Statement by the President on the Presidential Policy Directive on Cuba

Today, I approved a Presidential Policy Directive that takes another major step forward in our efforts to normalize relations with Cuba. This Directive takes a comprehensive and whole-of-government approach to promote engagement with the Cuban government and people, and make our opening to Cuba irreversible. Read More»

Statement by the President on the Election of António Guterres as the Next Secretary-General of the United Nations

On behalf of the United States of America, I congratulate António Guterres on his election today as the next Secretary-General of the United Nations. As a founding member and host country of the United Nations, and a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council, the United States pledges to provide our full support to Mr. ... Read More»

President at Dedication of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

The White House Office of the Press Secretary For Immediate Release Smithsonian National Museum Of African American History and Culture National Mall Washington, D.C. 11:55 A.M. EDT The President:  James Baldwin once wrote, “For while the tale of how we suffer, and how we are delighted, and how we may triumph is never new, it always ... Read More»

Address by President Obama to the 71st Session of the UN General Assembly

From the depths of the greatest financial crisis of our time, we coordinated our response to avoid further catastrophe and return the global economy to growth. We’ve taken away terrorist safe havens, strengthened the nonproliferation regime, resolved the Iranian nuclear issue through diplomacy. Read More»

Remarks by the President Obama at the 9/11 Memorial Observance Ceremony 

THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary For Immediate Release The Pentagon Arlington, Virginia 9:43 A.M. EDT THE PRESIDENT:  Good morning.  Scripture tells us, “Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you…write them on the tablet of your heart.” Secretary Carter, Chairman Dunford, outstanding members of our Armed Forces, and most of all, survivors ... Read More»

Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance, 2016

THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary For Immediate Release BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA A PROCLAMATION Fifteen years ago, nearly 3,000 innocent lives — men, women, and children who had been going about their normal routines — were taken from us, depriving families and loved ones of a lifetime ... Read More»

WEEKLY ADDRESS: Upholding the Legacy of Those We Lost on September 11th

THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary  WASHINGTON, DC — In this week’s address, President Obama marked the 15th anniversary of the September 11th attacks and paid tribute to the victims, survivors, first responders, and those who have served our country. The President said that although a lot has changed over the past  15 years, ... Read More»

Statement by National Security Advisor Susan E. Rice on Syrian Refugee Admissions

THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 29, 2016 Less than a year ago, in response to an historic global refugee crisis, involving millions of Syrians in flight from violence and conflict, President Obama directed his Administration to increase the number of Syrian refugees provided safe haven in the United ... Read More»

Statement by the White House on the 1st Class of Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI) Fellows

Today, the White House is proud to announce the inaugural class of Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI) Fellows. President Obama launched YLAI last year to expand opportunities for emerging entrepreneurs and civil society innovators in Latin America and the Caribbean. Read More»

FACT SHEET: President Obama to Create the World’s Largest Marine Protected Area

On Friday, President Obama will expand the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument off the coast of Hawaii, creating the world’s largest marine protected area. Building on the United States’ global leadership in marine conservation, today’s designation will more than quadruple the size of the existing marine monument, permanently protecting pristine coral reefs, deep sea marine habitats, ... Read More»

Statement by the President on the Colombia Peace Agreement

This is a historic day for the people of Colombia. With the finalizing of a peace agreement between Colombia and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, the longest-running war in the Western Hemisphere is coming to an end. We have witnessed, once again, that a sustained commitment to diplomacy and reconciliation can overcome even the ... Read More»

President Obama Announces a Presidential Delegation to Attend the Closing Ceremony of the 2016 Olympic Summer Games

THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 12, 2016  President Barack Obama today announced the designation of a Presidential Delegation to attend the Closing Ceremony of the 2016 Olympic Summer Games in Rio de Janeiro, Federative Republic of Brazil. Presidential Delegation to the Closing Ceremony of the Rio de Janeiro ... Read More»

Readout of the President’s Update on the Situation in Turkey

The White House Office of the Press Secretary For Immediate Release The President this morning received an update from his national security and broader foreign policy team on the situation in Turkey. The President’s advisors apprised him of the most recent developments on the ground, and the President reiterated the United States’ unwavering support for ... Read More»

President Obama and Secretary Kerry discuss the events in Turkey

THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  The President spoke tonight by phone with Secretary of State John Kerry to discuss the events in Turkey. The President and Secretary agreed that all parties in Turkey should support the democratically-elected Government of Turkey, show restraint, and avoid any violence or bloodshed. The Secretary ... Read More»

Statement by the President on the Attack in Nice, France

The White House Office of the Press Secretary For Immediate Release On behalf of the American people, I condemn in the strongest terms what appears to be a horrific terrorist attack in Nice, France, which killed and wounded dozens of innocent civilians. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and other loved ones of ... Read More»

Statement by the President on the One Year Anniversary of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action

THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   Today marks one year since the conclusion of the Iran nuclear deal—known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)—by representatives of the United States, Iran, France, the United Kingdom, Germany, China, Russia, and the European Union.  Over the last year, the Iran ... Read More»

Remarks by the President at the 2016 SelectUSA Investment Summit

The White House Office of the Press Secretary For Immediate Release Washington Hilton Washington, D.C. 12:30 P.M. EDT THE PRESIDENT:  Well, let me begin by thanking Penny -– not only for her kind words and friendship, but for her outstanding leadership in promoting American business and making the case for commercial diplomacy.  Congratulations not only ... Read More»

FACT SHEET: Obama Administration Recognizes the 100th Anniversary and Economic Benefits of America’s National Parks

THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 17, 2016 As America celebrates the 100th anniversary of the creation of our national park system this year, the President and the First Family are traveling to Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico and Yosemite National Park in California. The President has ... Read More»

Remarks by the President on Mass Shooting in Orlando

THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary   For Immediate Release James S. Brady Press Briefing Room 1:59 P.M. EDT THE PRESIDENT:  Today, as Americans, we grieve the brutal murder — a horrific massacre — of dozens of innocent people.  We pray for their families, who are grasping for answers with broken hearts.  We ... Read More»

Remarks by President Obama and Prime Minister Abe of Japan

THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary For Immediate Release Hiroshima Peace Memorial Hiroshima, Japan 5:45 P.M. JST PRESIDENT OBAMA:  Seventy-one years ago, on a bright, cloudless morning, death fell from the sky and the world was changed.  A flash of light and a wall of fire destroyed a city and demonstrated that mankind ... Read More»

President Obama Announces More Key Administration Posts

THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Today, President Barack Obama announced his intent to nominate the following individuals to key Administration posts: Thomas Atkin – Assistant Secretary of Defense for Homeland Defense, Department of Defense Daniel P. Feehan –Assistant Secretary of Defense for Readiness, Department of Defense Marguerite Salazar – ... Read More»

Remarks by President Obama in Address to the People of Vietnam

National Convention Center Hanoi, Vietnam 12:11 P.M. ICT PRESIDENT OBAMA:  Xin chào!  (Applause.)  Xin chào Vietnam!  (Applause.)  Thank you.  Thank you so much.  To the government and the people of Vietnam, thank you for this very warm welcome and the hospitality that you have shown to me on this visit.  And thank all of you ... Read More»

Remarks by President Obama and President Macri of Argentina in Joint Press Conference

Casa Rosada Buenos Aires, Argentina 12:56 P.M. ART PRESIDENT MACRI:  Good morning, everyone.  Thank you for joining us today.  And welcome, Mr. President — dear Mr. President.  We are happy to have you visiting with your whole family.  And I would like to take a minute to share with you this grief all of us ... Read More»

Statement by the President on International Women’s Day

The White House Office of the Press Secretary For Immediate Release March 08, 2016 Today, on International Women’s Day, we recommit ourselves to achieving a world in which every woman and girl enjoys the full range of rights and freedoms that is her birthright. Women and girls make extraordinary contributions every day across all fields of human endeavor, including in ... Read More»

Remarks by the President on the Cybersecurity National Action Plan

The White House Office of the Press Secretary For Immediate Release Oval Office February 17, 2016 3:23 P.M. EST THE PRESIDENT:  Several weeks ago, I announced a Cybersecurity National Action Plan that addresses what increasingly the American people understand as one of our greatest challenges. The Internet has brought incredible opportunity, incredible wealth.  It gives ... Read More»

Readout of the President’s Call with President Dilma Rousseff of Brazil

THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The President spoke by phone today with President of Brazil Dilma Rousseff to discuss shared concerns over the spread of the Zika virus in the Western Hemisphere. The leaders agreed on the importance of collaborative efforts to deepen our knowledge, advance research, and accelerate ... Read More»

Readout of the President’s Call with President Dilma Rousseff of Brazil

THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 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 ... Read More»

FACT SHEET: Obama Administration Announces Actions on Clean Energy Strategy

November 6, 2015 THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FACT SHEET: Obama Administration Announces Actions to Ensure that Nuclear Energy Remains a Vibrant Component of the United States’ Clean Energy Strategy As detailed in the Climate Action Plan, President Obama is committed to using every appropriate tool to combat climate ... Read More»

Remarks by President Obama and President Dilma Rousseff of Brazil

THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary For Immediate Release ATLAPA Convention Center Panama City, Panama 4:15 P.M. EST PRESIDENT OBAMA:  Well, it is wonderful to be able to meet once again with my good friend, President Rousseff, and her delegation. PRESIDENT ROUSSEFF:  I understand.  (Laughter.) PRESIDENT OBAMA:  She doesn’t need a translator. Brazil ... Read More»

Statement by the President on the Attack in France

THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 7, 2015 I strongly condemn the horrific shooting at the offices of Charlie Hebdo magazine in Paris that has reportedly killed 12 people.  Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of this terrorist attack and the people of France at this difficult ... Read More»

The 2014 State of the Union Address

    THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary January 28, 2014 Remarks of President Barack Obama State of the Union Address Tuesday, January 28, 2014 Washington, D.C. PRESIDENT OBAMA: Thank you. (Applause.) Thank you so much. Thank you. Thank you. (Applause.) Thank you so much. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Vice President, members of Congress, my ... Read More»
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