Pool Reports of August 18, 2021

In-town pool report #1 Lunch Lid

Good morning,

I'm your print pooler today.

The WH called a lunch lid at 10:58am until 4:00pm.

I'll send any updates/changes before POTUS delivers his remarks scheduled for 4:30pm.

In-town pool report #2 - Afghanistan briefing

Passing this along from a White House official:

This morning, the President and Vice President were briefed by their national security team on the evolving situation in Afghanistan. They were briefed on intelligence, security and diplomatic updates. They discussed efforts to accelerate evacuations of U.S. citizens, SIV applicants, and other vulnerable Afghans, and to facilitate safe passage to Hamid Karzai International Airport. The President, Vice President, and their team also discussed their focus on monitoring for any potential terrorist threats in Afghanistan, including from ISIS-K. The President and Vice President met with Secretary Blinken, Secretary Austin, Chairman Milley, Director Haines, Director Burns, National Security Advisor Sullivan, Ambassador Wilson, General McKenzie, Admiral Vasely, and other senior officials.

In-town pool report #3 — Gathering

Pool has been instructed to gather at the Palm Room Doors for President Biden's remarks on COVID-19 and the vaccine.

In-town pool report #4 - In East Room

Pooler and credentialed press are set in the East Room. I'll send a 2-minute warning when issued.

In-town pool report #5 - 2 minute warning

POTUS heading to East Room.

In-town pool report #6

POTUS has wrapped his remarks at 4:47pm which started at 4:31pm.

Here are some excerpts from the news of the day:

"We're still in the pandemic of the unvaccinated."

"That's why today I'm directing the Secretary of Education, an educator himself, to take additional steps to protect our children. This includes using all his oversight authorities and legal action, if appropriate, against governors who are trying to block and intimidate local school officials and educators."

In-town pool report #7 Travel/photo lid

The WH called a travel/photo lid at 5:00pm.

Enjoy the rest of the day.

Pool Report #1 | Evacuation Info

From the WH:

"On background from a White House official:

Since last night's update, the US military evacuated approximately 1,800 individuals on 10 C-17s. Since August 14, we have evacuated nearly 6,000 people."