Category: Nov 2015

East Room 5:19 P.M. EST THE PRESIDENT: Hello, everybody! (Applause.) Thank you. Everybody please have a seat. Everybody have a seat. Well, welcome to the White House, everybody. A bunch of people were saying I was pretty busy today — which is true. (Applause.) But this is a fun kind of busy right here. Today,…

The President spoke today by phone with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey to discuss Turkey’s downing of a Russian aircraft.  The President expressed U.S. and NATO support for Turkey’s right to defend its sovereignty.  The leaders agreed on the importance of deescalating the situation and pursuing arrangements to ensure that such incidents do not…

President Obama today convened his National Security Council to discuss the response to recent terrorist attacks by ISIL. The President was briefed that there is currently no specific, credible threat to the homeland from ISIL. The President was also briefed on ways we can enhance our existing security and intelligence cooperation with partners, building on…

The Vice President spoke with Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff today about the importance of achieving an ambitious climate agreement at the upcoming 21st Conference of the Parties climate change summit that will be held in Paris, France from November 30‎th to December 11th. The Vice President underscored the significance of Brazilian leadership in the talks…

President Obama today issued a new Executive Order (E.O.) declaring a national emergency with respect to the unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States posed by the situation in Burundi.  The Executive Order is not targeted at the people of Burundi, but rather is aimed at activities…

Today President Obama issued a new Executive Order imposing sanctions against persons who have contributed to the ongoing crisis in Burundi.  This Executive Order provides the authority to block the assets of those who, among other things, have engaged in or provided material support for actions that threaten peace and security in Burundi, undermine democratic…

Tune In: On Thursday, November 26th, Broadway at The White House will air at 8:00 PM ET on TLC.  Click HERE for more information. Friday, November 27, 2015 The White House * North Portico * 11:00 AM – On Friday, November 27th, First Lady Michelle Obama will welcome the Official White House Christmas Tree to the White House.…

Today, the Vice President addressed the Ambassadors of the Global Coalition to Counter ISIL at the Department of State. The Vice President expressed his sincere condolences to the friends and families of all those injured or killed in the recent terrorist attacks by ISIL, and thanked Coalition members for their continued commitment to degrade and…

Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 2:56 P.M. MYT PRESIDENT OBAMA: Well, it’s a great pleasure to spend some time with Prime Minister Lee and the delegation from Singapore as Singapore celebrates 50 years. And as the relationship between the United States and Singapore moves into its 50th year, it is wonderful to report…

On behalf of the American people, we send our heartfelt condolences to the people of the Republic of Korea for the passing of former President Kim Young-sam. President Kim led the Korean people through one of the most challenging periods of the transition to democracy and set a precedent for a peaceful transfer of power…