In the coming days to coordinate international efforts to combat anti semitism, this work continues here at home last year we held a historic White House Summit on combating hate fueled violence. The president appointed the first ambassador level Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat anti semitism. And we are developing a national strategy to fight anti semitism through the largest increase in funding ever for the physical security of nonprofits including synagogues and Jewish Community Centers. As our work continues. We will continue to honor and remember the millions who were murdered in the Holocaust. Let me start with two developments that speak to the President's top priority. The safe the safety of American people. President Biden was deeply committed to protecting Americans from threats to to their safety, and he's equally committed to ensuring justice and accountability to those who threaten American lives on Wednesday evening, as you all saw, and have been reporting acting on orders from from the president the US military conducted a successful over the horizon counterterrorism operation in northern Somalia that resulted in a death of below also donning a leader and enabler for ISIS global network as well as approximately 10 additional ISIS operatives. So Danny's activities provided funding to sustain the deadly capabilities of ISIS affiliates, globally. Including the ISIS Karsan branch in Afghanistan, one of ISIS most lethal branches, so daddy's removal builds on this administration's remarkable successes in eliminating the global leaders of ISIS and Al Qaeda. Also this week, DOJ has taken custody of Rafah Morales who was part of a murder for hire operation targeting and or Iranian American critic of the Iranian government in the United States. As DOJ explain amirav was was was a resident in Iran when this plot developed, but that did not prevent him from now. facing American justice. The government of Iran continues to plot the murder of dissidents and Americans, including current and former US officials. President Biden has directed use of all elements of national power to expose and disrupt these plots and to pursue those responsible. Today marks a moment of emphasis to emphasize yet again, our relentless commitment to protecting Americans to holding accountable those who threaten American lives. And here's a bit on what you can expect from the president in the week ahead. Today, the President will head to Camp David. On Sunday he will travel to Wilmington, Delaware on Monday, the President will travel to Baltimore, Maryland, the President will discuss how bipartisan infrastructure law funding will replace the 150 year old for Baltimore and Potomac tunnel to address the largest bottleneck for commuters on the northeast corridor between Washington DC in New Jersey. The President will be joined by Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buda judge on Thursday, the President will travel to New York, New York and the President will discuss how bipartisan infrastructure law funding for the Hudson River tunnel project will improve reliability for the 200,000 passenger trips per weekday on Amtrak and New Jersey Transit. On Thursday morning, the President will attend the National Prayer Breakfast on Capitol Hill. In the afternoon the President will deliver remarks to them to mark the 30th anniversary of the Family and Medical Leave Act in the East Room. And on Friday. The President and the Vice President will travel to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They will discuss the progress we have made and their work implementing the by the Biden Harris economic agenda that continues to deliver results for the American people after the President will travel to Wilmington, Delaware, where he will mean over the weekend. One final thing and all of you have seen our statement statement on this and and you guys have reported but I wanted to to just speak to the President's announcement today. That White House Chief of Staff Ron Klain will be departing in the coming weeks. And Jeff sides will succeed him as Chief of Staff. You all have the statement, you and you know how much Ron has been a big part of many so many historical things we have accomplished the President has been able to accomplish over the first two years of this administration. But I wanted to zero in on one important piece of it. We believe matters. The President said and I quote and while we have accomplished an extraordinary amount. The real mark of rod success is that he beloved he is beloved by the team he leaves here at the White House. They're going to miss him just as much as I will. If you would just indulge me for a second because I do again think this is incredibly important. And another point of personal privilege as I did earlier this week, because you know I am a proud cluniac Because I mentioned here a couple days ago which is real. Just look it up. I just wanted to share a moment that I think perfectly encapsulates how much Ron means to everyone here. We have a daily senior staff call every single morning. It's where we run through what's happening here and normally each department head gets an update on what's going on for them and their teams for that day. But today was a little different. Ron started off by tearfully telling the team how proud he was to serve with them, and how he was even prouder to what we accomplished together over the last two years. And then each person went around telling their own favorite run story. There were a lot of tears and even let even more more love on the call. Office of Legislative Affairs Director Louisa Terrell told the story of how she got run a rock during a tough period because he is our rock here. Homeland Security Adviser Liz Sherwood Randall reminisce about how she had run. She had known Ron since they were kids who went to work for Joe Biden in 1986. Very long time ago. Domestic Policy Adviser Susan Rice call Ron the best Chief of Staff she's ever worked for which senior adviser John Podesta then concurred with, with after he left as you know, John Podesta was also a chief of staff here. At some point. IGA director Julio Rodriguez noted how consequential the last two years have been under Ron's leadership as we pass some of the boldest policies that are improving the lives of Americans every day. And counselor to the President Steve machete, close it out with I quote, you always paid attention to the little things that matter to people. More than anything, you've made this group feel like more, but really like a family and I will add just for me personally, one of the things that I love about Ron is that he sees you when no one else sees you. And when he does see you he lifts you up and that is what what is the definition of a leader is and that is growing claim. And with that, I will say Ron will always be part of the family. We are also also very much looking forward to have have someone like Jeff lead this team. He is someone who many of us know very well and understands how to get big things done. If you've seen his resume, you would totally understand that. He's tackled the toughest issues in government all throughout his career from fixing healthcare.gov to leading our historic COVID response. He led the National Economic Council during the Obama Biden administration and shares the President's focus on strengthening our economy and growing it from the bottom up and middle out. He led our administration's transition into office under incredibly trying circumstances you all were there and watched us trying to get our get the administration together at that time and thanks to Jeff, we had a historically diverse team in place on day one ready to work. Now in year three a big task ahead is ensuring the historic laws we pass are implemented efficiently and fairly. No person no better person to do that than Jeff signs and may I also add there is no better are kinder human. We are also all waiting to see the bagel Wednesdays I think you will have heard us talk about this. We hope that it makes his triumphant return. And next week, the White House will host an official transition event to thank rod for his tireless work and officially welcome Jeff back to the White House in this room. Thank you for indulging me I really appreciate this opportunity to do that. And with that Darlene you want to kick us off.
Thank you. One follow on staff and one follow on Tyree Nichols as you know they're separate videos today that are being released one on the attack on purpose and the other on the feeding of Harvey Nichols. Can you say whether the President has any interest in watching or seeing either of those videos particularly the Memphis one since you mentioned police reform? And
so as I mentioned the the President sent his heartfelt condolences to tiry tiry different family. Yesterday he is the First Lady and he's going to be regularly briefed as he has been he's going to be monitoring the situation as as the case
further to read out on that piece on the video. Obviously the video is not out yet. But again, it will be regularly updated as far as Hall Pelosi. I have not seen the video yet. I know that that was just released. I know that you many, many of the people whose outlets and showing the video to this morning I haven't had a chance to check in with them or to ask him. But I think you don't even need a video to know how horrific and unconscionable the attack of Paul Pelosi was. And to be very honest, it's a miracle that Paul was not more seriously injured and we are grateful that he is on his way and continues to to recover. The President has always been clear continue to to be clear to condemn any sort of political violence. There's no place for it. Here in our country, and he's going to always believe that the UN asked for people to come together Republicans and Democrats it doesn't matter which party you're in to condemn the political violence and violent rhetoric that we have seen over the years. And the chief of staff
news today. That position is one of the more powerful ones in Washington that has never been held by someone who is not white. With the President commit to choosing a chief of staff who is not white and male. Just signs were to leave before the end of the President's term. Here's
what I say. I'll say that is I'm certainly not going to get ahead of the President. And that is not something that I can do from here, but I kind of set it at the top of mine Harris administration is the most diverse in history. That is a fact. And we expect to expect this trend to continue as your cabinet is majority people of color. For the first time in history. The cabinet is majority female for the first time in history. The majority of White House senior staff identify as female 40% of White House senior staff identify as part of racially diverse communities. A record six assistants to the president are openly LGBTQ and also have RMT think about Rs 3000 about 3000 appointees. 58% Female 51% People of Congress stable 31% First generation Americans 17 First generation college grads and 14% When I say 17% First generation college grads forgot to add that percent and 14% LGBTQ and I think that matters. This is a this is a this is a record that the President is truly proud of and I think not just the president, all of us here who are members of his team. coordination on a law enforcement level, but have there been any conversations you can tell us about between the White House and State officials were governors about how to handle the possibility of unrest this weekend. So a couple of things there. I just want to reiterate what the family with the family and the President have called for which is peaceful, peaceful protests, protests, protests peacefully, that is something that the President will continue to call on. And he joined as I just mentioned with the White House has with the relevant agencies to ensure they prepare it protest become violent. This coordination is standard practice and in keeping with what the administration has done in other instances, including the anticipation as you all know, for the DOP decision, the trucker convoy protests and Election Day, those are three examples that I can share with you. At this moment administration officials have been and will continue to be in touch with state and local officials on the ground as as we watch the next few hours develop. Has the President spoken with the Nichols family directly or does he plan to obviously when a tragedy happens like this, the President always always wants to, personally his heartfelt condolences to the family. I don't have a call to read out or call scheduled at this time. But again, I would I would refer you to the statement yesterday. But our hearts are with Tyree Nichols family and the Memphis community as well. And then can you confirm a report by our friends at Reuters that Elon Musk met with Mitch Landrieu,
the infrastructure Coordinator here at the White House today about electric vehicles, what were they talking about another way? hasn't always had the
nice thing to say about Tesla and its its labor friends. So I can I can confirm that, that Mitch Landrieu and also John Podesta met with Elon Musk to discuss electrification, and how the bipartisan infrastructure law and the inflation Reduction Act can advance EVs and increase the electrification more broadly. So that meeting did happen today. And so for sure, I can I can confirm that to all of you, Mark attorney at the page of the relationship between his White House and I will say that I think the the outreach and the meeting says a lot of how important the President thinks the bipartisan infrastructure legislation is and how the inflation Reduction Act is, especially as we it relates to EVs and his commitment. And so I will leave it there, but I think it's important that his team, the senior members of his team had a meeting with Elon Musk today to do just that.
On the president. Progress on Facebook, more of a top priority is work with Congress over these last two years. You mentioned how he called on Congress to pass the George
Floyd act, but it didn't seem like one of his big priority legislative pushes. You know, I have to say I disagree. One of the things that the President said when he walked in into the administration, the multiple crises that we've had to deal with that the country was dealing with at the time, as obviously there was COVID, there was the economy because of COVID. There was climate change, and the other one was dealing with the racial unrest that we had seen across the country that we've all went through and many of you spoke to, and she took action when Congress was not able to get the joy Floyd. He took action as I just laid out, he took action by doing an executive taking executive action and doing everything that he could from with the tools and so he did take it very seriously. And he's going to continue to be very vocal. He's made speeches about this over the past couple of years. And and he's talked to Congress and as has I have asked Congress to, to take action is open too many times to the leaders in Congress who put forth like Cory Booker and others who put forward a piece of legislation. Our team will continue to have those conversations. But again, by taking executive action, I think showed and we believe show seriousness on this
is a response to reinstating our presence President Trump's account on Facebook
and Instagram. We are don't we're not gonna comment on an individual Twitter account or or social media accounts from here that is the responsibility that is something that independent currently platforms decide on. And, you know, we rely on the on the platform that private companies to make sure that that their platform is not used to incite violence. And so that is something that we will continue to call on, but we're not going to comment on individual individual people.
Carry nickels. The negotiations that happened last year in the Senate obviously paused. Does the President want to see those resume on the majority?
I think as you saw in his statement, the President was very clear, we need to deliver a change. We must have accountability when law enforcement officers violate their oath. And we need to build a long lasting trust between law enforcement and the vast majority of whom who wear the badge of honor and an honorary way and honorable way, I should say in the communities that base where they are sworn to protect, and to serve. And so we need to he believes we need to continue to do to move towards that type of change. And he's going to continue to call on Congress to come together and to deal with a real issue. I mean, again, we are having the same conversation talking about the same thing. Brutality, a death of a young man that we shouldn't be doing. We shouldn't be reliving this type of hurt and pain and having to reach out to the families and a community and saying that we're with them. And this time, this should not be where we are today. Specifically, no
Senate talks that were happening between Cory Booker and Tim Scott and others. Is that something that needs to be restarted at this
point? I mean, I'll say this, we we think Congress should actually act and take action and put legislation to the full into the Florida deals with this in a real in a real way. And that is going to be up to Congress on what that looks like what that ultimately ultimately materializes to be. But again, the president's going to call on them and he's committed to really being part of the crucial work that advance meaningful reform.
And is there a specific provision in that bill or in any other bill that would prevent the kind of deaths that we that we saw here?
I mean, if you look at the joy Floyd policing Act, which is something that the President supported last year, there were some real important components provisions in that act that we thought would start the process of bringing bringing forward meaningful change as the President is going to continue to call for, but again, we're going to work with Congress where they continue to call on Congress to really move forward that's going to deal with an issue that has been disproportionately really affecting the brown and black community. This
legislation decided what seemed to be a genuine bond here formed with George White's family and I was wondering if you could talk about personal things for him how much that has informed her maybe an impact on how he processes your sees things?
Like what can we can appear?
Yeah, and you know, this film, I think you've covered, you've covered the President or certainly have watched the president the last couple of years, especially during that time. As he has relationship with George Floyd family developed. And they've met many times and they've spoken many times. And I cannot imagine how conversations don't like that don't have an effect on someone. When you see when you see a family through so much pain, and that pain being captured on video for the world to see. So, yeah, I think it's had an impact on all of us here. And, yeah, I think he takes this very seriously he takes he sees what is going on, he hears the stories, he talks to the families. And he feels that it's important, important to to make sure that these families that go through these get swift and full and transparent answers and investigation to the death of their loved ones. Don't want to get too far into it. Because as you know, the DOJ is looking into this as also the local authorities and there's going to be a trial. So don't want to get too far into this particular case. But as you asked me about the George Floyd Yeah, I think it's, I think it's meeting them and they are still
a little bit unstable in terms of where things are going at this moment in time and how it continues to be durable. And
look, he's gonna he called on to be called for peaceful protests. He joined the family. I think people should listen to the family as a call for peaceful protests as well. Anything that's really important, and we understand we understand the outrage. People have currently how hurt and painful this is, but we're going to continue to save violence, but violence is unacceptable. And so, you know, I just laid out a moment ago, what we are trying to do here meeting the President has met with the agencies. His administration has been very much in touch with local and state officials to do everything that we can to prevent that, but again, the President has always been very clear when it comes to when it comes to violence not being the answer, and making sure that when we protested when people protested.
Okay, I appreciate I just want to clarify, the FBI director has said he has seen the videos, Kyrie Nichols said he was appalled. Has the President been briefed? About the contents of the video? Or has he seen the video footage so far?
I can tell you the President has not he's been great, but he has not seen the video. nor has anyone at the White House seen the video. So I can confirm that. And, look, he has been briefed on what occurred and what he knows what he's able to be briefed on from
the FBI or was it?
I don't have a specific clearly senior administration officials have I don't have the specific name or person to lay out for you. A separate topic
regarding dealing. Senator Joe Manchin. In his recent private meeting with Speaker McCarthy McCarthy said he has no intention on touching Medicare or Social Security. What is the White House reaction to hearing that? Do you agree with with what the senators saying they're
willing for for months and months and months now? And many of you have reported this. They have been saying that they are going to they're planning to cut Social Security and Medicare. This is what Republicans have been saying for months for months. And and you know, I have a few a few reporting from from some of your colleagues or your steam colleagues. Just the other day the Washington Post headline from this is quote, House GOP I social security medicare and spending ballots, battle and quote on or Reuters earlier in January. Republican health conservatives threatened debt limit default to cut Social product programs. That has been consistent with what House Republicans have been saying. They want to, you know, hold hostage the debt so that they want to default on it. So that they can cut social security so that they can cut Medicare, Medicare, and let's not forget, these are programs that the American people have paid into. We're talking about veterans and seniors senior citizens here. And here's another one. For example. Here's a fox news headline from less than a month ago. before Election Day Republicans are using AI using debt limit hike to overhaul entitlement programs if Trump is entrusted with majority and this is what we've seen it for a month and this is what they have been saying for months and months and months.
McCarthy's signaling he's not going to be touching them.
I understand the question, but I'm telling you what his Republicans conference has been saying for some time. And they continue to say that I just read an article from earlier this week. That said that is what they want to do. And here's the thing, you know, as you talk about, you know, the debt ceiling as we talk about this, this conversation that we've been having for weeks, about their responsibility and what they should be doing Congress in a both Republicans and Democrats in bipartisan way to deal with this issue that's been dealt with 78 times since 1960. We haven't seen a plan from Republicans what's their plan? We know that what they want to cut, but what's their plan? And so it's been very clear to us what they want to do and and it's been very clear all through this week as well.
If the Republicans in the House do present a plan for conditions for what they would raise the depth of and under, will you start negotiations with them on that plan? What will be the point of them presenting you with a list of demands? Well,
what I'm saying is they want to Cut cut cut, but they are they're just saying this rhetoric that's incredibly dangerous. It's very dangerous to our full the full credit and of our of our country, right. You think about what we think about the debt ceiling. It's about the debt limit. It is something it is we're talking about debt that has been racked up by Congress. Right but we continue to say we are not it should be done when it comes to the debt limit. It should be done without condition that doesn't change anything. I'm just laying out how they're proceeding here. It's such an A reckless way. And so we're just calling that out but it doesn't change where we stand. It doesn't change the fact that we are not going to negotiate here. This is something that should be dealt with, like it has been many, many times before in the last administration three times. Three times. Kevin McCarthy, other other House Republicans voted for it under the last administration. And again, this is a bipartisan way that it's been done in the past, and it shouldn't be done this way again this year. Any chance the President would delay his departure to Camp David tonight and we're to see the video release when it's scheduled? And because Camp David is one of the places where it's actually difficult for the President to immediately address the nation. If there were to be a concern. Do you expect that he may want to say something in a live way? He's already spoken through you and he's spoken on paper. But do you anticipate that this is the kind of circumstance where he'd want to emphasize that by appearing on camera so I don't have any changes for you on his on his schedule today? I will say like you've just mentioned, you heard from him last night, in clear terms and expressing his condolences to the family and the people of Ventus. And he's going to continue to call for meaningful reforms. He said that last night and he said that many times before, and he's going to continue to call for protests to remain peaceful and just don't have anything to share. Is there anything you can share about his plans for Camp David since he's doing Camp David and Wilmington this weekend? Are there any meetings that are scheduled at Camp David or things that are government related this weekend? So he tends to have internal internal meetings, as you all know, with his with his team don't have anything to read out as well as the time but that is something that he often does, whether it's virtually or in person to keep to keep abreast especially with the next couple of hours. Situation running out of January and you had told us that we have the physical and the information about president's physical, any update on whether that might slide into February now, I don't have any updates on that at this time. Look, we want to this is something that we're committed to doing. As I've said, we've did it back in 2021 in a very transparent way and shared the doctor's memo to all of you for you all to review and it was very extensive it was again in a transparent for fashion. And so we're committed to doing that. I just don't have any updates at this time.
He has gone through another tough week. I know your question earlier this week, but we heard Helen Levine at the UN Security Council talk about it. Yesterday it was the police officers were paralyzed. For plans because there were officers that hardly been killed over there any progress and because people are begging for the United States and jazz again involve any respective international force on the ground, any progress in the discussion. So
as you know, as you just mentioned, together, the US and Canada have taken action to provide assistance to the people of Haiti while also holding those causing this crisis accountable, including through sanctions. That is that is something that we have announced the past several months. And as you saw as the novels, the novel summit that just occurred recently in Mexico. City, that coordination will continue. During their bilateral President Biden were Prime Minister Trudeau also committed to continue coordination with partners on the US security council on next steps to support stability to Haiti, including support to the national of the Haitian National Police and so that is a commitment that the President has and we will continue to get to coordinate to see what we can do. No new forces on the ground at the moment. I don't have anything to to announce or preview at this time. No, I
have what's happening in the Middle East, in Israel in the Palestinian territories, territories. We saw what happened in Germany yesterday. We were hearing this five people
