Pool Reports of May 2, 2022

White House In-Town Pool Report #1 — checking in

Good afternoon from the White House, where the weather is positively glorious: a cloudless Wedgwood sky and just a whisper of a breeze. Your pooler is tested*** and awaiting the call to gather for the first of two scheduled events with President Biden today.

Here's the schedule:

At 1.45 p.m. Eastern, President Biden will give remarks from the South Court Auditorium honoring the 230 recipients of the Presidential Rank Award, the most prestigious honor for career civil servants. Winners, who are granted the award for their "sustained extraordinary accomplishment," receive a cash bonus of 35 percent of their salary, plus a framed certificate and a gold pin.

At 4 p.m. Eastern, President Biden will celebrate Eid al-Fitr, the Muslim holiday marking the end of the Ramadan fast. The president will be joined in the East Room by Dr. Jill Biden and Doug(las) Emhoff.

Today's briefing is set for 2.30 p.m. Eastern.

More soon!

Best,

Scott

*** The testing center at 708 Jackson now requires masks, just in case you've left yours at home.

White House In-Town Pool Report #2 — gathering for Presidential Rank Award remarks

The pool and pre-credentialed media are gathering at the stakeout ahead of President Biden's remarks from the South Court Auditorium honoring the Presidential Rank Award winners.

The remarks will be streamed live at 1.45 p.m. Eastern here: https://www.whitehouse.gov/live/

White House In-Town Pool Report #3 — two-minute warning/program

A two-minute warning for President Biden's remarks from the South Court Auditorium.

The White House also passes along the speaking program for today's event:

• Kiran Ahuja, Director of the Office of Personnel Management (virtual)
• Diana Espinosa, recipient of the Distinguished Executive Presidential Rank Award; Deputy Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), Department of Health and Human Services
• President Biden

The 230 honorees will be attending virtually.

White House In-Town Pool Report #4 — POTUS begins speaking

President Biden began speaking at 1.59 p.m. Eastern.

Reminder that the remarks are viewable here: https://www.whitehouse.gov/live/

White House In-Town Pool Report #5 — POTUS concludes remarks/says he will meet with Austin Tice's parents

President Biden finished speaking at 2.03 p.m.

In response to a shouted question, he said that he would meet with Austin Tice's parents "today," and said that his plan for student loan plan was "not yet" finished.

White House In-Town Pool Report #6 — two-minute warning for briefing

Two-minute warning for the press briefing, viewable here: https://www.whitehouse.gov/live/

White House In-Town Pool Report #7 — briefing begins

The press briefing began at 2.43 p.m.

White House In-Town Pool Report #8 — briefing concludes

The press briefing concluded at 3.25 p.m.

White House In-Town Pool Report #9 — gathering for Eid event

The pool and pre-credentialed media are gathering at the Palm Room doors for the Eid al-Fitr celebration in the East Room.

White House In-Town Pool Report #10 — Eid reception begins/program

The reception for Eid al-Fitr begins in an East Room crowded with guests marking the end of the Ramadan fast, although President Biden will not be speaking for a few minutes. Your pooler will buzz you when he begins his remarks.

The speaking program, per the White House:

• Dr. Jill Biden
• Arooj Aftab, Pakistani vocalist and composer
• Dr. Talib M. Shareef, Imam of Masjid Muhammad (known as "The Nation's Mosque") in Washington, D.C.
• President Biden

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

White House In-Town Pool Report #11 — POTUS begins speaking

Watch it here: https://www.whitehouse.gov/live/

White House In-Town Pool Report #12 — Eid reception remarks conclude

President Biden finished his remarks at 4.33 p.m.

White House In-Town Pool Report #13 — lid

A lid was called at 4.59 p.m.

عيد مبارك to all who celebrate!