manage the regional challenges we both face, to defend democracy, to protect the environment, and to provide good jobs — good-paying jobs for our people. 

With your permission, Madam President, I’d like to highlight three areas of growing cooperation. 

First, we want to thank you for elevating our fight against drug trafficking, a mutual concern.  I’m pleased to announce $65 million over the next five years to assist — in assistance to Peru, including the nine Black Hawk helicopters and training for more than 130 pilots and technicians.

And second, we are partnering on infrastructure.  California Caltrain has donated 150 passenger cars and locomotives to the Lima metro rail, part of a much larger collaboration that will save Peru millions of dollars and reduce pollution and deepen ties between and among our businesses.

And third, we’re cooperating on space exploration.  Now, that fellow right there, the former senator from Florida — very close friend of mine — every time my wife thinks I’m getting out of hand, she says, “I’m going to call him and have him send you to space.”  (Laughter.)  And I’m a little concerned he may want to send me to space because we got to get some folks back home.  (Laughter.)

In May, Peru joined the — the Artemis Accords and set the principles of the be- — best practices for how we move on space.

And this week, we’ve agreed to cooperate on research rockets as well — our countries.

So, Madam President, thank you for your leadership within APEC, and thank you for your partnership and friendship with the United States.  And I genuinely look forward to our discussion.

PRESIDENT BOLUARTE:  (As interpreted.)  Thank you very much. 

3:52 P.M. PET

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Lima Convention Center
Lima, Peru

2:44 P.M. PET

PRESIDENT BIDEN:  Well, Mr. President and Mr. Prime Minister, welcome.  It’s good to be with all of you again.  This is a great group.

Fifteen months ago, we held the first-ever leader-level summit of our three countries at Camp David, back in the United States, and it inaugurated a whole new era of cooperation between our — among our three countries.  And it was part of a much larger effort these past four years to bring together America’s Pacific allies.

And I’m proud — I’m proud of how far we’ve come since that historic meeting, promoting development in Southeast Asia and in the Pacific Islands, linking arms to secure the technologies of the future, and countering North Korea’s dangerous and destabilizing cooperation with Russia.  Whether — whatever the issue, we’re taking it on together, and I think it’s — it makes a big difference for peace and security.

We’ve now reached a moment of significant political change, and I congratulate the prime minister for — on his taking office.  And this is likely to be my last trilateral meeting with this important group, but I’m proud to have helped be one of the parts of building this — this partnership, and I think it’s built to last.  That’s my ho- — hope and expectation.

I truly believe cooperation of our countries will be the foundation to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific for many years to come if we stay together.  And I believe that.

So, I look forward to our discussion.

And, Mr. President, I now turn it over to you.

PRESIDENT YOON:  (As interpreted.)  Last year, at Camp David, we agreed to organize trilateral summit every year, and I am pleased that we are delivering on the agreement today with President Biden and with new Prime Minister Ishiba.

Today’s meeting demonstrates the three countries’ strong commitment to developing our trilateral cooperation continuously.  In the midst of complex global crises, cooperation between the ROK, the U.S., and Japan not only coincides with the national interest of all three countries but is also essential for peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.

As we can see from the recent deployment of DPRK troops to Russia, the challenging security environment within and outside the region once again reminds us the importance of our trilateral cooperation.

Since the Camp David Leaders’ Summit last year led by President Biden, our trilateral cooperation has become and is becoming stronger every day.  I want to extend my gratitude for President Biden’s leadership.

We now have regular trilateral high-level consultations, including the one between the heads of states.  And we also now have consultative bodies in various areas in place.  We are accumulating our experiences of a trilateral cooperation fast, which is leading to tangible results.

The trilateral cooperation now goes beyond the security as it has developed into comprehensive and institutional cooperation that encompasses economy; advanced technologies, such as AI and quantum technology; as well as exchange between future generations.

The trilateral secretariat that will be launched as a result of today’s meeting will be a strong foundation that will lead to even greater cooperation among our three nations. 

I look forward a constructive discussion on the close coordination and cooperation with the two leaders today.

PRESIDENT BIDEN:  Mr. Prime Minister.

PRIME MINISTER ISHIBA:  (As interpreted.)  It is a great pleasure for me to be given this opportunity to participate in this meeting.  While our countries are surrounded by an increasingly challenging security environment, the Japan-U.S. alliance, the U.S.-ROK alliance, and our strategic partnerships are essential in securing peace and stability of the Indo-Pacific.

In order to effectively respond to international challenges of intensifying complexity, our trilateral partnership has become more important than ever.  And against such backdrop, it’s encouraging to see our trilateral cooperation expanding in diverse areas on the global scene since the Camp David summit last year.

And especially noteworthy is the trilateral security cooperation, which has been elevated to new heights — as symbolized by the joint exercise, Freedom Edge, executed most recently — founded on the trust Prime Minister Kishida built with President Biden and President Yoon, and capitalizing the trilateral coordinating secretariat to be announced today. 

I look forward to furthering our partnership in response against North Korea and in many other areas.

Thank you.

PRESIDENT BIDEN:  Thank you, gentlemen. 

2:50 P.M. PET

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Newark, Delaware

Tashauna, it’s so clear that you have a spark for learning and a love for the Delaware Tech community. You prove what I’ve always said, nurses are always my best students! Thank you for sharing your story with us today.

To Dan Ehmann, Dr. Mark Brainard, and the Board of Trustees, thank you all for being champions of Del Tech, and for this incredible honor.

I tell my students that you never know where life will take you. Today is my own reminder of that.

Even though Joe and I have been to many dedication ceremonies, I never imagined that anything would be named after me.

And on such a special day for me, I’m grateful to be surrounded by so many good friends.

Like Mary Doody, my Delaware Tech partner and a true friend for life—thank you for enriching me, encouraging me, and for working to drive this day forward. You made every day coming to work fun.

Senator Coons—Chris—you and Annie have been exceptional friends to Joe and me. And as our soon-to-be Senior Senator—we are all grateful for your service.

Governor, and now Mayor-elect, Carney and First Spouse Quillen Carney—John and Tracey: thank you for your years of leadership and your friendship.

I’m also grateful to all of the other elected officials here with us today. 

To my Del Tech colleagues and so many friends, thank you for honoring me today.

Delaware has loved our family throughout our lives and we love you back. Delaware is family.

A little more than 30 years ago, I was teaching over at Brandywine High School when I heard from my friend Sally Farmer, who had just left the high school and began working here. She said, “Jill, you’ve got to come by Delaware Tech. You would love it.”

Then another Brandywine High School teacher, Ron Klopfer, called and encouraged me to consider Del Tech.

So, one day I came for a visit.  All at once I felt a sense of purpose—right away, it was home. I knew I wanted to teach here. Ron and Sally kept an eye out for an opening, and eventually, I accepted a job here.

And I remember thinking: no more cafeteria duty!

There’s a saying that “Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.” I became a teacher to help light those fires in my students, and watch them grow bigger and brighter over time.

My Del Tech students came from all walks of life: recent high school graduates, immigrants, veterans, and mothers coming back to school, looking to start new chapters as nurses and engineers and teachers.

But no matter their background, one thing they all shared is how much they wanted to be here.

I saw it in the student who brought her daughter to class, because her child care plans had fallen through. The student who showed up five minutes late to 8 AM English Comp, because he had to race from the night shift at his second job.

They pushed through every obstacle, and kept their fire for learning burning bright.

And the thing I love about community colleges is that they’re flexible. They meet students right where they are, and help them get where they want to go.

That’s driven, in part, by devoted professors, like those here at Del Tech. When my colleagues and I stay late to give feedback or rework lesson plans, it’s for the sole reason that we care about every student who walks through our door.

It’s also driven by support services that are woven into every part of a student’s journey, like the ones found at this Student Success Center. This is a central place where you can meet a mentor, sit down with an advisor to map out a graduation timeline, and find the scholarships that can help pay for your next steps.

Community colleges offer a clear, affordable path to jobs that pay well, no matter a student’s background. And while there are many ways to find solid footing in the middle class, a lot of them run through community colleges.

That’s why they have been so important to Joe and me. Just this week, we hosted a White House Summit with community college leaders like Dr. Brainard. Because we want more students across the country to have the kinds of opportunities that Del Tech provides.

As all of you know, throughout my time in the White House, I’ve continued to teach at a community college. There was no precedent for this. No First Lady had ever maintained an independent career outside of the White House.

But I couldn’t give it up. I am first, foremost, and forever a teacher—and community colleges will always have my heart.

In so many ways, that started here. So I am honored to remain a part of this community through the Student Success Center.

At the end of the day, what inspires me most is my students. And it is my hope that the center bearing my name can inspire them—making them feel welcomed, embraced, and hopeful for their future, wherever it may lead.

Thank you.

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Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Thank you, Governor—Ed. You always have Pennsylvania in your heart. Joe and I are so grateful to have seen that heart—and to have had the opportunity to show you ours, to be able to call you a friend.

You’re a true leader—putting people first, always thinking about how you can do the most good, how you can bring in more voices and perspectives. It’s been an honor to walk by your side all these decades, to see how your smile, your wit, and advocacy change every room you’re in. Thank you for inviting me to be a part of this special event.

It’s always great to be home, especially during football season—go Birds!

And I’m glad to be joined by so many members of the Philadelphia City Council.

Growing up here, you learn a lot about our history—even without trying. On any corner, you can find the footprints of our past. And that’s before you look up and see the tour guides dressed as Benjamin Franklin.

Like every kid from this city, I remember school trips to the Betsy Ross Museum and Independence Hall. Those historic halls shaped how I see the world—and I carry those memories with me everywhere I go.

But sometimes it can be hard to see how that history connects to us, right now—how those pieces of the past can be a part of our present and our future.

That’s why this project is so important.

The work Philadelphia 250, Danielle, and everyone in this room is doing reminds us to keep reaching for those promises on which our nation was founded: That we are all created equal. That our rights can never be taken from us. That happiness is ours to pursue.

You’re also showing the nation that Philly is more than a backdrop—it’s a place of inspiration, of freedom, and of people working to live up to those founding ideals.

Our city isn’t just an echo of days past. It also holds our future.

You know, at times, people have told me that Philadelphians are tough. That we’re outspoken—loud. And that’s putting it nicely.

But what they’re talking about is the same grit that made this country.

Yes, we are tough. We’re fierce. When we get knocked down, we get back up. And we never stop fighting for the things we care about—the people we care about.

What you’re doing today is part of that great tradition. And that’s who Philly taught me to be. It made me.

I hold this city in my heart every day. And it’s been the honor of this Philly girl’s lifetime to serve as your First Lady.

Our democracy was born here.

A moment that changed the world.

And today, down every side street and great boulevard, at every Wawa and corner store, in city hall and union halls, are the conversations that will shape this city’s next 250 years.

Just as Philly has done again and again, we will keep standing up for what we believe in—putting forward our best ideas by the people, and for all the people, and loving each other and this city we call home, always.

Thank you.

###

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Oval Office

11:07 A.M. EST

PRESIDENT BIDEN:  Well, Mr. President-Elect and former president —

PRESIDENT TRUMP:  Thank you very much, Joe.

PRESIDENT BIDEN:  — and — Donald, congratulations.

PRESIDENT TRUMP:  Thank you very much.

PRESIDENT BIDEN:  And looking forward to having a, like we said, smooth transition — do everything we can to make sure you’re accommodated, what you need.  And we’re going to get a chance to talk about some of that today.  So —

PRESIDENT TRUMP:  Good.

PRESIDENT BIDEN:  — welcome.  Welcome back.

PRESIDENT TRUMP:  Thank you very much.  And thank you very much.

And politics is tough.  And it’s, many cases, not a very nice world, but it is a nice world today.  And I appreciate it very much — a transition that’s so smooth it’ll be as smooth as it can get.

And I very much appreciate that, Joe.

PRESIDENT BIDEN:  You’re welcome.

Thank you all.

11:08 A.M. EST

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Colleagues, on behalf of President Biden: the United States is here at COP29 to help produce successful outcomes that keep 1.5 C alive.

We face an urgent question: do we secure sustainable prosperity for our countries, or do we condemn our most vulnerable to unimaginable climate disasters?

2024 will be the hottest year on record.

The consequences of a rapidly warming planet are all around us: from the hundreds of people killed by Hurricanes Helene and Milton in the United States, to the millions of children at risk of starvation in southern Africa from the worst drought in decades… to the torrential rain stranded students in schools, and displaced nearly 100,000 in Colombia.

Vulnerable communities do not just need ambition – they need action.

That’s why President Biden and Vice President Harris have marshalled unprecedented climate resources over the past four years.

Because of historic private sector investments made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act, the United States economy will continue down the path of decarbonization, reducing emissions for years to come.

And we are on track to meet President Biden’s ambitious international public finance commitment of $11 billion per year by the end of 2024.

To accelerate our progress here at COP29, we need to first conclude key negotiated outcomes.

This includes building on last year’s Global Stocktake… concluding work on Article 6… and adopting a robust NCQG that addresses climate insecurity while building strong, sustainable economies.

It should be multi-layered with an ambitious, realistically achievable support layer involving new contributors… underpinned by a set of qualitative elements that evolve the international financial architecture, enhance access to finance for developing countries, and improve debt sustainability.

Second, countries – particularly major economies – need to keep their Dubai commitment and submit 2035 NDCs that are economy-wide, 1.5 aligned, and include all greenhouse gases.

Third, we encourage countries to submit the first Biennial Transparency Reports by December 31st. The United States will meet that commitment.

And fourth, promote the “action agenda” of key initiatives outside of the Paris Agreement. 

Colleagues, we have a clear choice: between a safer, cleaner, fairer future, and a dirtier, more dangerous, and more expensive one. 

We know what to do. Let’s get to work. Let’s get it done. Thank you.

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The East Room

Thank you, Clare. You and everyone at the Foundation are continuing James Beard’s legacy—bringing incredible food to more people and celebrating the chefs who make it. 

Ethan—you’ve been an incredible leader, not just in these last few years at the State Department, but over your three decades of service. As anyone who’s met you knows—and as we all just saw—you light up every room you walk into and you bring us joy. Joe and I are so grateful for your friendship.

And I know we have so many other friends here—people like Robert Irvine who has brought comfort to so many military families. 

Welcome to the White House!

Food is love.

It’s my sisters and me bursting into our grandmom’s house in South Jersey every Sunday as pots of sauce simmered on her stove. It’s my mother always putting fresh flowers on the table, even if we were just eating frozen fish sticks. It’s my Italian American family teaching me to never waste an opportunity to invite more people to the table.

When we share a meal—that love fills the air around us and opens our hearts to friendships old and new. That’s true in the United States—and it’s true around the world. It’s the gift chefs, like the ones here today, give us.

Just a few weeks ago, I saw that gift unfold while working with José Andrés, Katie Button, and other chefs in Asheville, North Carolina. They cooked for thousands trying to rebuild after the hurricane that swept through their community. We stirred giant pots and handed out meals, and I watched as the food gave people hope.

Even amid devastation, they had a reason to feel a little less alone, to know their community was there for them—because they had a meal—made with love.

That connection is what diplomacy is about as well. It’s not only government-to-government relationships. It’s people to people. Heart to heart. 

I’ve seen that these last four years at the White House. With every State Dinner, with every reception, with the James Beard curated chefs who helped us bring first spouses together during the UN General Assembly. In those moments, food helps us tell the stories of our countries—in all their flavors and notes.

I’m so happy to welcome back our incredible former White House Executive Chef, Cris Comerford. You have helped so many first families weave together diplomacy and food. Joe and I are so grateful that we got to be a part of your time here.

Cris once said about cooking, “In America, we play Jazz.”

That’s what our American Culinary Corps does in their kitchens. You show the world who we are as Americans, in all our precious differences and infinite similarities. You innovate and improvise. You discover new rhythms and perfect your own special techniques, bringing together the cultures and communities that make this country great.

In some ways, that’s what the Diplomatic Corps does too. You bring to our shores pieces of your homes—your favorite traditions, the history and hope of your nations – and, of course, the foods that hold the memories of generations past.

As you work across borders and oceans, those pieces join to make something new—something that can only happen when we understand each other, opening up the possibilities of the world. And in those moments of wonder, we find the common ground on which our future can be built.

It’s been the honor of my lifetime to serve as First Lady and do that work alongside you.

As Joe and I begin our final months here, I know we will see so many of you again as we continue to build our tomorrows together.  

With all of my heart, and on behalf of my husband, thank you for helping us reach toward the safe and peaceful world we all dream of. And let us keep coming together, side by side at our shared table, with understanding and open hearts, savoring every moment and all the love they hold.

Thank you.

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Oval Office

2:45 P.M. EST

PRESIDENT BIDEN:  Well, Mr. President, welcome to the White House.

PRESIDENT SUBIANTO:  Thank you very much, sir.

PRESIDENT BIDEN:  Good to have you here.  And we’re making —

PRESIDENT SUBIANTO:  Thank you very much.

PRESIDENT BIDEN:  We’re marking an important anniversary: 75 years of diplomatic relationship with Indonesia and the United States — 75 years.  I’m proud that the partnership between our countries is stronger than it’s ever been. 

And today, we’re going to discuss how we continue to strengthen that partnership, first, in my view, by advancing free and open Indo-Pacific with ASEAN at its center.  As two of the largest democracies in the world, it seems to me that our nations have a special responsibility in this vision. 

Second, fighting the climate crisis.  Indonesia is a critical player in the clean energy transition.

And third, by building a secure and resilient supply chain.

And finally, by deepening our comprehensive strategic partnership that includes deepening our security cooperation. 

We’ll discuss, also, global challenges, including in Gaza and the South China Sea. 

So, Mr. President, I’m looking forward to our discussion, and welcome.  I’m delighted to have you here, and the floor is yours.

PRESIDENT SUBIANTO:  Thank you.  Thank you, President Biden.  Thank you for receiving me. 

I also would like to thank you: You — you phoned me yourself upon my election and —

PRESIDENT BIDEN:  A great victory.

PRESIDENT SUBIANTO:  Yes.  Thank you very much.

And then, finally, I could make it and you received me today.

United States, for us, is a very great friend.  United States supported us in our struggle for independence and helped us many times in our time of need. 

Therefore, I will work very hard to strengthen Indonesia and United States’ relationship.  And I would like to work towards this end, that we have a strong cooperation.

Once again, President Biden, thank you very much for receiving me.

PRESIDENT BIDEN:  Well, thank you.  I look forward to our discussion.

PRESIDENT SUBIANTO:  Thank you, sir.

PRESIDENT BIDEN:  Thank you.

PRESIDENT SUBIANTO:  Thank you, sir.

2:48 P.M. EST

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Oval Office

11:55 A.M. EST

Q    President Biden, do you think we can get a hostage deal by the end of your term?

PRESIDENT BIDEN:  Do you think you can keep from getting hit in the head by a — a camera behind you? 

All right.  Well, thank you all. 

Well, Mr. President, welcome back to the Oval Office and the White House.  You’ve been a friend for a long time, a personal friend.  And you know my commitment to Israel is ironclad and we share a deep friendship. 

I want to thank you again for being here, and the floor is yours. 

PRESIDENT HERZOG:  Thank you, Mr. President.  It’s always a great honor to be here in the Oval Office and be — to be with a friend such as you, Mr. President. 

I will start, of course, with the sad news of the day.  In the last two hours, two Israelis were mor- — murdered by rocket attacks from Lebanon in the t- — northern town of Nahariya, a beautiful seashore town in the northern part of Israel.  Early in the day, a kindergarten teacher of a kindergarten of special needs — childrens with special needs — rescued, bravely and wisely, the toddlers in the kindergarten from a drone attack.  A drone exploded in the kindergarten.

This is what we’re going through from Lebanon, Mr. President, and you know it all too well.  We are fighting hard.  We’re defending our people, our brave soldiers and pilots.  And I know that you’re working very hard to make sure that this war will end and that will — there will be, first and foremost, security for the people of Israel as well as for the people of Lebanon.

And in Gaza, we have 101 hostages.  Over 400 days, I know, Mr. President, that you know you — you are day-in, day-out, actively seeking their surf- — safe return home as they are going through hell in the dungeons of Gaza.

Clearly, you’re thinking and working about the day after as well, which perhaps should be a trajectory of hope to the people of the region and the ability to have our neighbors, as well as us, live in security and peace.

But first and foremost, we have to get the hostages back home. 

PRESIDENT BIDEN:  I agree.

PRESIDENT HERZOG:  And it all starts in Tehran.  It all starts in the empire of evil, where in Tehran, with its proxies, they are doing whatever they can to re- — derail stability and security and peace, calling for the annihilation of the State of Israel and seeking nuclear weapons. 

And, Mr. President, this has to be a major objective all throughout your term and the next term of the next president because we have to make sure that they cannot fulfill their evil intentions.

They’re also a major engine of antisemitism, Mr. President.  And I know how much you put a focus on fighting and combating anti- — antisemitism.

But most importantly, I’m here on behalf of the people of Israel and the nation of Israel and the State of Israel to say to you, Mr. President, thank you very much.  As we say in Hebrew, toda raba. 

You have been an incredible friend of Israel and the Jewish people for decades, and we will never forget, ever in history, how you stood up with us in our darkest hour, which became our finest hour — how you came to Israel a few days after the barbaric attack of October 7th, how you helped us and supported us with words and deeds.

And I want to express my — our heartfelt thanks to you, Mr. President, which is a great legacy that you stood up with the Jewish people and the State of Israel, as al- — you always did.

So, I brought you a little gift —

PRESIDENT BIDEN:  It’s a magnificent gift.

PRESIDENT HERZOG:  — which is an archeological artifact from the foot of the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, which has the word “Joseph” — Yosef.  And as you know, in the Bible, it is — says that Joseph will strengthen Israel.  And clearly, Mr. President, you’ve done it.

Thank you very much.

PRESIDENT BIDEN:  Well, I hope my father heard that.  He’d be — my father was what we call a righteous Christian.  He couldn’t understand why we didn’t move more rapidly back in World War II (inaudible).  Any rate.  I —

PRESIDENT HERZOG:  I think that was a great legacy with — of your father.

PRESIDENT BIDEN:  Well, it was.  And I remember how I got in trouble — we were friends even back then — when I said — years ago, as a senator, I said, “You don’t have to be a Jew to be a Zionist.”  I’m a Zionist.

PRESIDENT HERZOG:  And I know you are. 

PRESIDENT BIDEN:  And it’s really — 

PRESIDENT HERZOG:  You’re clearly a Zionist, Mr. President.

PRESIDENT BIDEN:  Well, God love you. 

PRESIDENT HERZOG:  Thank you very much.

PRESIDENT BIDEN:  Thanks for being here, pal.

12:00 P.M. EST

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Grubb/Worth Mansion
Claymont, Delaware

2:38 P.M. EST

     THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you all very much.  I’m not sure the Sisters at St. Joseph ever even thought you’d all be standing next to my grade school for me, but thank you.  (Laughter.)

Please have a seat.  Please. 

Father John, Father Van, thank you for your service in the military, in addition to our church. 

It’s really special for my sister and I and so many of — to be back — come back here to Holy Rosary.  You know, so many years ago, we attended that school when we moved from Scranton.  We moved from Scranton to Claymont.  It used to be called Brookview Apartments.  And we came — (laughs) — that’s where we lived.  And we — we — I remember the first day. 

You know, I’m deeply humbled by — by this plaque in Beau’s honor.  And one of the things that — it means the world to us.  You know, I think of Beau every day, especially today. 

We’ve come full circle.  In 1953, 180 years ago, I started third grade here.  (Laughter.)  I remember pulling — I re- — I remember distinctly pulling up to this — to Holy Rosary — the — the big church was not there yet; we had church in the basement of the school — and pulling up into the — into the parking lot, looking over at this wall around this beautiful estate and wondering, “Who lives there?” 

I was unaware that, the year before, the diocese had purchased it and — and gave it to — or, excuse me, had got — had been given it and been given to — and Holy Rosary Parish purchased it. 

And, you know, it was — used to be called the Grubb/Worth Mansion — a mansion like many that used to overlook the Delaware River, like Archmere and moving the way up.  The — the — before the industrialization began in southeastern Pennsylvania, there were these beautiful mansions along the Delaware.  You looked down to the Delaware.  My high school was Archmere and — it’s “arch by the sea.”  You could see all the way down from Archmere, from the back patio. 

And I remember looking at that’s w- — before the church was built — at this mansion, and thinking to myself, “I wonder who lives there.”  Little did I know, the Sisters of Saint Joseph were living there.  (Laughs.) 

But, you know, it’s — I remember that — and here I am today behind this wall where two parish priests served as military chaplains and are using this mansion as a memorial to those who fought and died in Afghanistan and Iraq. 

I’ve been in and out of Afghanistan and Iraq over 30 times, and it’s a godforsaken area. 

Today, I’m thinking of the moment that I pinned my — I came home one weekend — I came home most weekends — and Beau said to me, “Dad, what are you doing Friday?”  And I said, “What do you have in mind, pal?”  He said, “I want you to pin my bars on me.” 

I said, “Pin your bars on you?  You’re attorney general of the state of Delaware.  What do you — what do you mean, ‘pin your bars on you’?” 

He said, “Dad” — he stood ramrond — ramrod straight when I agreed to do it, to pin the bars on him.  And — and he — he was so damn proud — proud to be joining the military, the National Guard.  And our entire family felt that pride and how grateful were to General Vavala, who’s here today, for sort of shepherding us through this area. 

And thinking of that year he was deployed to Iraq — the year he was, a year later — like so many of you, we remember how hard it was.  The empty seat at the dinner table at Christmas time; missed holidays; Hallie and the kids not seeing him; prayers, hope, and worry repeated every morning and every night. 

I remember my wife used to say — stand by — she would leave before I would in the morning, and she’d stand by the — by the sink, and she’d — as she was heading down to teach at Del Tech, and she’d say a prayer — mumble a prayer, the same prayer — prayers of hope and worry repeated every morning and every night. 

Just as we ask everything of our veterans, we ask everything of our veterans’ families.  The poet John Milton wrote, “They also serve who only stand and wait.”  And so many of you with children who are in the military or husbands or wives, you’ve stood and waited.  You’ve stood and waited.  You’ve gone through the same concern that you would if they — it just — it’s different. 

As I said, they — you all — they also serve who only stand and wait.

Folks, you know, it’s — and a like — it was like yesterday.  I was thinking — and Beau told me when he — when he signed up, he said, “Dad” — I said, “Why did you do it?”  He said, “Dad, it’s my duty.”  “It’s my duty.”  “It’s my duty.” 

Duty.  That was the code my son lived by: duty. 

The creed of millions of veterans have followed that crode [code].  Each one bound by the sacred oath to support and defend not a place, not a person, not a president, but an idea, an idea unlike any other hu- — in human history. 

We’re the only country in the world founded on an idea.  Every other country is based on geography or religion or politics, but we’re an idea — the idea of the United States of America, that we hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men and women are created equal, endowed by their creator with certain — that’s why we were founded.  That’s who we are.  That’s who we were.  That’s who we remain. 

And — but because of our veterans, because of many of you, we’ve never walked away from it, even though there’s been temptations to walk away from that democratic notion.

Folks, Beau would be very honored — very honored by this plaque.  Beau — what he’d also say, though, “Dad, it’s not about me.”  And those of you knew Beau like Fred Sears and others knew Beau, that’s what he’d say.  “This is not about me, Dad.  It’s not about me.  It’s about our servicemen.  It’s about all veterans.  It’s about all families.”

I’ve said many times before, including this morning when I spoke at Arlington Cemetery, as the presidents do, that we have many obligations as a nation — many obligations.  We only have one truly sacred obligation, and that is to care for those and prepare those we send into harm’s way, and care for them and their families when they come home and when they don’t come home.

On this Veterans Day and every day, let’s remember — remind ourselves of that sacred obligation. 

On behalf of the Biden family, thank you for honoring our son Beau’s memory, for honoring all of our veterans and their families. 

And I asked Father permission to come back up when the family — our family is scattered all over the country — want to get them all together and bring them all up privately to see this as well. 

And Father, both priests — you know, out of their own money, they built — they bought this.  They — they — I’m going to see to it, Father, that we raise the money you spent so you — we reimburse you for this.  It’s a — (applause).

And God bless America.  And may God protect our troops who are still in harm’s way. 

Thank you.  (Applause.)

(The president participates in a commemoration of a bronze plaque dedicated to the memory of Beau Biden.)

FATHER VAN ALSTYNE:  Let us pray. 

     We thank you, O God, for this inspirational day where we have given tribute to our veterans who have served our country selflessly and with integrity.  Send us forth with your blessings, and may we never forget our veterans who contributed to the greatness of our nation. 

Amen.

THE PRESIDENT:  May I say something?  The reason they’re getting me out of here quickly: Because of the nature of things today, Philadelphia Pike is closed as long as I’m here.  (Laughter.)  And — no, I’m serious.  You think I’m kidding. 

So, if I don’t get the hell out of here, you’re all locked in here, and anybody who’s with me is going to lose votes, so — (laughter).

Thank you, thank you, thank you.  God love you all.  I really mean it.  From the bottom of my heart, thank you.  (Applause.) 

2:46 P.M. EST

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Arlington National Cemetery

11:52 A.M. EST

THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you.  (Applause.)  Thank you, thank you, thank you.  It’s a great honor to be standing here again.

Over 160 years ago, during what would become his final days in office, President Abraham Lincoln addressed this nation, and he said, “Let us strive on to finish the work we are in to bind up the nation’s wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle.”

My fellow Americans, the first lady, Vice President Harris, and the second gentleman; Secretary Blinken, Austin, McDonough, Mayorkas; Chairman Brown; and, most importantly, our veterans, service members, and their families, I’ve said many times before — I got in trouble for saying it when I was a young senator — I said we have many obligations, but only one truly sacred obligation — sacred: to prepare those we send into harm’s way and to care for them and their families when they return home and when they don’t.  It’s an obligation not based on party or politics but on a promise that unites us all. 

Today, as we strive on to finish the work of our moment to bind the nation’s wounds once again, we commit and recommit to this sacred vow.

This is the last time I will stand here at Arlington as commander-in-chief.  It’s been the greatest honor of my life to lead you, to serve you, to care for you, to defend you just as you have defended us generation after generation after generation.  You are the greatest fighting force — and this is not hyperbole — the finest fighting force in the history of the world. 

I will never forget standing at Valley Forge, where our nation’s first soldiers laid down their lives to deliver a nation where everyone is entitled to inalienable rights: life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness.

And I’ll never forget walking the hills of Gettysburg, where thousands more shed their blood to make those words real.

I’ll never forget at Belleau Woods– visiting there to pay tribute to the heroes who stepped on that beach or standing on the cliffs of Normandy 80 years after D-Day to honor the service members and veterans who literally saved the world with absolute heroism.  Just standing there, you wonder how in God’s name did they have the courage to do what they did. 

I’ll never forget visiting bases in Korea where America’s sons and daughters answers a call to defend a people they had never met or paying my respects in Hanoi where so many of our troops defended democracy, including my friend — and once worked for me — John — the senator John McCain. 

I’ll never forget my trips to Afghanistan and Iraq, where tour after tour young men and women served and sacrificed to keep our nation safe.

Four presidents faced a decision after we’d gotten bin Laden whether to end our longest war in history in Afghanistan.  I was determined not to leave it to the fifth. 

Every day, I still carry a card with me — my schedule — every single day for the last 10 years.  On the back of my schedule, it says, “U.S. daily troops in Afghanistan — U.S. troops died in Afghanistan as of today: 2,465.  Troops wounded in Afghanistan: 20,769.  U.S. troops, Iraq — died in Iraq: 4,620.  Wounded in Iraq: 32,766.” 

Ladies and gentlemen, this is my duty as president but also as a parent.  Like many of you, our son, Beau Biden, deployed to Iraq for a year with the Delaware National Guard.

I still remember the day he asked me to pin his bars on him — he stood ramrod straight — and how proud Jill and I and our entire family felt.

But like so many of you, we also remember how hard it was when he was deployed: empty seats at the dinner table, missed holidays and birthdays, prayers of hope and worry repeated every morning and every night.

Just as we ask everything of our veterans, we ask everything of their families.

The English poet John Milton wrote, and I quote, “They also serve who only stand and wait,” as so many of you have. 

So, for all the military families, to all those with a loved one still missing or unaccounted for, to all Americans grieving the loss of a loved one who wore the uniform, Jill and I want you to know we see you, we thank you, and we will never stop working to meet our sacred obligation to you and your families.

Jill and I, Doug and Kamala, our entire administration are proud of our work over the past four years.

Together, we’ve passed more than 30 bipartisan laws to support our veterans and their families, caregivers, and survivors. 

We’ve brought veteran homelessness down to a record low. 

We’ve delivered more benefits to more veterans than any — ever before in VA history.

We’ve invested re- — record resources to reduce the scourge of veteran vi- — su- — suicide. 

And we took action to protect veterans from scams, because no veteran should be defrauded by those defended — they defended.

All these actions are vital, but I am particularly proud of finally passing the PACT Act.  (Applause.)  This is the most significant law in our history — our nation’s history to help millions of veterans who were exposed to toxins like Agent Orange and burn pits during their military service.  Pits the size of football fields that incinerated the wastes of war: tires, chemicals, batteries, jet fuel, and so much more.  Pits that left too many veterans with headaches, numbness, dizziness, as- — asthma, and cancer.

The PACT Act has already helped over 1 million veterans and their families get the benefits they deserve.  They deserve those benefits.  (Applause.)

Today, I’m proud to announce that the VA will expand the number of cancers covered under the PACT Act and to all the veterans — (applause) — who served at K-2 Air Base in Ur- — Uzbekistan constantly surrounded by toxins.

We want to honor you.  We want to have your back just like we did in Agent Orange, just like we’re working on a rule to make sure you don’t have to prove your illness as a consequence of your service, which is often too hard to do.  (Applause.)

God willing, we will make sure that any rare condition you’ve developed is covered.  And we’re committed to getting this rule in place by the end of my term.

Folks, this matters.  Too many of our nation’s veterans have served only to return home to suffer from permanent effects of poisonous chemicals.  Too many have died.

Like our son, Beau, and Ser- — like Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson for whom the PACT Act was named.

A couple years ago, after I signed the PACT Act, I handed the pen to his daughter Brailey [Brielle]. 

She and her mom are with us today.  I don’t know where you are, but God love you.  There they are.  Stand up, ladies.  (Applause.) 

I give you my word I mean this: I’ll never forget, after I handed the signing pen — that beautiful young lady who had lost her whole world — she held the pen in her hand and she looks at me and she said, “Thank you.  Thank you for my daddy.”

God love you, honey.  (Applause.)  God love you. 

But I don’t think she was just thanking me.  She was thanking all of you here, all of us, everyone who fought hard and came together to keep our promise to our veterans to keep the faith.

My fellow Americans, we stand here today.  We think about all that our veterans have given to our nation, serving and sacrificing in uniform just as they serve and sacrifice here at home as educators, firefighters, law enforcement officers, construction workers, entrepreneurs, business leaders, doctors, nurses, elected leaders, and so much more.

And just as routinely — they routinely put aside differences to work together, this is the moment — this is the moment to come together as a nation to keep faith in each other.

The world is depending on each of you and all of us — all of you to keep honoring the women and the men and the families who have borne the battle, to keep protecting everything they’ve fought for, to keep striving to heal our nation’s wounds, to keep perfecting our union. 

We’re the only nation in the world built on an idea.  Every other nation is based on things like geography, ethnicity, religion.  But we’re the only nation — the only in the world — built on an idea, and that idea is we are all created equal and deserve to — created equal throughout lives.  We haven’t lived up to it every time, but we’ve never walked away from it even when it’s hard — especially when it’s hard.

And today standing together to honor those Americans who have dared all, risked all, and given all to our nation, we must say clearly: We never will give up. 

God bless our veterans and their families.  And may God protect our troops today and always.  

God love you.  Thank you so much.  (Applause.)

12:04 P.M. EST

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Good afternoon everyone, and for those who might have wandered into the wrong room, I’m John Podesta.

I’m going to speak for a few minutes and then I’m going to take some questions from the press. But I want to start by recognizing our wonderful Ambassador to Azerbaijan Mark Libby who is sitting up here in the front row.

We have a big team. Jane Nishida is here from EPA, we have my colleagues from SPEC. And I want to also acknowledge the hard work and the professionalism of the Azerbaijan COP team led by Minister Babayev as COP29 comes to order.

So, I want to address tonight a topic that is on everyone’s mind –the U.S. election.

For those of us dedicated to climate action, last week’s outcome in the United States is obviously bitterly disappointing, particularly because of the unprecedented resources and ambition President Biden and Vice President Harris brought to the climate fight.

Starting with our bold 2030 NDC to cut emissions by 50 to 52 percent below 2005 levels.

By rejoining Paris.

By making the largest investment in climate and clean energy in history through the Inflation Reduction Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

The President’s commitment to quadruple international climate funds from the United States to $11 billion per year.

It’s clear that the next Administration will try to take a U turn and reverse much of this progress.

Of course, I am keenly aware of the disappointment that the United States has at times caused the parties of the climate regime, who have lived through a pattern of strong, engaged, effective U.S. leadership, followed by sudden disengagement after a U.S. presidential election.

And I know that this disappointment is more difficult to tolerate as the dangers we face grow ever more catastrophic.

But that is the reality. In January, we will inaugurate a President whose relationship to climate change is captured by the words “hoax” and “fossil fuels”.

He has vowed to dismantle our environmental safeguards— and once again withdraw the United States from the Paris Agreement.

This is what he has said, and we should believe him.

The United States is a democracy. And in a democracy, the will of the people prevailed.

Our administration is working with the incoming Administration to ensure a peaceful and orderly transition of power. 

But what I want to tell you today is that while the United States federal government under Donald Trump may put climate action on the back burner, the work to contain climate change is going to continue in the United States with commitment and passion and belief.

As President Biden said in the Rose Garden last week, setbacks are unavoidable, but giving up is unforgivable.

This is not the end of our fight for a cleaner, safer planet.

Facts are still facts. Science is still science.

This fight is bigger than one election, one political cycle, in one country. This fight is bigger still.

Because we are all living through a year defined by the climate crisis, in every country of the world.

July 22nd was the hottest day in recorded history. The consequences of living on a rapidly warming planet are all around us—and not just in collapsing coral reefs and melting ice sheets.

It’s had devastating impacts on people’s lives. This fall, Hurricanes Helene and Milton slammed into the southeastern United States, killing hundreds and cutting off power and water in communities for weeks.

The worst drought in decades in southern Africa is putting 20 million children at risk of malnutrition and even starvation.

Wildfires and drought are ravaging the Amazon and the Pantanal, destroying Indigenous communities and burning up an area the size of Switzerland.

Catastrophic floods in Spain just two weeks ago poured a year’s worth of rain in a single day.

In Asia, in September, supercharged Typhoon Yagi killed hundreds and caused $16 billion in damages from the Philippines to Myanmar.

None of this is a hoax. It is real. It’s a matter of life and death.

Fortunately, many in our country and around the world are working to prepare the world for this new reality and to mitigate the most catastrophic effects of climate change.

From Day One, President Biden and Vice President Harris built a climate team to work with partners around the world to build strong, sustainable, equitable economies.

We sought to open up finance for developing economies to accelerate their own clean energy transitions.

We saw a gap between clean energy supply and anticipated demand – and sought to close it.

And our global partners know that addressing the climate crisis also bolsters their own national security and global security… while creating jobs… new industries… and new opportunities.

The United States has been the world’s partner in these efforts for four years. That remains our mission.

For example, the Inflation Reduction Act is unleashing a clean energy boom in America that’s boosting innovation and lowering costs for clean energy technology by as much as 25%.

That helps speed deployment of clean energy not just in the U.S., but across the globe, slashing emissions everywhere.

As a result, the Rhodium Group found that for every ton of carbon pollution cut…reduced in America because of the IRA, it will drive reductions of up to 2.9 tons outside the United States. 

The historic investments under President Biden and Vice President Harris have crucially been government enabled but private-sector led.

In total, just since the President took office, companies have announced more than $450 billion in new clean energy investments.

Here at COP29 and moving forward, the private sector must continue to lead – to make new and bigger investments in clean energy technologies, to continue to innovate and build a net zero economy.

And we will also continue to need subnational actors in the U.S. and globally to lead the way.

In the wake of COP22 in Marrakesh and President Trump’s decision in 2017 to pull the United States out of the Paris Agreement, the “We Are Still In” movement was born in the United States.

It’s now grown into the most expansive coalition ever assembled in support of U.S. climate action, with more than 5,000 states, businesses, local governments, tribal nations, universities, and more.

At this year’s COP, we expect to see representation from many of these leaders, as well as several states and cities and a bipartisan group from the U.S. Congress.

Because support for clean energy has become bipartisan in the United States. You might not know that by reading the newspapers, but it has.

57 percent of the new clean energy jobs created since the Inflation Reduction Act passed are located in Congressional districts represented by Republicans.

Those jobs come from over 350 new clean energy projects totaling $286 billion in investment.

Many Republicans—especially governors—know all this activity is a good thing for their districts, states, and for their economy.

Governor Henry McMaster of South Carolina, Governor Kevin Stitt in Oklahoma, for example, have welcomed clean energy investments in their states for many years.  From the EV supply chain…to the solar supply chain.

And earlier this year, 18 House Republicans wrote a letter to Speaker Mike Johnson urging him not to repeal the IRA’s energy tax credits.

The letter says, “a full repeal would create a worst-case scenario where we would have spent billions of taxpayer dollars and received next to nothing in return.”

It’s precisely because the IRA has staying power that I am confident that the United States will continue to reduce emissions – benefitting our own country and benefitting the world.

The economics of the clean energy transition have simply taken over.

New power generation is going to be clean.

The desire to build out next generation nuclear is still there.

Farmers and ranchers are reducing emissions and raising their incomes through more efficient and biologic fertilizers, biodigesters, and feed additives.

The hyperscalers are still committed to powering the future with clean energy, including safe, reliable nuclear energy.

The auto companies are still investing in electrification and hybridization.

All those trends are not going to be reversed.

Are we facing new headwinds? Absolutely.

But will we revert back to the energy system of the 1950s? No way.

And, we have only one administration at a time.

Until late January, President Biden and Vice President Harris will still be in the White House.

So we are here at COP29 to continue to work together with our global partners and other Parties.

The COP is a critical opportunity to cement our progress and keep 1.5 degrees alive…

To accelerate progress on reducing all greenhouse gases…

And, perhaps most notably, to strengthen global cooperation on adaptation and climate finance.  We are here to work, and we are committed to a successful outcome at COP 29. 

We can and will make real progress on the backs of our climate committed states and cities, our innovators, our companies and our citizens, especially young people, who understand more than most that climate change poses an existential threat that we cannot afford to ignore.

Failure or apathy is simply not an option.

Today is a day across much of the world that we remember those who were willing to pay the ultimate price to build a more peaceful world.  

In the United States, it’s Veterans Day. A day to honor all those who answered our country’s highest call to service. To whom we owe not just our eternal gratitude, but truly our freedom.

We owe it to them and all people who care about the future of our planet to make the most of the next two weeks to make sure we have a successful outcome.

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Rose Garden

11:24 A.M. EST

THE PRESIDENT:  Good morning.  (Applause.)  Good morning, good morning.  (Applause.) 

Thank you.  Please.  (Applause.)  Thank you.

Good to see this Cabinet and staff together here.  (Applause.)

Thank you.  (Applause.)

Thank you, thank you, thank you.  Please.  (Applause.)

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

It’s good to see you all.  Particularly good to see my granddaughter sitting in the front row here.  Hi, Finn.  How are you, honey?

For over 200 years, America has carried on the greatest experiment in self-government in the history of the world — and that’s not hyperbole; that’s a fact — where the people — the people vote and choose their own leaders and they do it peacefully and where, in a democracy, the will of the people always prevails. 

Yesterday, I spoke with President-elect Trump to congratulate him on his victory.  And I assured him that I would direct my entire administration to work with his team to ensure a peaceful and orderly transition.  That’s what the American people deserve. 

Yesterday, I also spoke with Vice President Harris.  She’s been a partner and a public servant.  She ran an inspiring campaign, and everyone got to see something that I learned early on to respect so much: her character.  She has a backbone like a ramrod.  She has great character, true character.  She gave her whole heart and effort, and she and her entire team should be proud of the campaign they ran. 

You know, the struggle for the soul of America since our very founding has always been an ongoing debate and still vital today.  I know, for some people, it’s a time for victory, to state the obvious.  For others, it’s a time of loss. 

Campaigns are contests of competing visions.  The country chooses one or the other.  We accept the choice the country made.  I’ve said many times you can’t love your country only when you win.  You can’t love your neighbor only when you agree. 

Something I hope we can do no matter who you voted for is see each other not as adversaries but as fellow Americans, bring down the temperature. 

I also hope we can lay to rest the question about the integrity of the American electoral system.  It is honest, it is fair, and it is transparent.  And it can be trusted, win or lose. 

I also hope we can restore the respect for all our election workers, who busted their necks and took risks at the outset.  We should thank them — thank them for staffing voting sites, counting the votes, protecting the very integrity of the election.  Many of them are volunteers who do it simply out of love for their country. 

And as they did — as they did their duty as citizens, I will do my duty as president.  I will fulfill my oath, and I will honor the Constitution.  On January 20th, we will have a peaceful transfer of power here in America. 

To all our incredible staff, supporters, Cabinet members, all the people who have been hanging out with me for the last four years — “God love you,” as my mother would say — thank you so much. 

You put so much into the past four years.  I know it’s a difficult time.  You’re hurting.  I hear you, and I see you.  But don’t forget — don’t forget all that we accomplished. 

It’s been a historic presidency — not because I’m president — because what we’ve done, what you’ve done — a presidency for all Americans. 

Much of the work we’ve done is already being felt by the American people.  The vast majority of it will not be felt — be felt over the next 10 years.  We have a — we have legislation we passed that’s just — only now just really kicking in. 

We’re going to see over a trillion dollars’ worth of infrastructure work done, changing people’s lives in rural communities and communities that are in real difficulty, because it takes time to get it done, and so much more that’s going to take time.  But it’s there.

The road ahead is clear, assuming we sustain it.  There’s so much — so much we can get done and will get done based the way the legislation was passed.  And it’s truly historic.

You know, we’re leaving behind the strongest economy in the world.  I know people are still hurting.  But things are changing rapidly.  Together, we’ve changed America for the better. 

Now we have 74 days to finish the term — our term.  Let’s make every day count.  That’s the responsibility we have to the American people. 

Look, folks, you all know it in your lives: Setbacks are unavoidable, but giving up is unforgivable.  Setbacks are unavoidable, but giving up is unforgivable.  We all get knocked down, but the measure of our character, as my dad would say, is how quickly we get back up.  Remember, a defeat does not mean we are defeated.  We lost this battle.

The America of your dreams is calling for you to get back up.  That’s the story of America for over 240 years and counting.  It’s a story for all of us, not just some of us. 

The American experiment endures, and we’re going to be okay, but we need to stay engaged.  We need to keep going.  And above all, we need to keep the faith. 

I’m so proud to have worked with all of you.  I really mean it.  I sincerely mean it. 

God bless you all.  God bless America.  And may God protect our troops.  Thank you, thank you, thank you.  (Applause.) 

Thanks.  Thank you.  (Applause.)

11:30 A.M. EST

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Howard University
Washington, D.C.

4:25 P.M. EST

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Good afternoon.  Good afternoon.  (Applause.)  Good —

AUDIENCE:  Kamala!  Kamala!  Kamala!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Good afternoon, everyone.  Good afternoon.  (Applause.)

Good afternoon.  Good afternoon.  (Applause.)

Thank you all.  Thank you.  Thank you.  Thank you.  Thank you.  (Applause.)

So, let me say —

AUDIENCE MEMBER:  We love you!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  And I love you back.  And I love you back.  (Applause.)

So, let me say, my heart is full today.  My heart is full today — full of gratitude for the trust you have placed in me, full of love for our country, and full of resolve.

The outcome of this election is not what we wanted, not what we fought for, not what we voted for, but hear me when I say — hear me when I say: The light of America’s promise will always burn bright — (applause) — as long as we never give up and as long as we keep fighting.  (Applause.)

To my beloved Doug and our family, I love you so very much.  (Applause.)

To President Biden and Dr. Biden, thank you for your faith and support.  (Applause.)

To Governor Walz and the Walz family, I know your service to our nation will continue.  (Applause.)

And to my extraordinary team; to the volunteers who gave so much of themselves — (applause); to the poll workers and the local election officials — (applause) — I thank you.  I thank you all.

Look, I am so proud of the race we ran and the way we ran it — (applause) — and the way we ran it.  Over the 107 days of this campaign, we have been intentional about building community and building coalitions, bringing people together from every walk of life and background, united by love of country with enthusiasm and joy in our fight for America’s future.  (Applause.)

And we did it with the knowledge that we all have so much more in common than what separates us.  (Applause.)

Now, I know folks are feeling and experiencing a range of emotions right now.  I get it.  (Laughs.)  But we must accept the results of this election. 

Earlier today, I spoke with President-elect Trump and congratulated him on his victory. 

     AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  I also told him that we will help him and his team with their transition and that we will engage in a peaceful transfer of power.  (Applause.)

A fundamental principle of American democracy is that when we lose an election, we accept the results.  That principle, as much as any other, distinguishes democracy from monarchy or tyranny, and anyone who seeks the public trust must honor it.

At the same time, in our nation, we owe loyalty not to a president or a party but to the Constitution of the United States — (applause) — and loyalty to our conscience and to our God. 

My allegiance to all three is why I am here to say: While I concede this election, I do not concede the fight that fueled this campaign — (applause) — the fight — the fight for freedom, for opportunity, for fairness, and the dignity of all people — a fight for the ideals at the heart of our nation, the ideals that reflect America at our best.  That is a fight I will never give up.  (Applause.) 

I will never give up the fight for a future where Americans can pursue their dreams, ambitions, and aspirations, where the women of America have the freedom to make decisions about their own body — (applause) — and not have their government telling them what to do.

We will never give up the fight to protect our schools and our streets from gun violence.  (Applause.)

And, America, we will never give up the fight for our democracy, for the rule of law, for equal justice, and for the sacred idea that every one of us, no matter who we are or where we start out, has certain fundamental rights and freedoms that must be respected and upheld.  (Applause.)

And we will continue to wage this fight in the voting booth, in the courts, and in the public square.  And we will also wage it in quieter ways: in how we live our lives, by treating one another with kindness and respect, by looking in the face of a stranger and seeing a neighbor, by always using our strength to lift people up, to fight for the dignity that all people deserve. 

The fight for our freedom will take hard work.  But like I always say, we like hard work.  (Applause.)  Hard work is good work.  Hard work can be joyful work.  And the fight for our country is always worth it.  It is always worth it.  (Applause.)

To the young people who are watching, it is —

AUDIENCE MEMBER:  We love you!

AUDIENCE MEMBER:  We love you!  (Applause.)

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  (Laughs.)  I love you back.  (Applause.)

To the young people who are watching, it is okay to feel sad and disappointed.  But please know it’s going to be okay.  On the campaign, I would often say, “When we fight, we win.”  But here’s the thing.  Here’s the thing.  Sometimes the fight takes a while.  That doesn’t mean we won’t win.  That doesn’t mean we won’t win.  (Applause.)

The important thing is don’t ever give up.  Don’t ever give up.  Don’t ever stop trying to make the world a better place.  You have power.  You have power.  And don’t you ever listen when anyone tells you something is impossible because it has never been done before.  (Applause.)

You have the capacity to do extraordinary good in the world.  And so, to everyone who is watching, do not despair.  This is not a time to throw up our hands.  This is a time to roll up our sleeves.  (Applause.)  This is a time to organize, to mobilize, and to stay engaged for the sake of freedom and justice and the future that we all know we can build together.

Look, many of you know I started out as a prosecutor.  And throughout my career, I saw people at some of the worst times in their lives — people who had suffered great harm and great pain and yet found within themselves the strength and the courage and the resolve to take the stand to take a stand, to fight for justice, to fight for themselves, to fight for others.

So, let their courage be our inspiration.  Let their determination be our charge. 

And I’ll close with this.  There’s an adage an historian once called a “law of history” true of every society across the ages.  The adage is: Only when it is dark enough can you see the stars. 

I know many people feel like we are entering a dark time, but for the benefit of us all, I hope that is not the case.  But here’s the thing: America, if it is, let us fill the sky with the light of a brilliant, brilliant billion of stars — (applause) — the light — the light of optimism, of faith, of truth and service.  (Applause.) 

H.U.  (Laughter.)

AUDIENCE:  You know!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  And may that work guide us, even in the face of setbacks, toward the extraordinary promise of the United States of America.

I thank you all.  May God bless you.  And may God bless the United States of America.  (Applause.)

I thank you all.  I thank you.  I thank you all.  (Applause.)

                   END                     4:37 P.M. EST

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