Pool Reports of May 2, 2024

WH pool report 1 -- checking in

Greetings from the White House, where it is a beautiful spring morning for a Marine 1 departure, which along with a Marine 1 return are the two in-town events on the schedule thus far.

Between them is a trip to North Carolina. See daily guidance for details.

WH pool report 2 -- Pool gathering for Biden statement

The pool is being assembled for an unscheduled statement from the president.

This is a pool-only event.

Details as they come.

WH pool report 3 — pool brought to Roosevelt room for remarks

Pool was escorted to the Roosevelt Room at 1104 where we're expecting the president to arrive momentarily.

His remarks will be streamed live at the White House web site:

WH pool report 4 — Biden remarks begin

President Biden came to the lectern and began speaking at 1107 about the campus protests regarding Gaza.

The remarks are being streamed at the WH web site:

WH Pool report 5 -- President Biden finishes, says there is a right to protest but cannot break law

The president spoke for four minutes about the right to protest but also the right of students to take classes and attend graduation unimpeded.

Quotes to come.

He took two questions at the end: Have the protests changed your views about the Gaza conflict and did he support deploying the national guard.

His answer to both: "No."

WH pool report 6 -- quotes from Biden's remarks.

Some quotes from the president's remarks:

"Violent protest is not protected. Peaceful protest is. It's against the law when violence occurs. Destroying property is not peaceful protest. It's against the law. Vandalism. Trespassing. Breaking windows, Shutting down campuses. Forcing the cancellation of classes and graduations. None of this is a peaceful protest."

"Threatenign people. Inditimaitdint people. Instilling fear in people. It's not peaceful protest. It's against the law."

"There's a right to protest, but not the right to create chaos."

"There should be no place on any campus, no place in America for antisemitism, threats of violence against Jewish students. There is no place for hate speech, or violence of any kind, anti semitism, Islamophobia, discrimination against Arab-Americans or Palestinian-Americans. It's simply wrong. There's no place for racism in America. It's all wrong. It's un-American."

(The entire event is available at the White House web site: https://www.whitehouse.gov/live/)

WH pool report 7 — gathered for departure

The pool has been assembled for the president's departure on his trip to North Carolina.

WH pool report 8 — Marine 1 departure

The president was already in the Rose Garden at 1143 when the pool was brought out. He walked across the South Lawn to the waiting helicopter.

He did not approach the pool to take any more questions.

At 1147, Marine 1 was airborne, bound for Joint Base Andrews.

WH pool report 8a -- Marine 1 travelers

Per the WH press office:

Traveling with the President aboard Marine One en route to Joint Base Andrews:

Anita Dunn, Assistant to the President & Senior Advisor to the President
Natalie Quillian, Assistant to the President & Deputy Chief of Staff
Karine Jean-Pierre, Assistant to the President & Press Secretary
Vinay Reddy, Assistant to the President & Director of Speechwriting

WH pool report 9 -- in-flight gaggle at 1240

Per the WH press office:

Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael Regan will gaggle aboard Air Force One at 12:40 PM EDT

WH pool report 9a -- AF1 gaggle to be streamed at WH web site

Here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZkA1_1nGkfM

WH pool report 10 -- gaggle started at 1246

The gaggle aboard AF1 began at 1246. It can be heard here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZkA1_1nGkfM

WH pool report 11 -- gaggle over

The gaggle ended at 1303, as the "hey, we're about to land tone" sounded aboard Air Force 1.

WH pool report 12 -- Addendum to report 11 from Wed, May 1, re: immigration quote

For those wondering about Pres Sec Karine Jean-Pierre's answers from the gaggle today regarding President Biden's "xenophobia" comment, that happened at a DC fundraiser Wednesday.

Here is the quote, which was not initially included in the pool report from the event:

"This election is about freedom, America and democracy. That's why I badly need you. You know, one of the reasons why our economy is growing is because of you and many others. Why? Because we welcome immigrants. We look to — the reason — look, think about it. Why is China stalling so badly economically? Why is Japan having trouble? Why is Russia? Why is India? Because they're xenophobic. They don't want immigrants. Immigrants are what makes us strong. Not a joke. That's not hyperbole, because we have an influx of workers who want to be here and want to contribute."

WH pool report 13 — Marine 1 arrival

Marine 1 approached the White House from the direction of the National Mall, passing the Washington Monument and settled onto the South Lawn at 1930.

The president stepped off the helicopter, saluted the Marine beside the stairs and walked across the grass accompanied by press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and into the residence.

He did not stop to take questions.

WH pool report 14 — teachers event

Pool was brought into the East Room, where the President is speaking to the teachers gathered to the White House for First Lady Jill Biden's state dinner for teachers.

WH pool report 15 -- Biden greetings and lid

The president, just returned from his North Carolina trip, dropped in on the dinner, thanked the guests for coming, told them the nation needed to do more for educators and mentioned briefly that he himself taught law school classes for a while.

"I appreciate you all being here."

"You are the kite strings that keep our national ambitions aloft," he said.

(Please check against transcript or video. It was difficult to hear.)

And with that, the WH press office has announced a lid for the night.

Good evening to all.

Out-of-town pool report #1: Checking in

Greetings from JBA, where it's sunny and 82 degrees.

I will be your print pooler for POTUS' trip to North Carolina.

Departure time for Charlotte was scheduled for 11:45 am. But we are still awaiting for POTUS to arrive.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Out-of-town pool report #2: Marine One arrival

Marine One was wheels down at JBA at 11:55 am.

POTUS disembarked four minutes later and immediately boarded Air Force One. He waved to the pool but did not take questions.

We are wheels up shortly for Charlotte.

Out-of-town pool report #3: Travelers

From the White House:

Traveling with the President aboard Air Force One en route to Charlotte, North Carolina:

Administrator Michael Regan, Environmental Protection Agency
Anita Dunn, Assistant to the President & Senior Advisor to the President
Natalie Quillian, Assistant to the President & Deputy Chief of Staff
Karine Jean-Pierre, Assistant to the President & Press Secretary
Vinay Reddy, Assistant to the President & Director of Speechwriting
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
Jen Daskal, Deputy Assistant to the President & Deputy Homeland Security Advisor
Marc Gustafson, Special Assistant to the President & Senior Director for the White House Situation Room
Tori Taylor, Special Assistant to the President & Director of Political Outreach

Out-of-town pool report #4: Charlotte arrival

AF1 was wheels down at Charlotte Douglas International Airport at 1:04 pm. Departure time from JBA was 12:08 pm.

Karine and EPA Administrator Michael Regan gaggled for 16 minutes on AF1. They took questions on lead pipes, college protests, antisemitism and the president's remark that Japan, China and Russia are xenophobic.

Out-of-town pool report #5: Rolling

POTUS descended AF1 at 1:16 pm. He was wearing a dark suit, a red-and-blue striped tie and his trademark aviators.

He spoke to the greeters for several minutes before getting onto a Suburban. Pool was too far away to hear the conversation.

We are rolling at 1:22 pm.

Out-of-town pool report #6: Arrival

Motorcade arrived at airport destination at 1:24 pm after a short ride. We did not see POTUS exit his Suburban.

Pool is holding in a room at the airport.

From the White House:

Greeting the President upon arrival at Charlotte Douglas International Airport:

Governor Roy Cooper (NC)
Mayor Vi Lyles, Charlotte, NC
Chief Johnny Jennings, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department
Director Ronald Davis, U.S. Marshals Service
Secretary Todd Ishee, North Carolina Department of Adult Correction
Col. Lisa Kirk, Vice Wing Commander, 145th Airlift Wing, Charlotte Air National Guard Base
SMSgt Thomas Lazaroski, Fire Chief, 145th Airlift Wing, Civil Engineering Squadron, Charlotte Air National Guard Base

Out-of-town pool report #7: More details

From the White House:

Traveling with the President via motorcade:

Governor Roy Cooper (NC)
Administrator Michael Regan, Environmental Protection Agency
Mayor Vi Lyles, Charlotte, NC
Anita Dunn, Assistant to the President & Senior Advisor to the President
Natalie Quillian, Assistant to the President & Deputy Chief of Staff
Karine Jean-Pierre, Assistant to the President & Press Secretary
Vinay Reddy, Assistant to the President & Director of Speechwriting
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
Jen Daskal, Deputy Assistant to the President & Deputy Homeland Security Advisor
Tori Taylor, Special Assistant to the President & Director of Political Outreach

Out-of-town pool report #8

From the White House:

The President is meeting with families of the fallen heroes, the wounded law enforcement officers and their families, other law enforcement officers and elected officials.

Out-of-town pool report #9: Meeting ends/departure

Motorcade departed for AF1 at 3:20 pm and arrived back at the plane two minutes later.

POTUS boarded immediately. No questions.

Pooler has received several inquiries about where the president's meeting with the families of the fallen officers and others was held. The meeting was closed to the press. The only information we have been given is that it took place on the North Carolina Air National Guard base, 145th Airlift Wing. The base is at Charlotte Douglas International Airport.

We are rolling for Wilmington, NC, at 3:28 pm.

Out-of-town pool report #10: AF1 travelers

Traveling with the President aboard Air Force One en route to Wilmington, North Carolina:

Governor Roy Cooper (NC)
Administrator Michael Regan, Environmental Protection Agency
Anita Dunn, Assistant to the President & Senior Advisor to the President
Natalie Quillian, Assistant to the President & Deputy Chief of Staff
Karine Jean-Pierre, Assistant to the President & Press Secretary
Vinay Reddy, Assistant to the President & Director of Speechwriting
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
Jen Daskal, Deputy Assistant to the President & Deputy Homeland Security Advisor
Tori Taylor, Special Assistant to the President & Director of Political Outreach

Out-of-town pool report #11: Wilmington arrival

AF1 landed at Wilmington International Airport at 4:07 pm after uneventful, 39-minute flight.

Out-of-town pool report #12: Trump question/rolling

POTUS stepped off the plane at 4:20 pm. He was greeted at the bottom of the steps by Wilmington Mayor Bill Saffo. They shook hands and talked for a few minutes out of earshot of the pool.

Responding to a shouted question about whether he's worried that Donald Trump won't accept the election results, POTUS replied: "Listen to what he says."

POTUS then got into the Beast.

We are rolling at 4:25 pm.

Out-of-town pool report #13: Convention center arrival

Motorcade arrived at 4:33 pm at the Wilmington Convention Center, where POTUS will deliver his remarks.

Pool did not see POTUS exit the Beast.

Bystanders along the route held up their cell phones and took photos as the motorcade passed by. One man was waving a Trump flag. Another group was holding up a giant Donald Trump cutout. A small group of Gaza protesters held up a Palestinian flag and was chanting, but the pool was too far away to hear what they were saying.

Out-of-town pool report #14: POTUS takes stage

POTUS took the stage at 5 pm to loud cheers and a standing ovation.

His remarks are being steamed on the White House website.

The White House says about 500 people are attending the event.

From the White House:

The President is delivering remarks on how his Investing in America agenda is rebuilding our infrastructure and creating good-paying jobs in Wilmington and across the country.

Speaking Program:

Mayor Bill Saffo, Wilmington, NC
Administrator Michael Regan, Environmental Protection Agency
Governor Roy Cooper (NC)
Paris Pugh, 2nd grade teacher and Introducer
The President

Out-of-town pool report #15: Remarks

POTUS opened his remarks by paying tribute to the four police officers who were killed and the four who were wounded earlier this week in Charlotte. He told the crowd he had just met with their families in Charlotte. The nation grieves with them, he said.

To law-enforcement officers, "you represent the best of all us, and I want to thank you," he said.

POTUS spoke against a backdrop of three large blue signs that read: "Replacing Lead Pipes."

Excerpts from his remarks:

--"There's no safe level of lead exposure. None."

--His administration set out to replace lead pipes, "and we're going to get it done."

--"This is about safety. But it's also about basic fairness."

--"My predecessor and his MAGA Republican allies have a different view."

--"I promised to the president for all Americans, whether you voted for me or not. Because we owe it to the American people."

--Says "my predecessor" promised infrastructure week for four years. "He didn't build a damn thing."

--"When folks see shovels in the ground, … when they see new pipes being laid and people going to work, I hope they feel pride."

He wrapped up his remarks at 5:21 pm.

Out-of-town pool report #16: Heading to airport

Motorcade is rolling to Wilmington International Airport at 5:50 pm.

Out-of-town pool report #17: Airport arrival

Motorcade arrived back at the airport at 5:59 pm.

POTUS was met on the tarmac by a dozen law-enforcement officers. He shook hands with each of them and then posed for a group photo.

He boarded the plane at 6:03 pm.

We are wheels up shortly for JBA.

Out-of-town pool report #18: JBA arrival

AF1 was wheels down at JBA at 7:05 pm. Wheels up in Wilmington, NC, was at 6:12 pm.

There were no visitors to the press cabin during the flight.

Out-of-town pool report #19: Marine One departs

POTUS stepped off the plane at 7:12 pm and headed straight for Marine One.

Marine One was wheels up at 7:20 pm.

Handing off to the in-town pool.

From the White House:

Participating in a photoline with the President in Wilmington:

Governor Roy Cooper (NC)
Administrator Michael Regan, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
State Auditor Jessica Holmes (NC)
Rep. Deborah Butler, North Carolina House of Representatives
Mayor Bill Saffo, Wilmington, NC
Mayor Pro-tem Clifford Barnett, Sr., Wilmington, NC
Commissioner Jonathan Barfield Jr., New Hanover County Board of Commissioners
Councilmember Kevin Spears, Wilmington, NC
Councilmember Salette Andrews, Wilmington, NC
Local labor leaders and faith leaders

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

Administrator Michael Regan, Environmental Protection Agency
Anita Dunn, Assistant to the President & Senior Advisor to the President
Natalie Quillian, Assistant to the President & Deputy Chief of Staff
Karine Jean-Pierre, Assistant to the President & Press Secretary
Vinay Reddy, Assistant to the President & Director of Speechwriting
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
Jen Daskal, Deputy Assistant to the President & Deputy Homeland Security Advisor
Tori Taylor, Special Assistant to the President & Director of Political Outreach

Traveling with the President aboard Marine One en route to the South Lawn:

Anita Dunn, Assistant to the President & Senior Advisor to the President
Natalie Quillian, Assistant to the President & Deputy Chief of Staff
Karine Jean-Pierre, Assistant to the President & Press Secretary
Vinay Reddy, Assistant to the President & Director of Speechwriting