Pool Reports of April 4, 2024

In-Town Pool #1 - Biden call with Netanyahu

Hello everyone - Please see the below from the White House:

President Biden spoke with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel today to discuss the latest developments in Israel and Gaza. A readout of the call will be issued soon.

No word yet on if the White House press briefing is still scheduled for 1:30 p.m. ET.

In-Town Pool #2 - Briefing change

Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre will be joined by National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby for today’s briefing. The briefing will begin at 2 p.m. ET.

In-Town Pool #3 - 2 min for briefing

A two-minute warning for the WH press briefing has been called. As a reminder, NSC’s John Kirby will be joining to discuss POTUS’ call with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu.

Briefing will be live streamed:

https://www.whitehouse.gov/live/

In-Town Pool #4 - Briefing begins

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, joined by NSC Strategic Coordinator John Kirby, approached the briefing at 2:10 p.m.

In-Town Pool #5 - Briefing concludes

The briefing concluded at 3:12 p.m. after an hour.

KJP delivered her topper for 3 minutes, followed by Kirby who briefed with reporters for 34 minutes.

Jean-Pierre took questions for another 26 minutes.

In-Town Pool #6 - Lunch lid

Pool has a lunch lid until 4:30 p.m.

In-Town Pool #7 - Pool gathering

Pool is gathering now for Greek Independence Day event.

In-Town Pool #8 - Background

Pool and credentialed media are sectioned off at back of the East Room. The room is filled with many guests are standing around cocktail tables. It is very difficult for your pooler to see much of the stage, which is adorned with the he U.S. and Greek flags.

Also, please see the below background on the upcoming Greek Independence Day event from the White House:

The President is hosting a Greek Independence Reception in the East Room with His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros Lambriniadis of America.

Participating in a photo line with the President:

T.H. George Tsunis, Ambassador of the United States to the Hellenic Republic
H.E. Katerina Nassika, Ambassador of the Hellenic Republic to the United States
H.E. Evangelos Savva, Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus to the United States
Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis (CA)
Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-5)
State Representative Spiros Mantzavinos (DE-7)

Speaking Program

His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros Lambriniadis of America
The President

https://www.whitehouse.gov/live/

In-Town Pool #9 - Event starting

2 minute warning for event has been called. The president’s remarks are being live streamed:

https://www.whitehouse.gov/live/

In-Town Pool #10 - POTUS remarks conclude

POTUS entered the East Room at 5:24 p.m. He began his remarks at 5:29 p.m.

Since this was live streamed, I won’t rehash POTUS remarks. However, a little color from the room: The very lively audience was enthusiastic during POTUS remarks. Many laughs throughout the room as POTUS joked about his age and other quips.

President Biden concluded his remarks at 5:40 p.m. He moved around the front of the room to greet guests and take photos for about five minutes.

In-Town Pool #11 - Lid

A lid has been called. Have a great evening, all!