Pool Reports of January 8, 2025

Out of town pool report #1 - Fire actions/new schedule soon

Good morning from Los Angeles, where wildfires are still burning a few miles away from the RON and a pall of smoke is hanging over the sky.

Pool has gathered as of 7.45am call time and is swept. The White House says it will share additional details on President Biden's schedule soon (see below). Currently the daily guidance lists no events until a departure from Santa Monica Landing Zone at 1.40pm and subsequent flight back to DC.

Passing on from the White House:

At the President's direction, the Biden-Harris Administration has been in constant communication with California Governor Newsom, Los Angeles Mayor Bass, their teams, affected counties, and other local officials throughout the night.

The federal government has taken action to support local firefighting efforts through the provision of:

1. [DEL: 4 :DEL] U.S. Forest Service Large Air Tankers operating in Southern California with an additional Tanker enroute.

2. 10 Federal firefighting helicopters performing firefighting operations in the area in support of State and local firefighters.

3. The U.S. Forest service has prepositioned dozens of fire engines that are ready to be deployed immediately.

4. Last night, FEMA approved a Fire Management Assistance Grant to reimburse the state for firefighting costs.

The President reiterates his call for residents to remain vigilant and heed the warnings of local officials.

Additional details on the President's schedule will be shared soon.

Out of town pool report #2 - POTUS gojng to fire station

Passing on this from the White House, saying POTUS to visit a Santa Monica fire station for a briefing. No timing yet.

This morning, the President received a briefing from his team on the latest developments of the Palisades wildfire overnight. Soon, the President will receive a briefing from CalFire officials on the Palisades wildfire at a Santa Monica Fire Station. Then, the President and the First Lady will depart Los Angeles, California and return to the White House.

Additional details to follow.

Out of town pool report #3 - Newsom call

Passing on from the WH:

The President spoke with California Governor Gavin Newsom by phone to receive the latest update on the wildfires across Los Angeles.

Out of town pool report #4 - rolling for great grandchild birth

Motorcade started rolling from the RON at 9.54am. The White House then issued the following pool note:

The President and First Lady are stopping by Cedars-Sinai Hospital for the birth of their great-grandchild.

POTUS had said in USA Today interview that granddaughter Naomi was due to have a C-section in California today

A thick pall of smoke is covering much of the sky as we drive

Out of town pool report #5 - Hunter arrives

The motorcade pulled up at Cedars Sinai Hospital at 10am after a short drive. Pool has not laid eyes on POTUS or FLOTUS yet.

But pool did see Hunter Biden, the father of Naomi Biden, arriving at the hospital and walking in hand-in-hand with wife Melissa and son Beau -- thanks to co-pooler Adam Cancryn for spotting.

Pool now holding in vans outside hospital.

Passing on from the WH from earlier:

Traveling with the President and the First Lady via motorcade:

Annie Tomasini, Assistant to the President & Deputy Chief of Staff
Anthony Bernal, Assistant to the President & Chief of Staff to the First Lady
Karine Jean-Pierre, Assistant to the President & Senior Advisor to the President & Press Secretary
Ryan Montoya, Assistant to the President & Director of Scheduling & Advance
Ashley Williams, Deputy Assistant to the President & Senior Advisor to the President & Director of Strategic Outreach
Dilpreet Sidhu, Special Assistant to the President & NSC Deputy Chief of Staff
Vanessa Valdivia, Special Assistant to the President & Press Secretary for the First Lady

Out of town pool report #6 - rolling from hospital to fire station

Pool spotted POTUS and FLOTUS in The Beast as it pulled out of the hospital at 10.42pm. They spent just over 40 minutes there.

Motorcade is now rolling through smoke shrouded LA. People at intervals along the street filming the motorcade.

From the WH:

The briefing from CalFire officials is expected to begin shortly after 11:00 AM PST.

Traveling with the President and the First Lady via motorcade en route to Santa Monica Fire Station #5.

Annie Tomasini, Assistant to the President & Deputy Chief of Staff
Anthony Bernal, Assistant to the President & Chief of Staff to the First Lady
Karine Jean-Pierre, Assistant to the President & Senior Advisor to the President & Press Secretary
Ryan Montoya, Assistant to the President & Director of Scheduling & Advance
Ashley Williams, Deputy Assistant to the President & Senior Advisor to the President & Director of Strategic Outreach
Dilpreet Sidhu, Special Assistant to the President & NSC Deputy Chief of Staff
Vanessa Valdivia, Special Assistant to the President & Press Secretary for the First Lady

Out of town pool report #7 - fire station

Motorcade arrived at the Santa Monica Fire Station #5 at 10.57am after a 15-minute drive. On the freeway we passed the huge, billowing smoke cloud from the Palisades fire.

Pool was led through passageways to the apparatus floor, where it appears fire engines are normally kept. A TV screen and table have been set up and ten officials - a mix of fire dept and police - are lined up waiting to brief POTUS.

Expecting POTUS soon.

Out of town pool report #8 - POTUS remarks on fire, great grandchild

President Biden spoke on the fire, and on being a great grandfather, after being briefed. It was very hard to hear at times, will try to recover more quotes, but for now:

We're doing anything and everything and as long as it takes to contain these fires& to make sure you get back to normal. It's going to be a hell of a long way. It's going to take time.
It's astounding what's happening.

POTUS appeared to say that they initially believed his son's home had burned to the ground, but now had indications it was still standing.

POTUS then said:

The good news is I'm a great grandfather as of today& A 10 pound baby girl& baby boy. He clearly appeared to correct himself at the end but it's not clear which version is correct.

Seeking clarification.

Out of town pool report #9 - rolling and lifting, more fire station material

Motorcade rolled at 11.44am to Santa Monica LZ, which is next to fire station.

Pool didn't see POTUS board M1 and we are now on Osprey lifting to LAX.

More from fire station:

Before his remarks, POTUS and Gov Newsom shook hands with the briefers. POTUS then got briefed by police and fire dept, who showed them preparations and actions on a map of the affected area, with the main fire zone marked in orange.

Newsom spoke after Biden. A few quotes here: This means the world to us.

For the President to be in the region it's impossible for me to express the level of gratitude.

From WH:

The President is receiving a briefing from CalFire officials on the Palisades wildfire at Santa Monica Fire Station #5.

Attendees

Governor Gavin Newsom (CA)
Senator Alex Padilla (CA)
Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger
Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath
Mayor Lana Negrete, Santa Monica, California
State Senator Ben Allen (CA-24)
California State Assemblymember Jaqui Irwin
Briefing Participants
CalFire Deputy Director Nick Shuler
CalFire Southern Region Chief Mike van Loben Sels
LA City Fire Chief Kristin Crowley
LA County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone
LA Police Chief Jim McDonnell

Out of town pool report #10 - AF1 wheels up shortly

Marine One came to a halt at LAX at 12.05pm. POTUS and FLOTUS stepped off at 12.09pm. Hunter Biden, Melissa and baby Beau stepped off from the other side.

Giant smoke clouds from what appeared to be two separate fires rose in the background behind Air Force One.

POTUS waved to the press as they walked across the tarmac but didn't stop and the first couple climbed the steps to Air Force. With another wave from POTUS, they went inside.

Now rolling and wheels up soon.

From the WH:

Traveling with the President and the First Lady aboard Air Force One en route to Joint Base Andrews:

Annie Tomasini, Assistant to the President & Deputy Chief of Staff
Anthony Bernal, Assistant to the President & Chief of Staff to the First Lady
Karine Jean-Pierre, Assistant to the President & Senior Advisor to the President & Press Secretary
Ryan Montoya, Assistant to the President & Director of Scheduling & Advance
Ashley Williams, Deputy Assistant to the President & Senior Advisor to the President & Director of Strategic Outreach
Dilpreet Sidhu, Special Assistant to the President & NSC Deputy Chief of Staff
Vanessa Valdivia, Special Assistant to the President & Press Secretary for the First Lady

Out of town pool report #11 - JBA

Air Force One was wheels down at a bitterly cold and still quite snowy JBA at 7.56pm after an occasionally bumpy flight. There were no visitors to the press cabin.

Just to mention that as we left Los Angeles earlier, the city appeared to be almost totally blanketed by smoke.

POTUS and FLOTUS deplaned at 8.11pm, both wearing coats, briefly greeted the greeters then headed for Marine One which is now rolling.

That's it from the out of town pool. Have a great evening!

Oh and finally, passing on these from the WH:

The President spoke with Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass by phone on Air Force One to discuss the latest updates on the wildfires across Los Angeles.

Greeting the President and First Lady upon arrival to Joint Base Andrews:

Colonel Angela Ochoa, Commander, 89th Airlift Wing
Captain Elise McSwain, 89th Airlift Wing

Out of town pool report #12 - POTUS calls

One more from the White House:

During his flight on Air Force One, President Biden received a briefing by phone from FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell and Homeland Security Advisor Liz Sherwood-Randall on the full federal response he has directed to the wildfires across Los Angeles.

In town pool report #1

Pool was called at 8:19 p.m. to assemble at the Palm Room doors for the president's arrival at the White House.

In town pool report #2

Marine One landed on the South Lawn at 8:31 p.m.

POTUS and FLOTUS entered the residence at 8:33 p.m. without stopping to respond to shouted questions. They walked holding hands.

In town pool report #3

A lid was called at 8:39 p.m.

Good night!