Category: Speeches

Oval Office 10:58 A.M. EST THE PRESIDENT:  Yesterday, a tragedy occurred in San Bernardino, and as I said in the immediate aftermath, our first order of business is to send our thoughts and prayers to the families of those who have been killed and to pray for a speedy recovery for those who were injured…

One of the qualities that makes America’s armed forces the best in the world is that we draw on the talents and skills of our people. When we desegregated our military, it became stronger.  In recent years, we ended “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and allowed gay and lesbian Americans to serve openly — and it’s…

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, President Barack Obama announced his intent to nominate the following individuals to key Administration posts:          Marcela Escobari – Assistant Administrator for Latin America and the Caribbean, United States Agency for International Development          Charlotte Power Kessler – Member, National Council on the Arts          Esperanza Spalding – Member, National Council on the Arts President Obama also announced…

Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development Centre Issy-les-Moulineaux, France 12:44 P.M. CET PRESIDENT OBAMA:  It’s been a great pleasure to meet with several of the leaders of island nations who are vital to the work that we’re doing here in Paris. Their populations are among the most vulnerable to the ravages of climate change.  If…

Ellipse 6:06 P.M. EST THE PRESIDENT:   Merry Christmas everybody!  Thank you, Betty, for that introduction, for your extraordinary service as one of our park rangers, and for all of your –- and your great-grandmother’s -– contributions to this country.  Please give Betty a big round of applause.  (Applause.)  I want tips from Betty on…

Sandy Berger was one of our nation’s foremost national security leaders.  From his service in President Carter’s State Department to President Clinton’s National Security Advisor, Sandy devoted himself to strengthening American leadership in an uncertain world.  Today, his legacy can be seen in a peaceful Balkans, our strong alliance with Japan, our deeper relationships with…

This year’s holiday theme, A Timeless Tradition, reflects long-held traditions cherished across America, and commemorates extraordinary moments that shaped the country during the past two centuries. Below are highlights from the full holiday décor at the White House. Highlights: Over 68,000 guests from across the country and around the world are expected to visit the White House…

I am profoundly saddened by the passing of my dear friend and predecessor, Sandy Berger.  Here, at the NSC staff, many of us were deeply privileged to serve with Sandy, and we are all mourning his loss.  I first worked with Sandy during his distinguished tenure as Deputy National Security Advisor and then as National…

National Security Advisor Susan E. Rice, accompanied by Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism Lisa Monaco, met today with State Councilor Guo Shengkun of China to underscore the importance of full adherence to the U.S.-China cyber commitments made during President Xi’s September 2015 State Visit.   Today’s meeting occurred at the conclusion of…

I welcome the vote by the United Kingdom to join Coalition partners striking ISIL targets in Syria. The special relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom is rooted in our shared values and mutual commitment to global peace, prosperity, and security. Since the beginning of the counter-ISIL campaign the United Kingdom has been…