Page 5 - White House

Speaker Pelosi's husband assaulted in break-in Washington: Spokesperson

Pelosi was not in the residence at the time. Hammill said the assailant is in custody and the motivation for the attack is under investigation

White House chief of staff warned on Hatch Act violation over retweet

President Joe Biden's chief of staff violated the law by retweeting a political message on his government Twitter account, and a warning letter was sent to him, according to a memo from the Office of Special Counsel. The memo dated on Wednesday said Ron Klain ran afoul of the Hatch Act, which prohibits government officials from using their official roles to influence elections, including supporting candidates, while acting in their official capacities. The message Klain retweeted on May 22 from STRIKE PAC, a Democratic group, was about delivering infant formula to Americans. But the message also included the encouragement, Get your Democrats Deliver merch today! Klain removed the retweet as soon as he was notified of the complaint. No disciplinary action will be pursued and the office, an independent government watchdog that monitors violations of the Hatch Act, considers the matter closed. Klain was warned to be more careful in the future. The conservative legal group America Firs

India an important manufacturer of vaccines for world: White House

India is an important manufacturer of vaccines for the world, the White House said, acknowledging the crucial role the country played in supplying vaccines against COVID-19 globally. Because of its incredible manufacturing capacity, (India) has been a major exporter of vaccines, Dr Ashish Jha, White House Coronavirus Response Coordinator, told reporters at a news conference here on Tuesday. Responding to a question, Dr Jha said the QUAD partnership a strategic security dialogue between Australia, India, Japan and the US -- on coronavirus was important to the Joe Biden administration. I think India is an important manufacturer of vaccines for the world. I mean not just for India itself, this is a really important thing, he said at the White House news conference. Defending the Biden administration's decision to supply vaccines to the world, Dr Jha said the US will continue making them available for every low and several low- and middle-income countries. There are about 100 countri

Progressive Democrats retract letter on Ukraine to Biden after uproar

A group of progressive Democrats in Congress has said it had retracted a letter to the White House urging President Joe Biden to engage in direct diplomatic talks with Russia after it triggered an uproar among Democrats and raised questions about the strength of the party's support for Ukraine. In a statement on Tuesday, Rep. Pramila Jayapal, the chair of the Progressive Caucus, said the caucus was withdrawing the letter it sent less than 24 hours prior. It was signed by 30 members of the party's liberal flank. The letter was drafted several months ago, but unfortunately was released by staff without vetting," the Washington Democrat wrote in a statement. As chair of the caucus, Jayapal said she took responsibility for this. The unusual retraction capped a tense 24-hour period for Democrats. Many reacted angrily to the appearance of flagging support for the president's Ukraine strategy, coming just weeks before a midterm election where their majorities in Congress are at risk. The

Latest Live: Rishi Sunak becomes richest-ever occupant of UK's Number 10

From Sunak's appointment as UK PM, Cyclone Sitrang to coronavirus cases and air pollution, catch all the latest developments from across the globe here

Joe Biden invites children on stage in Diwali celebrations at White House

In what came as a highlight of this year's Diwali celebrations at the White House, President Joe Biden invited two children onto the stage and described them as his impression of light. The White House later said they Soren and Zara, children of Congressman Ro Khanna, who attended the impressive Diwali event along with some 200 eminent members of the community from across the country. And before I begin, how are you guys doing out front there? How are you? You want to come up here? You wanna come up? You don't have to, but you can, Biden said amidst applause from the audience who were surprised by the president's outreach to Soren and Zara. Can you walk them around? he asked one of his aides to bring them on to the stage as the guests applauded. This is my impression of light, Biden said. Now, if you guys get bored, you can go back. It's not gonna take very long, okay? All right? he told Soren and Zara that the event would conclude soon. Khanna told PTI after the reception, It was

Joe Biden, First Lady host largest ever Diwali reception at White House

US President Joe Biden and First Lady Dr Jill Biden on Monday hosted a Diwali reception at the White House in what they called the largest since the People's House started celebrating the festival during the George Bush administration. More than 200 eminent Indian Americans attended the reception at the East Room, a venue which has witnessed some of the landmark events related to the India-US relationship, including the signing of the nuclear deal and the joint press conference by then US President Barack Obama and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in November 2008. The reception saw some enthralling cultural events, including performances by sitarist Rishab Sharma and dance troupe The Sa Dance Company. The guests, dressed in traditional Indian attires such as saree, lehenga and sherwani, relished some mouthwatering Indian delicacies. The room is full at the East state dining room This is a real celebration of what the Indian American community has achieved in the United States.

Joe Biden's global strategy tackles China, Russia, domestic needs

The White House laid out a national security strategy Wednesday aimed at checking an ascendant China and a more assertive Russia even as it stressed that domestic investments are key to helping the US compete in the critical decade ahead. The administration's first national security strategy, a document required by statute, stresses the need for a foreign policy that balances the interests of global allies with those of middle-class Americans. We understand that if the United States is to succeed abroad, we must invest in our innovation and industrial strength, and build our resilience, at home, the strategy states. Likewise, to advance shared prosperity domestically and to uphold the rights of all Americans, we must proactively shape the international order in line with our interests and values. In broad brushstrokes, the strategy sketches a decisive moment for national security, as President Joe Biden faces an arguably more complicated world than when he took office 21 months ago

US President Joe Biden plans to hold Diwali celebrations at White House

US President Joe Biden has plans to celebrate Diwali at the White House this year, his spokesperson said. Details and nature of preparations have not been revealed yet. Yes, he has plans to celebrate Diwali just like he did last year, White House Press Secretary Karen Jean-Pierre told reporters at her daily news conference here. We don't have a date to share with you at this time but it is an event that he thinks is very important as he sees a partnership with India as well as Indian Americans here in this country, Jean-Pierre said in response to a question. Meanwhile, Maryland Governor Lawrence Hogan has declared October as Hindu Heritage Month. Beginning with the Bush Administration, Diwali is being celebrated at the White House every year.

Putin facing further isolation from international community: White House

Russian President Vladimir Putin is facing isolation from the international community, the White House said as it took note of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. "We're asking that countries around the world, and we've been very clear about that, continue to speak out publicly and continue to engage diplomatically on this as well. And so, I think that's what you're seeing from the prime minister (of India)," White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters at her daily news conference on Tuesday. Responding to a question, the press secretary said she doesn't has anything to read out on any recent conversation between US President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Modi. "But his public comments directly to Putin are very clear. Now is not the time for war. And it's not the time, he was even more specific to that, he said his war, Putin's war, he was alluding to," she said. "Look, Putin is facing further isolation from ...

Joe Biden to host Emmanuel Macron for state visit in December: White House

The White House announced that President Joe Biden will host his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron for a state visit on December 1

India-US strategic partnership grounded in shared commitment: White House

The strategic partnership between India and the US is grounded in a shared commitment to advance free, open Indo-Pacific region and promotion of rule of law and dignity, the White House said Thursday. India, the US and several other world powers have been talking about the need to ensure a free, open and thriving Indo-Pacific in the backdrop of China's rising military manoeuvring in the region. China claims nearly all of the disputed South China Sea, though Taiwan, the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia and Vietnam all claim parts of it. Beijing has built artificial islands and military installations in the South China Sea. The strategic partnership between the US and India is grounded in our shared commitment to the advancement of free and open Indo-Pacific region, the rule of law and the promotion of human freedom and dignity, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters during her daily news conference. We consult closely with India on regional developments, but I'm

130 Indian-Americans in key positions of Biden administration: White House

US President Joe Biden has appointed 130 Indian-Americans to key positions in his administration so far, a senior White House official has said, the best representation from the community that makes up around one per cent of the American population. Representing the Biden administration at an event to celebrate 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsava' at the US Capitol, Raj Panjabi, who is currently serving as Senior Director for Global Health Security and Biodefence on the White House National Security Council, read out a list of top Indian Americans in the US Government. Panjabi said that US President Biden has appointed 130 Indian Americans in his administration. This is something to be proud of, he said in his address to Indian Americans. As many as 75 Indian American organisations have come together to observe the historic milestone of India's journey after 1947. Prominent among these organisations include US India Relationship Council, Sewa International, Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation, Hindu

Designating Russia as State sponsor of terrorism not right path forward: WH

Designating Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism is not an effective path forward to hold it accountable as it could have unintended consequences for Ukraine and rest of the world, the White House has said. As the President has said, and as we do think as well, it (declaring Russia a state sponsor of terrorism) is not the most effective or strongest path forward, as we have said many times before, to hold Russia accountable, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters on Tuesday at her daily news conference. She said the designation of state sponsor of terrorism to Russia could have unintended consequences to Ukraine and the world. For example, according to humanitarian experts and NGOs we have spoken to, it could seriously affect the ability to deliver assistance in areas of Ukraine, she said. Another one is it could drive critical humanitarian and commercial actors away from facilitating food exports to help mitigate the global food crisis and jeopardise the .

Updated Covid boosters ready in US this week, says White House

US health officials said on Tuesday that the vaccine is moving closer to an annual jab, as with flu shots

White House seeks $13.7 billion more as emergency package for Ukraine

President Joe Biden is asking Congress to provide USD 13.7 billion in emergency dollars for Ukraine as U.S. aid to the war-torn country is running out. The request, which comes as lawmakers are preparing to return to Washington, is part of a larger USD 47.1 billion emergency spending package the White House is proposing to pay for the COVID-19 response, the ongoing monkeypox outbreak and help for recent natural disasters in Kentucky and other states. Congress will have to extend current financing for federal agencies before it runs out on Sept. 30. The money for Ukraine would be on top of USD 40 billion that was approved earlier this year. Administration officials said that roughly three-quarters of that military and budgetary support has been disbursed or committed. The new billions would include money for equipment, intelligence support and direct budgetary support for Ukraine. It would also include USD 1.5 billion for uranium to fuel U.S. nuclear reactors as the Russian supply ..

Biden to deliver prime-time speech on battle for democracy in Philadelphia

President Joe Biden will deliver a prime-time address on the continued battle for the soul of the nation Thursday outside Independence Hall in Philadelphia, the White House announced Monday. Billed as a major address just over two months before the midterm elections, Biden, the White House said, will discuss how the nation's standing in the world and its democracy are at stake. He will talk about the progress we have made as a nation to protect our democracy, but how our rights and freedoms are still under attack," the White House said. "And he will make clear who is fighting for those rights, fighting for those freedoms, and fighting for our democracy. Biden has increasingly sought to portray the November elections as a choice for voters between ultra-MAGA Republicans a reference to former President Donald Trump's Make America Great Again campaign slogan and Democrats. He told supporters last week that they had to vote to literally save democracy once again and labeled some ...

Donald Trump may get a 'special master' review of documents seized by FBI

Federal agents are investigating missing White House records left with 20 boxes of documents, including 11 sets of classified material

White House, New York City Mayor condemn vandalism of Gandhi statue

The White House and New York City Mayor on Wednesday strongly condemned recent cases of vandalism of Mahatma Gandhi statues in the country, with the latest one being in New York. "Mahatma Gandhi, as you know, has an enduring message of truth and nonviolence, serves as an inspiration. As you said, the President has spoken to this directly and specifically. Any act of vandalism should be condemned in the strongest terms," White House Press Secretary Karen Jean-Pierre told reporters at her daily news conference. She was responding to questions on the recent increase in instances of vandalism of statues of Mahatma Gandhi in various parts of the country, with two of them being in New York itself. The New York Police Department is investigating at least one of them as a hate crime. "I'll refer you to the local law enforcement for more on any investigation or actions that may be taken from that from their point of view," she said when asked about the investigations in this regard. "The ..

US first lady Jill Biden has 'rebound' Covid case, president negative

First lady Jill Biden has tested positive for COVID-19 again in an apparent rebound case, after she initially tested negative for the virus over the weekend. President Joe Biden, who spent three days with his wife at their Rehoboth Beach, Del. vacation home, continues to test negative, the White House said. He also suffered a rebound case earlier this month after an initial recovery from the virus. Biden's deputy communications director Kelsey Donohue said she has experienced no reemergence of symptoms, and will remain in Delaware where she has reinitiated isolation procedures. She added: The White House Medical Unit has conducted contact tracing and close contacts have been notified. Jill Biden, 71, had been prescribed the antiviral drug Paxlovid, which has proven to be highly effective at preventing serious disease and death among those at highest risk from COVID-19, but a minority of those prescribed the drug have experienced a rebound case of the virus a few days after their ..