Category: Press Briefings

The White House In Action: January 3

Significant Actions By The Biden Administration, January 3, 2024

A joint statement from the governments of the United States, Australia, Bahrain, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Singapore, and the United Kingdom condemns Houthi attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea. Referencing global consensus and a UN Security Council statement, the nations warn the Houthis against further attacks, declaring them illegal, unacceptable, and destabilizing. The attacks, involving missiles, small boats, and attempted hijackings, pose a direct threat to global trade and the freedom of navigation. The statement calls for an immediate end to these illegal actions, the release of detained vessels and crews, and warns of consequences if the attacks persist. The signatory nations express commitment to the international rules-based order and emphasize their determination to hold malign actors accountable for unlawful seizures and attacks.

The first press briefing of the new year took place in the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room and covered various topics. Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre highlighted the imminent government shutdown, criticizing House Republicans for prioritizing baseless impeachment stunts instead of addressing crucial issues.

Admiral John Kirby then discussed recent attacks by the Houthis in the Middle East, emphasizing U.S. efforts to work with partners, defend Israel, and maintain a significant military presence in the region. The U.S. condemns Houthi attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea, releasing a joint statement with 13 nations to hold malign actors accountable. They both answered questions from the press.

Press Briefing By Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and NSC Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby

November 30, 2023

A press briefing was held in the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and NSC Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby. Ms. Jean-Pierre began by discussing the briefing room’s new lectern, named in honor of Alice Dunnigan and Ethel Payne, the first two Black women to join the White House press corps. She continued with remarks on the continued upturn in the American economy, provided updates on the President’s efforts on gun safety, the EPA’s lead poisoning removal proposal, and the President’s upcoming commemoration of World AIDS Day, 2023. She then turned the lecture over to John Kirby, who gave updates on the US efforts to aid the conflicts in Ukraine and Israel. He then took questions from the press corps.

The briefing ended abruptly when Today News Africa correspondent Simon Ateba disrupted the proceedings by continually shouting questions over the other reporters.