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We are heartbroken to learn about the ferry dock walkway collapse on Georgia’s Sapelo Island. What should have been a joyous celebration of Gullah-Geechee culture and history instead turned into tragedy and devastation. Jill and I mourn those who lost their lives, and we pray for the injured and anyone still missing. We are also grateful to the first responders at the scene. My team is in touch with state and local officials, and we stand ready to provide any and all assistance that would be helpful to the community.

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The post Statement from President Joe Biden appeared first on The White House.

Today, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. declared that a major disaster exists in the State of North Carolina and ordered Federal assistance to supplement state, tribal, and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by Potential Tropical Cyclone Eight from September 16 to September 20, 2024.

Federal funding is available to state, tribal, and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by Potential Tropical Cyclone Eight in the counties of Brunswick, Carteret, New Hanover, and Onslow.

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.

Mr. E. Craig Levy, Sr. of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has been appointed to coordinate Federal recovery operations in the affected areas. 

Additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION MEDIA SHOULD CONTACT THE FEMA NEWS DESK AT (202) 646-3272 OR FEMA-NEWS-DESK@FEMA.DHS.GOV.

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The post President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves North Carolina Disaster Declaration appeared first on The White House.

Today, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. declared that a major disaster exists in the State of North Carolina and ordered Federal assistance to supplement state, tribal, and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by Potential Tropical Cyclone Eight from September 16 to September 20, 2024.

Federal funding is available to state, tribal, and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by Potential Tropical Cyclone Eight in the counties of Brunswick, Carteret, New Hanover, and Onslow.

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.

Mr. E. Craig Levy, Sr. of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has been appointed to coordinate Federal recovery operations in the affected areas. 

Additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION MEDIA SHOULD CONTACT THE FEMA NEWS DESK AT (202) 646-3272 OR FEMA-NEWS-DESK@FEMA.DHS.GOV.

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The post President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves North Carolina Disaster Declaration appeared first on The White House.

Oakland Expo Center
Oakland County, Michigan

8:11 P.M. EDT

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Good evening, Michigan!  (Applause.)  Can we hear it for Mia?  (Applause.) 

(The audience sings “Happy Birthday to You.”)

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Thank you.  (Applause.)  Thank you.  All right.  Okay.  Thank you.  And we need to get to work.  All right, thank you all. 

It is so good to be back in Michigan.  (Applause.)  It is so good to be back.  I want to thank everyone for taking the time out of your busy lives to take the time to be here this evening.  I thank you all so very much.  (Applause.)

Can we please hear it for Stab- — wait — can we please hear for Senator Stabenow, who was here earlier?  (Applause.)

County Executive, Dave Coulter — (applause);  Representative Stevens, who we need to elect to the United States Congress — (applause); and let’s send Representative Slotkin to the United States Senate — (applause) — because we need them in D.C.  We need them in D.C. 

I also want to thank all of the leaders of the Arab American community who are here.  (Applause.)  As everyone know, this community has deep and proud roots in the Detroit metro area, and I am proud to have the support of Arab American leaders like Wayne County Deput- —

AUDIENCE MEMBER:  (Inaudible.)

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Hi, we need a medic.  Okay, we need a medic.  Let’s figure out a way to part a little bit so that we can bring a medic in over here, please.  Okay? 

Okay, it looks like we need a medic over there, too.  Is that what we’re saying?  Okay.  Okay.  We got a lot of folks in here.  It’s a little warm.  Let’s just make sure we’re looking out for each other.  Okay?  (Applause.)

Okay.  Are we okay?  All right, it looks like we’re good.  We’re okay?  All right.  Okay.  Thank you.

And always, to our first responders, thank you for your work. 

So, as I was saying, our Arab American community has deep and proud roots in the Detroit metro area, and I am very proud to have the support of Arab American leaders like Wayne County Deputy Executive Assad Turfe.  (Applause.) 

And listen, I know this year has been very difficult given the scale of death and destruction in Gaza and given the civilian casualties and displacement in Lebanon.  It is devastating. 

And now, Sinwar’s death can and must be a turning point.  (Applause.)  Everyone must seize this opportunity to finally end the war in Gaza — (applause); bring the hostages home; and end the suffering once and for all.  And I continue to believe diplomacy is the answer to bringing lasting stability across the Israel-Lebanon border. 

And as vice president and, with your help, as president, I will do everything in my power to achieve these goals — (applause) — and work toward a future with security and dignity for all people in the region. 

So, thank you all.

And, Michigan, listen, we got 18 days to get this done — 18 short days.  And you all wouldn’t be here spending your precious time here with all the other obligations you’ve got if you did not know this is probably one of the most consequential elections of our lifetime.  (Applause.) 

And it’s going to be a tight race until the very end, and we are the underdog and running as the underdog.  But make no mistake, we will win.  (Applause.)  We will win.  We will win.  Yes, we will.  We will win. 

And we will win because we understand — and we will win because we understand what is at stake.  This — this election is about two very different visions for our nation: one, Donald Trump’s, that is focused on the past —

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT: — and the other — and the other, ours, that is focused on the future.  (Applause.)

We are focused on a future where we bring down the cost of living, invest in small businesses and entrepreneurs, protect reproductive freedom.  (Applause.) 

That is in the future that we are fighting for.  But as you all know, that’s not what we’re hearing from Donald Trump.  Instead, it is the same old, tired playbook.  He has no plan for how he would address the needs of the American people.  No plan. 

AUDIENCE MEMBER:  Concepts!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Can I hear it again?  No plan. 

AUDIENCE:  No plan!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  And he is only focused on himself. 

And now, check this out, he is ducking debates and canceling interviews. 

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  You saw his own campaign team is saying it’s because of exhaustion.  All right, well, here’s

the thing, if you are exhausted from the campaign trail, it raises real questions about you are fit for the toughest job in the world. (Applause.) 

And so, folks, for these reasons and more, it is time to turn the page.  (Applause.)  Let’s turn the page, because America is ready to chart a new way forward — (applause) — ready for a new and optimistic generation of leadership — (applause) — that is all of you; it’s all of us — which is why Democrats, Republicans, independents are supporting our campaign. 

In fact, you may have seen earlier this week, over 100 Republican leaders from across the country joined me on the campaign trail — (applause) — including some who served under Donald Trump’s administration, because, you know, they know him best.  They understand what’s at stake. 

And I believe Americans want a president and deserve a president who works for all the American people — all the American people.  (Applause.)

And that has been, as you all know, the story of my entire career.  I’ve only, in my career, had one client: the people.  One client.  (Applause.)

As a young courtroom prosecutor, I protected women and children.  As attorney general of California, I fought for students and veterans who were being scammed by those for-profit colleges.  (Applause.)  As vice president, I have stood up for workers and seniors.  And as president, I will fight for all the American people — always. (Applause.)   Always. 

And —

AUDIENCE:  Kamala!  Kamala!  Kamala!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  And, together, us and you — we will together — like I want you to shout your own name for a minute.  Let’s do that really quickly.  Shout your own name for a minute.

(The audience members shout their names.)

(Laughs.)  That’s what I’m talking about, because it’s about your family.  It’s about you.  That’s what I’m talking about.  That’s what I’m talking about.  Because together, we will build a brighter future for our nation.  (Applause.)  Together.  Together. 

A future where we build what I call an “opportunity economy” so that every American has an opportunity to own a home, buy a car, build wealth, start a business.  (Applause.)  Right? 

Under my plan, we will deal with things like bringing down the cost of housing.  (Applause.)  We will help entrepreneurs start and grow a small business.  Do we have any small-business owners here?  (Applause.)  Our small businesses are the backbone of America’s economy.  (Applause.)

My plan will expand Medicare to cover home health care for seniors.  (Applause.)  And look, as with so many of the issues that are priority issues for me, including small businesses, the issue of home health care —

Look, I’m going to just go off script for a moment.  So, when my mother was — when my mother was sick, I took care of her.  And for anyone here who has or is taking care of an older relative, you know what it is.  It’s about trying to cook something that they feel like eating.  It’s about trying to put some clothes on them that won’t irritate their skin, right?  It’s about, from time to time, trying to figure out what you can say that will bring a smile to their face or make them laugh.  It’s about dignity.  It’s about dignity. 

And here’s the — here’s the deal.  When you look at everyone who is doing that and then you look at the — what we call the “sandwich generation,” which are people who are raising your young children and taking care of your parents, it’s a lot. 

And either you have enough money to afford to have somebody come in and help you, which most people don’t, or you might have to give up your job, which means you’re cutting off a source of income for your household, or you have to spend down your savings to qualify for Medicaid.  That’s just not right. 

So, my plan is to say that we are going to fix it so that Medicare covers the cost of home health care work for seniors — (applause) — because it’s about dignity.  It’s about dignity, so more seniors can live at home with dignity.  (Applause.)

Our plan will lower costs on everything from health care to groceries. 

I’m going to take on corporate price gouging like I’ve done before.  I’m going to do it again.  (Applause.)

My plan will also give middle-class tax cuts to 100 million Americans, including $6,000 during the first year of a child’s life, because here is where I’m coming from: The vast majority of our young parents have a natural desire to parent their children well, but not always the resources.  And so, looking at expanding the child tax credit — again, it’s about dignity.  It’s about recognizing that folks just need a little help to buy a car seat or a crib or the essential needs for your child during such a critical stage of their development.  (Applause.)

And by the way, we all benefit from that.  Everybody benefits from that.  (Applause.)

So, these are just some examples of our plan. 

And all of that to say, look, I will always — I will always stand and fight for the middle class and working families of America.  (Applause.)  I come from the middle class, and I will never forget where I come from.  (Applause.)

My plan also invests in American manufacturing and innovation, and I will make sure America, not China, wins the competition for the 21st century.  (Applause.) 

AUDIENCE:  USA!  USA!  USA!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Exactly right.  Exactly right.

And Michigan knows — and Michigan knows better than most what that means, about investing in American industry.  (Applause.)  Under my plan, we will invest in the industries that built America, like steel, iron, and the great American auto industry.  (Applause.)

And contrary to what my opponent is suggesting, I will never tell you what kind of car you have to drive.  (Applause.)  But here’s what I will do: I will invest in communities like Oakland County and Detroit.  (Applause.)  We will retool existing factories and hire locally and work with unions to create good-paying jobs — (applause) — including, by the way, jobs that do not require a college degree. 

Because this is how I feel — (applause) — look, this is how I feel about that.  We all know a college degree is not the only measure of the skills and experience of a qualified worker.  (Applause.)  So, part of my plan is to do an assessment of all the federal jobs, which will be under our jurisdiction, to figure out which of them should be rethought of in terms of whether or not it actually requires a college degree.  And the next step on that is going to be to challenge the private sector to do the same.  (Applause.)

I will also protect the pensions of union members and retirees — (applause) — including yesterday, when I announced the protection of the full-earned pension benefits of more than 22,500 retirees under the Detroit Carpenters Pension Fund.  Because back to the point about dignity, I understand the dignity of work, and I understand the importance of having dignity in your retirement.  (Applause.)

Now, Donald Trump has a different approach. 

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  I don’t need to tell you, he’s full of big promises, but always fails to deliver.  Always fails to deliver.  So, remember he said he was the only one — you know how he talks — “the only one”– (applause) –who could bring back America’s manufacturing jobs.  Remember when he said that?  And then America lost almost 200,000 manufacturing jobs when he was president —

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  — including tens of thousands of jobs right here in Michigan. 

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  And those losses started before the pandemic — okay? — making Donald Trump one of the biggest losers — (applause) — of manufacturing jobs in American history.  (Laughs.)

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  And his — and his track record for the auto industry was also a disaster. 

He promised workers in Warren — you remember?  He promised workers in Warren that the auto industry would — and I’m going to quote — “not lose one plant” during his presidency.  Then, American automakers announced the closure of six auto plants when he was president —

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  — including General Motors in Warren and Stellantis in Detroit.  Remember that? 

Thousands, thousands of Michigan autoworkers lost their jobs.  And Donald Trump’s running mate — you know, because the position was vacant and he had to fill it, right?  (Laughter.)  You know, for the young people here — you know, when you go for an interview, and you sit down at the interview and you ask the person who’s interviewing, “Why’s the job vacant?”  (Laughter.) 

So, Donald Trump’s current running mate recently suggested that if they win, they would threaten the Grand River Assembly plant in Lansing.

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  The same plant that our administration protected earlier this year, saving 650 union jobs.  (Applause.)

And remember, Donald Trump encouraged automakers to move their plants out of Michigan so they could pay their workers less.

And when the UAW went on strike — (applause) — when the UAW went on strike to demand the higher wages that you deserved, Donald Trump went to a non-union shop.  Remember?

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  And he attacked the UAW.  And he said striking — he said striking and collective bargaining don’t — and I’mma quote — “don’t make a damn bit of difference.”  That’s what he said —

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  — about striking and collective bargaining. 

Well, Michigan, you know better.  We know better.  Strong unions mean higher wages, better health care, and greater dignity — (applause) — for union members and everyone else,

because you don’t have to be a member of a union to thank unions for your five-day workweek and your vacation time and your sick leave.  Thank a union.  (Applause.)

Which is why, when I am president, with your help, I will sign the PRO Act into law — (applause) — and make it easier for workers to join a union and negotiate for better pay and working conditions. 

And now Donald Trump is making the same empty promises to the people of Michigan that he did before, hoping you will forget how he let you down the last time. 

But we’re not falling for the okey doke.  No, and we won’t be fooled. 

Just, for example, google Project 2025 —

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  — which I still, by the way, find it fascinating to think that they actually put that in writing.  (Applause.)  I mean, they put it in writing.  They published it, they bound it, and gave it out, right? 

And here’s the thing, to read it is to know it is a detailed and dangerous blueprint for what he will do if he is elected president.  Donald Trump will give billionaires and corporations massive tax cuts; cut Social Security and Medicare; get rid of the $35 cap on insulin for seniors that you all helped us get; make it easier — he will — and read it — make it — he will make it easier for companies to deny overtime pay to workers —

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  — and he intends to impose what I call a “Trump sales tax,” which is at least 20 percent, if not more, of a tax on everyday basic necessities, which economists have estimated will cost the American family an additional $4,000 a year. 

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  And if that weren’t enough, on top of this and all of this, he plans to end the Affordable Care Act.

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  And he has no plan to replace it.

AUDIENCE MEMBER:  He has concepts!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  He has — because he has, quote, “concepts of a plan.”  (Laughs.)

So, you all have heard me say, you know, I think — I think Donald Trump is an unserious man.  And the consequences if he were to ever get in — back into the White House, are — are absolutely dangerously serious. 

Because, think about it, he’s going to threaten that health insurance coverage of 45 —

AUDIENCE MEMBERS:  Lock him up!  Lock him up!  Lock him up!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Okay, so here’s the thing — here’s the thing about that — here’s the thing about that.  The courts are going to take care of that.  (Applause.)  We’re going to take care of November.  We’re going to take care of November.  How about that?  Right.  We’ll take care of November.  (Applause.)

But, again, “concepts of a plan.”  So, think about it in terms of the serious nature of this.  He’s basically threatening the health insurance coverage of 45 million Americans based on a concept.

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  And taking us back to when — you remember? — insurance companies could deny people with preexisting conditions.  You remember what that was?  And that’s why we are —

AUDIENCE:  Not going back!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  — not going back. 

We are not going back.  No, we are not going back.  We will move forward.  (Applause.)  We will move forward.  (Applause.)

Because ours is a fight for the future.  (Applause.)  Ours is a fight for the future.  And it is a fight for freedom — (applause) — like the fundamental freedom of a woman to make decisions about her own body — (applause) — and not have her government tell her what to do. 

And we are — we remember how we got here, right?  Donald Trump hand-selected three members of the United States Supreme Court with the intention —

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  — that they would undo the protections of Roe v. Wade, and they did as he intended. 

And now, check this out, in America, one in three women live in a state with a Trump abortion ban —

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  — many with no exception even for rape and incest, which — which means you’re telling someone who is a survivor of a violation to their body that they have no right to make a decision about what happens to their body next?  That is immoral.  Immoral. 

And let us agree, one does not have to abandon their faith or deeply held beliefs to agree the government should not be telling her what to do with her body — (applause) — not the government, not the government.  No. 

If she chooses, she will talk with her priest, her pastor, her rabbi, her imam, but not the government and some folks up in a statehouse telling her what’s in her own best interest. 

And so, here’s my pledge to you.  When Congress passes a bill to restore reproductive freedom nationwide, as president of the United States, I will proudly sign it into law.  (Applause.)  Proudly sign it into law.

And across our nation — listen, I’m traveling the country, and I’ll tell you, across our nation, we are witnessing a full-on assault on hard-won freedoms and rights, including the freedom to vote. 

Let me tell you, I — in places like Georgia, where I’m spending some time, you know, they passed a law that makes it illegal to give people food and water for standing in line to vote. 

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Yeah, I mean, the hypocrisy abounds.  What happened to “love thy neighbor”? 

Attacks on the freedom to join a union.  Attacks on the freedom to be safe from gun violence — Mia talked about that.  Attacks on the freedom to love who you love openly and with pride.  (Applause.)

So, I say all that to say what you know — which is again, why you are spending your precious time here.  There is so much on the line in this election.  And this is not 2016 or 2020.  The stakes are even higher, because, remember, a few months ago, the Supreme Court of the United States basically told the former president that he is effectively immune from doing whatever he does in office. 

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Just imagine Donald Trump with no guardrails.  Just imagine.  He who has vowed, if reelected, to be a dictator on day one; he who calls Americans who disagree with him, the “enemy from within.”  You know where that language comes from?  And says that he would use the military — the American military to go after the American people. 

He who has called for the quote, “termination” of the Constitution of the United States of America.  And —

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  And let us be very clear, someone who suggests we should terminate the Constitution of the United States of America should never again stand behind the seal of the president of the United States of America.  (Applause.)  Never again. Never again.  Never again.  (Applause.)

AUDIENCE:  We’re not going back!  We’re not going back!  We’re not going back!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  So, we are not going back, and so this is how we’re going to make sure we don’t go back.  Okay, so, here — let’s get to the business then.

So, Michigan, it all comes down to this.  We are here together because we know what is at stake.  We are here together, most importantly, also because we love our country.  (Applause.)  We love our country.

And I do believe it is one of the highest expressions and forms of love of our country and patriotism to then fight for the ideals of our country and to fight — (applause) — and to fight to realize the promise of America. 

So, Election Day is in 18 days, okay?  And here in Michigan, early voting starts on Saturday, October 26th, one week from tomorrow. 

If you live in Wayne County, you can vote in person even sooner.  Early voting in Detroit starts tomorrow.  (Applause.)  Okay?

So, now is the time to make your plan to vote.  And if you have received your ballot in the mail, please do not wait.  Fill it out tonight and return it.  Because, folks, the election is here, and we need to — as you know best how to do — we need to energize, we need to organize, we need to mobilize — (applause) — knowing — knowing our vote is our voice and your voice is your power.  (Applause.)

So, Michigan, today, I ask you: Are you ready to make your voices heard? (Applause.)

Do we believe in freedom?  (Applause.) 

Do we believe in opportunity?  (Applause.) 

Do we believe in the promise of America?  (Applause.)

And are we ready to fight for it?  (Applause.)

Because when we fight —

AUDIENCE:  We win!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  — we in.

God bless you.  And God bless America.  (Applause.) 

                             END                8:46 P.M. EDT

The post Remarks by Vice President Harris at a Campaign Event | Oakland County, MI appeared first on The White House.

Via Teleconference

8:45 A.M. EDT

MR. KIRBY:  Thanks very much.  I’ll just keep it short because I know you got questions. 

A really terrific day here in Berlin for the President.  I think you all saw how significant and emotional he was over — getting the Order of Merit from President Steinmeier.  He also had a chance bilaterally to meet with the President on issues like Ukraine and the Middle East. 

And then we came over here to the Chancellor.  He had some one-on-one time with Chancellor Scholz and then a working lunch.  Unsurprisingly, the main topics of discussion were, of course, Ukraine.  Further discussions about how we were going to continue to work with the EU to find a way to employ Russian sovereign assets to help with Ukraine’s reconstruction — that was a topic. 

Of course, there was also the issue of what’s going on on the battlefield and where the Germans see their perspectives about where the Ukrainian Armed Forces are, sort of President Biden sharing our perspective on how things are going on the battlefield. 

And then, of course, they talked about President Zelenskyy’s victory plan and how we can all work together to try to see if we can’t get to a just peace that President Zelenskyy and the Ukrainian people will approve of and, of course, you know, can implement. 

And then, now, the President is meeting with the European Quad leaders.  That’s going on right now.  I’m not in that room, but we’ll have a readout when it’s over.  And again, I have no doubt that issues regarding Ukraine and the Middle East will come up as well in the Quad. 

I forgot to mention — in the working lunch with Chancellor Scholz, they also did spend some time talking about the Middle East and the developments yesterday and how that might affect where we go forward here in terms of trying to find a way to end the war and with the opportunity that Sinwar’s death now provides us. 

So, again, that’s just kind of a rough summary of the discussions, and we will absolutely have a readout for you of the Quad meeting when it’s over.

So I can take some questions.

Q    John, real fast: Prime Minister Netanyahu today said, “We have before us a great opportunity to stop the axis of evil and create a different future.”  What gives the U.S. confidence, after Sinwar’s death, that Israel is ready for a ceasefire, that it sees a ceasefire as its best option?

MR. KIRBY:  We believe — continue to believe that finding an end to the war is critical, and we also believe that Mr. Sinwar’s death yesterday can provide an inflection point to getting there. 

I mean, look at what the Israeli Defense Forces have been able to do against Hamas.  I mean, they’ve really decimated their leadership, now knocking out the top leader himself.  They have, without question, completely eliminated any immediate threat that Hamas would pose from a military perspective.  They’ve knocked out military command structure.  They’ve gone after weapons caches.  They’ve made it much more difficult for Hamas to operate and act, plan and execute the way they did on October 7th. 

So, Hamas is in a much, much, much weakened position than it ever was before.  The President believes that certainly with Sinwar’s killing yesterday, that there’s a unique opportunity here for us all to kind of grab hold of to see what we can do to end the war and to get a ceasefire.  And we still believe that a ceasefire — actually, in the north too — but we still believe a ceasefire is important for Gaza to get those hostages home. 

So you asked me what gives us confidence.  I think, first of all, one thing that gives us confidence that now is a propitious opportunity is the incredible work that the IDF has done in decimating Hamas and now killing Hamas’s leadership. 

Q    But I guess the core question was: What gives you confidence that Prime Minister Netanyahu shares that view?  Does he share the view that you just articulated?

MR. KIRBY:  Well, I’ll let the Prime Minister speak for himself.  I mean, he said himself yesterday that this does provide a unique opportunity. 

Now, what we’ll do is continue to have consultations with our Israeli counterparts about how we take advantage of that opportunity.  The President still believes that intensive diplomacy is still the preferred path.  And now with Sinwar gone, we are in a unique opportunity to really take that to the next level, try to get a ceasefire in Gaza, but, as well, to try to get a ceasefire up in the north against Hezbollah, and then, again, do everything we can to prevent this from escalating. 

Q    Just to follow up on that, you know, in the past few months, when Israel has taken action against others — Nasrallah’s killing as an example — the big concern was that that had the potential to truly escalate the conflict in the Middle East into something closer to a regional conflict.  I guess I don’t quite understand.  Is the idea here that Sinwar was the chief stumbling block to a ceasefire, and with him gone, the remaining leadership that are sitting in Qatar, or wherever they are, are somehow going to be less of an obstacle to a ceasefire?  Is that the opportunity that you’re sort of dancing around?

MR. KIRBY:  Yes.  I’m not — sorry if I’m dancing.  I’m not trying to dance. 

Q    Not you personally, but —

MR. KIRBY:  But, yes, Sinwar was the main obstacle to getting a ceasefire done.  Every time his political advisors would — we’d negotiate with and through them to come up with a proposal, it would have to get to him.  Of course, that took time because of the communications challenges.  And then he would just — he would just refute it and refuse to move forward. 

And it’s not as if — as I’ve said this before, it’s not as if the Israelis weren’t willing to continue to find compromises, and they did.  Each and every time, Sinwar found a way to stop it.  Now he’s gone.  So, we’ll see.  I mean, Hamas, obviously, will make their own decisions about what their structure is going to look like and if and who might replace Mr. Sinwar. 

But, yes, his death does provide a unique opportunity here to try to take advantage of where we are with Hamas, where Israel is with Hamas, and see if we can’t get a ceasefire in place.

Q    But you haven’t gotten yet.  I mean, I know it’s early, it’s less than 24 hours, but you haven’t gotten any signals from those political Hamas officials that you were dealing through Qatar and whatever —

MR. KIRBY:  Not that I’m aware of.  Not that I’m aware of.

Q    — they haven’t sort of said, “Oh, well, let’s start talking again”?

MR. KIRBY:  Not that I’m aware of.  But as you rightly pointed out, I mean, this just happened yesterday.

We believe — and it was in the — look, it was in the President’s statement.  You know, the obstacle that was Sinwar has now been removed.  There’s a lot more work to be done.  And when the President is talking about that work, he’s talking about getting the diplomatic path back into some kind of swing.

Q    John, to your point about Sinwar, what are your fears as Hamas regroups?  What are your chief concerns right now?

MR. KIRBY:  Well, obviously, we’re going to be watching to see what they do here.  They have been — as I said, the leadership decimated, military structure decimated, but they still are a presence in Gaza, and they still do have some capability, so we’re certainly going to be watching that carefully.  And I’ve seen some statements out of them today, you know, basically pledging to continue the conflict and continue the war. 

They are in such a dramatically weakened position, it’s difficult to see from where we sit that they could perpetrate anything close to what they did on the 7th of October.  But that doesn’t mean that they aren’t still lethal to some degree, and so we’re going to have to watch that carefully. 

So, two things.  One, we’re going to continue to support Israel with defensive capabilities.  And that’s not going to stop.  Just because Mr. Sinwar is gone, it doesn’t mean that we’re going to, in some way, diminish our support to Israel and their defense capabilities. 

Two, as the President said last night to you all, this is an opportunity now to really step up and see what we can explore in terms of opportunities for a diplomatic solution and getting a ceasefire in place. 

We have to all — as we sit here, I mean, today, those hostages are still being held somewhere in Gaza, likely in tunnels, and their lives are still greatly at risk.  And there’s a keen sense of urgency — there has been, of course — but now, with Mr. Sinwar’s passing, it really underscores for us how urgent it is to see what we can do to get those hostages home.  And you heard Prime Minister Netanyahu say the same thing yesterday. 

Q    Let me ask a Ukraine question.  So, with regards to President Zelenskyy’s peace proposal and the two points — membership in NATO before the end of Biden’s presidency and also nuclear capabilities — where does the White House stand on that?  Have you had any change of heart or change of mind on that?  And how are you doing on the $50 billion loan?

MR. KIRBY:  Sorry, your first question was where’s our policy on what?

Q    On the peace — on the victory plan.

MR. KIRBY:  Oh, yeah.

Look, the President appreciated President Zelenskyy bringing it to the Oval Office and having a discussion about the victory plan. 

We’re obviously still digging through the details of it, so I’m not going to get into the nuts and bolts on every little item in it.  But I will say that, as we’ve made clear, we support President Zelenskyy’s plan for a just peace.  It’s critical that whatever that peace looks like, it has to be acceptable to him and to the Ukrainian people.  And we’re certainly not going to have any discussions about Ukraine without Ukraine.  And we’re certainly not going to have any discussions with foreign leaders that don’t comport with what we believe President Zelenskyy’s plans are for a just peace.

Q    The four leaders are literally having discussions about Ukraine without Ukraine right now, today.

MR. KIRBY:  With leaders who don’t — as I finished in my sentence, we’re not going to have discussions with leaders who don’t also comport to that plan, the idea of following through on his just peace plan. 

Q    Kirby, can you give a sense of to what extent President Biden is addressing the election on his trip here?  It obviously overhangs some of the things that he’s talking about in terms of alliances, in terms of what’s next for Ukraine.  How is he addressing that writ large?

MR. KIRBY:  The discussions he’s having today are not about the election.  It’s really about — well, first of all, thanking the German people for their incredible support of Ukraine, obviously showing his gratitude to the leadership here, President Steinmeier and Chancellor Scholz. 

But it’s really more about — as I kind of said in my opening statement, these are policy-heavy discussions, including the one he’s having right now, about some of the key still-open issues affecting our collective security, and that’s the war in Ukraine, and, of course, what’s going on in the Middle East, and really trying to work on policy solutions to solve these problems.  I mean, that’s really the gist of the meetings that he’s been at. 

Q    But —

Q    Hold on, hold on.  I’ll follow up.

I understand that it’s not a meeting about the election, but Europe is worried, and what happens in the U.S. election will help determine what happens next on those issues.  So, you know, what reassurances can he give, or can he just not, because he doesn’t know?  Nobody knows who’s going to win.

MR. KIRBY:  I think his purpose for coming and the thrust of his discussions are really about reaffirming everything that he’s done as President and Commander-in-Chief over the last three-plus years to improve alliances and partnerships, make them stronger, make them bigger, create ones where they didn’t exist before, and work together on cooperative solutions for some of these challenges. 

Now, we’ve been talking about Ukraine and the Middle East, but they are also talking about climate change.  They’re talking about terrorism.  They’re, you know, talking about, you know, clean energy transition.  All these transnational challenges that are before us. 

And his purpose is to reaffirm his commitment as President of the United States to seeing through, with the time he has left, on all those solutions.  I mean, nobody can be perfectly predictive about what’s going to happen next month.  And that’s democracy, and that’s the way it works. 

Q    He says all the time that whenever he comes to Europe, they want to know — remember the whole speech that he used to give at the beginning of his presidency about —

MR. KIRBY:  I’ll let — I will —

Q    — but how — so, like, are they asking him?

MR. KIRBY:  I will let the foreign leaders speak for themselves.  I’m not going to talk for them or what’s on their minds. 

Let me just tell — let me just put it this way, and I saw it today: American leadership matters to leaders here.  The United States matters.  The effect — you heard it in the speech that President Steinmeier gave today, that President Biden’s personal leadership has mattered when it comes to European security.  And the continent’s security has changed over the last three-plus years thanks to what Mr. Putin did. 

So, yes, he hears frequently from foreign leaders how important his personal leadership has been and his stewardship of these relationships, but also how important American leadership matters on the world stage.  So I’d leave it at that.

Q    John, I’m going to try one more time here.  You’ve talked about how the President —

MR. KIRBY:  You guys keep on trying.  I have to take away from that that I’m being unsatisfactory.  (Laughter.)

Q    Well, you said the President is here to cement his legacy, but he has less than a hundred days in office.  Is part of cementing that legacy handing over some of these achievements and responsibilities to European allies because of uncertainty about our election?

MR. KIRBY:  Well, so, first of all, I didn’t say he’s cementing his legacy.  He’s reaffirming all the things that he has done and making sure that these European leaders know that for the remainder of his time in office he’s going to keep working on these same goals.  So it’s not about cementing a legacy. 

I’m sorry, and the second part of your question was?

Q    So, as part of reaffirming his legacy, and with less than a hundred days left in office, is he preparing to hand over some of these things to European allies, given the uncertainty about our election?

MR. KIRBY:  No, this was not about handing over.  This wasn’t — these discussions today and the one going on right now is not about handing over responsibilities.  It is about talking to our allies and partners about what together we can continue to do to help Ukraine win this war, to bring the war in the Middle East to an end, and to address all those other transnational challenges. 

One of the things that the President is not only aware of but constantly restates is that while, you know, America is — the United States is the indispensable nation, he likes to say the “essential nation,” that we’ve got to have allies and partners in these challenges with us. 

First of all, it lends greater credibility to an effort if you’ve got partners.  And as I said, where there wasn’t an alliance or partnership to deal with a problem, President Biden has gone and created it.  The 50-plus Ramstein Group nations helping Ukraine and 20-plus nations that are helping in the Red Sea to beat back Houthi attacks on commercial shipping.  And concomitantly with that, an understanding by him that some nations have unique capabilities that we don’t have, and the ability to have conversations we can’t have that are critical to solving these problems.  So that’s what it’s really all about.

Q    Can I ask a follow-up on Ukraine?  You mentioned the victory plan and the discussions about that too.  Yesterday in Brussels, the Chancellor was very open about his — or very clear about his opposition to major parts in Zelenskyy’s victory plan, and Zelenskyy himself seemed a little frustrated by the conversations he had in Brussels yesterday.  So, I’m wondering — and also, the U.S. seems to take issue with some big parts in that victory plan.  So what is the path forward here?  What can the U.S., and maybe Germany also, offer?  What’s the game plan? Because the President himself said a tough winter is coming —

MR. KIRBY:  He did, yeah.

Q    And that’s the only thing that’s on the table right now.  So where are we there, and what’s the way forward?

MR. KIRBY:  The Quad leaders are meeting today, as you know, and they’re going to be talking about the victory plan.  As we’ve said — and I can — you know, it’s the same thing I would say today — we are still going through the victory plan in detail.  We’re still talking to our Ukrainian counterparts about it.  Today, the President has an opportunity to get the perspectives of these European leaders and to share his perspective on it. 

Look, again, without getting into — as I refused to do earlier, we’re not getting into every clause and subparagraph on this thing.  I would just tell you that we appreciate and respect the work that President Zelenskyy put into it and the thoughtfulness that he put into it, and we’re going to continue to work with him and his team to see what this just peace can and should look like, but with a recognition that — look, we believe that the best way the war ends is through a negotiated settlement, but it has to be up to President Zelenskyy to determine if and when that occurs and what the circumstances are.

Q    If I may, it’s not about the small details, though; it’s about the big lines in the victory plan that are an obstacle, obviously, like an unconditional invitation to NATO or long-range weapon use, like Western weapon use in Russian territory.  That’s not small and minor details.  That’s the big, you know, pillars of this victory plan.  So if you’re not in line there, what’s the future of this plan?

MR. KIRBY:  Why don’t we let the Quad leaders sit and talk about this before I go characterizing their positions on each of the components of it.  I’m not going to do that.  We’ve been very consistent with respect to NATO.  And I think somebody asked me a NATO question.  NATO is going to be in Ukraine’s future.  No question about that.  The first thing we have to do is help them win this war.  We got to make sure that they have what they need now.  And that’s why they talked about the battlefield today with Chancellor Scholz. 

Second is we got to make sure that if and when and however this war ends, Ukraine has the ability to not only have a strong, vibrant defense industrial base, but that they have pledging commitments from other countries, including the United States, for long-term security needs that they’re going to have.  They’re still going to have a long border with Russia no matter how this war ends.  They got to be able to deal with a potentially continued aggressive Russia. 

And then, even while all that’s going on, we’re going to continue to work with Ukraine on the necessary reforms that they will need to make in order to apply for NATO membership.  NATO isn’t [sic] going to be in their future.  We’ve put forward some pathways and some milestones to help them get there.  And that’s where we are.  That’s where we are in the United States.

Q    I just heard you say NATO isn’t going to be in their future.  Did you mean NATO is —

MR. KIRBY:  I said it is.

Q    — going to be in their future?

MR. KIRBY:  Yeah.  Did I say “isn’t”?

Q    Yeah.

MR. KIRBY:  No, NATO is going to be in Ukraine’s future. 

Q    Back to the Middle East for a second.  If and when the day comes when you do sit down again on the ceasefire proposal, is the current one on the table, the one that you’re working off of?  Or does the Sinwar situation mean you have to sort of go back to the drawing board or (inaudible)?

MR. KIRBY:  Well, (inaudible) that the ceasefire talks have been moribund now for several weeks because Mr. Sinwar simply refused.  And I wish I could tell you today that we’re getting the teams back together in Doha and we’re starting afresh.  That’s not where we are right now. 

I suspect — again, I don’t want to speculate, but I suspect that if and when we can get those talks back in place, the starting point will be where we left it.  Where that goes, I just don’t know.  We’re not in a position right now where serious negotiations are in the offing.

Q    And on the conversation yesterday with Prime Minister Netanyahu, obviously the Sinwar death was, you know, top of the conversation, I assume.  But did they also talk at all about what the retaliation for the Iran strikes will be?

MR. KIRBY:  As far as I understand, it was a very short call, mostly to congratulate him on killing Sinwar and then talking about the opportunity that Sinwar’s death now gives us, as I said earlier, in the diplomatic space.  That was the main focus. 

Q    Do you have a better understanding, though, on timing and scope of what they might do?

MR. KIRBY:  I’ll let the Israelis speak to their operations potential or otherwise.

Q    You don’t have to tell me what they’re doing, but do you have a good understanding of it?

MR. KIRBY:  I’m just — I’m not going to get into the specifics of diplomatic conversations we’ve had with the Israelis, and I’m certainly not going to talk about or speculate of any at all about their any potential military operations. 

Q    How diminished are Hamas’s capacity right now?  How big a threat are they, in your assessment?

MR. KIRBY:  Greatly diminished.

Q    You said they couldn’t do — like, is it enough that you think that forces the peace?  Is that kind of the argument you’re making?

MR. KIRBY:  We believe that with Sinwar’s killing, not only has the main obstacle to ceasefire negotiations been removed — and hopefully we can get that restarted with him now no longer in the position he was to block it — but also, as I said earlier, and I think it was in the President’s statement, the military structure of Hamas has just been nearly decimated.  They are absolutely incapable, as you and I are speaking here today, of conducting another attack on the scale of October 7th.  But as I also said a little earlier, they still exist as a terrorist organization.  They’re still in Gaza.  They’re still holding hostages.  And, yes, they still have some capability left to them. 

So there’s still a lethality to Hamas that just can’t be underestimated.  But I couldn’t put a percentage on it for you, like, you know, 70 percent diminished, 80 percent.  I don’t know that.  I just know that they are a shadow of their former self right now.

Q    Mr. Kirby, about next month’s Ramstein meeting that President Biden is going to chair, what do you expect?  What should we watch for at next month’s —

MR. KIRBY:  The President is looking forward to hosting this Ramstein Group at the leader level.  It’s going to be done virtually instead of in person.  I’m certainly not prepared a month out to get into the specific deliverables.  But as you have seen with every Ramstein Group meeting in the past, there has been a set of deliverables for Ukraine and Ukrainian security assistance by every — or not by every, but by most nations who attend. 

You come to the Ramstein Group with the expectation that you’re all going to talk collaboratively about how to improve Ukraine’s security assistance.  So, I fully expect that you’ll see the United States come to the Ramstein Group meeting, virtual though it is, with additional commitments to Ukraine’s security.  What those are right now, I’m not in a position to say.

Q    Would there be an answer, point by point, to a Ukrainian victory plan, to Zelenskyy’s plan?

MR. KIRBY:  The purpose of the Ramstein Group, just to remind everybody — the fancy name for it is Ukraine Defense Contact Group — is really defense leaders coming together from all these 50-plus nations to pledge security assistance commitments, and I would expect that that would be the same approach for the next Ramstein Group. 

As I said, we’re still working our way through the victory plan; so are many of our allies.  We’re still talking to President Zelenskyy about it.  Whatever the peace looks like, as I said earlier, we want to make sure that it meets President Zelenskyy’s and the Ukrainian people’s expectations.

Q    Is there any pressure here from the Quad or from Scholz about what America can deliver for Ukraine after the election but before Biden is out of office?

MR. KIRBY:  I did not detect any discussion of that regard today, the pressure from or a specific request from Germany for us to do, you know, XYZ between the election and Inauguration Day.

What I will tell you and what we have told the Germans is that the President has every expectation of fulfilling all our commitments under the PDA authority that he has left for the rest of this year, this calendar year.  And so, I think you just saw him announce another drawdown package when President Zelenskyy was in town.  You’ll see those still coming on a fairly regular, frequent basis as we get all the way through the calendar year.

AIDE:  And we’re just running a little bit low on time.  Do you want to take one or two from the virtual (inaudible) as well?

MR. KIRBY:  Let me take one more here, and then we can go virtual. 

Q    Have there been any outreach to partners in Egypt and Qatar about a possible ceasefire?

MR. KIRBY:  As I said earlier, that process hasn’t borne any fruit for many, many weeks.  And though I would love to sit here and tell you that now that Mr. Sinwar is dead, the day after we’re back at the table — we aren’t right now. 

What I would also add, though, is that we are — we have never stopped having conversations with our counterparts in Qatar and Egypt about the possibility of getting something started and that those conversations are continuing. 

Q    Could I ask one last question?  How does the President view his impact on transatlantic relations now with the last few —

MR. KIRBY:  The President is enormously proud of what his administration and his team has been able to do over the last three and a half years to improve transatlantic cooperation, transatlantic security, the transatlantic relationships. 

I mean, NATO is now two countries bigger than it was when he took office.  And it’s not just bigger.  NATO is more unified, more resolved, more cooperative than it’s ever been.  You heard President Steinmeier say the same thing today. 

So, there’s been an enormous impact on transatlantic security, and obviously a lot of this has been in response to what Mr. Putin decided to do in February of 2022.  But everything he wanted to do, he has failed to do.  He did not fracture the West.  He did not fracture NATO.  He did not take Kyiv in Ukraine. 

And as President Steinmeier said today, a large part of that is President Biden’s personal leadership, his hand on the tiller of these relationships. 

He has believed his whole public life, and he certainly has believed as President, that while America is in many ways the most essential nation, we are not the only nation, and that we need alliances and partnerships to deal with these challenges, and that means being able to work cooperatively and collaboratively with other nations, hearing them out, listening to their perspectives, because that’s important.

AIDE:  All right, we’ll go to Nick Schifrin from PBS virtually.  Nick, you should be able to unmute yourself.

Q    Thanks, Jess.  Thanks, John.  Sorry I couldn’t be there with you guys.  Apologies in advance if my one-year-old interrupts my question. 

But two parts on Gaza.  As you’ve been pointing out, there hasn’t been movement on a ceasefire, not that you guys haven’t been working on it.  Is there an assessment yet that Hamas might choose a leader who can even make a decision about a ceasefire going forward, whether they can choose a leader in the near future?

And then, there’s always been a second pathway in terms of getting to the day after for Gaza, which is working with Arab partners across the region and creating some kind of security package and (inaudible) transition to governance.  Can you guys make that progress regardless of what Hamas does?  Is that possible?  Thanks.

MR. KIRBY:  Well, on your second question, I mean, we obviously hope to.  It’s not by happenstance that the President mentioned day-after planning and efforts in his statement last night.  That is something that he has tasked Secretary Blinken to really take the lead on, and Secretary Blinken and his team are working on that very hard.  We still believe that even while the war goes on, we’ve got to make sure we’re ready for that day after so that Gaza cannot be governed by Hamas but can be governed by authorities, institutions that are answerable to the Palestinians who live there and not to a terrorist organization. 

So we still very much believe in the possibilities there, and Secretary Blinken is working that hard, including with, and even especially with, our Arab partners.

On your first question, it’s, I think, just too soon for us to be able to know, Nick, how Hamas is going to — from a leadership perspective, how they’re going to respond to this, who they might anoint as Sinwar’s successor, and what that individual may be willing to pursue one way or the other, for good or for ill.  It’s just too soon for us to know.  And I’m not aware of — I’m certainly not privy to any intelligence assessments at this early hour that would give us insight into that. 

Q    And, sorry, just a quick follow-up.  Is there a version of progress on a transitional security structure in Gaza that would be despite a lack of hostage release?  Could you have progress on that without a deal to end the war and release the hostages?

MR. KIRBY:  I would refer you to the State Department for that one.  I mean, they’re really working this a lot harder than — well, they’re working it very, very hard.  I just don’t have the insights on everything that they’re doing.  I would — but — so it doesn’t sound like I’m just brushing you off. 

As I said earlier, the killing of Sinwar underscores the keen sense of urgency that we still have and must have to get a ceasefire deal in place to get those hostages home.  That is the President’s primary concern right now, is making sure we get them home, that we can get a surge of humanitarian assistance in, that we get that ceasefire in place.  That’s where his head space is.  Not that it’s not on the day after.  Of course, he’s concerned about that as well, and he’s following Secretary Blinken’s efforts.  But his main focus right now is on getting that ceasefire deal and getting the hostages home. 

AIDE:  Thanks, Nick.  And then for our last question, we’ll go to Tom Bateman for BBC.  Tom, you should be able to unmute yourself.

Tom, are you there?

Q    Can you hear me?

AIDE:  Now we can. 

Q    Can you hear me?

AIDE:  Yep.

Q    Okay.  Thanks, Kirby.  I just wanted to ask you about the dynamics of negotiation now, because, clearly, Netanyahu is in a strengthened position.  Hamas are in a weakened position. And it felt to me as though the Israeli Prime Minister was redrawing some of his conditions yesterday because he said that Hamas fighters who are holding hostages, you know, could release hostages and get away with their lives.  That’s quite a different exchange than the ceasefire deal suggests. 

And I just wonder if you think now — you talked a little bit about if the negotiations start up again, where you start from — but presumably, he would want to very much change the conditions now.  And I just wonder what your assessment of what’s on the table now, the chances of that still carrying through, what your assessment is of that.

MR. KIRBY:  Well, with the caveat that I won’t speak for the Prime Minister, I don’t know that his comments yesterday necessarily connote a move on the goal post when it comes to getting the hostages home.  I mean, he’s absolutely right — as was the case two days ago, so is the case today: that Hamas could simply release all the hostages right now, do the right thing and let them go. 

And as the Prime Minister said before — you know, that would dramatically hasten an end to the conflict if they just did the right thing and let them go.  They shouldn’t be held in the first place. 

So the way we read that is he was restating what he has said many times before.  We obviously don’t see any sign that that’s going to happen.  Now, again, we’ll see what Hamas does and how they react to Sinwar’s killing.  But no signs, as you and I are speaking right now, that that’s in the offing, which is why the President made it clear last night on a couple of occasions, and again today, that this moment of justice also provides us a moment of opportunity to see what we can do to get those hostages home and also to get a surge of humanitarian assistance in to the people of Gaza who so desperately need it.

AIDE:  All right, that’s all the —

Q    Can I just ask one more quick one?  Sorry.  Given the threats on former President Trump’s life and his campaign requesting military planes, do you know if that request is actively under consideration, or is that being ruled out?  I know that Jake told us yesterday that the President tasked you guys with actually responding to any intel you get on, you know, threats on —

MR. KIRBY:  Yes, of course we will respond to any intelligence and do it appropriately and collaboratively with the campaigns, as we must. 

I am not going to get into the specifics of requests that may or may not be coming in, and I’m certainly not going to talk about the specifics of force protection or, in this case, protection given to former President Trump.  I mean, that wouldn’t be appropriate for me to do. 

All I can assure you is that the guidance by the President is to make sure that we are being as responsive as we humanly can to the security needs of the of both candidates and, in this case, obviously former President Trump.  We’re having regular conversations with him and his team about what those needs are, and doing everything we can — everything we can to be responsive to those needs.

Q    Is there any frustration on your end that this is sort of being politicized by his team that you’re not doing enough?

MR. KIRBY:  I have the advantage of not having to get into politics one way or another, so I’m going to just — I’m just going to let that one go. 

All right.  Thanks, everybody.  Appreciate it.

9:21 A.M. EDT

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Via Teleconference

8:45 A.M. EDT

MR. KIRBY:  Thanks very much.  I’ll just keep it short because I know you got questions. 

A really terrific day here in Berlin for the President.  I think you all saw how significant and emotional he was over — getting the Order of Merit from President Steinmeier.  He also had a chance bilaterally to meet with the President on issues like Ukraine and the Middle East. 

And then we came over here to the Chancellor.  He had some one-on-one time with Chancellor Scholz and then a working lunch.  Unsurprisingly, the main topics of discussion were, of course, Ukraine.  Further discussions about how we were going to continue to work with the EU to find a way to employ Russian sovereign assets to help with Ukraine’s reconstruction — that was a topic. 

Of course, there was also the issue of what’s going on on the battlefield and where the Germans see their perspectives about where the Ukrainian Armed Forces are, sort of President Biden sharing our perspective on how things are going on the battlefield. 

And then, of course, they talked about President Zelenskyy’s victory plan and how we can all work together to try to see if we can’t get to a just peace that President Zelenskyy and the Ukrainian people will approve of and, of course, you know, can implement. 

And then, now, the President is meeting with the European Quad leaders.  That’s going on right now.  I’m not in that room, but we’ll have a readout when it’s over.  And again, I have no doubt that issues regarding Ukraine and the Middle East will come up as well in the Quad. 

I forgot to mention — in the working lunch with Chancellor Scholz, they also did spend some time talking about the Middle East and the developments yesterday and how that might affect where we go forward here in terms of trying to find a way to end the war and with the opportunity that Sinwar’s death now provides us. 

So, again, that’s just kind of a rough summary of the discussions, and we will absolutely have a readout for you of the Quad meeting when it’s over.

So I can take some questions.

Q    John, real fast: Prime Minister Netanyahu today said, “We have before us a great opportunity to stop the axis of evil and create a different future.”  What gives the U.S. confidence, after Sinwar’s death, that Israel is ready for a ceasefire, that it sees a ceasefire as its best option?

MR. KIRBY:  We believe — continue to believe that finding an end to the war is critical, and we also believe that Mr. Sinwar’s death yesterday can provide an inflection point to getting there. 

I mean, look at what the Israeli Defense Forces have been able to do against Hamas.  I mean, they’ve really decimated their leadership, now knocking out the top leader himself.  They have, without question, completely eliminated any immediate threat that Hamas would pose from a military perspective.  They’ve knocked out military command structure.  They’ve gone after weapons caches.  They’ve made it much more difficult for Hamas to operate and act, plan and execute the way they did on October 7th. 

So, Hamas is in a much, much, much weakened position than it ever was before.  The President believes that certainly with Sinwar’s killing yesterday, that there’s a unique opportunity here for us all to kind of grab hold of to see what we can do to end the war and to get a ceasefire.  And we still believe that a ceasefire — actually, in the north too — but we still believe a ceasefire is important for Gaza to get those hostages home. 

So you asked me what gives us confidence.  I think, first of all, one thing that gives us confidence that now is a propitious opportunity is the incredible work that the IDF has done in decimating Hamas and now killing Hamas’s leadership. 

Q    But I guess the core question was: What gives you confidence that Prime Minister Netanyahu shares that view?  Does he share the view that you just articulated?

MR. KIRBY:  Well, I’ll let the Prime Minister speak for himself.  I mean, he said himself yesterday that this does provide a unique opportunity. 

Now, what we’ll do is continue to have consultations with our Israeli counterparts about how we take advantage of that opportunity.  The President still believes that intensive diplomacy is still the preferred path.  And now with Sinwar gone, we are in a unique opportunity to really take that to the next level, try to get a ceasefire in Gaza, but, as well, to try to get a ceasefire up in the north against Hezbollah, and then, again, do everything we can to prevent this from escalating. 

Q    Just to follow up on that, you know, in the past few months, when Israel has taken action against others — Nasrallah’s killing as an example — the big concern was that that had the potential to truly escalate the conflict in the Middle East into something closer to a regional conflict.  I guess I don’t quite understand.  Is the idea here that Sinwar was the chief stumbling block to a ceasefire, and with him gone, the remaining leadership that are sitting in Qatar, or wherever they are, are somehow going to be less of an obstacle to a ceasefire?  Is that the opportunity that you’re sort of dancing around?

MR. KIRBY:  Yes.  I’m not — sorry if I’m dancing.  I’m not trying to dance. 

Q    Not you personally, but —

MR. KIRBY:  But, yes, Sinwar was the main obstacle to getting a ceasefire done.  Every time his political advisors would — we’d negotiate with and through them to come up with a proposal, it would have to get to him.  Of course, that took time because of the communications challenges.  And then he would just — he would just refute it and refuse to move forward. 

And it’s not as if — as I’ve said this before, it’s not as if the Israelis weren’t willing to continue to find compromises, and they did.  Each and every time, Sinwar found a way to stop it.  Now he’s gone.  So, we’ll see.  I mean, Hamas, obviously, will make their own decisions about what their structure is going to look like and if and who might replace Mr. Sinwar. 

But, yes, his death does provide a unique opportunity here to try to take advantage of where we are with Hamas, where Israel is with Hamas, and see if we can’t get a ceasefire in place.

Q    But you haven’t gotten yet.  I mean, I know it’s early, it’s less than 24 hours, but you haven’t gotten any signals from those political Hamas officials that you were dealing through Qatar and whatever —

MR. KIRBY:  Not that I’m aware of.  Not that I’m aware of.

Q    — they haven’t sort of said, “Oh, well, let’s start talking again”?

MR. KIRBY:  Not that I’m aware of.  But as you rightly pointed out, I mean, this just happened yesterday.

We believe — and it was in the — look, it was in the President’s statement.  You know, the obstacle that was Sinwar has now been removed.  There’s a lot more work to be done.  And when the President is talking about that work, he’s talking about getting the diplomatic path back into some kind of swing.

Q    John, to your point about Sinwar, what are your fears as Hamas regroups?  What are your chief concerns right now?

MR. KIRBY:  Well, obviously, we’re going to be watching to see what they do here.  They have been — as I said, the leadership decimated, military structure decimated, but they still are a presence in Gaza, and they still do have some capability, so we’re certainly going to be watching that carefully.  And I’ve seen some statements out of them today, you know, basically pledging to continue the conflict and continue the war. 

They are in such a dramatically weakened position, it’s difficult to see from where we sit that they could perpetrate anything close to what they did on the 7th of October.  But that doesn’t mean that they aren’t still lethal to some degree, and so we’re going to have to watch that carefully. 

So, two things.  One, we’re going to continue to support Israel with defensive capabilities.  And that’s not going to stop.  Just because Mr. Sinwar is gone, it doesn’t mean that we’re going to, in some way, diminish our support to Israel and their defense capabilities. 

Two, as the President said last night to you all, this is an opportunity now to really step up and see what we can explore in terms of opportunities for a diplomatic solution and getting a ceasefire in place. 

We have to all — as we sit here, I mean, today, those hostages are still being held somewhere in Gaza, likely in tunnels, and their lives are still greatly at risk.  And there’s a keen sense of urgency — there has been, of course — but now, with Mr. Sinwar’s passing, it really underscores for us how urgent it is to see what we can do to get those hostages home.  And you heard Prime Minister Netanyahu say the same thing yesterday. 

Q    Let me ask a Ukraine question.  So, with regards to President Zelenskyy’s peace proposal and the two points — membership in NATO before the end of Biden’s presidency and also nuclear capabilities — where does the White House stand on that?  Have you had any change of heart or change of mind on that?  And how are you doing on the $50 billion loan?

MR. KIRBY:  Sorry, your first question was where’s our policy on what?

Q    On the peace — on the victory plan.

MR. KIRBY:  Oh, yeah.

Look, the President appreciated President Zelenskyy bringing it to the Oval Office and having a discussion about the victory plan. 

We’re obviously still digging through the details of it, so I’m not going to get into the nuts and bolts on every little item in it.  But I will say that, as we’ve made clear, we support President Zelenskyy’s plan for a just peace.  It’s critical that whatever that peace looks like, it has to be acceptable to him and to the Ukrainian people.  And we’re certainly not going to have any discussions about Ukraine without Ukraine.  And we’re certainly not going to have any discussions with foreign leaders that don’t comport with what we believe President Zelenskyy’s plans are for a just peace.

Q    The four leaders are literally having discussions about Ukraine without Ukraine right now, today.

MR. KIRBY:  With leaders who don’t — as I finished in my sentence, we’re not going to have discussions with leaders who don’t also comport to that plan, the idea of following through on his just peace plan. 

Q    Kirby, can you give a sense of to what extent President Biden is addressing the election on his trip here?  It obviously overhangs some of the things that he’s talking about in terms of alliances, in terms of what’s next for Ukraine.  How is he addressing that writ large?

MR. KIRBY:  The discussions he’s having today are not about the election.  It’s really about — well, first of all, thanking the German people for their incredible support of Ukraine, obviously showing his gratitude to the leadership here, President Steinmeier and Chancellor Scholz. 

But it’s really more about — as I kind of said in my opening statement, these are policy-heavy discussions, including the one he’s having right now, about some of the key still-open issues affecting our collective security, and that’s the war in Ukraine, and, of course, what’s going on in the Middle East, and really trying to work on policy solutions to solve these problems.  I mean, that’s really the gist of the meetings that he’s been at. 

Q    But —

Q    Hold on, hold on.  I’ll follow up.

I understand that it’s not a meeting about the election, but Europe is worried, and what happens in the U.S. election will help determine what happens next on those issues.  So, you know, what reassurances can he give, or can he just not, because he doesn’t know?  Nobody knows who’s going to win.

MR. KIRBY:  I think his purpose for coming and the thrust of his discussions are really about reaffirming everything that he’s done as President and Commander-in-Chief over the last three-plus years to improve alliances and partnerships, make them stronger, make them bigger, create ones where they didn’t exist before, and work together on cooperative solutions for some of these challenges. 

Now, we’ve been talking about Ukraine and the Middle East, but they are also talking about climate change.  They’re talking about terrorism.  They’re, you know, talking about, you know, clean energy transition.  All these transnational challenges that are before us. 

And his purpose is to reaffirm his commitment as President of the United States to seeing through, with the time he has left, on all those solutions.  I mean, nobody can be perfectly predictive about what’s going to happen next month.  And that’s democracy, and that’s the way it works. 

Q    He says all the time that whenever he comes to Europe, they want to know — remember the whole speech that he used to give at the beginning of his presidency about —

MR. KIRBY:  I’ll let — I will —

Q    — but how — so, like, are they asking him?

MR. KIRBY:  I will let the foreign leaders speak for themselves.  I’m not going to talk for them or what’s on their minds. 

Let me just tell — let me just put it this way, and I saw it today: American leadership matters to leaders here.  The United States matters.  The effect — you heard it in the speech that President Steinmeier gave today, that President Biden’s personal leadership has mattered when it comes to European security.  And the continent’s security has changed over the last three-plus years thanks to what Mr. Putin did. 

So, yes, he hears frequently from foreign leaders how important his personal leadership has been and his stewardship of these relationships, but also how important American leadership matters on the world stage.  So I’d leave it at that.

Q    John, I’m going to try one more time here.  You’ve talked about how the President —

MR. KIRBY:  You guys keep on trying.  I have to take away from that that I’m being unsatisfactory.  (Laughter.)

Q    Well, you said the President is here to cement his legacy, but he has less than a hundred days in office.  Is part of cementing that legacy handing over some of these achievements and responsibilities to European allies because of uncertainty about our election?

MR. KIRBY:  Well, so, first of all, I didn’t say he’s cementing his legacy.  He’s reaffirming all the things that he has done and making sure that these European leaders know that for the remainder of his time in office he’s going to keep working on these same goals.  So it’s not about cementing a legacy. 

I’m sorry, and the second part of your question was?

Q    So, as part of reaffirming his legacy, and with less than a hundred days left in office, is he preparing to hand over some of these things to European allies, given the uncertainty about our election?

MR. KIRBY:  No, this was not about handing over.  This wasn’t — these discussions today and the one going on right now is not about handing over responsibilities.  It is about talking to our allies and partners about what together we can continue to do to help Ukraine win this war, to bring the war in the Middle East to an end, and to address all those other transnational challenges. 

One of the things that the President is not only aware of but constantly restates is that while, you know, America is — the United States is the indispensable nation, he likes to say the “essential nation,” that we’ve got to have allies and partners in these challenges with us. 

First of all, it lends greater credibility to an effort if you’ve got partners.  And as I said, where there wasn’t an alliance or partnership to deal with a problem, President Biden has gone and created it.  The 50-plus Ramstein Group nations helping Ukraine and 20-plus nations that are helping in the Red Sea to beat back Houthi attacks on commercial shipping.  And concomitantly with that, an understanding by him that some nations have unique capabilities that we don’t have, and the ability to have conversations we can’t have that are critical to solving these problems.  So that’s what it’s really all about.

Q    Can I ask a follow-up on Ukraine?  You mentioned the victory plan and the discussions about that too.  Yesterday in Brussels, the Chancellor was very open about his — or very clear about his opposition to major parts in Zelenskyy’s victory plan, and Zelenskyy himself seemed a little frustrated by the conversations he had in Brussels yesterday.  So, I’m wondering — and also, the U.S. seems to take issue with some big parts in that victory plan.  So what is the path forward here?  What can the U.S., and maybe Germany also, offer?  What’s the game plan? Because the President himself said a tough winter is coming —

MR. KIRBY:  He did, yeah.

Q    And that’s the only thing that’s on the table right now.  So where are we there, and what’s the way forward?

MR. KIRBY:  The Quad leaders are meeting today, as you know, and they’re going to be talking about the victory plan.  As we’ve said — and I can — you know, it’s the same thing I would say today — we are still going through the victory plan in detail.  We’re still talking to our Ukrainian counterparts about it.  Today, the President has an opportunity to get the perspectives of these European leaders and to share his perspective on it. 

Look, again, without getting into — as I refused to do earlier, we’re not getting into every clause and subparagraph on this thing.  I would just tell you that we appreciate and respect the work that President Zelenskyy put into it and the thoughtfulness that he put into it, and we’re going to continue to work with him and his team to see what this just peace can and should look like, but with a recognition that — look, we believe that the best way the war ends is through a negotiated settlement, but it has to be up to President Zelenskyy to determine if and when that occurs and what the circumstances are.

Q    If I may, it’s not about the small details, though; it’s about the big lines in the victory plan that are an obstacle, obviously, like an unconditional invitation to NATO or long-range weapon use, like Western weapon use in Russian territory.  That’s not small and minor details.  That’s the big, you know, pillars of this victory plan.  So if you’re not in line there, what’s the future of this plan?

MR. KIRBY:  Why don’t we let the Quad leaders sit and talk about this before I go characterizing their positions on each of the components of it.  I’m not going to do that.  We’ve been very consistent with respect to NATO.  And I think somebody asked me a NATO question.  NATO is going to be in Ukraine’s future.  No question about that.  The first thing we have to do is help them win this war.  We got to make sure that they have what they need now.  And that’s why they talked about the battlefield today with Chancellor Scholz. 

Second is we got to make sure that if and when and however this war ends, Ukraine has the ability to not only have a strong, vibrant defense industrial base, but that they have pledging commitments from other countries, including the United States, for long-term security needs that they’re going to have.  They’re still going to have a long border with Russia no matter how this war ends.  They got to be able to deal with a potentially continued aggressive Russia. 

And then, even while all that’s going on, we’re going to continue to work with Ukraine on the necessary reforms that they will need to make in order to apply for NATO membership.  NATO isn’t [sic] going to be in their future.  We’ve put forward some pathways and some milestones to help them get there.  And that’s where we are.  That’s where we are in the United States.

Q    I just heard you say NATO isn’t going to be in their future.  Did you mean NATO is —

MR. KIRBY:  I said it is.

Q    — going to be in their future?

MR. KIRBY:  Yeah.  Did I say “isn’t”?

Q    Yeah.

MR. KIRBY:  No, NATO is going to be in Ukraine’s future. 

Q    Back to the Middle East for a second.  If and when the day comes when you do sit down again on the ceasefire proposal, is the current one on the table, the one that you’re working off of?  Or does the Sinwar situation mean you have to sort of go back to the drawing board or (inaudible)?

MR. KIRBY:  Well, (inaudible) that the ceasefire talks have been moribund now for several weeks because Mr. Sinwar simply refused.  And I wish I could tell you today that we’re getting the teams back together in Doha and we’re starting afresh.  That’s not where we are right now. 

I suspect — again, I don’t want to speculate, but I suspect that if and when we can get those talks back in place, the starting point will be where we left it.  Where that goes, I just don’t know.  We’re not in a position right now where serious negotiations are in the offing.

Q    And on the conversation yesterday with Prime Minister Netanyahu, obviously the Sinwar death was, you know, top of the conversation, I assume.  But did they also talk at all about what the retaliation for the Iran strikes will be?

MR. KIRBY:  As far as I understand, it was a very short call, mostly to congratulate him on killing Sinwar and then talking about the opportunity that Sinwar’s death now gives us, as I said earlier, in the diplomatic space.  That was the main focus. 

Q    Do you have a better understanding, though, on timing and scope of what they might do?

MR. KIRBY:  I’ll let the Israelis speak to their operations potential or otherwise.

Q    You don’t have to tell me what they’re doing, but do you have a good understanding of it?

MR. KIRBY:  I’m just — I’m not going to get into the specifics of diplomatic conversations we’ve had with the Israelis, and I’m certainly not going to talk about or speculate of any at all about their any potential military operations. 

Q    How diminished are Hamas’s capacity right now?  How big a threat are they, in your assessment?

MR. KIRBY:  Greatly diminished.

Q    You said they couldn’t do — like, is it enough that you think that forces the peace?  Is that kind of the argument you’re making?

MR. KIRBY:  We believe that with Sinwar’s killing, not only has the main obstacle to ceasefire negotiations been removed — and hopefully we can get that restarted with him now no longer in the position he was to block it — but also, as I said earlier, and I think it was in the President’s statement, the military structure of Hamas has just been nearly decimated.  They are absolutely incapable, as you and I are speaking here today, of conducting another attack on the scale of October 7th.  But as I also said a little earlier, they still exist as a terrorist organization.  They’re still in Gaza.  They’re still holding hostages.  And, yes, they still have some capability left to them. 

So there’s still a lethality to Hamas that just can’t be underestimated.  But I couldn’t put a percentage on it for you, like, you know, 70 percent diminished, 80 percent.  I don’t know that.  I just know that they are a shadow of their former self right now.

Q    Mr. Kirby, about next month’s Ramstein meeting that President Biden is going to chair, what do you expect?  What should we watch for at next month’s —

MR. KIRBY:  The President is looking forward to hosting this Ramstein Group at the leader level.  It’s going to be done virtually instead of in person.  I’m certainly not prepared a month out to get into the specific deliverables.  But as you have seen with every Ramstein Group meeting in the past, there has been a set of deliverables for Ukraine and Ukrainian security assistance by every — or not by every, but by most nations who attend. 

You come to the Ramstein Group with the expectation that you’re all going to talk collaboratively about how to improve Ukraine’s security assistance.  So, I fully expect that you’ll see the United States come to the Ramstein Group meeting, virtual though it is, with additional commitments to Ukraine’s security.  What those are right now, I’m not in a position to say.

Q    Would there be an answer, point by point, to a Ukrainian victory plan, to Zelenskyy’s plan?

MR. KIRBY:  The purpose of the Ramstein Group, just to remind everybody — the fancy name for it is Ukraine Defense Contact Group — is really defense leaders coming together from all these 50-plus nations to pledge security assistance commitments, and I would expect that that would be the same approach for the next Ramstein Group. 

As I said, we’re still working our way through the victory plan; so are many of our allies.  We’re still talking to President Zelenskyy about it.  Whatever the peace looks like, as I said earlier, we want to make sure that it meets President Zelenskyy’s and the Ukrainian people’s expectations.

Q    Is there any pressure here from the Quad or from Scholz about what America can deliver for Ukraine after the election but before Biden is out of office?

MR. KIRBY:  I did not detect any discussion of that regard today, the pressure from or a specific request from Germany for us to do, you know, XYZ between the election and Inauguration Day.

What I will tell you and what we have told the Germans is that the President has every expectation of fulfilling all our commitments under the PDA authority that he has left for the rest of this year, this calendar year.  And so, I think you just saw him announce another drawdown package when President Zelenskyy was in town.  You’ll see those still coming on a fairly regular, frequent basis as we get all the way through the calendar year.

AIDE:  And we’re just running a little bit low on time.  Do you want to take one or two from the virtual (inaudible) as well?

MR. KIRBY:  Let me take one more here, and then we can go virtual. 

Q    Have there been any outreach to partners in Egypt and Qatar about a possible ceasefire?

MR. KIRBY:  As I said earlier, that process hasn’t borne any fruit for many, many weeks.  And though I would love to sit here and tell you that now that Mr. Sinwar is dead, the day after we’re back at the table — we aren’t right now. 

What I would also add, though, is that we are — we have never stopped having conversations with our counterparts in Qatar and Egypt about the possibility of getting something started and that those conversations are continuing. 

Q    Could I ask one last question?  How does the President view his impact on transatlantic relations now with the last few —

MR. KIRBY:  The President is enormously proud of what his administration and his team has been able to do over the last three and a half years to improve transatlantic cooperation, transatlantic security, the transatlantic relationships. 

I mean, NATO is now two countries bigger than it was when he took office.  And it’s not just bigger.  NATO is more unified, more resolved, more cooperative than it’s ever been.  You heard President Steinmeier say the same thing today. 

So, there’s been an enormous impact on transatlantic security, and obviously a lot of this has been in response to what Mr. Putin decided to do in February of 2022.  But everything he wanted to do, he has failed to do.  He did not fracture the West.  He did not fracture NATO.  He did not take Kyiv in Ukraine. 

And as President Steinmeier said today, a large part of that is President Biden’s personal leadership, his hand on the tiller of these relationships. 

He has believed his whole public life, and he certainly has believed as President, that while America is in many ways the most essential nation, we are not the only nation, and that we need alliances and partnerships to deal with these challenges, and that means being able to work cooperatively and collaboratively with other nations, hearing them out, listening to their perspectives, because that’s important.

AIDE:  All right, we’ll go to Nick Schifrin from PBS virtually.  Nick, you should be able to unmute yourself.

Q    Thanks, Jess.  Thanks, John.  Sorry I couldn’t be there with you guys.  Apologies in advance if my one-year-old interrupts my question. 

But two parts on Gaza.  As you’ve been pointing out, there hasn’t been movement on a ceasefire, not that you guys haven’t been working on it.  Is there an assessment yet that Hamas might choose a leader who can even make a decision about a ceasefire going forward, whether they can choose a leader in the near future?

And then, there’s always been a second pathway in terms of getting to the day after for Gaza, which is working with Arab partners across the region and creating some kind of security package and (inaudible) transition to governance.  Can you guys make that progress regardless of what Hamas does?  Is that possible?  Thanks.

MR. KIRBY:  Well, on your second question, I mean, we obviously hope to.  It’s not by happenstance that the President mentioned day-after planning and efforts in his statement last night.  That is something that he has tasked Secretary Blinken to really take the lead on, and Secretary Blinken and his team are working on that very hard.  We still believe that even while the war goes on, we’ve got to make sure we’re ready for that day after so that Gaza cannot be governed by Hamas but can be governed by authorities, institutions that are answerable to the Palestinians who live there and not to a terrorist organization. 

So we still very much believe in the possibilities there, and Secretary Blinken is working that hard, including with, and even especially with, our Arab partners.

On your first question, it’s, I think, just too soon for us to be able to know, Nick, how Hamas is going to — from a leadership perspective, how they’re going to respond to this, who they might anoint as Sinwar’s successor, and what that individual may be willing to pursue one way or the other, for good or for ill.  It’s just too soon for us to know.  And I’m not aware of — I’m certainly not privy to any intelligence assessments at this early hour that would give us insight into that. 

Q    And, sorry, just a quick follow-up.  Is there a version of progress on a transitional security structure in Gaza that would be despite a lack of hostage release?  Could you have progress on that without a deal to end the war and release the hostages?

MR. KIRBY:  I would refer you to the State Department for that one.  I mean, they’re really working this a lot harder than — well, they’re working it very, very hard.  I just don’t have the insights on everything that they’re doing.  I would — but — so it doesn’t sound like I’m just brushing you off. 

As I said earlier, the killing of Sinwar underscores the keen sense of urgency that we still have and must have to get a ceasefire deal in place to get those hostages home.  That is the President’s primary concern right now, is making sure we get them home, that we can get a surge of humanitarian assistance in, that we get that ceasefire in place.  That’s where his head space is.  Not that it’s not on the day after.  Of course, he’s concerned about that as well, and he’s following Secretary Blinken’s efforts.  But his main focus right now is on getting that ceasefire deal and getting the hostages home. 

AIDE:  Thanks, Nick.  And then for our last question, we’ll go to Tom Bateman for BBC.  Tom, you should be able to unmute yourself.

Tom, are you there?

Q    Can you hear me?

AIDE:  Now we can. 

Q    Can you hear me?

AIDE:  Yep.

Q    Okay.  Thanks, Kirby.  I just wanted to ask you about the dynamics of negotiation now, because, clearly, Netanyahu is in a strengthened position.  Hamas are in a weakened position. And it felt to me as though the Israeli Prime Minister was redrawing some of his conditions yesterday because he said that Hamas fighters who are holding hostages, you know, could release hostages and get away with their lives.  That’s quite a different exchange than the ceasefire deal suggests. 

And I just wonder if you think now — you talked a little bit about if the negotiations start up again, where you start from — but presumably, he would want to very much change the conditions now.  And I just wonder what your assessment of what’s on the table now, the chances of that still carrying through, what your assessment is of that.

MR. KIRBY:  Well, with the caveat that I won’t speak for the Prime Minister, I don’t know that his comments yesterday necessarily connote a move on the goal post when it comes to getting the hostages home.  I mean, he’s absolutely right — as was the case two days ago, so is the case today: that Hamas could simply release all the hostages right now, do the right thing and let them go. 

And as the Prime Minister said before — you know, that would dramatically hasten an end to the conflict if they just did the right thing and let them go.  They shouldn’t be held in the first place. 

So the way we read that is he was restating what he has said many times before.  We obviously don’t see any sign that that’s going to happen.  Now, again, we’ll see what Hamas does and how they react to Sinwar’s killing.  But no signs, as you and I are speaking right now, that that’s in the offing, which is why the President made it clear last night on a couple of occasions, and again today, that this moment of justice also provides us a moment of opportunity to see what we can do to get those hostages home and also to get a surge of humanitarian assistance in to the people of Gaza who so desperately need it.

AIDE:  All right, that’s all the —

Q    Can I just ask one more quick one?  Sorry.  Given the threats on former President Trump’s life and his campaign requesting military planes, do you know if that request is actively under consideration, or is that being ruled out?  I know that Jake told us yesterday that the President tasked you guys with actually responding to any intel you get on, you know, threats on —

MR. KIRBY:  Yes, of course we will respond to any intelligence and do it appropriately and collaboratively with the campaigns, as we must. 

I am not going to get into the specifics of requests that may or may not be coming in, and I’m certainly not going to talk about the specifics of force protection or, in this case, protection given to former President Trump.  I mean, that wouldn’t be appropriate for me to do. 

All I can assure you is that the guidance by the President is to make sure that we are being as responsive as we humanly can to the security needs of the of both candidates and, in this case, obviously former President Trump.  We’re having regular conversations with him and his team about what those needs are, and doing everything we can — everything we can to be responsive to those needs.

Q    Is there any frustration on your end that this is sort of being politicized by his team that you’re not doing enough?

MR. KIRBY:  I have the advantage of not having to get into politics one way or another, so I’m going to just — I’m just going to let that one go. 

All right.  Thanks, everybody.  Appreciate it.

9:21 A.M. EDT

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Riverside Park
Grand Rapids, Michigan

2:38 P.M. EDT

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Good afternoon, Michigan!  Good afternoon.  Can we hear it for Brian?  (Applause.) 

Good afternoon, Michigan.  It is good — (applause) — oh, it is good to be back.  It’s good to be back.  (Applause.)  Good afternoon.  Oh — (laughs) — oh, my god.  Okay.  (Applause.)  Okay.  Thank you. 

Okay, let’s get to business.  Let’s get to business.  Thank you.  Thank you.  I am very touched.  (Applause.)  Thank you all.  Oh, it’s good to be back.  Thank you all very much.  Thank you.  Thank you. 

Okay, let’s get to work.  Let’s get to work.  Let’s get to work.  Let’s get to work. 

So, let me first thank all of you for taking time out of your very busy lives for us to all be here together this afternoon.  I thank you so very much for all you do, all you have done, and all you will do over these next 18 days.  Thank you all so very much.  (Applause.)  Thank you. 

This is an incredible group of incredible leaders, and your voice matters so much right now.  And I think there is so much about our campaign that is about the spirit of reminding everyone that we’re all in this together.  We are all in this together.  (Applause.)  So, thank you. 

And to all the governors who are here with us today — (applause) — I’m telling you, they’re riding thick.  They’re riding thick.  Oh, and they are all — each one of them — such incredible leaders, both for their state and our nation, and such dear friends.  And I thank you all, including, of course, Michigan’s own Governor Whitmer — (applause) — who we love as “Big Gretch.”  (Applause.)

And to the governors, I want to say you’ve been traveling the country for our campaign, and I’m so deeply grateful for your support. 

I also want to recognize Senator Stabenow — (applause) — a champion for Michigan; Representative Scholten, who we will reelect to the United States Congress.  (Applause.)  And while we’re at it, let’s send Representative Slotkin to the United States Senate.  (Applause.)

All right, so we got work to do.  Eighteen day — eighteen days left in one of the most consequential elections of our lifetime.  And as you know, everyone here knows, this election is truly about two very different visions for our nation: Ours that is focused on the future; Donald Trump’s that is focused on the past.  Ours, that is focused on bringing down the cost of living for working families, investing in small businesses, and entrepreneurs.  Ours, that is about protecting reproductive freedom.  (Applause.)  

But none of that is what we hear from Donald Trump.  Instead, it is just the same old, tired playbook.  He has no plan for how he would address the needs of the American people, and he is, as we have seen, only focused on himself.

And now he is ducking debates and canceling interviews.

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Come on. 

Check this out.  His own campaign team recently said it is because of exhaustion.  (Laughter.)  Well, if you are exhausted on the campaign trail, it raises real questions about whether you are fit for the toughest job in the world.  (Applause.)  Come on.  Come on.

So, for all these reasons and more, we are here because we know it is time to turn the page.  (Applause.)  It is time to turn the page because America is ready to chart a new way forward.  (Applause.)  America is ready for a new and optimistic generation of leadership that is all of us — (applause) — all of us, which is why Democrats, Republicans, and independents are supporting our campaign.  (Applause.) 

In fact, earlier this week, over 100 Republican leaders from across the country joined me on the campaign trail, including some who even served in Donald Trump’s own administration — (applause) — the people who know him best, right? 

And I believe all of this shows that the American people want a president who works for all the people.  (Applause.)  And that has been the story of my entire career.  In my career, I’ve only ever had one client: the people — the people.  (Applause.)

As a young courtroom prosecutor, I protected women and children.  As attorney general of California, I fought for students and veterans.  As vice president, I have stood up for workers and seniors.  And as president, I will stand up for all Americans — all Americans.  (Applause.) 

And together, we will build a brighter future for our nation.  Yes, we will.  (Applause.)  Because, by the way, we will win.  (Applause.)  We will win.  We will win.  Come on.

     AUDIENCE:  We will win!  We will win!  We will win! 

     THE VICE PRESIDENT:  (Laughs.)  Yes, we will.

     AUDIENCE:  We will win!  We will win!  We will win!

     THE VICE PRESIDENT:  We will win.  We will win.  And we will win.

And one of the reasons that we know we are working hard toward that win is because we believe together in building a future — in what we can do together as a nation — and a nation of people who see what we have in common more than what separates us. 

 We will w- — build towards a future where we have an economy that works for all Americans.  We will build what I call an “opportunity economy” so that every American has an opportunity to own a home, buy a car, build wealth, and start a business.  (Applause.) 

 In fact, do we have any small-business owners here?  (Applause.)  I love our small businesses.  I got a plan for you.  I love our small businesses.  Our small businesses are part of the backbone of America’s economy.  Bless you all for the work you are doing. 

 So, under my plan, we will also bring down the cost of housing — (applause) — and we will help entrepreneurs start and grow small businesses. 

 My plan will expand Medicare to cover the cost of home health care for our seniors — (applause) — so that more of our seniors can live with dignity. 

And, you know, I’ll just give you a little background i- — in terms of a personal story.  So, I took care of my mother when she was sick.  And for any of you who have taken care of an elder relative, you know what that is, right?  It’s about trying to cook something that they can eat.  It’s about trying to find clothes that they can — they can handle on their skin.  It’s about trying, from time to time, to think about something that will put a smile on their face or maybe just make them laugh.  It’s about dignity. 

But under the current system, and especially for those in the sandwich generation who are raising young kids while you’re taking care of your parents, it’s difficult.  And under the current system, to get help for taking care of your seniors, unless you got the extra money sitting around, you’d have to leave your job or pay down all your savings to qualify for Medicaid.  That’s not right.  That’s not right. 

 So, my plan is about saying, let’s have Medicare cover the cost of home health care for our seniors — (applause) — which is a matter of understanding how real people are living and understanding the importance of everyone being entitled to dignity.  (Applause.)

Our plan, in terms of an opportunity economy, will lower costs on everything from health care to groceries.  I’ll take on corporate price gouging, because I’ve done it before and I will do it again.  (Applause.)

My plan will also give middle-class tax cuts to 100 million Americans, including $6,000 tax credit for the first year of a child’s life so that our young parents — (applause) — can do what they naturally want to do, which is parent their children well, but they don’t always have the resources to be able to do it.  So, let’s help them out so that they can buy a car seat, so that they can buy a crib, so that they can take care of that baby’s needs during that critical phase of their development. 

     We all benefit from it.  We all benefit from it.  (Applause.)

     Dignity.

My plan also invests in American manufacturing and innovation, because I will make sure America, not China, wins the competition for the 21st century.  (Applause.) 

     AUDIENCE:  USA!  USA!  USA!

     THE VICE PRESIDENT:  That’s right.  That’s right.

     AUDIENCE:  USA!  USA!  USA!

 THE VICE PRESIDENT:  And so, to that point and with pride, we all say: We must and we will invest in the industries that built America, like steel, iron, and the great American auto industry.  (Applause.)  And we will ensure that the next generation of breakthroughs, from advanced batteries to electric vehicles, are not just invented but built right here in America by American union workers.  (Applause.)

 And, Michigan, I know I’m going to tell you what you already know, but let us be clear for folks who are watching from different parts of the country.  Contrary to what my opponent is suggesting, I will never tell you what kind of car you have to drive, but here is what I will do.  I will invest in manufacturing communities like Kent County.  (Applause.) 

Together, we will retool existing factories, hire locally, and work with unions to create good-paying jobs — (applause) — including jobs that do not require a college degree, because here’s where I come from.  I know a college degree is not the only measure of the skills and experience of a qualified worker.  (Applause.)

And I intend to reexamine federal jobs, when you all elect me president — (applause) — to assess those jobs that should not have that requirement, and then I intend to challenge the private sector to do the same.  (Applause.)

 Now, all of this is to say Donald Trump has a different approach.  He makes big promises — (laughs) — and he always fails to deliver.

So, remember he said he was the only one — you know how he talks.  (Laughter.)  He — the only one who could bring back America’s manufacturing jobs.

Then, America lost almost 200,000 manufacturing jobs when he was president.

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Facts.  Including tens of thousands of jobs right here in Michigan.  And those losses started before the pandemic, making Donald Trump one of the biggest losers — (applause) — of manufacturing jobs in American history. 

And his track record for the auto industry was a disaster.  He promised workers in Warren that the auto industry would, and I’m going to quote, “not lose one plant” during his presidency.  Those were his words, “not one plant.” 

Then American automakers announced the closure of six auto plants when he was president, including General Motors in Warren and Stellantis in Detroit.  Thousands of Michigan autoworkers lost their jobs.  And Donald Trump’s running mate recently suggested that if they win, they would threaten the Grand River Assembly plant in Lansing.  Okay?

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  The same plant our administration protected earlier this year, saving 650 union jobs — (applause) — 650 union jobs.  His running mate called those “table scraps.” 

So, we fought hard for those jobs, and we believe that you deserve a president who will protect them and not insult them.  (Applause.)

And make no mistake, Donald Trump is no friend of labor.  Let’s be really clear about that.  No matter what the noise is out there, he is no friend of labor.  Just look at the record.  Instead of his rhetoric, look at the record.  And let’s not fall for the okey-doke.  (Laughter.) 

Seriously.  He encouraged automakers to move their plants out of Michigan so he could pay — they could pay their workers less.  Understand what that was about: so they could pay their workers less. 

And when the UAW went on strike to demand the higher wages they deserved, Donald Trump went to a nonunion shop —

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  — and attacked the UAW, and he said — he said, striking and collective bargaining don’t make, quote, “a damn bit of sense” — “a damn bit of difference” is what he said exactly.  That it doesn’t make a, quote — pardon my language — “a damn bit of difference,” is what he said. 

AUDIENCE MEMBER:  He don’t make a damn bit of sense.  (Applause.) 

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  All right, brother.  (Laughs.)

So, Michigan, you know better.  Strong unions mean higher wages — (applause) — better health care, and greater dignity for union members and for everyone, whether or not you are part of a union.  (Applause.)  Get that straight.  Get that straight.

Which is why, when I am president, I will sign the PRO Act into law and make it easier for workers to join a union and negotiate for better pay and working conditions.  (Applause.)

And now Donald Trump is making the same empty promises to the people of Michigan that he did before, hoping — hoping you will forget how he let you down the last time.  But we will not be fooled, because we know how to read Project 2025.  For those who haven’t seen it, just google it. 

You know, I just have to keep repeating, I can’t believe they put that thing in writing.  I cannot beli- — they — they put it in — they put it in writing.  They bound it.  They — they published it, and they handed it out.  (Laughter.)  And now they’re trying to run from it.  Come on. 

And so, we’ve read it.  It’s a detailed and dangerous blueprint for what Donald Trump intends to do if he were elected president.  So, that’s why we know — not only because it’s what he did before — that’s why we know Donald Trump will give billionaires and corporations massive tax cuts, attack unions, cut Social Security and Medicare —

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  — get rid of that hard-fought, hard-won $35 cap on insulin for our seniors.

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Check out what’s in it.  It will make it easier for companies to deny overtime pay for workers —

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  — and impose what I call a “Trump sales tax,” which is basically — he’s talking about at least a 20 percent tax on everyday necessities, which economists have measured will cost the average family nearly $4,000 more a year.

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  And on top of this, Donald Trump intends to end the Affordable Care Act — okay? — and has no plan to replace it. 

AUDIENCE MEMBER:  “Concepts”! 

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  You watched the debate.  (Laughs.)  So, you remember, he has, quote, “concepts of a plan.” 

AUDIENCE:  “Concepts of a plan!”

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  “Concepts of a plan.”

So, he’s going to threaten — he’s going to threaten the health insurance of 45 —

AUDIENCE MEMBERS:  (Inaudible.)

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  We need a medic over here.  We need a medic over here.  Let’s — let’s clear a path so they can come through, please.

     AUDIENCE MEMBER:  Don’t forget he’s out on bail! 

AUDIENCE MEMBER:  Espionage!  (Laughter.)

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  And we got jokes over here, grounded in reality.  (Laughter.)

     We okay?  Okay.  We’re okay.  Thank you all. 

     So — (applause) — we’re good.  Okay.

So, you know, where I was going with that is many of you may have heard me say, I do believe that Donald Trump is an unserious man, and the consequences of him ever getting back into the White House are brutally serious — brutally serious. 

So, on that point about “concepts of a plan,” it’s funny.  We thought it was ridiculously hilarious when we first heard it.  But here’s the thing about that.  He is basically going to threaten the health insurance of 45 million people based on a concept and take us back to when insurance companies could deny people with preexisting conditions.  You remember what that was like?

Well, we are —

AUDIENCE:  Not going back!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  — not going back.  We are not going back.  We’re not going back.

AUDIENCE:  We’re not going back!  We’re not going back!  We’re not going back!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  We are not going back.  We’re not going back.

AUDIENCE:  We’re not going back!  We’re not going back!  We’re not going back!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  And we are not going back because we intend to move forward — (applause) — because ours is a fight for the future, and it is a fight for freedom — (applause) — like the fundamental freedom of a woman to make decisions about her own body and not have her government tell her what to do.  (Applause.)

And we here remember how we got to this place, because then-President Donald Trump hand-selected three members of the United States Supreme Court with the intention that they would undo the protections of Roe v. Wade, and they did as he intended. 

And now, in America, one in three women lives in a state with a Trump abortion ban, many of these with no exception even for rape and incest, which means you’re telling a survivor of a violation to their body that they don’t have a right to make a decision about what happens to their body next? 

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  That’s immoral.  That’s immoral. 

And I think we all know one does not have to abandon their faith or deeply held beliefs to agree the government should not be telling her what to do — (applause) — not the government.  If she chooses, she will talk to her priest, her pastor, her rabbi, her imam but not the government — not some — some people up in a state capitol — not Donald Trump.

AUDIENCE:  No!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  No. 

So, let me tell you, when Congress passes a bill to restore the reproductive freedoms nationwide, with your help, as president of the United States, I will proudly sign it into law.  (Applause.)  Proudly.  Proudly.  Proudly. 

And across our nation, we are witnessing a full-on assault on other hard-fought, hard-won freedoms and rights — fundamental freedoms and rights.  I’m traveling our country.  I mean, attacks on the freedom to vote. 

You know, in the state of Georgia, they passed a law that makes it illegal to give people food and water for standing in line to vote.  You know, the hypocrisy abounds.  What happened to “love thy neighbor”?  Right?

Attacks on the freedom to join a union, attacks on the freedom to be safe from gun violence, attacks on the freedom to love who you love openly and with pride.  (Applause.)

So much is on the line in this election, and you all are spending your precious time here together because we know this is not 2016 or 2020.  The stakes are even higher this time for many reasons, including because, just months ago, the United States Supreme Court basically told the former president he is effectively immune no matter what he does in the White House.

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Right.  Because we know — just imagine Donald Trump with no guardrails.  Just imagine.  He who has vowed he would be a dictator on day one.  He who calls Americans who disagree with him the “enemy from within.”  You know where that language comes from?  The “enemy from within,” talking about Americans.  He who says he would use the military to go after them — American citizens.  He who has called for the, quote, “termination” of the Constitution of the United States of America. 

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  And we are clear: Someone who suggests we should terminate the Constitution of the United States should never again have the privilege of standing behind the seal of the president of the United States.  (Applause.)  Never again.  Never again.  Never again.  Never again. 

AUDIENCE:  Never again!  Never again!  Never again!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Never again. 

So, Michigan, it all comes down to this.  We know why we’re here together.  We know what’s at stake.  And we are here together for one of the most important of all the reasons: We are here together because we love our country.  (Applause.)  We love our country. 

We love our country, and we know that it is one of the highest forms of an expression of love of our country, of patriotism, to then fight for our ideals, to fight to realize the promise of America.  That’s what our campaign is about. 

And Election Day is in 18 short days.  Okay?  And here in Michigan, early voting starts on Saturday, October 26th, which is one week from tomorrow.  (Applause.) 

So, now is the time to make your plan to vote.  Make a plan.  Make a plan.  And if you have received your ballot in the mail, please do not wait.  Fill it out and return it today. 

Because, folks, the election is here.  The election is here right now.  And like I know everybody here knows to do, we’ve got to energize and organize and mobilize and remind our neighbors and our friends that their vote is their voice and your voice is your power. 

In a democracy, while we can hold on to it, our vote is the power that each of us as an individual has.  It’s an extraordinary power, and we will not give it away, and we will not let anyone suppress or silence our power.  Don’t ever let anybody take your power from you.  (Applause.)

So, Michigan, today I ask you, then, are you ready to make your voices heard?  (Applause.)

     Do we believe in freedom?  (Applause.)

     Do we believe in opportunity?  (Applause.)

     Do we believe in the promise of America?  (Applause.)

     And are we ready to fight for it?  (Applause.)

     And when we fight —

     AUDIENCE:  We win!

     THE VICE PRESIDENT:  — we win.

     God bless you.  And God bless the United States of America.  (Applause.)

                             END                3:07 P.M. EDT

The post Remarks by Vice President Harris at a Campaign Event | Grand Rapids, MI appeared first on The White House.

Riverside Park
Grand Rapids, Michigan

2:38 P.M. EDT

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Good afternoon, Michigan!  Good afternoon.  Can we hear it for Brian?  (Applause.) 

Good afternoon, Michigan.  It is good — (applause) — oh, it is good to be back.  It’s good to be back.  (Applause.)  Good afternoon.  Oh — (laughs) — oh, my god.  Okay.  (Applause.)  Okay.  Thank you. 

Okay, let’s get to business.  Let’s get to business.  Thank you.  Thank you.  I am very touched.  (Applause.)  Thank you all.  Oh, it’s good to be back.  Thank you all very much.  Thank you.  Thank you. 

Okay, let’s get to work.  Let’s get to work.  Let’s get to work.  Let’s get to work. 

So, let me first thank all of you for taking time out of your very busy lives for us to all be here together this afternoon.  I thank you so very much for all you do, all you have done, and all you will do over these next 18 days.  Thank you all so very much.  (Applause.)  Thank you. 

This is an incredible group of incredible leaders, and your voice matters so much right now.  And I think there is so much about our campaign that is about the spirit of reminding everyone that we’re all in this together.  We are all in this together.  (Applause.)  So, thank you. 

And to all the governors who are here with us today — (applause) — I’m telling you, they’re riding thick.  They’re riding thick.  Oh, and they are all — each one of them — such incredible leaders, both for their state and our nation, and such dear friends.  And I thank you all, including, of course, Michigan’s own Governor Whitmer — (applause) — who we love as “Big Gretch.”  (Applause.)

And to the governors, I want to say you’ve been traveling the country for our campaign, and I’m so deeply grateful for your support. 

I also want to recognize Senator Stabenow — (applause) — a champion for Michigan; Representative Scholten, who we will reelect to the United States Congress.  (Applause.)  And while we’re at it, let’s send Representative Slotkin to the United States Senate.  (Applause.)

All right, so we got work to do.  Eighteen day — eighteen days left in one of the most consequential elections of our lifetime.  And as you know, everyone here knows, this election is truly about two very different visions for our nation: Ours that is focused on the future; Donald Trump’s that is focused on the past.  Ours, that is focused on bringing down the cost of living for working families, investing in small businesses, and entrepreneurs.  Ours, that is about protecting reproductive freedom.  (Applause.)  

But none of that is what we hear from Donald Trump.  Instead, it is just the same old, tired playbook.  He has no plan for how he would address the needs of the American people, and he is, as we have seen, only focused on himself.

And now he is ducking debates and canceling interviews.

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Come on. 

Check this out.  His own campaign team recently said it is because of exhaustion.  (Laughter.)  Well, if you are exhausted on the campaign trail, it raises real questions about whether you are fit for the toughest job in the world.  (Applause.)  Come on.  Come on.

So, for all these reasons and more, we are here because we know it is time to turn the page.  (Applause.)  It is time to turn the page because America is ready to chart a new way forward.  (Applause.)  America is ready for a new and optimistic generation of leadership that is all of us — (applause) — all of us, which is why Democrats, Republicans, and independents are supporting our campaign.  (Applause.) 

In fact, earlier this week, over 100 Republican leaders from across the country joined me on the campaign trail, including some who even served in Donald Trump’s own administration — (applause) — the people who know him best, right? 

And I believe all of this shows that the American people want a president who works for all the people.  (Applause.)  And that has been the story of my entire career.  In my career, I’ve only ever had one client: the people — the people.  (Applause.)

As a young courtroom prosecutor, I protected women and children.  As attorney general of California, I fought for students and veterans.  As vice president, I have stood up for workers and seniors.  And as president, I will stand up for all Americans — all Americans.  (Applause.) 

And together, we will build a brighter future for our nation.  Yes, we will.  (Applause.)  Because, by the way, we will win.  (Applause.)  We will win.  We will win.  Come on.

     AUDIENCE:  We will win!  We will win!  We will win! 

     THE VICE PRESIDENT:  (Laughs.)  Yes, we will.

     AUDIENCE:  We will win!  We will win!  We will win!

     THE VICE PRESIDENT:  We will win.  We will win.  And we will win.

And one of the reasons that we know we are working hard toward that win is because we believe together in building a future — in what we can do together as a nation — and a nation of people who see what we have in common more than what separates us. 

 We will w- — build towards a future where we have an economy that works for all Americans.  We will build what I call an “opportunity economy” so that every American has an opportunity to own a home, buy a car, build wealth, and start a business.  (Applause.) 

 In fact, do we have any small-business owners here?  (Applause.)  I love our small businesses.  I got a plan for you.  I love our small businesses.  Our small businesses are part of the backbone of America’s economy.  Bless you all for the work you are doing. 

 So, under my plan, we will also bring down the cost of housing — (applause) — and we will help entrepreneurs start and grow small businesses. 

 My plan will expand Medicare to cover the cost of home health care for our seniors — (applause) — so that more of our seniors can live with dignity. 

And, you know, I’ll just give you a little background i- — in terms of a personal story.  So, I took care of my mother when she was sick.  And for any of you who have taken care of an elder relative, you know what that is, right?  It’s about trying to cook something that they can eat.  It’s about trying to find clothes that they can — they can handle on their skin.  It’s about trying, from time to time, to think about something that will put a smile on their face or maybe just make them laugh.  It’s about dignity. 

But under the current system, and especially for those in the sandwich generation who are raising young kids while you’re taking care of your parents, it’s difficult.  And under the current system, to get help for taking care of your seniors, unless you got the extra money sitting around, you’d have to leave your job or pay down all your savings to qualify for Medicaid.  That’s not right.  That’s not right. 

 So, my plan is about saying, let’s have Medicare cover the cost of home health care for our seniors — (applause) — which is a matter of understanding how real people are living and understanding the importance of everyone being entitled to dignity.  (Applause.)

Our plan, in terms of an opportunity economy, will lower costs on everything from health care to groceries.  I’ll take on corporate price gouging, because I’ve done it before and I will do it again.  (Applause.)

My plan will also give middle-class tax cuts to 100 million Americans, including $6,000 tax credit for the first year of a child’s life so that our young parents — (applause) — can do what they naturally want to do, which is parent their children well, but they don’t always have the resources to be able to do it.  So, let’s help them out so that they can buy a car seat, so that they can buy a crib, so that they can take care of that baby’s needs during that critical phase of their development. 

     We all benefit from it.  We all benefit from it.  (Applause.)

     Dignity.

My plan also invests in American manufacturing and innovation, because I will make sure America, not China, wins the competition for the 21st century.  (Applause.) 

     AUDIENCE:  USA!  USA!  USA!

     THE VICE PRESIDENT:  That’s right.  That’s right.

     AUDIENCE:  USA!  USA!  USA!

 THE VICE PRESIDENT:  And so, to that point and with pride, we all say: We must and we will invest in the industries that built America, like steel, iron, and the great American auto industry.  (Applause.)  And we will ensure that the next generation of breakthroughs, from advanced batteries to electric vehicles, are not just invented but built right here in America by American union workers.  (Applause.)

 And, Michigan, I know I’m going to tell you what you already know, but let us be clear for folks who are watching from different parts of the country.  Contrary to what my opponent is suggesting, I will never tell you what kind of car you have to drive, but here is what I will do.  I will invest in manufacturing communities like Kent County.  (Applause.) 

Together, we will retool existing factories, hire locally, and work with unions to create good-paying jobs — (applause) — including jobs that do not require a college degree, because here’s where I come from.  I know a college degree is not the only measure of the skills and experience of a qualified worker.  (Applause.)

And I intend to reexamine federal jobs, when you all elect me president — (applause) — to assess those jobs that should not have that requirement, and then I intend to challenge the private sector to do the same.  (Applause.)

 Now, all of this is to say Donald Trump has a different approach.  He makes big promises — (laughs) — and he always fails to deliver.

So, remember he said he was the only one — you know how he talks.  (Laughter.)  He — the only one who could bring back America’s manufacturing jobs.

Then, America lost almost 200,000 manufacturing jobs when he was president.

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Facts.  Including tens of thousands of jobs right here in Michigan.  And those losses started before the pandemic, making Donald Trump one of the biggest losers — (applause) — of manufacturing jobs in American history. 

And his track record for the auto industry was a disaster.  He promised workers in Warren that the auto industry would, and I’m going to quote, “not lose one plant” during his presidency.  Those were his words, “not one plant.” 

Then American automakers announced the closure of six auto plants when he was president, including General Motors in Warren and Stellantis in Detroit.  Thousands of Michigan autoworkers lost their jobs.  And Donald Trump’s running mate recently suggested that if they win, they would threaten the Grand River Assembly plant in Lansing.  Okay?

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  The same plant our administration protected earlier this year, saving 650 union jobs — (applause) — 650 union jobs.  His running mate called those “table scraps.” 

So, we fought hard for those jobs, and we believe that you deserve a president who will protect them and not insult them.  (Applause.)

And make no mistake, Donald Trump is no friend of labor.  Let’s be really clear about that.  No matter what the noise is out there, he is no friend of labor.  Just look at the record.  Instead of his rhetoric, look at the record.  And let’s not fall for the okey-doke.  (Laughter.) 

Seriously.  He encouraged automakers to move their plants out of Michigan so he could pay — they could pay their workers less.  Understand what that was about: so they could pay their workers less. 

And when the UAW went on strike to demand the higher wages they deserved, Donald Trump went to a nonunion shop —

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  — and attacked the UAW, and he said — he said, striking and collective bargaining don’t make, quote, “a damn bit of sense” — “a damn bit of difference” is what he said exactly.  That it doesn’t make a, quote — pardon my language — “a damn bit of difference,” is what he said. 

AUDIENCE MEMBER:  He don’t make a damn bit of sense.  (Applause.) 

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  All right, brother.  (Laughs.)

So, Michigan, you know better.  Strong unions mean higher wages — (applause) — better health care, and greater dignity for union members and for everyone, whether or not you are part of a union.  (Applause.)  Get that straight.  Get that straight.

Which is why, when I am president, I will sign the PRO Act into law and make it easier for workers to join a union and negotiate for better pay and working conditions.  (Applause.)

And now Donald Trump is making the same empty promises to the people of Michigan that he did before, hoping — hoping you will forget how he let you down the last time.  But we will not be fooled, because we know how to read Project 2025.  For those who haven’t seen it, just google it. 

You know, I just have to keep repeating, I can’t believe they put that thing in writing.  I cannot beli- — they — they put it in — they put it in writing.  They bound it.  They — they published it, and they handed it out.  (Laughter.)  And now they’re trying to run from it.  Come on. 

And so, we’ve read it.  It’s a detailed and dangerous blueprint for what Donald Trump intends to do if he were elected president.  So, that’s why we know — not only because it’s what he did before — that’s why we know Donald Trump will give billionaires and corporations massive tax cuts, attack unions, cut Social Security and Medicare —

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  — get rid of that hard-fought, hard-won $35 cap on insulin for our seniors.

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Check out what’s in it.  It will make it easier for companies to deny overtime pay for workers —

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  — and impose what I call a “Trump sales tax,” which is basically — he’s talking about at least a 20 percent tax on everyday necessities, which economists have measured will cost the average family nearly $4,000 more a year.

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  And on top of this, Donald Trump intends to end the Affordable Care Act — okay? — and has no plan to replace it. 

AUDIENCE MEMBER:  “Concepts”! 

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  You watched the debate.  (Laughs.)  So, you remember, he has, quote, “concepts of a plan.” 

AUDIENCE:  “Concepts of a plan!”

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  “Concepts of a plan.”

So, he’s going to threaten — he’s going to threaten the health insurance of 45 —

AUDIENCE MEMBERS:  (Inaudible.)

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  We need a medic over here.  We need a medic over here.  Let’s — let’s clear a path so they can come through, please.

     AUDIENCE MEMBER:  Don’t forget he’s out on bail! 

AUDIENCE MEMBER:  Espionage!  (Laughter.)

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  And we got jokes over here, grounded in reality.  (Laughter.)

     We okay?  Okay.  We’re okay.  Thank you all. 

     So — (applause) — we’re good.  Okay.

So, you know, where I was going with that is many of you may have heard me say, I do believe that Donald Trump is an unserious man, and the consequences of him ever getting back into the White House are brutally serious — brutally serious. 

So, on that point about “concepts of a plan,” it’s funny.  We thought it was ridiculously hilarious when we first heard it.  But here’s the thing about that.  He is basically going to threaten the health insurance of 45 million people based on a concept and take us back to when insurance companies could deny people with preexisting conditions.  You remember what that was like?

Well, we are —

AUDIENCE:  Not going back!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  — not going back.  We are not going back.  We’re not going back.

AUDIENCE:  We’re not going back!  We’re not going back!  We’re not going back!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  We are not going back.  We’re not going back.

AUDIENCE:  We’re not going back!  We’re not going back!  We’re not going back!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  And we are not going back because we intend to move forward — (applause) — because ours is a fight for the future, and it is a fight for freedom — (applause) — like the fundamental freedom of a woman to make decisions about her own body and not have her government tell her what to do.  (Applause.)

And we here remember how we got to this place, because then-President Donald Trump hand-selected three members of the United States Supreme Court with the intention that they would undo the protections of Roe v. Wade, and they did as he intended. 

And now, in America, one in three women lives in a state with a Trump abortion ban, many of these with no exception even for rape and incest, which means you’re telling a survivor of a violation to their body that they don’t have a right to make a decision about what happens to their body next? 

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  That’s immoral.  That’s immoral. 

And I think we all know one does not have to abandon their faith or deeply held beliefs to agree the government should not be telling her what to do — (applause) — not the government.  If she chooses, she will talk to her priest, her pastor, her rabbi, her imam but not the government — not some — some people up in a state capitol — not Donald Trump.

AUDIENCE:  No!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  No. 

So, let me tell you, when Congress passes a bill to restore the reproductive freedoms nationwide, with your help, as president of the United States, I will proudly sign it into law.  (Applause.)  Proudly.  Proudly.  Proudly. 

And across our nation, we are witnessing a full-on assault on other hard-fought, hard-won freedoms and rights — fundamental freedoms and rights.  I’m traveling our country.  I mean, attacks on the freedom to vote. 

You know, in the state of Georgia, they passed a law that makes it illegal to give people food and water for standing in line to vote.  You know, the hypocrisy abounds.  What happened to “love thy neighbor”?  Right?

Attacks on the freedom to join a union, attacks on the freedom to be safe from gun violence, attacks on the freedom to love who you love openly and with pride.  (Applause.)

So much is on the line in this election, and you all are spending your precious time here together because we know this is not 2016 or 2020.  The stakes are even higher this time for many reasons, including because, just months ago, the United States Supreme Court basically told the former president he is effectively immune no matter what he does in the White House.

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Right.  Because we know — just imagine Donald Trump with no guardrails.  Just imagine.  He who has vowed he would be a dictator on day one.  He who calls Americans who disagree with him the “enemy from within.”  You know where that language comes from?  The “enemy from within,” talking about Americans.  He who says he would use the military to go after them — American citizens.  He who has called for the, quote, “termination” of the Constitution of the United States of America. 

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  And we are clear: Someone who suggests we should terminate the Constitution of the United States should never again have the privilege of standing behind the seal of the president of the United States.  (Applause.)  Never again.  Never again.  Never again.  Never again. 

AUDIENCE:  Never again!  Never again!  Never again!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Never again. 

So, Michigan, it all comes down to this.  We know why we’re here together.  We know what’s at stake.  And we are here together for one of the most important of all the reasons: We are here together because we love our country.  (Applause.)  We love our country. 

We love our country, and we know that it is one of the highest forms of an expression of love of our country, of patriotism, to then fight for our ideals, to fight to realize the promise of America.  That’s what our campaign is about. 

And Election Day is in 18 short days.  Okay?  And here in Michigan, early voting starts on Saturday, October 26th, which is one week from tomorrow.  (Applause.) 

So, now is the time to make your plan to vote.  Make a plan.  Make a plan.  And if you have received your ballot in the mail, please do not wait.  Fill it out and return it today. 

Because, folks, the election is here.  The election is here right now.  And like I know everybody here knows to do, we’ve got to energize and organize and mobilize and remind our neighbors and our friends that their vote is their voice and your voice is your power. 

In a democracy, while we can hold on to it, our vote is the power that each of us as an individual has.  It’s an extraordinary power, and we will not give it away, and we will not let anyone suppress or silence our power.  Don’t ever let anybody take your power from you.  (Applause.)

So, Michigan, today I ask you, then, are you ready to make your voices heard?  (Applause.)

     Do we believe in freedom?  (Applause.)

     Do we believe in opportunity?  (Applause.)

     Do we believe in the promise of America?  (Applause.)

     And are we ready to fight for it?  (Applause.)

     And when we fight —

     AUDIENCE:  We win!

     THE VICE PRESIDENT:  — we win.

     God bless you.  And God bless the United States of America.  (Applause.)

                             END                3:07 P.M. EDT

The post Remarks by Vice President Harris at a Campaign Event | Grand Rapids, MI appeared first on The White House.

Riverside Park
Grand Rapids, Michigan

2:03 P.M. EDT

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Hi, guys. 

Well, we’re back in Michigan, and it’s good to be back.  And again, we have a situation where the former president is insulting the people of the state — this time saying that autoworkers — that their important and good and highly skilled work could be performed by a child — which is just further evidence that Donald Trump comes from a place where he really does not appreciate or understand how most people in our country work very hard for all that they have and that there is great dignity in their work.

In addition, I’ve — you know, I’ve been hearing reports that his team, at least, is saying he’s suffering from exhaustion.  And that’s apparently the excuse for why he’s not doing interviews and, of course, he’s not doing the CNN Town Hall.  He refuses to do another debate.

And, you know, look, being president of the United States is probably one of the hardest jobs in the world.  And so, we really do need to ask: If he’s exhausted being on the campaign trail, is he fit to do the job?  And I think that’s a question that is an open-ended question that he needs to answer.

     Q    Madam Vice —

 THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Thank you all.

     Q    Madam Vice President, there’s a lot of —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Oh, sure.

     Q    You’re in a state where there’s a lot of opposition to you from pro-Palestinian voters.  In light of the recent news this week in the Middle East, I mean, does your message to them change?  What’s your message to them in the final few weeks?

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Well, my message remains, first of all, we have got to end this war.  And I think that what has happened now with the — the killing of Sinwar creates an opportunity for us to end this war and bring the hostages home.  And I think everyone wants this war to end, and this is an opportunity to actually get there.

     Q    Madam Vice President, can you explain why it’s — sort of the race still remains incredibly tight?  I know you’ve been out campaigning.  What’s your, sort of, like, thesis of the case of why it remains so tight?

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Looks, it’s — it’s an election for president of the United States.  It’s not supposed to be a cakewalk for anyone.  There are very important issues at play.

And I am clear and I think the people that you hear right now in the background are clear that Donald Trump is unfit for the office, he is unstable, and he, frankly, is a danger to our democracy, as has been described by his former chief of staff, secretaries of Defense, national security advisor, and former vice president.

     Q    The former president has been critical of you not attending the Al Smith dinner last night.  As you were talking about him being exhausted, do you think that that’s one reason why he chose to go to New York City rather than come out here on the campaign trail?

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Well, I’m beyond getting into the head of Donald Trump, but I will say it should be a concern.  If he can’t handle the rigors of the campaign trail, is he fit to do the job?  I think it’s a legitimate question.

     Thank you all.

                             END                2:06 P.M. EDT

The post Remarks by Vice President Harris Before a Campaign Rally | Grand Rapids, MI appeared first on The White House.

Riverside Park
Grand Rapids, Michigan

2:03 P.M. EDT

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Hi, guys. 

Well, we’re back in Michigan, and it’s good to be back.  And again, we have a situation where the former president is insulting the people of the state — this time saying that autoworkers — that their important and good and highly skilled work could be performed by a child — which is just further evidence that Donald Trump comes from a place where he really does not appreciate or understand how most people in our country work very hard for all that they have and that there is great dignity in their work.

In addition, I’ve — you know, I’ve been hearing reports that his team, at least, is saying he’s suffering from exhaustion.  And that’s apparently the excuse for why he’s not doing interviews and, of course, he’s not doing the CNN Town Hall.  He refuses to do another debate.

And, you know, look, being president of the United States is probably one of the hardest jobs in the world.  And so, we really do need to ask: If he’s exhausted being on the campaign trail, is he fit to do the job?  And I think that’s a question that is an open-ended question that he needs to answer.

     Q    Madam Vice —

 THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Thank you all.

     Q    Madam Vice President, there’s a lot of —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Oh, sure.

     Q    You’re in a state where there’s a lot of opposition to you from pro-Palestinian voters.  In light of the recent news this week in the Middle East, I mean, does your message to them change?  What’s your message to them in the final few weeks?

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Well, my message remains, first of all, we have got to end this war.  And I think that what has happened now with the — the killing of Sinwar creates an opportunity for us to end this war and bring the hostages home.  And I think everyone wants this war to end, and this is an opportunity to actually get there.

     Q    Madam Vice President, can you explain why it’s — sort of the race still remains incredibly tight?  I know you’ve been out campaigning.  What’s your, sort of, like, thesis of the case of why it remains so tight?

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Looks, it’s — it’s an election for president of the United States.  It’s not supposed to be a cakewalk for anyone.  There are very important issues at play.

And I am clear and I think the people that you hear right now in the background are clear that Donald Trump is unfit for the office, he is unstable, and he, frankly, is a danger to our democracy, as has been described by his former chief of staff, secretaries of Defense, national security advisor, and former vice president.

     Q    The former president has been critical of you not attending the Al Smith dinner last night.  As you were talking about him being exhausted, do you think that that’s one reason why he chose to go to New York City rather than come out here on the campaign trail?

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Well, I’m beyond getting into the head of Donald Trump, but I will say it should be a concern.  If he can’t handle the rigors of the campaign trail, is he fit to do the job?  I think it’s a legitimate question.

     Thank you all.

                             END                2:06 P.M. EDT

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On October 22, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. will host Prime Minister Robert Golob of the Republic of Slovenia for a bilateral meeting at the White House. This will be their first meeting at the White House and follows conversations that helped pave the way for the largest prisoner swap since the Cold War. The leaders will have an in-depth discussion on a range of issues of mutual interest, including energy security and cooperation, a shared approach to the Western Balkans, continued robust support to Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression, and events in the Middle East. President Biden will underscore our appreciation for Prime Minister Golob’s leadership to bring home Americans unjustly detained by Russia and our continued cooperation on a host of other global issues.

###

The post Statement from White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on the Visit of Prime Minister Robert Golob of the Republic of Slovenia appeared first on The White House.

On October 22, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. will host Prime Minister Robert Golob of the Republic of Slovenia for a bilateral meeting at the White House. This will be their first meeting at the White House and follows conversations that helped pave the way for the largest prisoner swap since the Cold War. The leaders will have an in-depth discussion on a range of issues of mutual interest, including energy security and cooperation, a shared approach to the Western Balkans, continued robust support to Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression, and events in the Middle East. President Biden will underscore our appreciation for Prime Minister Golob’s leadership to bring home Americans unjustly detained by Russia and our continued cooperation on a host of other global issues.

###

The post Statement from White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on the Visit of Prime Minister Robert Golob of the Republic of Slovenia appeared first on The White House.

Our Nation’s minority-owned businesses are the glue of our communities and the engines of our economies.  Investing in them is key to growing our economy from the middle out and bottom up, not the top down.  When minority-owned businesses do well, everyone does well.  More people get jobs, first-time business owners build generational wealth, our economy grows, and more Americans feel a sense of pride and hope in all that is possible in our Nation.  This Minority Enterprise Development Week, may we celebrate the talent and ingenuity of the innovators and entrepreneurs who run our Nation’s minority-owned businesses.  And may we recommit to ensuring that minority-owned businesses have access to the resources they need to thrive.

Minority-owned businesses add incredible value to our economy, generating nearly $2 trillion in revenue each year.  These businesses not only provide the goods and services we need but are also sources of hope — helping people realize their American Dream, building generational wealth, and uplifting their families and communities.  That is why my Administration is ensuring that minority-owned businesses have access to capital and can grow.  The Small Business Administration (SBA) is lending tens of billions of dollars to small businesses that would otherwise struggle to access capital.  For example, since 2020, the rate of SBA-backed loans increased by about 40 percent for Asian American-owned businesses, tripled for Black-owned businesses, and more than doubled for Latino-owned businesses.  Further, my American Rescue Plan helped minority-owned small businesses keep their doors open during the COVID-19 pandemic and represents the largest-ever dedicated Federal investment to connect minority-owned small businesses to support.  That law invested $10 billion to launch and expand programs that provide critical access to capital for small businesses.  The American Rescue Plan also invested $500 million to fund over 100 awards for organizations working to connect entrepreneurs to resources to help their small businesses recover and thrive through initiatives like the SBA’s Community Navigators Program, the Department of the Treasury’s Small Business Opportunity Program, and the Minority Business Development Agency’s Capital Readiness Program. 

My Administration has also been working to ensure that minority-owned businesses get a fair shot at success.  That is why I signed an Executive Order that would increase the share of total Federal contracts going to disadvantaged businesses from 10 percent to 15 percent by 2025 — and in the last 3 years, we have spent over $208 billion on small disadvantaged businesses.  My Bipartisan Infrastructure Law expanded and made permanent the Minority Business Development Agency, ensuring that minority-owned businesses have access to the resources and support they need to thrive.  And with my Inflation Reduction Act and CHIPS and Science Act, we are working to make sure that minority-owned businesses are benefiting from the billions of dollars we are investing in America’s infrastructure, manufacturing, and clean energy industries here at home.  In addition, Vice President Harris launched the Economic Opportunity Coalition in 2022 to provide tens of billions of dollars in investments to underserved communities. 

Since Vice President Harris and I entered office, our Administration has created 16 million jobs, and American entrepreneurs have filed nearly 20 million new business applications.  Wages are growing faster than prices.  Unemployment remains low.  Black- and Latino-owned businesses are being created faster today than they have been in years and Federal contracts with Native American-owned companies increased by over $8 billion from 2020 to 2023. I also take pride in my Administration’s investments in Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Hispanic-Serving Institutions, Tribal Colleges and Universities, and Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions — all of which are helping launch the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, and business owners.  These investments will ensure that their graduates will have every opportunity to lead the industries of the future and build generational wealth.

Across America — from small towns to big cities — we are seeing thousands of stories of revival, renewal, optimism, and pride.  And each new business that is created is an act of hope, not just for the business owner but for the entire community.  During Minority Enterprise Development Week, may we celebrate all the minority-owned businesses making our economy stronger, our Nation more competitive, and our communities more hopeful.  And may we recommit to supporting their success and longevity.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim October 20 through October 26, 2024, as Minority Enterprise Development Week.  I call upon the people of the United States to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements and contributions of minority business owners and enterprises and commit to promoting systemic economic equality.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eighteenth day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-four, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-ninth.

                              JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

The post A Proclamation on Minority Enterprise Development Week, 2024 appeared first on The White House.

Our Nation’s minority-owned businesses are the glue of our communities and the engines of our economies.  Investing in them is key to growing our economy from the middle out and bottom up, not the top down.  When minority-owned businesses do well, everyone does well.  More people get jobs, first-time business owners build generational wealth, our economy grows, and more Americans feel a sense of pride and hope in all that is possible in our Nation.  This Minority Enterprise Development Week, may we celebrate the talent and ingenuity of the innovators and entrepreneurs who run our Nation’s minority-owned businesses.  And may we recommit to ensuring that minority-owned businesses have access to the resources they need to thrive.

Minority-owned businesses add incredible value to our economy, generating nearly $2 trillion in revenue each year.  These businesses not only provide the goods and services we need but are also sources of hope — helping people realize their American Dream, building generational wealth, and uplifting their families and communities.  That is why my Administration is ensuring that minority-owned businesses have access to capital and can grow.  The Small Business Administration (SBA) is lending tens of billions of dollars to small businesses that would otherwise struggle to access capital.  For example, since 2020, the rate of SBA-backed loans increased by about 40 percent for Asian American-owned businesses, tripled for Black-owned businesses, and more than doubled for Latino-owned businesses.  Further, my American Rescue Plan helped minority-owned small businesses keep their doors open during the COVID-19 pandemic and represents the largest-ever dedicated Federal investment to connect minority-owned small businesses to support.  That law invested $10 billion to launch and expand programs that provide critical access to capital for small businesses.  The American Rescue Plan also invested $500 million to fund over 100 awards for organizations working to connect entrepreneurs to resources to help their small businesses recover and thrive through initiatives like the SBA’s Community Navigators Program, the Department of the Treasury’s Small Business Opportunity Program, and the Minority Business Development Agency’s Capital Readiness Program. 

My Administration has also been working to ensure that minority-owned businesses get a fair shot at success.  That is why I signed an Executive Order that would increase the share of total Federal contracts going to disadvantaged businesses from 10 percent to 15 percent by 2025 — and in the last 3 years, we have spent over $208 billion on small disadvantaged businesses.  My Bipartisan Infrastructure Law expanded and made permanent the Minority Business Development Agency, ensuring that minority-owned businesses have access to the resources and support they need to thrive.  And with my Inflation Reduction Act and CHIPS and Science Act, we are working to make sure that minority-owned businesses are benefiting from the billions of dollars we are investing in America’s infrastructure, manufacturing, and clean energy industries here at home.  In addition, Vice President Harris launched the Economic Opportunity Coalition in 2022 to provide tens of billions of dollars in investments to underserved communities. 

Since Vice President Harris and I entered office, our Administration has created 16 million jobs, and American entrepreneurs have filed nearly 20 million new business applications.  Wages are growing faster than prices.  Unemployment remains low.  Black- and Latino-owned businesses are being created faster today than they have been in years and Federal contracts with Native American-owned companies increased by over $8 billion from 2020 to 2023. I also take pride in my Administration’s investments in Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Hispanic-Serving Institutions, Tribal Colleges and Universities, and Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions — all of which are helping launch the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, and business owners.  These investments will ensure that their graduates will have every opportunity to lead the industries of the future and build generational wealth.

Across America — from small towns to big cities — we are seeing thousands of stories of revival, renewal, optimism, and pride.  And each new business that is created is an act of hope, not just for the business owner but for the entire community.  During Minority Enterprise Development Week, may we celebrate all the minority-owned businesses making our economy stronger, our Nation more competitive, and our communities more hopeful.  And may we recommit to supporting their success and longevity.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim October 20 through October 26, 2024, as Minority Enterprise Development Week.  I call upon the people of the United States to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements and contributions of minority business owners and enterprises and commit to promoting systemic economic equality.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eighteenth day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-four, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-ninth.

                              JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

The post A Proclamation on Minority Enterprise Development Week, 2024 appeared first on The White House.

     In the Oval Office, I sit surrounded by portraits of exceptional American Presidents and busts of inspiring American leaders.  They remind me each and every day that we are a Nation of dreamers and doers, of promise and possibilities, and of ordinary Americans doing extraordinary things.  Above all, we are a Nation of good people, who show our kindness and character through small acts every single day.  This National Character Counts Week, we celebrate the core values of decency, honesty, dignity, and equality that have long defined the character of America.

     Our Nation is strong, and our future is bright — in large part because of the upstanding character that resides within all Americans.  I have witnessed it up close in educators like the First Lady, who inspire our Nation’s youth to reach for every possibility; mothers, fathers, and parental figures who raise their children with care, courage, and grit; first responders, who run toward danger to protect others; union workers, who are building America; and brave service members, who stand on the frontlines of freedom to defend our democracy.  Across the country, American workers are writing the greatest comeback story we have ever known — restoring pride in our hometowns, pride in America, and pride in knowing we can get big things done when we work together.

     Since I came into office, my Administration has taken large strides toward building an America that lives up to those values.  The American Rescue Plan helped keep child care programs open, families in their homes, and small businesses on their feet.  We set a record for Federal contract spending on small businesses.  Our historic investments across the clean energy economy are helping to combat climate change and create good-paying jobs.  Through the American Rescue Plan and Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, we have made significant investments in reducing crime, preventing gun violence, and saving lives, and last year, we saw one of the lowest rates of violent crime in more than 50 years.  We are also ensuring that America is a Nation where everyone is respected and where we give hate no safe harbor.  That is why I signed the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act, making it easier to report hate crimes, and hosted the United We Stand Summit to counter the corrosive effects of hate-fueled violence.  My Administration continues to work to counter antisemitism, Islamophobia, and hate in all its forms and ensure that everyone is treated with dignity and respect.

     Under my Unity Agenda, we are tackling the opioid epidemic and mental health crisis, holding Big Tech accountable, supporting our veterans and their families, and ending cancer as we know it.  We are investing more than $1 billion to help schools across the country train and hire new mental health counselors through the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, we have granted new disability benefits to over one million veterans and their families under the PACT Act, and we launched the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health to fast-track progress on how we prevent, detect, and treat cancer and other diseases.

     My father taught me that our character is not measured by how many times or how hard we get knocked down but by how quickly we get back up.  Even in the face of challenges ahead and obstacles in our way, Americans always get back up.  It is what drives our great country forward and what makes our Nation strong.  This week and every week, let us recommit to upholding our most essential values and remember that the sacred task of perfecting our Union is not just about any one of us but about “We the People.” 

     NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim October 20 through October 26, 2024, as National Character Counts Week.  Now and throughout the year, I encourage all Americans to engage in efforts that honor and express the best attributes of our character, extend a hand of fellowship to their neighbors, and unite in service to their communities.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
eighteenth day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-four, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-ninth.
 
 
                             JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.
 

The post A Proclamation on National Character Counts Week, 2024 appeared first on The White House.

     In the Oval Office, I sit surrounded by portraits of exceptional American Presidents and busts of inspiring American leaders.  They remind me each and every day that we are a Nation of dreamers and doers, of promise and possibilities, and of ordinary Americans doing extraordinary things.  Above all, we are a Nation of good people, who show our kindness and character through small acts every single day.  This National Character Counts Week, we celebrate the core values of decency, honesty, dignity, and equality that have long defined the character of America.

     Our Nation is strong, and our future is bright — in large part because of the upstanding character that resides within all Americans.  I have witnessed it up close in educators like the First Lady, who inspire our Nation’s youth to reach for every possibility; mothers, fathers, and parental figures who raise their children with care, courage, and grit; first responders, who run toward danger to protect others; union workers, who are building America; and brave service members, who stand on the frontlines of freedom to defend our democracy.  Across the country, American workers are writing the greatest comeback story we have ever known — restoring pride in our hometowns, pride in America, and pride in knowing we can get big things done when we work together.

     Since I came into office, my Administration has taken large strides toward building an America that lives up to those values.  The American Rescue Plan helped keep child care programs open, families in their homes, and small businesses on their feet.  We set a record for Federal contract spending on small businesses.  Our historic investments across the clean energy economy are helping to combat climate change and create good-paying jobs.  Through the American Rescue Plan and Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, we have made significant investments in reducing crime, preventing gun violence, and saving lives, and last year, we saw one of the lowest rates of violent crime in more than 50 years.  We are also ensuring that America is a Nation where everyone is respected and where we give hate no safe harbor.  That is why I signed the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act, making it easier to report hate crimes, and hosted the United We Stand Summit to counter the corrosive effects of hate-fueled violence.  My Administration continues to work to counter antisemitism, Islamophobia, and hate in all its forms and ensure that everyone is treated with dignity and respect.

     Under my Unity Agenda, we are tackling the opioid epidemic and mental health crisis, holding Big Tech accountable, supporting our veterans and their families, and ending cancer as we know it.  We are investing more than $1 billion to help schools across the country train and hire new mental health counselors through the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, we have granted new disability benefits to over one million veterans and their families under the PACT Act, and we launched the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health to fast-track progress on how we prevent, detect, and treat cancer and other diseases.

     My father taught me that our character is not measured by how many times or how hard we get knocked down but by how quickly we get back up.  Even in the face of challenges ahead and obstacles in our way, Americans always get back up.  It is what drives our great country forward and what makes our Nation strong.  This week and every week, let us recommit to upholding our most essential values and remember that the sacred task of perfecting our Union is not just about any one of us but about “We the People.” 

     NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim October 20 through October 26, 2024, as National Character Counts Week.  Now and throughout the year, I encourage all Americans to engage in efforts that honor and express the best attributes of our character, extend a hand of fellowship to their neighbors, and unite in service to their communities.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
eighteenth day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-four, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-ninth.
 
 
                             JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.
 

The post A Proclamation on National Character Counts Week, 2024 appeared first on The White House.

     Our forests are central to our country’s heritage, history, and economy.  Forests support livelihoods across Tribal Nations, rural towns, and big cities — from foresters and loggers to mill workers and carpenters — while also sustaining the health of our environment and our communities.  During National Forest Products Week, we recognize that conserving our bountiful forests is critical to sustaining our economy and ensuring that Americans can enjoy the wonder of our forests for generations to come.

     As a Nation, we rely on our forests for so much — from cleaning the air we breathe and the water we drink to providing the lumber and paper we use every day.  But the existential threat of climate change endangers our forests, putting those jobs, livelihoods, and critical products at risk.  After decades of fire suppression and ignoring climate change, wildfire seasons have become wildfire years, burning down communities, destroying forest ecosystems, and upending people’s lives.

     My first year in office, I launched the “America the Beautiful” initiative to conserve at least 30 percent of all our Nation’s lands and waters by 2030 through local, voluntary efforts across the country while empowering foresters and farmers to advance sustainable practices to keep working lands productive.  These efforts will help strengthen our economy and pass on a healthier planet to our children and grandchildren.

     When I came into office, I was determined to conserve our forests while protecting the people who rely on them for jobs.  My Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is creating jobs managing our forests, restoring ecosystems, and preventing catastrophic fires.  It is investing in the removal of overgrown vegetation near homes and power lines, preparing evacuation routes in areas at risk of wildfires, removing invasive plant species from forests that can cause fire to spread, and planting native tree species that are more resilient to the changing climate.  And my Inflation Reduction Act made the largest climate investment ever, putting people to work planting trees, sustainably managing our forests, and working on fire prevention.  Together, these actions are producing new jobs that help us care for our forests and keep all of us safe from wildfires.

     At the same time, my Administration is working to support the American workers and rural communities producing our forest products.  We have awarded millions of dollars in grants to American businesses that support forest conservation, expand the sustainable use of American wood products, and find innovative ways to use our wood waste materials, including to build strong and sustainable buildings.  I also take pride in having raised the Federal firefighter minimum wage to $15 per hour — an important first step in ensuring the people who run into flames to keep all of us safe are paid what they deserve.

     Conserving our forests is good for our economy, the planet, and the soul of our Nation.  This week, may we recommit to responsibly stewarding our forests and the abundant resources they provide so that we may all enjoy their benefits and beauty for years to come.

     To recognize the importance of the many products generated by our Nation’s forests, the Congress, by Public Law 86–753 (36 U.S.C. 123), as amended, has designated the week beginning on the third Sunday in October of each year as “National Forest Products Week” and has authorized and requested the President to issue a proclamation in observance of this week.

     NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim October 20 through October 26, 2024, as National Forest Products Week.  I call upon the people of the United States to join me in this observance and in recognizing all Americans who are responsible for the stewardship of our Nation’s beautiful forested landscapes.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eighteenth day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-four, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-ninth.
 
 
                             JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

The post A Proclamation on National Forest Products Week, 2024 appeared first on The White House.

     Our forests are central to our country’s heritage, history, and economy.  Forests support livelihoods across Tribal Nations, rural towns, and big cities — from foresters and loggers to mill workers and carpenters — while also sustaining the health of our environment and our communities.  During National Forest Products Week, we recognize that conserving our bountiful forests is critical to sustaining our economy and ensuring that Americans can enjoy the wonder of our forests for generations to come.

     As a Nation, we rely on our forests for so much — from cleaning the air we breathe and the water we drink to providing the lumber and paper we use every day.  But the existential threat of climate change endangers our forests, putting those jobs, livelihoods, and critical products at risk.  After decades of fire suppression and ignoring climate change, wildfire seasons have become wildfire years, burning down communities, destroying forest ecosystems, and upending people’s lives.

     My first year in office, I launched the “America the Beautiful” initiative to conserve at least 30 percent of all our Nation’s lands and waters by 2030 through local, voluntary efforts across the country while empowering foresters and farmers to advance sustainable practices to keep working lands productive.  These efforts will help strengthen our economy and pass on a healthier planet to our children and grandchildren.

     When I came into office, I was determined to conserve our forests while protecting the people who rely on them for jobs.  My Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is creating jobs managing our forests, restoring ecosystems, and preventing catastrophic fires.  It is investing in the removal of overgrown vegetation near homes and power lines, preparing evacuation routes in areas at risk of wildfires, removing invasive plant species from forests that can cause fire to spread, and planting native tree species that are more resilient to the changing climate.  And my Inflation Reduction Act made the largest climate investment ever, putting people to work planting trees, sustainably managing our forests, and working on fire prevention.  Together, these actions are producing new jobs that help us care for our forests and keep all of us safe from wildfires.

     At the same time, my Administration is working to support the American workers and rural communities producing our forest products.  We have awarded millions of dollars in grants to American businesses that support forest conservation, expand the sustainable use of American wood products, and find innovative ways to use our wood waste materials, including to build strong and sustainable buildings.  I also take pride in having raised the Federal firefighter minimum wage to $15 per hour — an important first step in ensuring the people who run into flames to keep all of us safe are paid what they deserve.

     Conserving our forests is good for our economy, the planet, and the soul of our Nation.  This week, may we recommit to responsibly stewarding our forests and the abundant resources they provide so that we may all enjoy their benefits and beauty for years to come.

     To recognize the importance of the many products generated by our Nation’s forests, the Congress, by Public Law 86–753 (36 U.S.C. 123), as amended, has designated the week beginning on the third Sunday in October of each year as “National Forest Products Week” and has authorized and requested the President to issue a proclamation in observance of this week.

     NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim October 20 through October 26, 2024, as National Forest Products Week.  I call upon the people of the United States to join me in this observance and in recognizing all Americans who are responsible for the stewardship of our Nation’s beautiful forested landscapes.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eighteenth day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-four, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-ninth.
 
 
                             JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

The post A Proclamation on National Forest Products Week, 2024 appeared first on The White House.

President Emmanuel Macron of France, Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany, Prime Minister Keir Starmer of the United Kingdom, and President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. of the United States met today in Berlin, Germany.

The leaders condemned Russia’s continued war of aggression against Ukraine, discussed their plans to provide Ukraine with additional security, economic, and humanitarian assistance – including leveraging the extraordinary revenues of immobilized Russian sovereign assets, as decided at the G7 Summit –, discussed President Zelenskyy’s Victory Plan, and reiterated their resolve to continue supporting Ukraine in its efforts to secure a just and lasting peace, based on international law, including the United Nations Charter, and respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The leaders also discussed events in the Middle East, in particular the implications of the death of Yahya Sinwar, who bears responsibility for the bloodshed of the October 7th terrorist attack, the immediate necessity to bring the hostages home to their families, ending the war in Gaza, and ensuring humanitarian aid reaches civilians. The leaders also reiterated their condemnation of Iran’s escalatory attack on Israel and coordinated on efforts to hold Iran accountable and prevent further escalation. They discussed the situation in Lebanon and agreed on the need to work towards full implementation of UNSCR 1701 and a diplomatic resolution that allows civilians on both sides of the Blue Line to return safely home.

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The post Readout of the Meeting of President Macron of France, Chancellor Scholz of Germany, Prime Minister Starmer of the United Kingdom, and President Biden of the United States appeared first on The White House.

President Emmanuel Macron of France, Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany, Prime Minister Keir Starmer of the United Kingdom, and President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. of the United States met today in Berlin, Germany.

The leaders condemned Russia’s continued war of aggression against Ukraine, discussed their plans to provide Ukraine with additional security, economic, and humanitarian assistance – including leveraging the extraordinary revenues of immobilized Russian sovereign assets, as decided at the G7 Summit –, discussed President Zelenskyy’s Victory Plan, and reiterated their resolve to continue supporting Ukraine in its efforts to secure a just and lasting peace, based on international law, including the United Nations Charter, and respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The leaders also discussed events in the Middle East, in particular the implications of the death of Yahya Sinwar, who bears responsibility for the bloodshed of the October 7th terrorist attack, the immediate necessity to bring the hostages home to their families, ending the war in Gaza, and ensuring humanitarian aid reaches civilians. The leaders also reiterated their condemnation of Iran’s escalatory attack on Israel and coordinated on efforts to hold Iran accountable and prevent further escalation. They discussed the situation in Lebanon and agreed on the need to work towards full implementation of UNSCR 1701 and a diplomatic resolution that allows civilians on both sides of the Blue Line to return safely home.

###

The post Readout of the Meeting of President Macron of France, Chancellor Scholz of Germany, Prime Minister Starmer of the United Kingdom, and President Biden of the United States appeared first on The White House.