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Memorandum on the Designation of Officials of the United States International Development Finance Corporation to Act as Chief Executive Officer
SUBJECT: Designation of Officials of the United States International Development Finance Corporation to Act as Chief Executive Officer
By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including the Federal Vacancies Reform Act of 1998, as amended, 5 U.S.C. 3345 et seq. (the “Act”), it is hereby ordered that:
Section 1. Order of Succession. Subject to the provisions of section 2 of this memorandum, and to the limitations set forth in the Act, the following officials of the United States International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), in the order listed, shall act as and perform the functions and duties of the office of the Chief Executive Officer of DFC during any period in which the Chief Executive Officer has died, resigned, or otherwise become unable to perform the functions and duties of the office of Chief Executive Officer:
(a) Deputy Chief Executive Officer;
(b) Head of Investment;
(c) Chief Operating Officer;
(d) Chief of Staff;
(e) Vice President and General Counsel;
(f) Senior Vice President for Investment;
(g) Senior Vice President for Management;
(h) Deputy General Counsel for Policy, Monitoring, and Corporate Affairs; and
(i) Chief Financial Officer and Vice President, Finance.
Sec. 2. Exceptions. (a) No individual who is serving in an office listed in section 1 of this memorandum in an acting capacity shall, by virtue of so serving, act as Chief Executive Officer pursuant to this memorandum.
(b) No individual who is serving in an office listed in section 1 of this memorandum shall act as Chief Executive Officer unless that individual is otherwise eligible to so serve under the Act.
(c) Notwithstanding the provisions of this memorandum, the President retains discretion, to the extent permitted by law, to depart from this memorandum in designating an acting Chief Executive Officer.
Sec. 3. Revocation. The Presidential Memorandum of January 8, 2021 (Providing an Order of Succession Within the United States International Development Finance Corporation), is hereby revoked.
Sec. 4. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this memorandum shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:
(i) the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or
(ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.
(b) This memorandum shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.
(c) This memorandum is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.
(d) You are authorized and directed to publish this memorandum in the Federal Register.
JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.
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Executive Order Providing an Order of Succession Within the Office of the National Cyber Director
By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including the Federal Vacancies Reform Act of 1998, as amended, 5 U.S.C. 3345 et seq. (the “Act”), it is hereby ordered that:
Section 1. Order of Succession. Subject to the provisions of section 2 of this order, and to the limitations set forth in the Act, the following officials of the Office of the National Cyber Director, in the order listed, shall act as and perform the functions and duties of the office of the National Cyber Director (Director) during any period in which the Director has died, resigned, or otherwise become unable to perform the functions and duties of the office of Director:
(a) Deputy National Cyber Director;
(b) Chief of Staff;
(c) Assistant National Cyber Director for Policy Development;
(d) Assistant National Cyber Director for Policy Implementation;
(e) Assistant National Cyber Director for Resource Management and Administration; and
(f) General Counsel.
Sec. 2. Exceptions. (a) No individual who is serving in an office listed in section 1(a)-(f) of this order in an acting capacity shall, by virtue of so serving, act as Director pursuant to this order.
(b) No individual who is serving in an office listed in section 1(a)-(f) of this order shall act as Director unless that individual is otherwise eligible to so serve under the Act.
(c) Notwithstanding the provisions of this order, the President retains discretion, to the extent permitted by law, to depart from this order in designating an acting Director.
Sec. 3. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:
(i) the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or
(ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.
(b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.
(c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.
JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.
THE WHITE HOUSE,
January 3, 2025.
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Executive Order Providing an Order of Succession Within the Office of the National Cyber Director
By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including the Federal Vacancies Reform Act of 1998, as amended, 5 U.S.C. 3345 et seq. (the “Act”), it is hereby ordered that:
Section 1. Order of Succession. Subject to the provisions of section 2 of this order, and to the limitations set forth in the Act, the following officials of the Office of the National Cyber Director, in the order listed, shall act as and perform the functions and duties of the office of the National Cyber Director (Director) during any period in which the Director has died, resigned, or otherwise become unable to perform the functions and duties of the office of Director:
(a) Deputy National Cyber Director;
(b) Chief of Staff;
(c) Assistant National Cyber Director for Policy Development;
(d) Assistant National Cyber Director for Policy Implementation;
(e) Assistant National Cyber Director for Resource Management and Administration; and
(f) General Counsel.
Sec. 2. Exceptions. (a) No individual who is serving in an office listed in section 1(a)-(f) of this order in an acting capacity shall, by virtue of so serving, act as Director pursuant to this order.
(b) No individual who is serving in an office listed in section 1(a)-(f) of this order shall act as Director unless that individual is otherwise eligible to so serve under the Act.
(c) Notwithstanding the provisions of this order, the President retains discretion, to the extent permitted by law, to depart from this order in designating an acting Director.
Sec. 3. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:
(i) the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or
(ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.
(b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.
(c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.
JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.
THE WHITE HOUSE,
January 3, 2025.
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President Biden Honors Nation’s Leading Scientists, Technologists, and Innovators
Today, President Biden announced the latest recipients of the National Medal of Science and the National Medal of Technology and Innovation—our nation’s highest honors for exemplary achievement and leadership in science and technology.
For 65 years, the President of the United States has bestowed the National Medal of Science on those deserving of special recognition for their outstanding contributions to science in service to the United States. This medal was established by Congress in 1959 and is administered by the U.S. National Science Foundation.
Since it was first awarded in 1985, the National Medal of Technology and Innovation has recognized American innovators whose vision, intellect, creativity, and determination have strengthened America’s economy and improved our quality of life. The medal was established by Congress in 1980 and is administered by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
President Biden often says that America can be defined in a single word: possibilities. Those who earn these awards embody the promise of America by pushing the boundaries of what is possible. These trailblazers have harnessed the power of science and technology to tackle challenging problems and deliver innovative solutions for Americans and for communities around the world.
These medalists have made discoveries that are helping us meet the climate crisis, treat crippling disease, create lifesaving vaccines, pioneer the way we communicate, and significantly improve our understanding of the universe and our place within it. Their accomplishments advance American leadership in science, technology, and innovation, and their work inspires the next generation of American leaders.
The new recipients are listed below.
Recipients of the National Medal of Science
- Richard B. Alley
- Larry Martin Bartels
- Bonnie L. Bassler
- Angela Marie Belcher
- Helen M. Blau
- Emery Neal Brown
- John O. Dabiri
- Ingrid Daubechies
- Cynthia Dwork
- R. Lawrence Edwards
- Wendy L. Freedman
- Keivan G. Stassun
- G. David Tilman
- Teresa Kaye Woodruff
Recipients of the National Medal of Technology and Innovation
- Martin Cooper
- Jennifer A. Doudna
- Eric R. Fossum
- Paula T. Hammond
- Kristina M. Johnson
- Victor B. Lawrence
- David R. Walt
- Paul G. Yock
- Feng Zhang
National Medal of Technology and Innovation Organization Recipients
- Moderna, Inc.
- Pfizer Inc.
###
The post President Biden Honors Nation’s Leading Scientists, Technologists, and Innovators appeared first on The White House.
President Biden Honors Nation’s Leading Scientists, Technologists, and Innovators
Today, President Biden announced the latest recipients of the National Medal of Science and the National Medal of Technology and Innovation—our nation’s highest honors for exemplary achievement and leadership in science and technology.
For 65 years, the President of the United States has bestowed the National Medal of Science on those deserving of special recognition for their outstanding contributions to science in service to the United States. This medal was established by Congress in 1959 and is administered by the U.S. National Science Foundation.
Since it was first awarded in 1985, the National Medal of Technology and Innovation has recognized American innovators whose vision, intellect, creativity, and determination have strengthened America’s economy and improved our quality of life. The medal was established by Congress in 1980 and is administered by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
President Biden often says that America can be defined in a single word: possibilities. Those who earn these awards embody the promise of America by pushing the boundaries of what is possible. These trailblazers have harnessed the power of science and technology to tackle challenging problems and deliver innovative solutions for Americans and for communities around the world.
These medalists have made discoveries that are helping us meet the climate crisis, treat crippling disease, create lifesaving vaccines, pioneer the way we communicate, and significantly improve our understanding of the universe and our place within it. Their accomplishments advance American leadership in science, technology, and innovation, and their work inspires the next generation of American leaders.
The new recipients are listed below.
Recipients of the National Medal of Science
- Richard B. Alley
- Larry Martin Bartels
- Bonnie L. Bassler
- Angela Marie Belcher
- Helen M. Blau
- Emery Neal Brown
- John O. Dabiri
- Ingrid Daubechies
- Cynthia Dwork
- R. Lawrence Edwards
- Wendy L. Freedman
- Keivan G. Stassun
- G. David Tilman
- Teresa Kaye Woodruff
Recipients of the National Medal of Technology and Innovation
- Martin Cooper
- Jennifer A. Doudna
- Eric R. Fossum
- Paula T. Hammond
- Kristina M. Johnson
- Victor B. Lawrence
- David R. Walt
- Paul G. Yock
- Feng Zhang
National Medal of Technology and Innovation Organization Recipients
- Moderna, Inc.
- Pfizer Inc.
###
The post President Biden Honors Nation’s Leading Scientists, Technologists, and Innovators appeared first on The White House.
Memorandum on the Designation of Officials of the Council on Environmental Quality to Act as Chairman
SUBJECT: Designation of Officials of the Council on
Environmental Quality to Act as Chairman
By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including the Federal Vacancies Reform Act of 1998, as amended, 5 U.S.C. 3345 et seq. (the “Act”), it is hereby ordered that:
Section1. Order of Succession. Subject to the provisions of section 2 of this memorandum, and to the limitations set forth in the Act, the following officials of the Council on Environmental Quality, in the order listed, shall act as and perform the functions and duties of the office of the Chairman of the Council on Environmental Quality (Chairman) during any period in which the Chairman has died, resigned, or otherwise become unable to perform the functions and duties of the office of Chairman:
(a) Chief of Staff;
(b) General Counsel;
(d) Senior Directors, in the chronological order in which they were appointed as a Senior Director and, if Senior Directors were appointed on the same day, in alphabetical order by last name; and
(e) Associate Director for the National Environmental Policy Act.
Sec. 2. Exceptions. (a) No individual who is serving in an office listed in section 1 of this memorandum in an acting capacity shall, by virtue of so serving, act as Chairman pursuant to this memorandum.
(b) No individual who is serving in an office listed in section 1 of this memorandum shall act as Chairman unless that individual is otherwise eligible to so serve under the Act.
(c) Notwithstanding the provisions of this memorandum, the President retains discretion, to the extent permitted by law, to depart from this memorandum in designating an acting Chairman.
Sec. 3. Revocation. The Presidential Memorandum of September 6, 2019 (Providing an Order of Succession Within the Council on Environmental Quality), is hereby revoked.
Sec. 4. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this memorandum shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:
(i) the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or
(ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.
(b) This memorandum shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.
(c) This memorandum is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.
(d) You are authorized and directed to publish this memorandum in the Federal Register.
JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.
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Memorandum on the Designation of Officials of the Council on Environmental Quality to Act as Chairman
SUBJECT: Designation of Officials of the Council on
Environmental Quality to Act as Chairman
By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including the Federal Vacancies Reform Act of 1998, as amended, 5 U.S.C. 3345 et seq. (the “Act”), it is hereby ordered that:
Section1. Order of Succession. Subject to the provisions of section 2 of this memorandum, and to the limitations set forth in the Act, the following officials of the Council on Environmental Quality, in the order listed, shall act as and perform the functions and duties of the office of the Chairman of the Council on Environmental Quality (Chairman) during any period in which the Chairman has died, resigned, or otherwise become unable to perform the functions and duties of the office of Chairman:
(a) Chief of Staff;
(b) General Counsel;
(d) Senior Directors, in the chronological order in which they were appointed as a Senior Director and, if Senior Directors were appointed on the same day, in alphabetical order by last name; and
(e) Associate Director for the National Environmental Policy Act.
Sec. 2. Exceptions. (a) No individual who is serving in an office listed in section 1 of this memorandum in an acting capacity shall, by virtue of so serving, act as Chairman pursuant to this memorandum.
(b) No individual who is serving in an office listed in section 1 of this memorandum shall act as Chairman unless that individual is otherwise eligible to so serve under the Act.
(c) Notwithstanding the provisions of this memorandum, the President retains discretion, to the extent permitted by law, to depart from this memorandum in designating an acting Chairman.
Sec. 3. Revocation. The Presidential Memorandum of September 6, 2019 (Providing an Order of Succession Within the Council on Environmental Quality), is hereby revoked.
Sec. 4. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this memorandum shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:
(i) the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or
(ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.
(b) This memorandum shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.
(c) This memorandum is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.
(d) You are authorized and directed to publish this memorandum in the Federal Register.
JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.
The post Memorandum on the Designation of Officials of the Council on Environmental Quality to Act as Chairman appeared first on The White House.
Press Briefing by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre
James S. Brady Press Briefing Room
1:37 P.M. EST
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Hello. Good afternoon, everyone. Happy New Year.
Q Happy New Year.
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Okay. Bear with me here. I have a couple of things at the top.
In the coming days, the president and first lady will travel to New Orleans, Louisiana. The president and first lady will grieve with the families and community members impacted by the tragic attack on January 1st and meet with local and state officials on the ground.
The president has been extremely focused on ensuring that everything possible be done to complete this investigation, ensure the safety of the community, and provide any and all federal assistance to support state and local officials.
Since Wednesday, the president has held regular meetings with his Homeland Security team to receive the latest information on the investigation and convey the need to do everything possible to complete this investigation and keep the American people safe.
The president has also spoken to the mayor of Lou- — New Orleans and the governor of Louisiana to offer support to both state and local officials. His team remains in close touch with their teams. And as the president said earlier today — you heard him moments ago — he has spoken with the families of the victims.
As he made clear, there is no justification for violence of any kind, and we will not tolerate any attack on any of our nation’s communities.
The president continues to receive regular updates on both the investigation into the terrorist attack in New Orleans and the truck explosion in Las Vegas. Both cases remain active investigations, and I will refer you to law enforcement to speak further about them.
Next, as you all know, steel and steelworkers who produce it are the backbone of our economy and national security, powering our autos, our infrastructure, our defense. Without domestic steel production and domestic steelworkers, our nation is less strong and less secure.
CFIUS evaluation determined this acquisition would place one of America’s largest steel producers under foreign control and create a risk for our national security and our critical supply chains. And CFIUS referred the matter to the president for his decision.
So, the president took action to block the deal to U.S. Steel remains — so U.S. Steel remains a proud American company — American owned, American operated, by American union steelworkers, and the best in the world.
The domestic steel industry is the strongest it has been in years because of the president’s actions to level the playing field for American steel and American steelworkers. And the United States remains an open economy with record foreign direct investments under President Biden’s leadership.
As foreign competitors like China distort global steel markets through unfair trade practices, such as dumping and overproduction, it is critical that we have a strong domestic steel industry that protects our national security and our supply chains.
Today, the president demonstrated once again that he will always act to protect the security of this nation, as well as the resilience of our supply.
And then — so, with that, I’m going to — before I take questions, I want to add one more thing, which we haven’t done in a while, which is talk about the week ahead — next week — and then we’ll go into questions.
In addition to his trip to New Orleans, the president and the first lady will travel to Los Angeles, California, on Monday. The president will then travel to Eastern Coachella Valley, California, on Tuesday.
On Thursday, the president and the first lady will attend the state funeral for former President Jimmy Carter. As President Biden said, “The world lost an extraordinary leader, statesman, and humanitarian.” The president and the first lady look forward to honoring a great American who gave his life to service.
And finally, on Thursday afternoon, the president and the first lady will travel to Rome, Italy, from the 9th to — from January 9th to the 12th. During the visit, the president will meet separately with His Holiness Pope Francis, the president of Italy, and the prime minister of Italy as well.
And as always, we’ll have more to share as we get closer to the trips and events to come. But before I even go to your questions, I have one more thing that I wanted to add — a personal note. Jeremy and Jacob, thank you so much for your service. They will be leaving our team. This is going to be — next week is going to be really your last week, but we didn’t have an- — another opportunity to do this in the briefing room.
So, I just wanted to say thank you to both. You have been phenomenal to work with. I’m going to miss you both and wish you the best in your upcoming endeavors in your career. But just wanted to — to thank them here in the — at the podium.
And if you guys have a chance, make sure to — to offer you up your well wishes to Jeremy and Jacob next week.
And with that, you have the first question. Fatima.
Q Thank you, Karine. I have three questions.
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Sure.
Q Firstly, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has for years talked about friendshoring and countering the ambitions of China with allies. Will the president’s decision on Nippon undercut efforts to strengthen relationships with our allies? And could this decision potentially damage the U.S.’s relationship with Japan?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: This is not about Japan. It’s not. And you have watched this president, really, in the last four years, strengthen his relationship with our allies, obviously abroad.
And, you know, we have worked, certainly, together to strengthen our economic partnership with Japan. We have been in touch with Japan and conveyed — conveyed our thoughts directly to them. This is about the need — you heard me talk about how now U.S. Steel is going to stay American owned and American operated, and this is what’s important to this president, and that he’s been very clear about that.
So, this is about continuing that, making sure that we are strong domestically (inaudible) operated steel industry for our national security and for our — for our resilient supply chain, and how important that would be.
So — and I also stated at the top how if you look at the — the work that this president has done over the last four years, the steel industry is the strongest — it’s the strongest that it’s been in years because of the actions that this president has done every day since day one to make sure that we protect that.
And so, the president believes that we need major U.S. companies representing a major share of U.S. steelmaking capacity and to keep leading that fight on behalf of America’s national interests.
And so, that’s why the president made this decision. He’s always been very clear about that. We’ve always been very consistent about that.
And so, that’s going to be our focus — continuing to be our focus, obviously.
Q Earlier today, the president said he spoke with families of the victims of New Orleans attack. What
did he tell them?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Look, I’m not going to get into private conversation that the president has had with families. We — we don’t do that.
We’ll — certainly, if the families choose to speak about their conversation with the president, obviously they have the right to do that.
Our hearts certainly go out to the families who lost their loved ones on a — a day that should have been a celebrated day to such — to such an act of violence. Obviously, this is something that we will continue to condone [condemn].
But as I stated at the top, the president and the first lady are going to New Orleans in the upcoming days, and they’re going to grieve with the family.
And, sadly, that is something that you have seen them do many times over the last four years. When an awful event happens, they are there. They want to be there, especially at this magnitude. They want to be there and be — be with the family and mourn with the family.
And so, again, this is — was a certainly an awful, awful event that happened on the day that we should have all been celebrating: an incoming new year. And so, our hearts go out to the families and also to the communities who are dealing with the aftermath of this tragedy.
Q And does the vice president plan to oversee the certification of the election results on Monday?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: I believe that is her plans. I would have to refer you to the vice president’s office on her schedule, but I believe so. Yes.
Q Thanks, Karine. How does the attack in New Orleans and the explosion in Las Vegas increase concerns in the administration about security surrounding the certification of the vote, the Carter funeral next week here in Washington, the inauguration, and even looking ahead to the Super Bowl next month in New Orleans?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: So, look, all of the events that you just laid out is a certainly high priority for this administration.
The Department of Homeland Security and federal law enforcement have well-established safety and security protocols in place, especially as we speak to the inauguration, obviously. And so, they have been preparing for months to ensure that — the security of these events and the safety of those attending them.
So, again, this is something that we’ve worked through for months now. And so, we are working, you know, tirelessly every single day to ensure the safety and security of the inauguration, the safety and security of major events that you just laid out.
It is important to the president that we continue to protect, as I said at the top, American communities, communities across the country. And, certainly, that’s what the president is going to — wants his team to focus on, and that’s what they have been focusing on.
Q Both suspects in New Orleans and Las Vegas served in the military. Does the president find that aspect of this troubling? And is he concerned about a problem of radicalization in the military?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: So, look, I’m going to — obviously, the FBI is continuing their investigation. So, they can speak to the FBI and the Department of Defense, as you just stated, because of their — of their status and affiliation to the — to — to their military service, I would have to refer you to Department of Defense to speak to that specifically.
I don’t want to get into — into a back-and-forth on this — on this. What we can say is: continue to condemn any form of violence and do whatever we can and continue to do the work, obviously, to make sure that there is — a security protocol continues and we protect Americans and Americ– and certainly communities across the country.
I’m not going to dive into the two — the two subjects.
Q Can you say if the president had any reaction when he heard that detail about both of these suspects, though?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: What I can say is the president is — his heart is going out to the family who were certainly affected and lost a loved one that day. And what he wants to do is to make sure that his — his team is continuing to do the work to make sure that Americans are protected, communities are protected, and that’s what I can speak to.
You heard that from the president multiple times this week already, and that’s going to be the president’s focus.
Yeah.
Q Thanks, Karine. President-elect Trump, a little while ago today, seemed to take issue with the fact that American flags will be flown at half-mast at the time of his inauguration, considering the passing of former President Jimmy Carter. Is there any potential for that to not be the case? Is that a decision that the White House would change?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Just say that one more time. Say that one more time. The pr- — the president-elect —
Q The flags are due to be flown at half-mast at the time of the inauguration, and President Trump seems to be taking issue with that. Is that a decision that the White House would consider reversing or reevaluating?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: No.
Go ahead.
Q On U.S. Steel. The U.S. relationship with Japan is strong.
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Yeah.
Q What is the national security concern the president sees by having this investment in — in an American company?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: So, look, you saw the president’s statement. He — he talks about the CFIUS evaluation, how they ter- — determined that evaluation, how they got to their, again, determination that this acquisition would place one of America’s largest steel producers under the foreign control and create risk of our national security.
This is from CFIUS. They are independent. The president said he was going to let the process play out, and it has played out.
And so, if you think about our national security and our critical supply chain, you know, CFIUS, you know, referred the matter to the president to make that decision.
And so, the president ta- — took that very seriously. He’s always going to make sure that we put Americans first. And that is how you saw this decision play out from this president.
And I talked about China and how they tend to distort the global market’s steel with — through unfair trade practices. And so, you know, this is something that the president took very, very seriously, and — and took CFIUS determination.
We’ve got to remember, this is a cross-government — cross-government panel, when you think about CFIUS and the decision that they — they made.
And so, that’s how the president came to this decision. It is about making sure that a U.S. company is U.S. owned, U.S. operated; supporting, continuing to protect the — the U.S. steelmakers; obviously, a union. And that’s what the president wanted — led with, and that’s how he made this — his decision.
Q Is it political?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: No, it’s not. This is — again, as I was answering that question, I said, he said that CF- — we’ve al- — always said CFIUS is an independent body. We let this process play out. We made sure that this plocess [process] play out and — and that’s exactly what we did.
And CFIUS made a determination, and they said this acquisition would create risk for our national security and our critical supply chain. And the president took that, really, very seriously. And he took a careful look — a careful look at the CFIUS evaluation. And so, he decided to block this deal.
Q One other. President-elect Trump had communicated on his social media some inaccurate information related to New Orleans early on. Is the president at all concerned about the flow of information and briefing and access to whatever intelligence or whatever he might need in terms of this transition? Are you — is he comfortable with the information flow to the president-elect on matters like this?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: I mean, look — and — and I’m — I’m actually glad you asked this question, because one of the things that you all do as a — a journalist bod- — a journalist body is that you are able to fact-check and say that what was stated by the president-elect was simply false. And I think that is important — right? — which is why we respect the — the hard work that all of you do.
As it relates to the president and the information that he gets, obviously, that’s something for ODNI, if it’s — if it’s related to intelligence and specific information in that nature. I’m not going to speculate beyond that, and I’m just going to leave it there.
Go ahead.
Q Just three things. The FBI, NCTC, DHS put out a law enforcement bulletin earlier today warning of copycat attacks in the wake of New Orleans. What assurances can the White House offer to the public, many of whom might be scared of this kind of vehicle-ramming attack?
And to build on the earlier question, beyond just radicalization, you know, is there a wider concern about the mental health implications connected to service members, given the similarities?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Yeah, so, as it relates to the second part of your question, I’m going to have to refer you to the Department of Defense. They can speak to that. I’m not going to litigate that from here.
Look, when it comes to — and you’re right, the bulletin was put out. And what I can say is: DHS and law enforcement remain vigilant to any potential copycat. And so, they’re going to cons- — consistently — DHS and law enforcement are going to consistently — consistently evaluate threats and going to share the latest information to disrupt any potential copycats, potential threats. And so, that is their commitment. That’s what they’re working hard to do. And so, they’re going to be vigilant — continue to be vigilant on that aspect.
Q On bird flu. The bird flu outbreak is escalating. At least 66 human infections across 10 states now. The federal government has two bird flu vaccine candidates available. Why not ask the FDA to authorize them, even for particularly vulnerable farmworkers? Why defer a decision on a vaccine to the next administration?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: And so, look, that is something, as you know, the FDA — that is something that they decide on. They have a committee that — when they have to make decisions like this. So, I would have to leave it to them on how they move forward with that.
Look, we remain — we take this very seriously. And USDA, HHS are — are on top of this. We are in touch with them. They’re certainly in touch with local authorities on this.
And so, I do want to be very clear that CDC has been on top — have said themselves that the risk to the general public is — is still low. And so, we want to make sure that the American people are listening to CDC, and they can — and they certainly need to continue to do so. And we want to make sure, obviously, the nation’s food — food supply remains safe.
And so, a couple things that I do want to lay out that we have been able to do that the — from this administration, which is protect — directed the — we made sure that — since March, when this was detected — to protect the public health, protect animal health, protect our nation’s food supply, and monitor all trends to prevent the spread of avian flu. So, this work is going to continue.
All relevant federal agencies continue to coordinate, as I just stated, with local authorities, and so we’re going to do that as — be consistent with that as we’ve done since March. And so, that’s what the administration is going to fo- — focus on.
Q But is the president concerned about deferring a decision about a vaccine to the next administration?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: I’m — I’m not going to get into hypotheticals about what the next administration is going to do or not do.
This is something that rests in the world of FDA. And so, we want to let them lead by science and the facts. We’ve been — that’s — we’ve been pretty consistent on that over the last four years. And so, we’re going to leave it to FDA.
But I — I’m just not going to get into hypotheticals about what the — what the next administration is going to do or not.
Q Last thing on a different topic. There have been reports that Chinese government hackers have breached a really sensitive office within the U.S. Treasury. OFAC, of course, administers economic sanctions. What more can you tell us about the scope of this and what information has been compromised?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: So, what I can say is the president was briefed on this. We are closely tracking the incident. We’re working to identify actions to mitigate the future risk to U.S. government networks.
And anything further, I would have to refer you to the U.S. Treasury Department, FBI. They could speak to specifics on this particular incident.
But the president has been briefed, and we’re certainly closely tracking the incident.
Q Do you know of any taxpayer information or any PII —
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: I would have to —
Q — has been compromised?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: I would have to refer you to the Treasury Department on that. And the FBI, as you know, is investigating this.
Go ahead.
Q Hi. Has the president signed the Social Security Fairness Act?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: So, he will sign the Social Security Fairness Act in the upcoming days. Once we have that information, we’ll certainly share with you on that day — particular day.
Q Can you just clarify? My understanding was it would be pocket vetoed if he didn’t sign it by noon today. Are you saying that’s not the case?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: I — I can say to you that the president is going to sign it. I can’t speak to the specifics of what you just laid out. I know the president is — is looking forward to signing that.
Go ahead.
Q Thanks, Karine. U.S. Steel has warned that — that it may or likely would have to close steel mills if the deal fell through. To what degree did the — did the president take that into consideration?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: So, I can say this — that we are confident — the president is confident that domestic steel and domestic steelworkers are going to continue to thrive because of the work that he’s done, because of the commitment that he has had to — to this industry.
As I said at the top, this is the strongest — it is i- — it’s in its strongest — the — the steel industry is the — stronger than it — that it’s been in years because of what the president has been able to do.
And you think about manufacturing investment, you think about tariffs on Chinese steel imports, that’s — has made the industry stronger, those actions that the president has taken. You’ve seen more than 100 new steel and iron mills have opened since the president took office.
So, we’re very confident that this is an industry that’s going to continue to thrive.
Q If — if there are — if there are mills that are closed, if there are layoffs, would the president need to take some responsibility for that?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: I — I mean, that’s a — that’s a hypothetical. I’m not going to get into hypotheticals. What I can say is the president has taken strong actions over the last four years.
I just mentioned a hundred new steel mills that were created. What he was able to do on — on Chinese steel imports, tariffs on Chi- — Chinese steel imports. That has made — made that industry stro- — stronger. Manufacturing investments, all of that has made that industry stronger.
And so, we believe it’s going to continue to thrive. I’m not going to get into hypotheticals from here. Obviously, the president took — took this decision really — you know, he — he really took it seriously and made a decision on behalf of — a behalf of — on behalf of the American people, and that’s how he came to this decision.
Obviously, this is a president that has had a lot of — a lot of focus and wanting to continue to make sure we uplifted, certainly, union workers. And that’s what you’ve seen from this president.
Yeah.
Q Karine, a number of the — the president’s actions in recent days have — have seemed intended to undercut some of the threats that the president-elect has made or actions that he’d said he’ll put into place. You know, he awarded the Presidential Citizens Medal to Liz Cheney, who the president-elect has said should be in jail. You all have the upcoming monument declarations next week and, also, the decision that the president is expected to make on banning drilling in certain federal waters. Are there other actions that we should expect from him in the coming days that — that he’s planning to take in anticipation of President Trump — President-elect Trump taking over?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: So, I’m going to be clear. I don’t have any announcements to make on — on any of the things that you just laid out — policy announcements to make. So, don’t want to get ahead of — of where we are.
What the president is doing and what he said he would do is continue to focus on the American people, continue to deliver on critical investments that he thinks matters of the direction as — as we go — as we move forward as a country.
Look, if you think about, for example, the monuments and those decisions that he’s made on protecting more than 46 million land and water, I think that’s — shows the president’s commitment to make sure that we preserve — to preserve our — our environment, that we can really focus on climate — climate investment, climate change.
I mean, there’s nothing new there. That’s been part of the president’s platform from the beginning. He happens to really respect Liz Cheney. He happens to really respect the congressman. And that’s why he made that decision.
And, look, the president is always going to lift up Americans that have put their country first is what we have seen. And he’s done that throughout the four years, not just this past week. He’s going to always make decisions that he believes is best for the American people.
I mean, there’s nothing new there. I think that is — if you look at what the president has done in the last four years, this is all consistent to what he believes and he believes — and what he believes is the best way to move this country forward.
Q Are there other actions that we should anticipate?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: I’m not going to get ahead of the president. We have 17 days left in this administration. The president has a jam-packed schedule, and he’s going to continue to focus on ways that we can move forward — invest in this country, invest in — in communities, and continue to lift up — lift up all the — all — you know, all what he believes this country can be.
Go ahead.
Q Thank you. President Biden has staked his presidency on the preservation of democracy and has commemorated January 6th in different ways every year. What, if anything, will he do to commemorate the anniversary on Monday? And in that context, does he still believe Donald Trump is a threat to democracy?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Look, I don’t have anything to share at this moment. You will hear from the president on Ja- — about January 6th — his thoughts on January 6th in 2021. Nothing has changed.
And I think this is a president that has spoken multiple times in the last four years and beyond about democracy — the importance of democracy, protecting our democracy. And so, I would expect that he will continue to be steadfast on that.
Q And then, I imagine the president is reflecting on Jimmy Carter this week. And so much of Carter’s legacy is his service to both the nation and the world in his post-presidency. So, I wonder how President Biden is thinking about his own post-presidential service and what he wants that legacy to be.
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: I’m not going to get ahead of this president. He’s going to have an opportunity to speak to all of you. You’re going to hear ma- — from him many times in the next 17 days about his thoughts about his presidency. I’m going to let him speak for himself.
But I think if you look at the last four years, what he’s been able to do — whether it’s climate change, whether it’s bringing the economy back on its feet, whether it’s investment — manufacturing investment in this country — he’s had a historic presidency. He’s done more in one term than most presidents have been able to do in two terms.
And that is — that is just the facts. That is what we’ve been able to see from the Biden-Harris administration.
So, I think it speaks for itself. But as far as the president and his personal thoughts, his personal views, I’m going to leave it to him to speak to.
Go ahead, Jared.
Q One more on U.S. Steel. I guess, more broadly, what message should other foreign companies who are considering investing in the United States take away from this decision by the president?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Look, again, this wasn’t about Japan. It’s not about Japan. This — we have a strong alliance with Japan. We have worked together — as you know, I’ve mentioned before — to — to strengthen our economic partnership. That is something that you’ve seen this president work tirelessly on over the past four years.
And certainly, we talked to Japan about this particular decision. We’ve been in direct touch.
This is about a domestically owned, operated steel industry. And we’re talking about our for- — our — our national security, of course, but also our supply chain — our resilient supply chain.
so, that’s what the president wanted to focus on. That’s what you saw, this action from this president.
And so, that is going to be our focus. We’re going to continue to work on our relationships with our allies across the globe. That is something that we’re going to continue to do.
I just talked about the president going to Rome next week. Certainly, that is very important.
The president, in the past four years, has been able to mend many of those relationships, and you’ve seen the president on the global stage and how those relationships have really mattered to our — to our friends across the — across the world.
And so, that’s how we should — that’s how we see this. This is not about Japan. This is about what is right for — for America and what is right — and how we — how he saw the best way to move forward with this decision.
Remember, CFIUS did this — did this analysis, and they provided us with their thoughts. And the president took this very seriously.
Q So, if it’s specific to steel, that — that’s sort of an industry that is —
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Yeah.
Q — really viewed differently than other — like, whether it’s IT or — or chips or any other industry that a lot of foreign investment has come into the — the country for.
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Say —
Q I’m saying, there’s been a lot of foreign investment in other industries —
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Yeah.
Q — beyond steel.
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Yeah.
Q Those investments are not at risk, or they shouldn’t rethink those —
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Well —
Q — as a result of the —
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Well, let’s —
Q — U.S. Steel decision?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: I mean, let’s step back. CFIUS took this on. It’s an independent — independent evaluation and an independent agency. And they gave their thoughts. They gave their report to the president, and the president made this decision.
So, let’s not forget how we even got here.
And so, I’m not going to get into other industries. I’m focusing on what CFIUS presented to this president and the decision that the president made.
You heard from him. He put out a statement on this in his voice, obviously, so you heard from directly. You’ve heard from me on why the president made that decision.
So, that’s why we are where we are today.
Go ahead. Go ahead.
Q Prior to the announcement today about U.S. Steel, Nippon Steel had said that it was going to sue if
this decision came to be. Has there been any preparation for that? Was that involved in the decision?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: I’m not — I’m — I’m not going to get into litigation, potential lawsuits from here. That is something I would refer you to Department of Justice. I’m just not going to do that — be pretty consistent.
Go ahead.
Wait, did I call on you already?
Q You did. (Laughter.)
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Okay. I’ve got to call on somebody else. I’m sorry.
Go ahead.
Q Thank you, Karine. Human rights and upholding international law has been made priority for the Biden administration.
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: S- — say that one more time.
Q Human rights —
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Mm-hmm.
Q — and upholding international law has been a priority for this administration. We’re not disputing that, right?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: No, I’m not disputing that. You’re correct. That is something that when I’m asked about it, we say that the president brings that up when he has meetings or bilateral meetings with — with world leaders. He brings that up, and it’s always something that we certainly focus on, for sure.
Q So, I don’t know if you’ve seen Amnesty International report, but basically detailing the arrest of doctors, health workers in Gaza. And some of them has endure torture. On December 27th, Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya — he is the doctor for Kamal Adwan Hospital — was arrested. And until now, we don’t know what it is his whereabout. And there is fear from Amnesty International for his life.
What is the White House doing to talk with a close ally like yours, which is Israel, to make sure that his life is spared and he is safe?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: So, on that particular matter, I would — I don’t have anything to share on any conversation on that specific Amnesty situation.
Obviously, when it comes to humanitarian assistance, we continue, certainly, to be concerned of the lack of humanitarian assistance.
This is something that we talk directly with our Israeli counterparts in the government, and so we will continue to do that. You’ve seen Secretary Blinken and others who have gone into the region and have those conversation with Israel about that.
I don’t have anything to share about that particular instance. I would have to talk to the team, but — but that is something that we certainly take very seriously, when it comes to humanitarian aid and humanitarian workers being able to be allowed to do the job.
But I — I can’t speak to that particular report. I have to talk to our team. I — I want to be really, really mindful on that.
Q But would you agree that arresting doctors in hospitals is a violation of human rights and international law?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: A- — again, I want to be super
mindful because you’re asking me about a particular incident that has occurred, and I just want to make sure I have all of the information. I don’t want to give you an answer without having all the information. And so, I’m just going to be super mindful and — and leave it there.
AIDE: (Inaudible) time for one more.
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Okay. All right.
Go ahead.
Q Thank you. Is the president following the House speaker election process today?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: So —
Q He has worked with Mike Johnson. Does he want to see the process play out smoothly?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: So, look, we’ve always been very clear from here, from this administration, that we do not inject ourselves into any leadership election that is happening in Congress. It doesn’t matter if it’s a Democrat or — or Republican, we stay out of it.
The president is going to continue to focus on the job that he has ahead: 17 days of a — of a jam-packed schedule, focusing on the American people.
We’re going to let Congress do their business.
Q And why is the administration calling for cancer warning labels on alcohol now, at the end of the term, when there’s minimal political capital? Were there conversations with Congress, and was there any pushback?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: So, look, we obviously take any — any report that comes ind- — from an independent advisory –obviously, we take the findings very seriously, as we do now.
It is important that Americans are informed and — about decisions that they have to make for themselves.
When it re- — w- — as it relates to this particular report, I have to refer you to the surgeon general’s office, but certainly we take any independent advisory report very, very seriously.
I don’t have anything beyond that.
Thanks, guys.
Q How about one from Fox?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Thank you, everybody. Have a good one.
Q Does the president still consider white supremacy the greatest terrorist threat to the United States?
2:11 P.M. EST
The post Press Briefing by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre appeared first on The White House.
Press Briefing by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre
James S. Brady Press Briefing Room
1:37 P.M. EST
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Hello. Good afternoon, everyone. Happy New Year.
Q Happy New Year.
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Okay. Bear with me here. I have a couple of things at the top.
In the coming days, the president and first lady will travel to New Orleans, Louisiana. The president and first lady will grieve with the families and community members impacted by the tragic attack on January 1st and meet with local and state officials on the ground.
The president has been extremely focused on ensuring that everything possible be done to complete this investigation, ensure the safety of the community, and provide any and all federal assistance to support state and local officials.
Since Wednesday, the president has held regular meetings with his Homeland Security team to receive the latest information on the investigation and convey the need to do everything possible to complete this investigation and keep the American people safe.
The president has also spoken to the mayor of Lou- — New Orleans and the governor of Louisiana to offer support to both state and local officials. His team remains in close touch with their teams. And as the president said earlier today — you heard him moments ago — he has spoken with the families of the victims.
As he made clear, there is no justification for violence of any kind, and we will not tolerate any attack on any of our nation’s communities.
The president continues to receive regular updates on both the investigation into the terrorist attack in New Orleans and the truck explosion in Las Vegas. Both cases remain active investigations, and I will refer you to law enforcement to speak further about them.
Next, as you all know, steel and steelworkers who produce it are the backbone of our economy and national security, powering our autos, our infrastructure, our defense. Without domestic steel production and domestic steelworkers, our nation is less strong and less secure.
CFIUS evaluation determined this acquisition would place one of America’s largest steel producers under foreign control and create a risk for our national security and our critical supply chains. And CFIUS referred the matter to the president for his decision.
So, the president took action to block the deal to U.S. Steel remains — so U.S. Steel remains a proud American company — American owned, American operated, by American union steelworkers, and the best in the world.
The domestic steel industry is the strongest it has been in years because of the president’s actions to level the playing field for American steel and American steelworkers. And the United States remains an open economy with record foreign direct investments under President Biden’s leadership.
As foreign competitors like China distort global steel markets through unfair trade practices, such as dumping and overproduction, it is critical that we have a strong domestic steel industry that protects our national security and our supply chains.
Today, the president demonstrated once again that he will always act to protect the security of this nation, as well as the resilience of our supply.
And then — so, with that, I’m going to — before I take questions, I want to add one more thing, which we haven’t done in a while, which is talk about the week ahead — next week — and then we’ll go into questions.
In addition to his trip to New Orleans, the president and the first lady will travel to Los Angeles, California, on Monday. The president will then travel to Eastern Coachella Valley, California, on Tuesday.
On Thursday, the president and the first lady will attend the state funeral for former President Jimmy Carter. As President Biden said, “The world lost an extraordinary leader, statesman, and humanitarian.” The president and the first lady look forward to honoring a great American who gave his life to service.
And finally, on Thursday afternoon, the president and the first lady will travel to Rome, Italy, from the 9th to — from January 9th to the 12th. During the visit, the president will meet separately with His Holiness Pope Francis, the president of Italy, and the prime minister of Italy as well.
And as always, we’ll have more to share as we get closer to the trips and events to come. But before I even go to your questions, I have one more thing that I wanted to add — a personal note. Jeremy and Jacob, thank you so much for your service. They will be leaving our team. This is going to be — next week is going to be really your last week, but we didn’t have an- — another opportunity to do this in the briefing room.
So, I just wanted to say thank you to both. You have been phenomenal to work with. I’m going to miss you both and wish you the best in your upcoming endeavors in your career. But just wanted to — to thank them here in the — at the podium.
And if you guys have a chance, make sure to — to offer you up your well wishes to Jeremy and Jacob next week.
And with that, you have the first question. Fatima.
Q Thank you, Karine. I have three questions.
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Sure.
Q Firstly, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has for years talked about friendshoring and countering the ambitions of China with allies. Will the president’s decision on Nippon undercut efforts to strengthen relationships with our allies? And could this decision potentially damage the U.S.’s relationship with Japan?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: This is not about Japan. It’s not. And you have watched this president, really, in the last four years, strengthen his relationship with our allies, obviously abroad.
And, you know, we have worked, certainly, together to strengthen our economic partnership with Japan. We have been in touch with Japan and conveyed — conveyed our thoughts directly to them. This is about the need — you heard me talk about how now U.S. Steel is going to stay American owned and American operated, and this is what’s important to this president, and that he’s been very clear about that.
So, this is about continuing that, making sure that we are strong domestically (inaudible) operated steel industry for our national security and for our — for our resilient supply chain, and how important that would be.
So — and I also stated at the top how if you look at the — the work that this president has done over the last four years, the steel industry is the strongest — it’s the strongest that it’s been in years because of the actions that this president has done every day since day one to make sure that we protect that.
And so, the president believes that we need major U.S. companies representing a major share of U.S. steelmaking capacity and to keep leading that fight on behalf of America’s national interests.
And so, that’s why the president made this decision. He’s always been very clear about that. We’ve always been very consistent about that.
And so, that’s going to be our focus — continuing to be our focus, obviously.
Q Earlier today, the president said he spoke with families of the victims of New Orleans attack. What
did he tell them?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Look, I’m not going to get into private conversation that the president has had with families. We — we don’t do that.
We’ll — certainly, if the families choose to speak about their conversation with the president, obviously they have the right to do that.
Our hearts certainly go out to the families who lost their loved ones on a — a day that should have been a celebrated day to such — to such an act of violence. Obviously, this is something that we will continue to condone [condemn].
But as I stated at the top, the president and the first lady are going to New Orleans in the upcoming days, and they’re going to grieve with the family.
And, sadly, that is something that you have seen them do many times over the last four years. When an awful event happens, they are there. They want to be there, especially at this magnitude. They want to be there and be — be with the family and mourn with the family.
And so, again, this is — was a certainly an awful, awful event that happened on the day that we should have all been celebrating: an incoming new year. And so, our hearts go out to the families and also to the communities who are dealing with the aftermath of this tragedy.
Q And does the vice president plan to oversee the certification of the election results on Monday?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: I believe that is her plans. I would have to refer you to the vice president’s office on her schedule, but I believe so. Yes.
Q Thanks, Karine. How does the attack in New Orleans and the explosion in Las Vegas increase concerns in the administration about security surrounding the certification of the vote, the Carter funeral next week here in Washington, the inauguration, and even looking ahead to the Super Bowl next month in New Orleans?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: So, look, all of the events that you just laid out is a certainly high priority for this administration.
The Department of Homeland Security and federal law enforcement have well-established safety and security protocols in place, especially as we speak to the inauguration, obviously. And so, they have been preparing for months to ensure that — the security of these events and the safety of those attending them.
So, again, this is something that we’ve worked through for months now. And so, we are working, you know, tirelessly every single day to ensure the safety and security of the inauguration, the safety and security of major events that you just laid out.
It is important to the president that we continue to protect, as I said at the top, American communities, communities across the country. And, certainly, that’s what the president is going to — wants his team to focus on, and that’s what they have been focusing on.
Q Both suspects in New Orleans and Las Vegas served in the military. Does the president find that aspect of this troubling? And is he concerned about a problem of radicalization in the military?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: So, look, I’m going to — obviously, the FBI is continuing their investigation. So, they can speak to the FBI and the Department of Defense, as you just stated, because of their — of their status and affiliation to the — to — to their military service, I would have to refer you to Department of Defense to speak to that specifically.
I don’t want to get into — into a back-and-forth on this — on this. What we can say is: continue to condemn any form of violence and do whatever we can and continue to do the work, obviously, to make sure that there is — a security protocol continues and we protect Americans and Americ– and certainly communities across the country.
I’m not going to dive into the two — the two subjects.
Q Can you say if the president had any reaction when he heard that detail about both of these suspects, though?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: What I can say is the president is — his heart is going out to the family who were certainly affected and lost a loved one that day. And what he wants to do is to make sure that his — his team is continuing to do the work to make sure that Americans are protected, communities are protected, and that’s what I can speak to.
You heard that from the president multiple times this week already, and that’s going to be the president’s focus.
Yeah.
Q Thanks, Karine. President-elect Trump, a little while ago today, seemed to take issue with the fact that American flags will be flown at half-mast at the time of his inauguration, considering the passing of former President Jimmy Carter. Is there any potential for that to not be the case? Is that a decision that the White House would change?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Just say that one more time. Say that one more time. The pr- — the president-elect —
Q The flags are due to be flown at half-mast at the time of the inauguration, and President Trump seems to be taking issue with that. Is that a decision that the White House would consider reversing or reevaluating?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: No.
Go ahead.
Q On U.S. Steel. The U.S. relationship with Japan is strong.
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Yeah.
Q What is the national security concern the president sees by having this investment in — in an American company?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: So, look, you saw the president’s statement. He — he talks about the CFIUS evaluation, how they ter- — determined that evaluation, how they got to their, again, determination that this acquisition would place one of America’s largest steel producers under the foreign control and create risk of our national security.
This is from CFIUS. They are independent. The president said he was going to let the process play out, and it has played out.
And so, if you think about our national security and our critical supply chain, you know, CFIUS, you know, referred the matter to the president to make that decision.
And so, the president ta- — took that very seriously. He’s always going to make sure that we put Americans first. And that is how you saw this decision play out from this president.
And I talked about China and how they tend to distort the global market’s steel with — through unfair trade practices. And so, you know, this is something that the president took very, very seriously, and — and took CFIUS determination.
We’ve got to remember, this is a cross-government — cross-government panel, when you think about CFIUS and the decision that they — they made.
And so, that’s how the president came to this decision. It is about making sure that a U.S. company is U.S. owned, U.S. operated; supporting, continuing to protect the — the U.S. steelmakers; obviously, a union. And that’s what the president wanted — led with, and that’s how he made this — his decision.
Q Is it political?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: No, it’s not. This is — again, as I was answering that question, I said, he said that CF- — we’ve al- — always said CFIUS is an independent body. We let this process play out. We made sure that this plocess [process] play out and — and that’s exactly what we did.
And CFIUS made a determination, and they said this acquisition would create risk for our national security and our critical supply chain. And the president took that, really, very seriously. And he took a careful look — a careful look at the CFIUS evaluation. And so, he decided to block this deal.
Q One other. President-elect Trump had communicated on his social media some inaccurate information related to New Orleans early on. Is the president at all concerned about the flow of information and briefing and access to whatever intelligence or whatever he might need in terms of this transition? Are you — is he comfortable with the information flow to the president-elect on matters like this?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: I mean, look — and — and I’m — I’m actually glad you asked this question, because one of the things that you all do as a — a journalist bod- — a journalist body is that you are able to fact-check and say that what was stated by the president-elect was simply false. And I think that is important — right? — which is why we respect the — the hard work that all of you do.
As it relates to the president and the information that he gets, obviously, that’s something for ODNI, if it’s — if it’s related to intelligence and specific information in that nature. I’m not going to speculate beyond that, and I’m just going to leave it there.
Go ahead.
Q Just three things. The FBI, NCTC, DHS put out a law enforcement bulletin earlier today warning of copycat attacks in the wake of New Orleans. What assurances can the White House offer to the public, many of whom might be scared of this kind of vehicle-ramming attack?
And to build on the earlier question, beyond just radicalization, you know, is there a wider concern about the mental health implications connected to service members, given the similarities?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Yeah, so, as it relates to the second part of your question, I’m going to have to refer you to the Department of Defense. They can speak to that. I’m not going to litigate that from here.
Look, when it comes to — and you’re right, the bulletin was put out. And what I can say is: DHS and law enforcement remain vigilant to any potential copycat. And so, they’re going to cons- — consistently — DHS and law enforcement are going to consistently — consistently evaluate threats and going to share the latest information to disrupt any potential copycats, potential threats. And so, that is their commitment. That’s what they’re working hard to do. And so, they’re going to be vigilant — continue to be vigilant on that aspect.
Q On bird flu. The bird flu outbreak is escalating. At least 66 human infections across 10 states now. The federal government has two bird flu vaccine candidates available. Why not ask the FDA to authorize them, even for particularly vulnerable farmworkers? Why defer a decision on a vaccine to the next administration?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: And so, look, that is something, as you know, the FDA — that is something that they decide on. They have a committee that — when they have to make decisions like this. So, I would have to leave it to them on how they move forward with that.
Look, we remain — we take this very seriously. And USDA, HHS are — are on top of this. We are in touch with them. They’re certainly in touch with local authorities on this.
And so, I do want to be very clear that CDC has been on top — have said themselves that the risk to the general public is — is still low. And so, we want to make sure that the American people are listening to CDC, and they can — and they certainly need to continue to do so. And we want to make sure, obviously, the nation’s food — food supply remains safe.
And so, a couple things that I do want to lay out that we have been able to do that the — from this administration, which is protect — directed the — we made sure that — since March, when this was detected — to protect the public health, protect animal health, protect our nation’s food supply, and monitor all trends to prevent the spread of avian flu. So, this work is going to continue.
All relevant federal agencies continue to coordinate, as I just stated, with local authorities, and so we’re going to do that as — be consistent with that as we’ve done since March. And so, that’s what the administration is going to fo- — focus on.
Q But is the president concerned about deferring a decision about a vaccine to the next administration?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: I’m — I’m not going to get into hypotheticals about what the next administration is going to do or not do.
This is something that rests in the world of FDA. And so, we want to let them lead by science and the facts. We’ve been — that’s — we’ve been pretty consistent on that over the last four years. And so, we’re going to leave it to FDA.
But I — I’m just not going to get into hypotheticals about what the — what the next administration is going to do or not.
Q Last thing on a different topic. There have been reports that Chinese government hackers have breached a really sensitive office within the U.S. Treasury. OFAC, of course, administers economic sanctions. What more can you tell us about the scope of this and what information has been compromised?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: So, what I can say is the president was briefed on this. We are closely tracking the incident. We’re working to identify actions to mitigate the future risk to U.S. government networks.
And anything further, I would have to refer you to the U.S. Treasury Department, FBI. They could speak to specifics on this particular incident.
But the president has been briefed, and we’re certainly closely tracking the incident.
Q Do you know of any taxpayer information or any PII —
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: I would have to —
Q — has been compromised?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: I would have to refer you to the Treasury Department on that. And the FBI, as you know, is investigating this.
Go ahead.
Q Hi. Has the president signed the Social Security Fairness Act?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: So, he will sign the Social Security Fairness Act in the upcoming days. Once we have that information, we’ll certainly share with you on that day — particular day.
Q Can you just clarify? My understanding was it would be pocket vetoed if he didn’t sign it by noon today. Are you saying that’s not the case?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: I — I can say to you that the president is going to sign it. I can’t speak to the specifics of what you just laid out. I know the president is — is looking forward to signing that.
Go ahead.
Q Thanks, Karine. U.S. Steel has warned that — that it may or likely would have to close steel mills if the deal fell through. To what degree did the — did the president take that into consideration?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: So, I can say this — that we are confident — the president is confident that domestic steel and domestic steelworkers are going to continue to thrive because of the work that he’s done, because of the commitment that he has had to — to this industry.
As I said at the top, this is the strongest — it is i- — it’s in its strongest — the — the steel industry is the — stronger than it — that it’s been in years because of what the president has been able to do.
And you think about manufacturing investment, you think about tariffs on Chinese steel imports, that’s — has made the industry stronger, those actions that the president has taken. You’ve seen more than 100 new steel and iron mills have opened since the president took office.
So, we’re very confident that this is an industry that’s going to continue to thrive.
Q If — if there are — if there are mills that are closed, if there are layoffs, would the president need to take some responsibility for that?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: I — I mean, that’s a — that’s a hypothetical. I’m not going to get into hypotheticals. What I can say is the president has taken strong actions over the last four years.
I just mentioned a hundred new steel mills that were created. What he was able to do on — on Chinese steel imports, tariffs on Chi- — Chinese steel imports. That has made — made that industry stro- — stronger. Manufacturing investments, all of that has made that industry stronger.
And so, we believe it’s going to continue to thrive. I’m not going to get into hypotheticals from here. Obviously, the president took — took this decision really — you know, he — he really took it seriously and made a decision on behalf of — a behalf of — on behalf of the American people, and that’s how he came to this decision.
Obviously, this is a president that has had a lot of — a lot of focus and wanting to continue to make sure we uplifted, certainly, union workers. And that’s what you’ve seen from this president.
Yeah.
Q Karine, a number of the — the president’s actions in recent days have — have seemed intended to undercut some of the threats that the president-elect has made or actions that he’d said he’ll put into place. You know, he awarded the Presidential Citizens Medal to Liz Cheney, who the president-elect has said should be in jail. You all have the upcoming monument declarations next week and, also, the decision that the president is expected to make on banning drilling in certain federal waters. Are there other actions that we should expect from him in the coming days that — that he’s planning to take in anticipation of President Trump — President-elect Trump taking over?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: So, I’m going to be clear. I don’t have any announcements to make on — on any of the things that you just laid out — policy announcements to make. So, don’t want to get ahead of — of where we are.
What the president is doing and what he said he would do is continue to focus on the American people, continue to deliver on critical investments that he thinks matters of the direction as — as we go — as we move forward as a country.
Look, if you think about, for example, the monuments and those decisions that he’s made on protecting more than 46 million land and water, I think that’s — shows the president’s commitment to make sure that we preserve — to preserve our — our environment, that we can really focus on climate — climate investment, climate change.
I mean, there’s nothing new there. That’s been part of the president’s platform from the beginning. He happens to really respect Liz Cheney. He happens to really respect the congressman. And that’s why he made that decision.
And, look, the president is always going to lift up Americans that have put their country first is what we have seen. And he’s done that throughout the four years, not just this past week. He’s going to always make decisions that he believes is best for the American people.
I mean, there’s nothing new there. I think that is — if you look at what the president has done in the last four years, this is all consistent to what he believes and he believes — and what he believes is the best way to move this country forward.
Q Are there other actions that we should anticipate?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: I’m not going to get ahead of the president. We have 17 days left in this administration. The president has a jam-packed schedule, and he’s going to continue to focus on ways that we can move forward — invest in this country, invest in — in communities, and continue to lift up — lift up all the — all — you know, all what he believes this country can be.
Go ahead.
Q Thank you. President Biden has staked his presidency on the preservation of democracy and has commemorated January 6th in different ways every year. What, if anything, will he do to commemorate the anniversary on Monday? And in that context, does he still believe Donald Trump is a threat to democracy?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Look, I don’t have anything to share at this moment. You will hear from the president on Ja- — about January 6th — his thoughts on January 6th in 2021. Nothing has changed.
And I think this is a president that has spoken multiple times in the last four years and beyond about democracy — the importance of democracy, protecting our democracy. And so, I would expect that he will continue to be steadfast on that.
Q And then, I imagine the president is reflecting on Jimmy Carter this week. And so much of Carter’s legacy is his service to both the nation and the world in his post-presidency. So, I wonder how President Biden is thinking about his own post-presidential service and what he wants that legacy to be.
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: I’m not going to get ahead of this president. He’s going to have an opportunity to speak to all of you. You’re going to hear ma- — from him many times in the next 17 days about his thoughts about his presidency. I’m going to let him speak for himself.
But I think if you look at the last four years, what he’s been able to do — whether it’s climate change, whether it’s bringing the economy back on its feet, whether it’s investment — manufacturing investment in this country — he’s had a historic presidency. He’s done more in one term than most presidents have been able to do in two terms.
And that is — that is just the facts. That is what we’ve been able to see from the Biden-Harris administration.
So, I think it speaks for itself. But as far as the president and his personal thoughts, his personal views, I’m going to leave it to him to speak to.
Go ahead, Jared.
Q One more on U.S. Steel. I guess, more broadly, what message should other foreign companies who are considering investing in the United States take away from this decision by the president?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Look, again, this wasn’t about Japan. It’s not about Japan. This — we have a strong alliance with Japan. We have worked together — as you know, I’ve mentioned before — to — to strengthen our economic partnership. That is something that you’ve seen this president work tirelessly on over the past four years.
And certainly, we talked to Japan about this particular decision. We’ve been in direct touch.
This is about a domestically owned, operated steel industry. And we’re talking about our for- — our — our national security, of course, but also our supply chain — our resilient supply chain.
so, that’s what the president wanted to focus on. That’s what you saw, this action from this president.
And so, that is going to be our focus. We’re going to continue to work on our relationships with our allies across the globe. That is something that we’re going to continue to do.
I just talked about the president going to Rome next week. Certainly, that is very important.
The president, in the past four years, has been able to mend many of those relationships, and you’ve seen the president on the global stage and how those relationships have really mattered to our — to our friends across the — across the world.
And so, that’s how we should — that’s how we see this. This is not about Japan. This is about what is right for — for America and what is right — and how we — how he saw the best way to move forward with this decision.
Remember, CFIUS did this — did this analysis, and they provided us with their thoughts. And the president took this very seriously.
Q So, if it’s specific to steel, that — that’s sort of an industry that is —
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Yeah.
Q — really viewed differently than other — like, whether it’s IT or — or chips or any other industry that a lot of foreign investment has come into the — the country for.
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Say —
Q I’m saying, there’s been a lot of foreign investment in other industries —
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Yeah.
Q — beyond steel.
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Yeah.
Q Those investments are not at risk, or they shouldn’t rethink those —
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Well —
Q — as a result of the —
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Well, let’s —
Q — U.S. Steel decision?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: I mean, let’s step back. CFIUS took this on. It’s an independent — independent evaluation and an independent agency. And they gave their thoughts. They gave their report to the president, and the president made this decision.
So, let’s not forget how we even got here.
And so, I’m not going to get into other industries. I’m focusing on what CFIUS presented to this president and the decision that the president made.
You heard from him. He put out a statement on this in his voice, obviously, so you heard from directly. You’ve heard from me on why the president made that decision.
So, that’s why we are where we are today.
Go ahead. Go ahead.
Q Prior to the announcement today about U.S. Steel, Nippon Steel had said that it was going to sue if
this decision came to be. Has there been any preparation for that? Was that involved in the decision?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: I’m not — I’m — I’m not going to get into litigation, potential lawsuits from here. That is something I would refer you to Department of Justice. I’m just not going to do that — be pretty consistent.
Go ahead.
Wait, did I call on you already?
Q You did. (Laughter.)
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Okay. I’ve got to call on somebody else. I’m sorry.
Go ahead.
Q Thank you, Karine. Human rights and upholding international law has been made priority for the Biden administration.
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: S- — say that one more time.
Q Human rights —
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Mm-hmm.
Q — and upholding international law has been a priority for this administration. We’re not disputing that, right?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: No, I’m not disputing that. You’re correct. That is something that when I’m asked about it, we say that the president brings that up when he has meetings or bilateral meetings with — with world leaders. He brings that up, and it’s always something that we certainly focus on, for sure.
Q So, I don’t know if you’ve seen Amnesty International report, but basically detailing the arrest of doctors, health workers in Gaza. And some of them has endure torture. On December 27th, Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya — he is the doctor for Kamal Adwan Hospital — was arrested. And until now, we don’t know what it is his whereabout. And there is fear from Amnesty International for his life.
What is the White House doing to talk with a close ally like yours, which is Israel, to make sure that his life is spared and he is safe?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: So, on that particular matter, I would — I don’t have anything to share on any conversation on that specific Amnesty situation.
Obviously, when it comes to humanitarian assistance, we continue, certainly, to be concerned of the lack of humanitarian assistance.
This is something that we talk directly with our Israeli counterparts in the government, and so we will continue to do that. You’ve seen Secretary Blinken and others who have gone into the region and have those conversation with Israel about that.
I don’t have anything to share about that particular instance. I would have to talk to the team, but — but that is something that we certainly take very seriously, when it comes to humanitarian aid and humanitarian workers being able to be allowed to do the job.
But I — I can’t speak to that particular report. I have to talk to our team. I — I want to be really, really mindful on that.
Q But would you agree that arresting doctors in hospitals is a violation of human rights and international law?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: A- — again, I want to be super
mindful because you’re asking me about a particular incident that has occurred, and I just want to make sure I have all of the information. I don’t want to give you an answer without having all the information. And so, I’m just going to be super mindful and — and leave it there.
AIDE: (Inaudible) time for one more.
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Okay. All right.
Go ahead.
Q Thank you. Is the president following the House speaker election process today?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: So —
Q He has worked with Mike Johnson. Does he want to see the process play out smoothly?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: So, look, we’ve always been very clear from here, from this administration, that we do not inject ourselves into any leadership election that is happening in Congress. It doesn’t matter if it’s a Democrat or — or Republican, we stay out of it.
The president is going to continue to focus on the job that he has ahead: 17 days of a — of a jam-packed schedule, focusing on the American people.
We’re going to let Congress do their business.
Q And why is the administration calling for cancer warning labels on alcohol now, at the end of the term, when there’s minimal political capital? Were there conversations with Congress, and was there any pushback?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: So, look, we obviously take any — any report that comes ind- — from an independent advisory –obviously, we take the findings very seriously, as we do now.
It is important that Americans are informed and — about decisions that they have to make for themselves.
When it re- — w- — as it relates to this particular report, I have to refer you to the surgeon general’s office, but certainly we take any independent advisory report very, very seriously.
I don’t have anything beyond that.
Thanks, guys.
Q How about one from Fox?
MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Thank you, everybody. Have a good one.
Q Does the president still consider white supremacy the greatest terrorist threat to the United States?
2:11 P.M. EST
The post Press Briefing by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre appeared first on The White House.
Remarks by President Biden After Medal of Valor Ceremony
Oval Office
12:25 P.M. EST
THE PRESIDENT: Folks, I wanted you to come in because these eight men have done things that are changing not only their lives but lives of families that were able to celebrate Christmas (inaudible) but they did. They saved children. They saved people in serious distress. They jumped into freezing water. They did it all.
And I think it’s — I think it’s very important that the public see them and know who they are. I know you have all their backgrounds, but what they did — they allowed people to continue their lives in ways that they never would have been able to. There’s a lot fewer empty chairs around the kitchen table and dining room table because of what these guys did.
And what they did is — is amazing. They literally put their lives at risk — some of them at the point that you wonder how they could have had the nerve to do it.
In addition to that, I want to thank their families, because if you’re the spouse of a firefighter or a police officer, you always worry about that phone call — that one phone call you’re going to get when the — know the alarm went off. And — and so, I want to thank them, because I’m confident they wouldn’t be able to do what they’re doing without their s- — the support of their spouses and their families.
So, thank you, guys. I really mean it. You’re the best America has to offer. I’m so damn proud to stand with you.
And I know you have a lot of questions for me, and I’m not going to answer them unless they’re related to this. I’m going to be talking later today.
So, anybody have any questions about these guys? (Inaudible.)
AIDE: Thank you, press.
Q Mr. President, have you spoken to any of the families of the victims in New Orleans?
THE PRESIDENT: Yes, I have.
Q What have they told you? What have their reflections been?
THE PRESIDENT: How —
AIDE: Thank you, press.
Q Any thoughts, you know, on the suspects in those incidents?
(Cross-talk.)
THE PRESIDENT: I’ll talk to that later.
12:27 P.M. EST
The post Remarks by President Biden After Medal of Valor Ceremony appeared first on The White House.
Remarks by President Biden After Medal of Valor Ceremony
Oval Office
12:25 P.M. EST
THE PRESIDENT: Folks, I wanted you to come in because these eight men have done things that are changing not only their lives but lives of families that were able to celebrate Christmas (inaudible) but they did. They saved children. They saved people in serious distress. They jumped into freezing water. They did it all.
And I think it’s — I think it’s very important that the public see them and know who they are. I know you have all their backgrounds, but what they did — they allowed people to continue their lives in ways that they never would have been able to. There’s a lot fewer empty chairs around the kitchen table and dining room table because of what these guys did.
And what they did is — is amazing. They literally put their lives at risk — some of them at the point that you wonder how they could have had the nerve to do it.
In addition to that, I want to thank their families, because if you’re the spouse of a firefighter or a police officer, you always worry about that phone call — that one phone call you’re going to get when the — know the alarm went off. And — and so, I want to thank them, because I’m confident they wouldn’t be able to do what they’re doing without their s- — the support of their spouses and their families.
So, thank you, guys. I really mean it. You’re the best America has to offer. I’m so damn proud to stand with you.
And I know you have a lot of questions for me, and I’m not going to answer them unless they’re related to this. I’m going to be talking later today.
So, anybody have any questions about these guys? (Inaudible.)
AIDE: Thank you, press.
Q Mr. President, have you spoken to any of the families of the victims in New Orleans?
THE PRESIDENT: Yes, I have.
Q What have they told you? What have their reflections been?
THE PRESIDENT: How —
AIDE: Thank you, press.
Q Any thoughts, you know, on the suspects in those incidents?
(Cross-talk.)
THE PRESIDENT: I’ll talk to that later.
12:27 P.M. EST
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President Biden Announces Presidential Delegation to the Republic of Ghana to Attend the Inauguration of His Excellency John Dramani Mahama
President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. today announced the designation of a Presidential Delegation to attend the Inauguration of His Excellency John Dramani Mahama on January 7, 2025, in Accra, Ghana.
The Honorable Shalanda D. Young, Director of the United States Office of Management and Budget, will lead the delegation.
Members of the Presidential Delegation:
The Honorable Virginia E. Palmer, United States Ambassador to the Republic of Ghana
The Honorable Karen Bass, Mayor of Los Angeles, California
The Honorable Frances Z. Brown, Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for African Affairs, National Security Council, The White House
###
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President Biden Announces Presidential Delegation to the Republic of Ghana to Attend the Inauguration of His Excellency John Dramani Mahama
President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. today announced the designation of a Presidential Delegation to attend the Inauguration of His Excellency John Dramani Mahama on January 7, 2025, in Accra, Ghana.
The Honorable Shalanda D. Young, Director of the United States Office of Management and Budget, will lead the delegation.
Members of the Presidential Delegation:
The Honorable Virginia E. Palmer, United States Ambassador to the Republic of Ghana
The Honorable Karen Bass, Mayor of Los Angeles, California
The Honorable Frances Z. Brown, Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for African Affairs, National Security Council, The White House
###
The post President Biden Announces Presidential Delegation to the Republic of Ghana to Attend the Inauguration of His Excellency John Dramani Mahama appeared first on The White House.
President Biden to Award Medal of Honor
On January 3, 2025, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. will award the Medal of Honor to seven U.S. Army Soldiers: Private Bruno R. Orig (posthumous), Private First Class Wataru Nakamura (posthumous), Corporal Fred B. McGee (posthumous), Private First Class Charles R. Johnson (posthumous), retired General Richard E. Cavazos (posthumous), Captain Hugh R. Nelson, Jr. (posthumous), and Specialist Fourth Class Kenneth J. David.
Private Bruno R. Orig will receive the Medal of Honor posthumously for acts of gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty, while serving with Company G, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division in the vicinity of Chipyong-ni, Korea, on February 15, 1951. While returning from a wire laying mission, Private Orig observed a number of his comrades who had been wounded in a fierce enemy attack that was still in progress. With complete disregard for his own safety, he went to the aid of these men and remained in an exposed position in order to administer first aid. With the assistance of several comrades from the company command post, he began removing the wounded to a place of safety. While returning from one of these trips, he noticed that all except one man of a machine-gun crew had been wounded. Without hesitation, he volunteered to man the weapon. Remaining in this position, he placed such effective fire on the enemy that a withdrawing friendly platoon was able to move back without a single casualty. Private Orig continued to inflict heavy casualties on the enemy until their company positions were overrun. Later that day, when the lost ground was recaptured, Private Orig was found dead beside his weapon, and the area in front of his gun was littered with enemy dead.
Private First Class Wataru Nakamura will receive the Medal of Honor posthumously for acts of gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty, while serving with Company I, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division in the vicinity of P’ungch’on-ni, Korea on May 18, 1951. At daybreak on May 18, 1951, Private First Class Nakamura volunteered to check and repair a communications line between his platoon and the command post. As he made his way along the line in the early morning half-light, he was brought under fire by an enemy force that had surrounded friendly positions and was threatening to break the company defense lines. Immediately, without regard for his own safety and without waiting for help, he rushed the enemy with fixed bayonet engaged. Singlehandedly, he attacked and destroyed a hostile machine-gun nest and drove the enemy from several of the bunkers they had captured. When his ammunition was depleted, he withdrew under intense enemy fire. Then he met an ammunition party ascending the hill. Quickly briefing the officer in charge, Private Nakamura rearmed himself and, covered by the fire of the officer in charge and two comrades, returned to the attack. In a fierce charge, he killed three of the enemy in one bunker and killed and seriously wounded another in the last enemy-held bunker. Continuing to press the attack, he was killed by an enemy grenade.
Corporal Fred B. McGee will receive the Medal of Honor posthumously for acts of gallantry and intrepidity near Tang-Wan-Ni, Korea, on June 16, 1952, in an assault on enemy fortified positions. As gunner on a light machine gun in a weapons squad, Corporal McGee delivered a heavy volume of supporting fire from an exposed position despite intense enemy machine-gun and mortar fire directly on his location. Though forced to move his gun several times, he continued to support the assault and give covering fire to the assault elements of his platoon. When his squad leader was wounded, he assumed command and moved the squad even farther forward to a more exposed position in order to deliver neutralizing fire on an enemy machine gun that was sweeping another assault platoon with deadly flanking fire. When Corporal McGee’s machine gunner was mortally wounded, he took over the gun. On order, he directed his squad to withdraw and voluntarily remained behind to help evacuate the wounded and dead. Though he was wounded in the face, he heroically exposed himself by standing straight up in intense enemy machine-gun and mortar fire and attempting to evacuate the body of the company runner. Forced to abandon the body of the company runner, he aided in moving a wounded man to the rear to safety through a huge volume of enemy mortar and artillery fire.
Private First Class Charles R. Johnson will receive the Medal of Honor posthumously for acts of gallantry and intrepidity beyond the call of duty while serving as a Browning Automatic Rifleman with Company B, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, Republic of Korea, June 11-12, 1953. During the night of June 11, Chinese forces attacked Private First Class Johnson’s unit during a massive nighttime assault. During the ensuing battle, overwhelming numbers of Chinese troops assaulted the trenches and bunkers that were defended by Private First Class Johnson and his squad. Wounded from a direct artillery hit on his bunker and subsequently from a hand grenade thrown inside the bunker, Private First Class Johnson, without regard for his own injuries, administered first aid to those more seriously injured. Understanding the seriousness of the situation and under direct fire from the enemy, Private First Class Johnson personally dragged a wounded soldier to the safety of a secure bunker, stopping intermittently to aid injured soldiers and kill several enemy members in hand-to-hand combat. Recognizing their untenable situation and disregarding his personal safety, Private First Class Johnson exited the bunker, placing himself between the enemy and his injured comrades to hold off the enemy as best as he could. Private First Class Johnson’s brave and selfless efforts were credited with saving the lives of as many as 10 soldiers. Private First Class Johnson was killed in action in the early morning of June 12, 1953.
Then-First Lieutenant Richard E. Cavazos will receive the Medal of Honor posthumously for acts of gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty while serving as the Company Commander, Company E, 2d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, on June 14 and 15, 1953, in the vicinity of Sagimak, Korea. On the night of June 14, 1953, Lieutenant Cavazos led his men in a raid on the entrenched enemy, upon whom heavy casualties were inflicted. When a heavy barrage was laid on the position by the enemy, Lieutenant Cavazos withdrew the company and regrouped his men. Lieutenant Cavazos twice more led the company through the heavy barrage in assaults on the enemy position, each time destroying vital enemy equipment and personnel. When the United Nations element was ordered to withdraw, Lieutenant Cavazos remained alone on the enemy outpost to search the area for missing men. Exposed to heavy hostile fire, Lieutenant Cavazos located five battle casualties. He evacuated them, one at a time, to a point on the reverse slope of the hill from which they could be removed to safety. Lieutenant Cavazos then made four more trips between the United Nations position and the enemy-held hill, searching for casualties and evacuating scattered groups of men who had become confused. Not until he was assured that the hill was cleared did he get treatment for the wounds sustained during the action. Lieutenant Cavazos went on to serve for over thirty years, attaining the rank of four-star General. He retired from military service in 1984 and died on October 29, 2017, in San Antonio, Texas, at age 88. On May 9, 2023, Fort Hood was renamed Fort Cavazos in honor of General Cavazos.
Captain Hugh R. Nelson, Jr. will receive the Medal of Honor posthumously for acts of gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a member of the 114th Aviation Company (Airmobile Light) on June 5, 1966, near Moc Hoa, Republic of Vietnam. Captain Nelson was acting as Aircraft Commander of an armed Huey helicopter when it was struck by hostile gun fire, crash landed in the middle of many enemy positions, and had all weapons destroyed in the crash. Captain Nelson exited the aircraft to aid his three wounded comrades: two Specialists and a pilot. He ignored his own injuries, debarked the aircraft, and started to evacuate his fellow soldiers.
Proceeding to the left side of the aircraft, he removed a dazed Specialist who had been pinned in the cargo compartment. After placing the Specialist on the ground and observing that the injured pilot had managed to get out of the aircraft, he climbed into the severely damaged helicopter to assist the other Specialist who was still trapped in the aircraft. Although the enemy began a heavy volume of automatic and small arms fire at a range of approximately 30 feet from the aircraft, he continued his brave efforts until he freed the second trapped Specialist. He then forced the second Specialist to the ground while using his own body as a human shield to cover his comrade. Captain Nelson was killed by the gun fire, while the Specialist survived. He saved the life of his fellow soldier at the sacrifice of his own. Captain Nelson’s selfless sacrifice allowed his wounded comrade to use a smoke grenade to signal supporting aircraft in the area, which responded immediately and successfully evacuated the three wounded crew members and Captain Nelson’s remains.
Then-Private First Class Kenneth J. David will receive the Medal of Honor for acts of gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a radio-telephone operator during contact with an enemy force near Fire Support Base Maureen, Thua Thien Province, Republic of Vietnam, on May 7, 1970. Private First Class David’s company came under an intense attack from a large hostile force, which resulted in numerous friendly casualties. He immediately took up a position to engage the enemy in such a way to draw fire away from his comrades. Without regard for his own life, he moved to a position in front of the perimeter and just to the south. Surrounded on three sides by the larger enemy force, he engaged them with his rifle and hand grenades. When the enemy attempted to concentrate their fire on the wounded, Private First Class David jumped from his position and yelled to draw the fire back to himself. During this time, he was wounded by an incoming satchel charge. His comrades came to his aid, but he assured them he was able to continue the fight. He continued to draw the enemy fire away from the friendly Medevac helicopters that were trying to land. It was not until the last helicopter was landing that he retreated from his position in front of the perimeter and continued laying down fire until finally being evacuated himself.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE MEDAL OF HONOR:
The Medal of Honor is awarded to members of the armed forces who distinguish themselves conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of their own lives above and beyond the call of duty while:
- engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States;
- engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or
- serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.
The meritorious conduct must involve great personal bravery or self-sacrifice so conspicuous as to clearly distinguish the individual above his or her comrades and must have involved risk of life. There must be incontestable proof of the performance of the meritorious conduct, and each recommendation for the award must be considered on the standard of extraordinary merit.
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President Biden to Award Medal of Honor
On January 3, 2025, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. will award the Medal of Honor to seven U.S. Army Soldiers: Private Bruno R. Orig (posthumous), Private First Class Wataru Nakamura (posthumous), Corporal Fred B. McGee (posthumous), Private First Class Charles R. Johnson (posthumous), retired General Richard E. Cavazos (posthumous), Captain Hugh R. Nelson, Jr. (posthumous), and Specialist Fourth Class Kenneth J. David.
Private Bruno R. Orig will receive the Medal of Honor posthumously for acts of gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty, while serving with Company G, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division in the vicinity of Chipyong-ni, Korea, on February 15, 1951. While returning from a wire laying mission, Private Orig observed a number of his comrades who had been wounded in a fierce enemy attack that was still in progress. With complete disregard for his own safety, he went to the aid of these men and remained in an exposed position in order to administer first aid. With the assistance of several comrades from the company command post, he began removing the wounded to a place of safety. While returning from one of these trips, he noticed that all except one man of a machine-gun crew had been wounded. Without hesitation, he volunteered to man the weapon. Remaining in this position, he placed such effective fire on the enemy that a withdrawing friendly platoon was able to move back without a single casualty. Private Orig continued to inflict heavy casualties on the enemy until their company positions were overrun. Later that day, when the lost ground was recaptured, Private Orig was found dead beside his weapon, and the area in front of his gun was littered with enemy dead.
Private First Class Wataru Nakamura will receive the Medal of Honor posthumously for acts of gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty, while serving with Company I, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division in the vicinity of P’ungch’on-ni, Korea on May 18, 1951. At daybreak on May 18, 1951, Private First Class Nakamura volunteered to check and repair a communications line between his platoon and the command post. As he made his way along the line in the early morning half-light, he was brought under fire by an enemy force that had surrounded friendly positions and was threatening to break the company defense lines. Immediately, without regard for his own safety and without waiting for help, he rushed the enemy with fixed bayonet engaged. Singlehandedly, he attacked and destroyed a hostile machine-gun nest and drove the enemy from several of the bunkers they had captured. When his ammunition was depleted, he withdrew under intense enemy fire. Then he met an ammunition party ascending the hill. Quickly briefing the officer in charge, Private Nakamura rearmed himself and, covered by the fire of the officer in charge and two comrades, returned to the attack. In a fierce charge, he killed three of the enemy in one bunker and killed and seriously wounded another in the last enemy-held bunker. Continuing to press the attack, he was killed by an enemy grenade.
Corporal Fred B. McGee will receive the Medal of Honor posthumously for acts of gallantry and intrepidity near Tang-Wan-Ni, Korea, on June 16, 1952, in an assault on enemy fortified positions. As gunner on a light machine gun in a weapons squad, Corporal McGee delivered a heavy volume of supporting fire from an exposed position despite intense enemy machine-gun and mortar fire directly on his location. Though forced to move his gun several times, he continued to support the assault and give covering fire to the assault elements of his platoon. When his squad leader was wounded, he assumed command and moved the squad even farther forward to a more exposed position in order to deliver neutralizing fire on an enemy machine gun that was sweeping another assault platoon with deadly flanking fire. When Corporal McGee’s machine gunner was mortally wounded, he took over the gun. On order, he directed his squad to withdraw and voluntarily remained behind to help evacuate the wounded and dead. Though he was wounded in the face, he heroically exposed himself by standing straight up in intense enemy machine-gun and mortar fire and attempting to evacuate the body of the company runner. Forced to abandon the body of the company runner, he aided in moving a wounded man to the rear to safety through a huge volume of enemy mortar and artillery fire.
Private First Class Charles R. Johnson will receive the Medal of Honor posthumously for acts of gallantry and intrepidity beyond the call of duty while serving as a Browning Automatic Rifleman with Company B, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, Republic of Korea, June 11-12, 1953. During the night of June 11, Chinese forces attacked Private First Class Johnson’s unit during a massive nighttime assault. During the ensuing battle, overwhelming numbers of Chinese troops assaulted the trenches and bunkers that were defended by Private First Class Johnson and his squad. Wounded from a direct artillery hit on his bunker and subsequently from a hand grenade thrown inside the bunker, Private First Class Johnson, without regard for his own injuries, administered first aid to those more seriously injured. Understanding the seriousness of the situation and under direct fire from the enemy, Private First Class Johnson personally dragged a wounded soldier to the safety of a secure bunker, stopping intermittently to aid injured soldiers and kill several enemy members in hand-to-hand combat. Recognizing their untenable situation and disregarding his personal safety, Private First Class Johnson exited the bunker, placing himself between the enemy and his injured comrades to hold off the enemy as best as he could. Private First Class Johnson’s brave and selfless efforts were credited with saving the lives of as many as 10 soldiers. Private First Class Johnson was killed in action in the early morning of June 12, 1953.
Then-First Lieutenant Richard E. Cavazos will receive the Medal of Honor posthumously for acts of gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty while serving as the Company Commander, Company E, 2d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, on June 14 and 15, 1953, in the vicinity of Sagimak, Korea. On the night of June 14, 1953, Lieutenant Cavazos led his men in a raid on the entrenched enemy, upon whom heavy casualties were inflicted. When a heavy barrage was laid on the position by the enemy, Lieutenant Cavazos withdrew the company and regrouped his men. Lieutenant Cavazos twice more led the company through the heavy barrage in assaults on the enemy position, each time destroying vital enemy equipment and personnel. When the United Nations element was ordered to withdraw, Lieutenant Cavazos remained alone on the enemy outpost to search the area for missing men. Exposed to heavy hostile fire, Lieutenant Cavazos located five battle casualties. He evacuated them, one at a time, to a point on the reverse slope of the hill from which they could be removed to safety. Lieutenant Cavazos then made four more trips between the United Nations position and the enemy-held hill, searching for casualties and evacuating scattered groups of men who had become confused. Not until he was assured that the hill was cleared did he get treatment for the wounds sustained during the action. Lieutenant Cavazos went on to serve for over thirty years, attaining the rank of four-star General. He retired from military service in 1984 and died on October 29, 2017, in San Antonio, Texas, at age 88. On May 9, 2023, Fort Hood was renamed Fort Cavazos in honor of General Cavazos.
Captain Hugh R. Nelson, Jr. will receive the Medal of Honor posthumously for acts of gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a member of the 114th Aviation Company (Airmobile Light) on June 5, 1966, near Moc Hoa, Republic of Vietnam. Captain Nelson was acting as Aircraft Commander of an armed Huey helicopter when it was struck by hostile gun fire, crash landed in the middle of many enemy positions, and had all weapons destroyed in the crash. Captain Nelson exited the aircraft to aid his three wounded comrades: two Specialists and a pilot. He ignored his own injuries, debarked the aircraft, and started to evacuate his fellow soldiers.
Proceeding to the left side of the aircraft, he removed a dazed Specialist who had been pinned in the cargo compartment. After placing the Specialist on the ground and observing that the injured pilot had managed to get out of the aircraft, he climbed into the severely damaged helicopter to assist the other Specialist who was still trapped in the aircraft. Although the enemy began a heavy volume of automatic and small arms fire at a range of approximately 30 feet from the aircraft, he continued his brave efforts until he freed the second trapped Specialist. He then forced the second Specialist to the ground while using his own body as a human shield to cover his comrade. Captain Nelson was killed by the gun fire, while the Specialist survived. He saved the life of his fellow soldier at the sacrifice of his own. Captain Nelson’s selfless sacrifice allowed his wounded comrade to use a smoke grenade to signal supporting aircraft in the area, which responded immediately and successfully evacuated the three wounded crew members and Captain Nelson’s remains.
Then-Private First Class Kenneth J. David will receive the Medal of Honor for acts of gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a radio-telephone operator during contact with an enemy force near Fire Support Base Maureen, Thua Thien Province, Republic of Vietnam, on May 7, 1970. Private First Class David’s company came under an intense attack from a large hostile force, which resulted in numerous friendly casualties. He immediately took up a position to engage the enemy in such a way to draw fire away from his comrades. Without regard for his own life, he moved to a position in front of the perimeter and just to the south. Surrounded on three sides by the larger enemy force, he engaged them with his rifle and hand grenades. When the enemy attempted to concentrate their fire on the wounded, Private First Class David jumped from his position and yelled to draw the fire back to himself. During this time, he was wounded by an incoming satchel charge. His comrades came to his aid, but he assured them he was able to continue the fight. He continued to draw the enemy fire away from the friendly Medevac helicopters that were trying to land. It was not until the last helicopter was landing that he retreated from his position in front of the perimeter and continued laying down fire until finally being evacuated himself.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE MEDAL OF HONOR:
The Medal of Honor is awarded to members of the armed forces who distinguish themselves conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of their own lives above and beyond the call of duty while:
- engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States;
- engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or
- serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.
The meritorious conduct must involve great personal bravery or self-sacrifice so conspicuous as to clearly distinguish the individual above his or her comrades and must have involved risk of life. There must be incontestable proof of the performance of the meritorious conduct, and each recommendation for the award must be considered on the standard of extraordinary merit.
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FACT SHEET: Biden-Harris Administration Highlights Accomplishments for LGBTQI+ Americans
President Biden and Vice President Harris have been instrumental in remedying historical injustices and advancing equality for LGBTQI+ Americans. Today, the White House is recognizing the Biden-Harris Administration’s historic track record as the most pro-equality Administration in American history:
- Enshrining the right to marriage in Federal law. The Respect for Marriage Act enshrined into law the right to Federal recognition of marriage for same-sex and interracial couples, repealing the Defense of Marriage Act. This legislation strengthened civil rights protections and ensured that the promise of equality is promised to all families. The right to marriage confers vital legal protections, dignity, and full participation in our society.
- Protecting LGBTQI+ service members and veterans. In October 2024, the Department of Defense (DOD) announced that it concluded its proactive review of discharge records for former Service members who had received a less than honorable discharge due to their sexual orientation under Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. As a result of DOD’s new actions, 96% of individuals who were administratively separated on the basis of their sexual orientation and who served for long enough to receive a merit-based characterization of service now have an honorable discharge. In addition, this past spring,the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) expanded access to care and benefits for some former Service members who received a less than honorable discharge based on homosexual conduct. Furthermore, in June 2024, President Biden issued a categorical pardon for certain former Service members convicted of crimes based on their sexual orientation. And in his first week in office, the President rescinded the discriminatory ban on transgender Service members.
- Supporting community safety and security. In June 2023, the President established the LGBTQI+ Community Safety Partnership. The partnership is a collaboration between the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Department of Justice, and Department of Homeland Security, which work hand-in-hand with LGBTQI+ community organizations to provide critical safety resources to ensure these organizations can remain safe spaces for the community. Ahead of Pride Month 2024, the partnership released a new guide of key security resources for the LGBTQI+ community and provided briefings on these resources throughout June.
- Advancing a federal blood donation policy based on science, not stigma. The Food and Drug Administration announced a new policy for assessing blood donor eligibility using a set of individual risk-based questions to reduce the risk of transfusion-transmitted HIV. The new policy ends identity-based restrictions on blood donation by gay and bisexual men.
- Signing historic Executive Orders. Starting on Day One of his Administration, President Biden signed several historic Executive Orders to prevent and combat discrimination on the basis of gender identity or sexual orientation and advance equality for LGBTQI+ individuals. These Executive Orders formed the basis for dozens of executive actions the Biden-Harris Administration has taken to advance civil rights and improve the lives of LGBTQI+ Americans.
- Implementing a new National HIV/AIDS Strategy. The White House Office of National AIDS Policy launched a revised National HIV/AIDS Strategy that sets bold new national targets to end the HIV epidemic and includes transgender people as a priority population for the first time. In September, the White House Office of National AIDS Policy convened the ¡Adelante! Summit to accelerate the nation’s HIV response in Latino communities. Latino gay men now represent the highest number of new HIV cases in the country, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Appointing historic LGBTQI+ leaders. The Biden-Harris Administration includes barrier-breaking LGBTQI+ leaders, including the first openly LGBTQI+ Cabinet Secretary, White House Press Secretary, and White House Communications Director, the two first openly transgender people to ever be confirmed by the U.S. Senate, and the first out lesbian to achieve the rank of Ambassador.
- Protecting against discrimination in health care, education, grantmaking, and foster care. The Biden-Harris Administration has finalized several rules to offer protections to LGBTQI+ people against discrimination in health care, education, and other areas. The HHS Office for Civil Rights published a final rule under Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act that guarantees critical protections to LGBTQI+ people against discrimination in health care. The rule protects individuals from discrimination regardless of the type of care they are seeking. Pursuant to decisions by courts, some of the rule’s provisions are stayed or enjoined. Still, the Administration has appealed those decisions and continues to defend the rule. The Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights released a final rule under Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs receiving federal funding and strengthens civil rights protections for all, including for LGBTQI+ students and staff. Pursuant to federal court orders, the final rule is enjoined in 26 states and certain schools. Notwithstanding those injunctions, the final rule is in effect in most schools in 24 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. The HHS Office for Civil Rights published a final rule affirming non-discrimination on the basis of gender identity and sexual orientation in HHS-funded programs. This protects against discrimination in programs such as Head Start, Family Violence Prevention and Services Act grant programs, and the Substance Use Prevention, Treatment and Recovery Services Block Grant, consistent with the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Bostock v. Clayton County.
- Strengthening mental health resources and protections for LGBTQI+ youth. To address the disproportionate mental health challenges facing LGBTQI+ youth, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration added dedicated crisis counseling services for LGBTQI+ youth and young adults to 988, the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. In addition, HHS released a final rule that strengthens protections for LGBTQI+ youth in foster care, who are some of the most vulnerable children in the country, which is expected to protect tens of thousands of LGBTQI+ children in foster care each year.
- New clinical guidelines to prevent STIs. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued guidance for a post-exposure prophylaxis strategy that significantly reduces the risk of bacterial sexually transmitted illnesses (STIs), particularly among gay and bisexual men and transgender women, marking a critical step forward in STI prevention efforts and strengthening the nation’s sexual health response.
- Addressing book bans. The Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights appointed a Coordinator to advance public understanding of the civil rights and other impacts of book restrictions. The Coordinator leads community-based trainings on the civil rights laws enforced by the Office for Civil Rights. In a blog post, the Coordinator discussed how book bans, which disproportionately target works written by or about members of the LGBTQI+ community and people of color, may create a hostile school environment and implicate federal civil rights laws.
- Historic engagements with the LGBTQI+ community. In September, President Biden became the first sitting President to sit down with an LGBTQI+ newspaper, The Washington Blade.
- Promoting human rights for LGBTQI+ people globally. The Special Envoy to Advance the Human Rights of LGBTQI+ Persons is driving rapid response to proposed anti-LGBTQI+ legislation around the world. With the encouragement of the United States, a growing number of nations have decriminalized same-sex conduct, and together, we are working to hold accountable perpetrators of discrimination and abuse. For example, as directed by President Biden, departments and agencies took steps to encourage the repeal of Uganda’s anti-homosexuality act.
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President Biden Announces Recipients of the Medal of Valor
Today, President Biden will announce eight recipients of the Medal of Valor.
Pursuant to the Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor Act of 2001, which President Biden co-sponsored when serving as a Senator, the President may award, and present in the name of Congress, a Medal of Valor to a public safety officer for extraordinary valor above and beyond the call of duty. It is the nation’s highest award for valor by a public safety officer.
The nominees were recommended by the Attorney General and the Medal of Valor Review Board, whose members are appointed to four-year terms by the President, the Senate majority and minority leaders, the Speaker of the House, and the House minority leader. The medal recipients have exhibited exceptional courage—disregarding their own personal safety—in attempting to save or protect human life.
The President previously awarded Medals of Valor in 2023 for the 2021-2022 class of nine recipients and in 2022 for the 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 classes of 15 recipients during ceremonies held at the White House. The President also presented the medals as Vice President in 2010, 2013, and 2015.
The awards will be presented at the White House on January 3, 2024. The following individuals will be awarded the Medal of Valor:
Sergeant Jeffrey Mathes, Officer Rex Engelbert, and Detectives Michael Collazo, Ryan Cagle, and Zachary Plese
On March 27, 2023, Sergeant Jeffrey Mathes, Officer Rex Engelbert, and Detectives Michael Collazo, Ryan Cagle, and Zachary Plese of the Nashville, Tennessee, Police Department ran towards gunfire to take down an active shooter at The Covenant School, a Nashville elementary school. The heavily-armed shooter had already killed six people, including three nine-year-old students. The officers rushed to the scene, and as they arrived, the shooter opened fire on them. Still, the officers entered the school, cleared classroom after classroom, and ran towards the sounds of gunfire where they encountered the shooter. They took down the shooter. Later that day, the President addressed the nation and commended the police for their swift response and bravery.
Sergeant Tu Tran
On February 22, 2023, Sergeant Tu Tran of the Police Department of Lincoln, Nebraska put his life in danger to courageously save a woman drowning in a frigid pond. Sergeant Tran jumped into the deep water and swam over 30 feet to the middle of the pond where the woman’s vehicle was submerging. He opened the rear door and pulled the woman out before the vehicle fully submerged. Sergeant Tran brought the woman to safety on shore, where she was treated by medics and survived. Sergeant Tran attended the 2024 State of the Union address as a guest of Nebraska Senators Pete Ricketts (R) and Deb Fischer (R).
Lieutenant John Vanderstar
On October 23, 2022, Lieutenant John Vanderstar of the Fire Department of the City of New York rushed into a burning apartment and through flames to rescue a mother and her child, saving both. Upon entering the apartment, without hesitation and without water to hold back the fire, he pushed to the back bedroom, where he found a suffocating mother with a child laying on top of her. He dragged them to the window for fresh air. Once other firefighters arrived with a hose to push back the fire, Lieutenant Vanderstar raced out of the apartment with the child, handing her to paramedics. The mother and child both survived.
Firefighter Brendan Gaffney
On February 5, 2023, firefighter Brendan Gaffney of the Fire Department of the City of New York rushed through an apartment building fire twice to save two unconscious victims. In the apartment, Gaffney moved through the raging fire into a bedroom using a removed door as a shield, where he found a pregnant woman and a child, both unconscious. He first shielded the child with his own body to get him to safety. Gaffney then ran through the fire again and rescued the woman. He performed CPR on the woman while waiting for paramedics. The woman and child both survived.
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President Biden Announces Recipients of the Medal of Valor
Today, President Biden will announce eight recipients of the Medal of Valor.
Pursuant to the Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor Act of 2001, which President Biden co-sponsored when serving as a Senator, the President may award, and present in the name of Congress, a Medal of Valor to a public safety officer for extraordinary valor above and beyond the call of duty. It is the nation’s highest award for valor by a public safety officer.
The nominees were recommended by the Attorney General and the Medal of Valor Review Board, whose members are appointed to four-year terms by the President, the Senate majority and minority leaders, the Speaker of the House, and the House minority leader. The medal recipients have exhibited exceptional courage—disregarding their own personal safety—in attempting to save or protect human life.
The President previously awarded Medals of Valor in 2023 for the 2021-2022 class of nine recipients and in 2022 for the 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 classes of 15 recipients during ceremonies held at the White House. The President also presented the medals as Vice President in 2010, 2013, and 2015.
The awards will be presented at the White House on January 3, 2024. The following individuals will be awarded the Medal of Valor:
Sergeant Jeffrey Mathes, Officer Rex Engelbert, and Detectives Michael Collazo, Ryan Cagle, and Zachary Plese
On March 27, 2023, Sergeant Jeffrey Mathes, Officer Rex Engelbert, and Detectives Michael Collazo, Ryan Cagle, and Zachary Plese of the Nashville, Tennessee, Police Department ran towards gunfire to take down an active shooter at The Covenant School, a Nashville elementary school. The heavily-armed shooter had already killed six people, including three nine-year-old students. The officers rushed to the scene, and as they arrived, the shooter opened fire on them. Still, the officers entered the school, cleared classroom after classroom, and ran towards the sounds of gunfire where they encountered the shooter. They took down the shooter. Later that day, the President addressed the nation and commended the police for their swift response and bravery.
Sergeant Tu Tran
On February 22, 2023, Sergeant Tu Tran of the Police Department of Lincoln, Nebraska put his life in danger to courageously save a woman drowning in a frigid pond. Sergeant Tran jumped into the deep water and swam over 30 feet to the middle of the pond where the woman’s vehicle was submerging. He opened the rear door and pulled the woman out before the vehicle fully submerged. Sergeant Tran brought the woman to safety on shore, where she was treated by medics and survived. Sergeant Tran attended the 2024 State of the Union address as a guest of Nebraska Senators Pete Ricketts (R) and Deb Fischer (R).
Lieutenant John Vanderstar
On October 23, 2022, Lieutenant John Vanderstar of the Fire Department of the City of New York rushed into a burning apartment and through flames to rescue a mother and her child, saving both. Upon entering the apartment, without hesitation and without water to hold back the fire, he pushed to the back bedroom, where he found a suffocating mother with a child laying on top of her. He dragged them to the window for fresh air. Once other firefighters arrived with a hose to push back the fire, Lieutenant Vanderstar raced out of the apartment with the child, handing her to paramedics. The mother and child both survived.
Firefighter Brendan Gaffney
On February 5, 2023, firefighter Brendan Gaffney of the Fire Department of the City of New York rushed through an apartment building fire twice to save two unconscious victims. In the apartment, Gaffney moved through the raging fire into a bedroom using a removed door as a shield, where he found a pregnant woman and a child, both unconscious. He first shielded the child with his own body to get him to safety. Gaffney then ran through the fire again and rescued the woman. He performed CPR on the woman while waiting for paramedics. The woman and child both survived.
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Statement from President Joe Biden
As I have said many times, steel production—and the steel workers who produce it—are the backbone of our nation. A strong domestically owned and operated steel industry represents an essential national security priority and is critical for resilient supply chains. That is because steel powers our country: our infrastructure, our auto industry, and our defense industrial base. Without domestic steel production and domestic steel workers, our nation is less strong and less secure.
For too long, U.S. steel companies have faced unfair trade practices as foreign companies have dumped steel on global markets at artificially low prices, leading to job losses and factory closures in America. I have taken decisive action to level the playing field for American steelworkers and steel producers by tripling tariffs on steel imports from China. With record investments in manufacturing, more than 100 new steel and iron mills have opened since I took office, and U.S. companies are producing the cleanest steel in the world. Today, the domestic steel industry is the strongest it has been in years.
We need major U.S. companies representing the major share of US steelmaking capacity to keep leading the fight on behalf of America’s national interests. As a committee of national security and trade experts across the executive branch determined, this acquisition would place one of America’s largest steel producers under foreign control and create risk for our national security and our critical supply chains.
So, that is why I am taking action to block this deal. It is my solemn responsibility as President to ensure that, now and long into the future, America has a strong domestically owned and operated steel industry that can continue to power our national sources of strength at home and abroad; and it is a fulfillment of that responsibility to block foreign ownership of this vital American company. U.S. Steel will remain a proud American company – one that’s American-owned, American-operated, by American union steelworkers – the best in the world.
Today’s action reflects my unflinching commitment to utilize all authorities available to me as President to defend U.S. national security, including by ensuring that American companies continue to play a central role in sectors that are critical for our national security. As I have made clear since day one: I will never hesitate to act to protect the security of this nation and its infrastructure as well as the resilience of its supply chains.
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Statement from President Joe Biden
As I have said many times, steel production—and the steel workers who produce it—are the backbone of our nation. A strong domestically owned and operated steel industry represents an essential national security priority and is critical for resilient supply chains. That is because steel powers our country: our infrastructure, our auto industry, and our defense industrial base. Without domestic steel production and domestic steel workers, our nation is less strong and less secure.
For too long, U.S. steel companies have faced unfair trade practices as foreign companies have dumped steel on global markets at artificially low prices, leading to job losses and factory closures in America. I have taken decisive action to level the playing field for American steelworkers and steel producers by tripling tariffs on steel imports from China. With record investments in manufacturing, more than 100 new steel and iron mills have opened since I took office, and U.S. companies are producing the cleanest steel in the world. Today, the domestic steel industry is the strongest it has been in years.
We need major U.S. companies representing the major share of US steelmaking capacity to keep leading the fight on behalf of America’s national interests. As a committee of national security and trade experts across the executive branch determined, this acquisition would place one of America’s largest steel producers under foreign control and create risk for our national security and our critical supply chains.
So, that is why I am taking action to block this deal. It is my solemn responsibility as President to ensure that, now and long into the future, America has a strong domestically owned and operated steel industry that can continue to power our national sources of strength at home and abroad; and it is a fulfillment of that responsibility to block foreign ownership of this vital American company. U.S. Steel will remain a proud American company – one that’s American-owned, American-operated, by American union steelworkers – the best in the world.
Today’s action reflects my unflinching commitment to utilize all authorities available to me as President to defend U.S. national security, including by ensuring that American companies continue to play a central role in sectors that are critical for our national security. As I have made clear since day one: I will never hesitate to act to protect the security of this nation and its infrastructure as well as the resilience of its supply chains.
###
The post Statement from President Joe Biden appeared first on The White House.
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- Statement from President Joe Biden on Protecting 91,500 UNITE HERE Pensions
- A Proclamation on Religious Freedom Day, 2025
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Blog
Disclosures
Legislation
- Press Release: Bills Signed: H.R. 4984
- Press Release: Bills Signed: H.R. 670, H.R. 1318, H.R. 2997, H.R. 3391, H.R. 5103, H.R. 5443, H.R. 5887, H.R. 6062, H.R. 6395, H.R. 6492, H.R. 6852, H.R. 7158, H.R. 7180, H.R. 7365, H.R. 7385, H.R. 7417, H.R. 7507, H.R. 7508…
- Press Release: Bills Signed: H.R. 1555, H.R. 1823, H.R. 3354, H.R. 4136, H.R. 4955, H.R. 5867, H.R. 6116, H.R. 6162, H.R. 6188, H.R. 6244, H.R. 6633, H.R. 6750
- Press Release: Bill Signed: S. 141
- Press Release: Bill Signed: H.R. 5009
- Press Release: Bill Signed: H.R. 10545
- Press Release: Bill Signed: S. 50, S. 310, S. 1478, S. 2781, S. 3475, S. 3613
- Press Release: Bills Signed: H.R. 1432, H.R. 3821, H.R. 5863, S. 91, S. 4243
- Press Release: Bills Signed: H.R. 2950, H.R. 5302, H.R. 5536, H.R. 5799, H.R. 7218, H.R. 7438, H.R. 7764, H.R. 8932
- Press Release: Bills Signed: H.R. 599, H.R. 807, H.R. 1060, H.R. 1098, H.R. 3608, H.R. 3728, H.R. 4190, H.R. 5464, H.R. 5476, H.R. 5490, H.R. 5640, H.R. 5712, H.R. 5861, H.R. 5985, H.R. 6073, H.R. 6249, H.R. 6324, H.R. 6651, H.R. 7192, H.R. 7199, H.R....
Presidential Actions
- Proclamation on the Establishment of the Chuckwalla National Monument
- Message to the Congress on the Continuation of the National Emergency with Respect to the Situation in the West Bank
- Press Release: Notice to the Congress on the Continuation of the National Emergency with Respect to the Situation in the West Bank
- Message to the Senate on the Treaty between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the United Arab Emirates on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters
- Message to the Congress on the Agreement for Cooperation Between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Kingdom of Thailand Concerning Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy
- Letter to the Speaker of the House and President of the Senate on the 2024 Federal Programs and Services Agreement between the Government of the United States and the Government of the Republic of Palau, and the 2024 Federal Programs and Services...
- Memorandum on the Revocation of National Security Presidential Memorandum 5
- Message to the Congress on Transmitting a Report to the Congress with Respect to the Proposed Rescission of Cuba’s Designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism
- Certification of Rescission of Cuba’s Designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism
- Executive Order on Advancing United States Leadership in Artificial Intelligence Infrastructure
Press Briefings
- Press Briefing by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan
- Press Briefing by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell
- Press Gaggle by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre En Route Kenner, LA
- On-the-Record Press Gaggle by White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby
- Press Briefing by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre
- On-the-Record Press Gaggle by White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby
- Press Briefing by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre
- Press Call by Senior Administration Officials on the U.S. Nationally Determined Contribution
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Speeches and Remarks
- Remarks by President Biden, Vice President Harris, and Senior White House and Administration Officials During Briefing on the Full Federal Response to the Wildfires Across Los Angeles
- Remarks by President Biden on Jobs Report and the State of the Economy
- Remarks by President Biden and Vice President Harris Before Briefing on the Full Federal Response to the Wildfires Across Los Angeles
- Remarks by President Biden at a Memorial Service for Former President Jimmy Carter
- Remarks by President Biden During Briefing on the Palisades Wildfire | Santa Monica, CA
- Remarks by Vice President Harris at the Lying in State Ceremony for Former President Jimmy Carter
- Remarks by President Biden at Signing of the Social Security Fairness Act
- Remarks of National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan A New Frontier for the U.S.-India Partnership
- Remarks by President Biden at an Interfaith Prayer Service for Peace and Healing
- Remarks by Vice President Harris After Joint Session of Congress to Certify the 2024 Presidential Election
Statements and Releases
- Statement from President Joe Biden on Protecting 91,500 UNITE HERE Pensions
- A Proclamation on Religious Freedom Day, 2025
- FACT SHEET: Marking Historic Progress, the Biden Cancer Moonshot Convenes Mission Report and Announces New Government and Private Sector Actions to Accelerate Progress Against Cancer
- The Biden-Harris Administration Record
- Proclamation on the Establishment of the Sáttítla Highlands National Monument
- President Biden Announces Presidential Delegation to the Republic of Palau to Attend the Inauguration of His Excellency Surangel S. Whipps, Jr.
- Statement from Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on Steps to Support the Cuban People
- BIDEN-HARRIS ADMINISTRATION TAKES ACTION TO COMBAT EMERGING FIREARM THREATS AND IMPROVE SCHOOL-BASED ACTIVE SHOOTER DRILLS
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