Category: Speeches

Earlier today, the President, accompanied by Ambassador Samantha Power and National Security Advisor Susan E. Rice, met with the ambassadors to the United Nations of the fifteen current Security Council members along with those of the five countries whose two-year elected terms on the Council begin in January 2016. The meeting covered a wide range…

The United States remains steadfast in its support of the Ukrainian people as they defend their sovereignty and territorial integrity, advance the fight against corruption, implement democratic and constitutional reforms, strengthen the rule of law, restore economic stability and growth, and respond to humanitarian needs. In pursuit of these objectives, Vice President Joe Biden announced…

Wednesday, December 9, 2015 Washington, DC * 1:15PM ET – As part of the Joining Forces initiative, the First Lady will visit Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, where she will give brief remarks and deliver toys and gifts donated by Executive Office of the President staff to the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Campaign. Monday, December 14, 2015 Washington,…

President Obama spoke by phone today with President Dilma Rousseff of Brazil to discuss ongoing progress in the Paris climate conference, which will conclude on December 11.  Both leaders emphasized their personal commitment to reach an ambitious climate change agreement and their interest in working together to drive success.  They agreed to continue to stay…

NOMINATIONS SENT TO THE SENATE: Marcela Escobari, of Massachusetts, to be an Assistant Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development, vice Mark Feierstein, resigned. Charlotte P. Kessler, of Ohio, to be a Member of the National Council on the Arts for a term expiring September 3, 2018. (Reappointment) Esperanza Emily Spalding, of Oregon,…

The Bankova Kyiv, Ukraine 3:47 P.M. (Local) PRESIDENT POROSHENKO:  (In Ukrainian, no translation.) VICE PRESIDENT BIDEN:  Well, Mr. President, thank you very, very much.  Thank you for your hospitality.  It’s good to be back in Ukraine.  As you pointed out, it’s the fourth time since the Revolution of Dignity two years ago.  And I’m always…

Tonight, Jews in America, Israel, and around the world come together to light the first candle of the Festival of Lights. At its heart, Hanukkah is about the struggle for justice in the face of overwhelming obstacles. It’s a chance to reflect on the triumph of liberty over tyranny, the rejection of persecution, and on…

East Room 5:15 P.M. EST THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you so much.  Please, everybody, have a seat, have a seat.  Have a seat and welcome to the White House.  This is a good-looking group.  (Laughter.)  President Kennedy once said, “There is a connection, hard to explain logically but easy to feel, between achievement in public life…

Oval Office **Please see below for a correction, marked with an asterisk. 8:01 P.M. EST THE PRESIDENT:  Good evening.  On Wednesday, 14 Americans were killed as they came together to celebrate the holidays.  They were taken from family and friends who loved them deeply. They were white and black; Latino and Asian; immigrants and American-born;…

The President this morning received an update from FBI Director Comey, Attorney General Lynch, Secretary of Homeland Security Johnson, and his intelligence community leadership on the ongoing investigation into the horrific shootings in San Bernardino, California. The President was briefed on the latest details of the investigation. The President’s team highlighted several pieces of information…