Pool Reports of January 15, 2025

Jan. 15 pool report no. 1 — gathering for POTUS remarks.

Pool is gathered for POTUS remarks from the White House (Cross Hall) on the Israel-Hamas ceasefire. White House hasn't given us an update on timing or other details in what clearly has been a scramble.

I'm your pooler for today, including for this unscheduled event.

Lectern is set up in the hall, with a pair of teleprompters prepped, backdropped by the American flag and the presidential seal.

The rest of POTUS's schedule, though there is no word on updated briefing time.

10:00 AM THE PRESIDENT receives the President's Daily Brief
Closed Press

8:00 PM THE PRESIDENT delivers a farewell address to the nation
Oval Office
Restricted Pool (Gather 7:45 PM – Brady Press Briefing Room)

Briefing Schedule

1:30 PM Press Briefing by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre

Pool report No. 2. — remarks

POTUS began speaking at 2:03 p.m. flanked by VPOTUS and Secretary of State Blinken and concluded his remarks at 2:13 pm.

POTUS outlined the parameters of the three-phase deal, saying the US will be involved in the upcoming hostage releases. Underscored that the warring parties will continue to negotiate for "a permanent end of the war."

POTUS: "This is one of the toughest negotiations I've ever experienced."

Said the ceasefire is due to Israel's continued pressure against Hamas, with US support.

POTUS: "Iran is weaker than it's been in decades … and after 15 months of war Hamas's senior leadership is dead."

POTUS: "Its terms will be implemented in large part by the next administration. … As I prepare to leave office our friends are strong, our enemies are weak and there's a genuine opportunity for a new future."

POTUS smiled when asked whether President-elect Trump deserved credit.

"This is the exact framework of the deal that I put forth in May.

When asked who will the history books credit for the ceasefire, you or Trump, POTUS smiles and asked "Is that a joke?"

Remarks were broadcast via the usual means, including whitehouse.gov/live. Please check quotes against the transcript.

Pool report No. 3 — briefing begins

The press briefing began at 3:18 pm with several visitors to the briefing room, including former White House press secretary Jen Psaki.