
It’s Monday…
President Biden’s public schedule for 02/19/2024:
7:00 AM | Supplemental Pool Call Time Joint Base Andrews Overhang |
8:00 AM | Out-of-Town Pool Call Time Out-of-Town Pool |
9:00 AM Presidential Daily Brief | The President receives the Presidential Daily Briefing Closed Press |
9:15 AM | In-Town Pool Call Time In-Town Pool |
9:30 AM Left Rehoboth Beach, Delaware | The President and The First Lady depart Rehoboth Beach, Delaware en route to the White House Out-of-Town Pool |
10:40 AM Arrived at the White House | The President and The First Lady arrive at the White House South Lawn Open Press |
Aleksey Navalny Tweets
From Friday…
Join me as I deliver remarks on the reported death of Aleksey Navalny. https://t.co/iIoPq7QKFv
— President Biden (@POTUS) February 16, 2024
Remarks by President Biden on the Reported Death of Aleksey Navalny; the YouTube is 10 minutes and 17 seconds long.
Today, I send my deepest condolences to Aleksey Navalny's staff and supporters who will continue his work, despite Putin’s attempts to stamp out opposition.
— President Biden (@POTUS) February 16, 2024
And above all, to his family who shared Aleksey's dream of a better future for Russia.
May God bless Aleksey Navalny.
You know, I send my deepest condolences to Aleksey’s staff and supporters who are going to continue his work despite this loss, despite all of Putin’s desperate attempts to stamp out the opposition.
And most of all, to his family, especially to his wife, his daughter, and his son, who have already sacrificed so much for their family and a shared dream for a better future for Russia.
So, I just want to say God bless Aleksey Navalny. His courage will not be forgotten. And I’m sure it will not be the only courage we see coming out of Russia in the near term.
White House.gov. 02/16/2024.
Aleksey Navalny's courage will never be forgotten.
— President Biden (@POTUS) February 16, 2024
This tragedy – further proof of Putin's brutality – reminds us of the stakes of this moment.
Failure to support Ukraine against his vicious onslaught will never be forgotten. pic.twitter.com/h1AM76BV8K
The video clip is 1 minute and 13 seconds long.
You know, like millions of people around the world, I am literally both not surprised and outraged by the news — the reported death of Aleksey Navalny.
[snip]
And as people across Russia and around the world are mourning Navalny today because he was so many things that Putin was not: He was brave. He was principled. He was dedicated to building a Russia where the rule of law existed and of — where it applied to everybody. Navalny believed in that Russia — that Russia. He knew it was a cause worth fighting for and, obviously, even dying for.
This tragedy reminds us of the stakes of this moment. We have to provide the funding so Ukraine can keep defending itself against Putin’s vicious onslaughts and war crimes.
You know, there was a bipartisan Senate vote that passed overwhelmingly in the United States Senate to fund Ukraine.
Now, as I’ve said before, and I mean this in the literal sense: History is watching. History is watching the House of Representatives. The failure to support Ukraine at this critical moment will never be forgotten. It’s going to go down in the pages of history. It really is. It’s consequential.
And the clock is ticking. And this has to happen. We have to help now. You know, we have to realize what we’re dealing with with Putin.
White House.gov. 02/16/2024.
If reports of Aleksey Navalny's death are true, Russian authorities will tell their own story.
— President Biden (@POTUS) February 16, 2024
But make no mistake.
Putin is responsible for this death.
Reports of his death, if they’re true — and I have no reason to believe they’re not — Russian authorities are going to tell their own story. But make no mistake — make no mistake, Putin is responsible for Navalny’s death. Putin is responsible.
White House.gov. 02/16/2024.
From Saturday…
I will never walk away from Article 5 and the promise that the United States will defend every inch of NATO territory, spanning 31 countries.
— President Biden (@POTUS) February 17, 2024
I can’t imagine any other president walking away.
All of us should reject the dangerous statements made by the previous president that invited Russia to invade our NATO Allies if they weren’t paying up. He said if an Ally did not pay their dues, he’d encourage Russia to, quote, “Do whatever the hell they want.”
I — let me — I guess I should clear my mind here a little bit and not say what I’m really thinking.
But let me be clear: This is an outrageous thing for a president to say. I can’t fathom. I can’t fathom. From Truman on, they’re rolling over in their graves hearing this.
As long as I’m President, America stands by our sacred commitment to our NATO Allies as they have stood by their commitments to us repeatedly.
Putin and the whole world should know: If any adversary were to attack us, our NATO Allies would back us. And if Putin were to attack a NATO Ally, the United States will defend every inch of NATO territory. Now is the time for even greater unity among our NATO Allies to stand up to the threat that Putin’s Russia poses.
White House.gov. 02/16/2024.
Twice Impeached 45 said on 02/10/2024…
Trump: One of the presidents of a big country stood up and said, Well, sir, if we don't pay and were attacked by Russia, will you protect us? I said.. No I would not protect you. In fact, I would encourage them to do whatever the hell they want. pic.twitter.com/2RPVDFZIXy
— Acyn (@Acyn) February 10, 2024
The bipartisan national security bill sends a clear message to Ukrainians and to our partners and to our allies around the world:
— President Biden (@POTUS) February 17, 2024
We never bow down to anyone, and certainly not to Vladimir Putin.
Congress must act.
Remarks by President Biden on Senate Passage of the Bipartisan Supplemental Agreement; the YouTube is 8 minutes and 27 seconds long.
This bipartisan bill sends a clear message to Ukrainians and to our partners and to our allies around the world: America can be trusted, America can be relied upon, and America stands up for freedom. We stand strong for our allies. We never bow down to anyone, and certainly not to Vladimir Putin. So, let’s get on with this.
White House.gov. 02/13/2024.
From Sunday…
It's about time Congressional Republicans stepped up on national security, don't you think? pic.twitter.com/XRstRqqONr
— President Biden (@POTUS) February 18, 2024
The video clip is 26 seconds long.
Remarks by President Biden on the Reported Death of Aleksey Navalny; the YouTube is 10 minutes and 17 seconds long.
Reporter asks: Is there anything you can do to get ammunition to the Ukrainians without the supplemental from Congress?
President Biden says: No, but it’s about time they step up — don’t you think? — instead of going on a two-week vacation. Two weeks they’re walking away. Two weeks. What are they thinking? My God, this is bizarre. And it’s just reinforcing all the concern and — and almost — I won’t say “panic,” but real concern about the United States being a reliable ally. This is outrageous.
East Palestine, Ohio Tweets
From Friday…
Join me in East Palestine, Ohio as I deliver remarks on how we're holding Norfolk Southern accountable for the train derailment and supporting the community as it moves forward. https://t.co/K5Op3rj4hr
— President Biden (@POTUS) February 16, 2024
Remarks by President Biden on Supporting the Community in East Palestine, Ohio | East Palestine, OH; the YouTube is 14 minutes and 30 seconds long.
I want the folks of East Palestine, Ohio to know that we’re here until the job is done. We'll continue to hold Norfolk Southern accountable and make sure they make your community whole – now and in the future. This derailment won’t define you. Your compassion and resilience will. pic.twitter.com/ptoAm6YO5x
— President Biden (@POTUS) February 17, 2024
You know, I — I want to thank the folks of East Palestine to know — I want them to understand that we’re not going home, no matter what, until this job is done. And it’s not done yet. There’s a lot more to do. The vast majority has been done, but we’re going to stay until the very end, every need is met.
And I want to — we continue to hold Norfolk Southern accountable and make sure they make your community whole now and in the future. And what they do not make whole, what they cannot make whole, what isn’t made — the government will make whole. We have an obligation. We have an obligation.
I can already see this derailment won’t define you. It just — it defined you in a different way: your courage, the resilience of this community, and the compassion that you’ve shown for all your fellow citizens.
White House.gov. 02/16/2024.
The courage of the firefighters, cops, and first responders I met with today in East Palestine, Ohio gives me so much pride.
— President Biden (@POTUS) February 17, 2024
When the train derailed, they ran into danger to save others.
They deserve the care and the resources we owe them. pic.twitter.com/CXrJjXKrQg
Like I said, your compassion and resilience of leadership of this community and the people of this community — the courage of your firefighters, law enforcement officers, first responders who run into danger to save others — they deserve the care and resources we owe them to be followed and their health needs followed as well. Because that’s what we do.
White House.gov. 02/16/2024.
Multi-billion-dollar railroad companies transporting toxic chemicals have the responsibility to do so safely.
— President Biden (@POTUS) February 17, 2024
Norfolk Southern failed.
That's why I ordered Norfolk Southern to clean up its mess and signed an Executive Order to hold them accountable.
You know, multimillion-dollar railroad companies transporting toxic chemicals have responsibility to do it safely. And, again, Norfolk Southern failed.
[snip]
My administration ordered Norfolk Southern to clean up the mess it created and ensure it was done right. That includes an executive order I signed to continue our priority to hold Norfolk Southern fully accountable for this disaster and any long-term effects that are able to be identified as time goes on — not just here but also in Darlington, Pennsylvania, where I just visited a few hours ago — an hour or so ago.
White House.gov. 02/16/2024.
From Monday…
To the folks in East Palestine, Ohio:
— President Biden (@POTUS) February 19, 2024
Our Administration has been here since day one, and we’re not going home until the job is done. pic.twitter.com/pOdyZ6r7ZI
The video clip is 1 minute and 29 seconds long.
President Biden:
It doesn’t matter if you’re a Democrat, a Republican, or an independent. What matters is we’re all Americans — everyone, everyone. We look out for one another. We leave no one behind. And we come back stronger than before. That’s what you’re doing here. That’s what’s happening right here in this community. That’s what’s going on downtown, in your parks as well. You’re now — your downtown is reopened and the parks are reopened. Students were frustrated opposing schools wouldn’t travel here for sports events, but now you’re playing home games again, finally.
White House.gov. 02/16/2024.
EPA Administrator Michael Regan (0:11): It’s been a year since the Norfolk Southern freight train carrying hazardous chemicals derailed. Releasing toxins into the environment and upending countless lives. For many, it’s been a year of fear, uncertainty and disarray.
East Palestine, Ohio Mayor Trent Conaway (0:28): Our village has faced many challenges, but as a community we have shown resilience. We will not be defined by this single event. Rather, our response to it and our perseverance.
President Biden (0:39):
All told, we’ve done in one year what would ty- — typically take many years, and we’re going to keep going.
[snip]
My administration ordered Norfolk Southern to clean up the mess it created and ensure it was done right. That includes an executive order I signed to continue our priority to hold Norfolk Southern fully accountable for this disaster and any long-term effects that are able to be identified as time goes on — not just here but also in Darlington, Pennsylvania, where I just visited a few hours ago — an hour or so ago. Working with the state, we’ve tested the air, the water, the soil quality; deployed teams of health experts; provided emergency loans for local businesses. But it’s not done yet. There’s more to do.
[snip]
You know, I — I want to thank the folks of East Palestine to know — I want them to understand that we’re not going home, no matter what, until this job is done. And it’s not done yet. There’s a lot more to do. The vast majority has been done, but we’re going to stay until the very end, every need is met.
White House.gov. 02/16/2024.
From the White House…
09/20/2023:
01/31/2024:
02/17/2024:
King of Jordan’s Visit Tweet
From Saturday…
It’s times like these when the bonds between nations are more important than ever.
— President Biden (@POTUS) February 17, 2024
And during King Abdullah II’s visit, we reaffirmed that the United States’ and Jordan’s relationship is stronger than ever. pic.twitter.com/wMnzv55g22
The video clip is 19 seconds long.
Remarks by President Biden and His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan After a Meeting; the YouTube is 13 minutes and 48 seconds long.
We’re grateful for our partners and allies like the King who work with us every single day to advance security and stability across the region and beyond. It’s difficult times like these when the bonds between nations are more important than ever.
White House.gov. 02/12/2024.
Economy Tweet
From Sunday…
Consumer sentiment is a marker we look at to get a better understanding of how optimistic Americans are about our economy.
— President Biden (@POTUS) February 18, 2024
Last week, it rose to 31-month high.
Market Watch said on 02/16/2024: Consumer sentiment rises to 31-month high on slowing inflation and strong job market:
Consumer sentiment crept up in early February to a 31-month high, fueled by slowing inflation and a strong job market.
The first of two readings of the sentiment survey this month rose to 79.6 from 79.0 in January, the University of Michigan said Friday. That’s the highest reading since July 2021.
Americans are more confident inflation will continue to slow and that jobs will remain easy to find. A rising stock market has also buoyed confidence.
The consumer-sentiment survey reveals how Americans feel about their own finances as well as the broader economy.
Sentiment is still well below prepandemic levels of around 100, however.
Market Watch.com. 02/16/2024.
National and State Parks Tweet
From Monday…
Our national and state parks, and the rangers that steward them, are some of the greatest treasures we have.
— President Biden (@POTUS) February 19, 2024
We're fighting to conserve 30% of American lands and waters for them – and the generations that follow. pic.twitter.com/xiqcmDO3tV
The video clip is 1 minute and 18 seconds long. President Biden meets with 3 park rangers from Maryland. He thanks them for their service. The clip shares the following text to end the video:
The Maryland Park Service is dedicated to addressing the challenges that lie ahead. Their Scales and Tales Program is an environmental initiative designed to foster stewardship of wildlife and natural resources and educate about issues like habitat loss, climate change, resource management, and blodversity.
From Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR.Maryland.gov).
Scales and Tales Programs: Scales & Tales is an environmental education program that affords people the opportunity to see wildlife up close. The program uses non-releasable birds of prey and reptiles to encourage people to enjoy and appreciate Maryland State Parks, and the wildlife living in them.
The events are $100.00 for on site and $150.00 for off-site. The length of the events vary. Currently, out of an abundance of caution the Aviaries are closed to the public and all programs due to “the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza,” according to the link shared above.
“New” from the White House..
02/16/2024:
- Press Gaggle by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael Regan En Route Pittsburgh, PA; the YouTube is 40 minutes and 10 seconds long [the gaggle starts at the 25 minute and 59 second mark].
- Remarks as Prepared for Delivery by First Lady Jill Biden at a Career-Connected Learning Round Table
02/17/2024:
- Remarks by Vice President Harris and President Zelenskyy of Ukraine in Joint Press Conference | Munich, Germany; the YouTube is 20 minutes and 57 seconds long.
- Remarks by Vice President Harris and President Zelenskyy of Ukraine Before Bilateral Meeting | Munich, Germany; there is no White House YouTube…
02/19/2024:
This is an open thread