Pool Reports of September 25, 2023

In-town pool report #1- checking in

Good Monday morning, I'll be your pooler today.

The arrival of the Pacific Islands Forum leaders to the South Portico will be at 9:30am and open press. President Biden will not be in attendance for these arrivals.

Passing along the rest of the schedule for today--

Monday, September 25, 2023

EDT

9:00 AM THE PRESIDENT receives the Presidential Daily Briefing
Closed Press

9:45 AM In-Town Pool Call Time

10:30 AM THE PRESIDENT hosts a meeting with Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) leaders for the U.S.-Pacific Islands Forum Summit
East Room
In-House Pool Spray (Gather 10:10 AM – Palm Room Doors)

11:40 AM THE PRESIDENT participates in a family photo with Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) leaders
South Portico
Open Press (Pre-set 8:30 AM, Gather 11:15 AM – Palm Room Doors)

3:00 PM THE PRESIDENT hosts a meeting with the President's Board of Advisors on Historically Black Colleges and Universities; THE VICE PRESIDENT participates
Roosevelt Room
In-House Pool Spray (Gather 3:30 PM – Brady Press Briefing Room)

Briefing Schedule

EDT

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

In-town pool report #2- Vilsack joining briefing

From the White House--

Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre will be joined by Secretary Tom Vilsack at today's press briefing, which will now begin at 1:15pm.

In-town pool report #3

Pool is gathering for the meeting with Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) leaders for the U.S.-Pacific Islands Forum Summit in the East Room.

In-town pool report #4- meeting

Pool entered the room at 10:46pm. President Biden was seated in the middle of a table, next to Secretary of State Blinken. 24 leaders total at the table.

Meeting was streamed in the usual places but some highlights-

Biden open his remarks by apologizing for not going to Papua New Guinea in May. He then announced investments to Pacific island nations. Please check against transcript.

He said US is providing $20M to prepare for future climate crises.

"I want you to know I hear you.. we hear your warnings of the rising seas," Biden said.

He also announced he is working with Congress to invest in an infrastructure initiative in the Pacific islands, which would include digital connectivity investments.

Biden stopped talking at 10:52pm and prime minister Mark Brown of the Cook Islands spoke after him.

Pool cleared out at 11:01.

Biden didn't respond to questions over why his Bideonomics message isn't reasonating voters or what he will say to striking workers in Detroit tomorrow. He smiled and appeared to shake his head slightly when asked about new ABC-Washington Post polling.

Passing along from WH—

The President is hosting Pacific Islands Leaders at the White House for the U.S.-Pacific Islands Forum:

U.S. Manifest

The President
T.H. Antony Blinken, United States Secretary of State
T.H. Jake Sullivan, Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs
T.H. Kurt Campbell, Deputy Assistant to the President and Coordinator for the Indo-Pacific, National Security Council

Pacific Islands Leaders

The Hon. Mark Brown, Prime Minister of the Cook Islands and Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum
The Hon. Sitiveni L. Rabuka, Prime Minister of the Republic Fiji
The Hon. Hu'akavameiliku, Prime Minister of Tonga
H.E. Taneti Maamau, President of the Republic of Kiribati
H.E. Surangel Whipps Jnr, President of the Republic of Palau
H.E. David W Kabua, President of the Republic of the Marshall Islands
H.E. Russ Kun, President of the Republic of Nauru
H.E. Wesley W. Simina, President of the Federated States of Micronesia
The Hon. James Marape, Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea
The Hon. Kausea Natano, Prime Minister of Tuvalu
The Hon. Fiame Naomi Mata'afa, Prime Minister of Samoa
The Hon. Dalton Tagelagi, Premier of Niue
The Hon. Louis Mapou, President of New Caledonia
The Hon. Moetai Brotherson, President of French Polynesia
The Hon. Nanaia Mahuta, Minister of Foreign Affairs for New Zealand
Mr. Collin Beck, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs & External Trade for the Solomon Islands
H.E Odo Tevi, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Vanuatu to the United Nations
H.E. Ewen McDonald, Special Envoy for the Pacific and Regional Affairs of Australia

Speaking Program

The President
The Hon. Mark Brown, Prime Minister of the Cook Islands and Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum

In town pool report #5

Pool is gathering for the family photo with Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) leaders at the South Portico.

In-town pool report #6- family photo

Biden and Pacific Island nation leaders walked out at 12:03pm. Biden walked into the middle of a red carpet in front of flags and leaders surrounded him. He put his arm around PM Mark Brown of Cook Islands next to him for a few seconds.

Biden was asked by reporters if the governor will shut down this week and he laughed, along with other leaders. He didn't respond to a question about his message to China with this summit.

He was asked for his message to car companies as he's going to Detroit.

"Stay under the speed limit," Biden replied.

Leaders walked away after the photograph. Biden waved his hand and said thank you, exiting at 12:04pm.

In-town pool report #7

Passing along—

The President is participating in a family photo with Pacific Islands Leaders.

Participants

The Hon. Mark Brown, Prime Minister of the Cook Islands and Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum
The Hon. Sitiveni L. Rabuka, Prime Minister of the Republic Fiji
The Hon. Hu'akavameiliku, Prime Minister of Tonga
H.E. Taneti Maamau, President of the Republic of Kiribati
H.E. Surangel Whipps Jnr, President of the Republic of Palau
H.E. David W Kabua, President of the Republic of the Marshall Islands
H.E. Russ Kun, President of the Republic of Nauru
H.E. Wesley W. Simina, President of the Federated States of Micronesia
The Hon. James Marape, Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea
The Hon. Kausea Natano, Prime Minister of Tuvalu
The Hon. Fiame Naomi Mata'afa, Prime Minister of Samoa
The Hon. Dalton Tagelagi, Premier of Niue
The Hon. Louis Mapou, President of New Caledonia
The Hon. Moetai Brotherson, President of French Polynesia
The Hon. Nanaia Mahuta, Minister of Foreign Affairs for New Zealand
Mr. Collin Beck, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs & External Trade for the Solomon Islands
H.E Odo Tevi, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Vanuatu to the United Nations
H.E. Ewen McDonald, Special Envoy for the Pacific and Regional Affairs of Australia

In-town pool report #8

We have a lunch lid until 1pm.

In-town pool report #9- 2 mins

2 min warning until the briefing.

In-town pool report #10- gathering

Pool is gathering now for a meeting with the president's Board of Advisors on Historically Black Colleges and Universities in the Roosevelt Room.

The event will be steamed here.

In-town pool #11- HBCU mtg/ shutdown remarks

The pool entered at 3:43pm. Biden sat at the end of a long table next to VP Harris.

Biden in remarks said "there's a lot more to do" on HBCUs and talked about the percentage of judges, lawyers and other professions educated by HBCUs. He spoke about funding for HBCUs from his administration and said the group just discussed how to make HBCUs more affordable for students.

Biden started talking about a government shutdown at 3:51pm, focusing on the impact one would have on the Black community.

"Funding the government is one of the most basic fundamental responsibilities of Congress," adding that if they don't do their job maybe they shouldn't be in office.

He turned remarks over to Harris at 3:53pm. She said she is the first vice president who is a HBCU graduate and the group at the table all clapped. Biden joked she made staff wear HBCU shirts and was looking at Silas Woods, who is wearing a Howard sweatshirt.

Biden spoke again minutes later about how if HBCUs are doing well, "everybody does better in the whole United States."

He answered a question about if he supports the UAW.

When asked if he has spoken to Speaker McCarthy, he shook his head. When asked if he will, he appeared to mouth no and shook his head again.

Pool was then ushered out.

In-town pool #12

Passing along—

In attendance for the President's meeting with the Board of Advisors on Historically Black Colleges and Universities:

Administration Participants:

The Vice President
Steve Benjamin, Assistant to the President & Senior Advisor to the President & Director of the Office of Public Engagement
Neera Tanden, Assistant to the President & Domestic Policy Advisor

President's Board of Advisors:

Tony Allen, Chair of the President's Board of Advisors on HBCUs and President of Delaware State University
Glenda Glover, Vice Chair of the President's Board of Advisors on HBCUs and President of Tennessee State University
Makola M. Abdullah, President of Virginia State University
Javaune Adams-Gaston, President of Norfolk State University
Paige Blake, Student at Bowie State University
Patrick Cokley, Chief Organizing Advocacy and Learning at Civic Influencers
Monica Goldson, Chief Executive Officer for Prince George's County Public Schools
Brett Hart, President of United Airlines
Shevrin Jones, Educator and State Legislator
Walter M. Kimbrough, Former President of Dillard University and Philander Smith College
William F. L. Moses, Managing Director for the Kresge Foundation's Education Program
Quinton T. Ross Jr., President of Alabama University
Janeen Uzzell, Chief Executive Officer at the National Society of Black Engineers

In-town pool report #13

After reviewing the tape, Biden shook his head when asked if he has spoken to McCarthy.

"I haven't," he said, very quietly. He then just shook his head again when asked: will you speak to him?

In-town pool report #14- lid

We have a lid.

Have a good evening, all!

Foreign Pool Report #1 - Schedule

Good morning,

I will be your foreign pool reporter for the US-Pacific Island Forum Summit today. Kindly find below President's daily guidance. In addition to this schedule of events, the Pacific Island Leaders will be arriving at the White House at 9:30 this morning. This event is open press with a gather time at 9:10. The President will not attend this event.

9:00 AM THE PRESIDENT receives the Presidential Daily Briefing
Closed Press

9:45 AM In-Town Pool Call Time

10:30 AM THE PRESIDENT hosts a meeting with Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) leaders for the U.S.-Pacific Islands Forum Summit
East Room
In-House Pool Spray (Gather 10:10 AM – Palm Room Doors)

11:40 AM THE PRESIDENT participates in a family photo with Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) leaders
South Portico
Open Press (Pre-set 8:30 AM, Gather 11:15 AM – Palm Room Doors)

3:00 PM THE PRESIDENT hosts a meeting with the President's Board of Advisors on Historically Black Colleges and Universities; THE VICE PRESIDENT participates
Roosevelt Room
In-House Pool Spray (Gather 3:30 PM – Brady Press Briefing Room)

Briefing Schedule

EDT

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

Foreign Pool Report #2 - Background on US- Pacific Island Forum Summit

Good morning,

Kindly find below some background information for the summit.

Agenda

Events for this summit are happening over the next two days. Per a senior administration official, on Sunday, some leaders attending the summit traveled from New York to Baltimore via a special Amtrak, where they were guests at the Baltimore Ravens game at the M&T Stadium. The leaders were brought out onto the field and recognized "for their roles as American friends in the Indo-Pacific." After the game, the leaders were taken aboard a U.S. Coast Guard cutter ship on the Baltimore Harbor and they were briefed by the Commandant of the Coast Guard on actions the U.S. Coast Guard is taking to combat illegal fishing and manage maritime domains.

Today, the formal summit begins with the leaders arriving at the White House followed by the summit meeting and a family photo. They will then conduct a working lunch before the leaders depart the White House for their afternoon events. Their afternoon schedule includes a roundtable with Secretary John Kerry, the United States Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, where they will discuss efforts to combat climate change, and a dinner this evening hosted by Secretary of State Antony Blinken and U.N. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield at the State Department.

On Tuesday, the leaders will begin with a breakfast hosted by Secretary John Kerry and USAID Administrator Samantha Power, and members of Congress will then meet with the Pacific Island leaders on Capitol Hill. Later that afternoon, Treasury Secretary Yellen and other members of the administration will hold a business roundtable focused on how Pacific region economies can promote trade and investment. The summit will conclude with a barbecue hosted by the Australian ambassador and the government of Australia. The Second Gentleman is expected to attend.

Expected Announcements

Per two senior administration officials, during this summit, the United States will recognize and establish diplomatic relations with the Cook Islands and Niue. The administration will also note the opening of two embassies in the Solomon Islands and Tonga and a USAID Regional Pacific Mission in Fiji over the last year, and track the opening of another embassy in Vanuatu for early next year in an effort to show the progress the United States has made in expanding its diplomatic presence in the region. Additionally, it will be announced that the Quad is bringing its maritime domain awareness initiative (IPMDA) to the Pacific Islands, with a program worth more than $10 million. This will be the first official partnership between the Quad and a Pacific Island institution.

The administration will also unveil plans to provide secure undersea cable connectivity to Pacific Island nations as well as announcing additional infrastructure projects. There will also be the announcement of programs that emphasize people-to-people ties including a young leaders' training program at Johns Hopkins and a sister cities initiative that will pair up American cities with Pacific Island cities.

Additionally – A senior administration official stated that during the summit, the administration would likely be able to indicate the "substantial progress" that has been made regarding the Marshall Islands' Compact of Free Association (COFA) negotiations. The Marshall Islands is one of three Pacific Islands nations that is covered by a COFA with the United States. The negotiations with the other two nations, Palau and the Federated States of Micronesia, were concluded back in May, but the negotiation for the Marshall Islands remains ongoing and the existing agreement is set to expire on September 30. The president of the Marshall Islands called on the United States to provide funds in order to deal with the legacy of the U.S. nuclear testing that occurred on the Marshall Islands in the 1940s and 1950s.

On China

On the influence that China has had on the United States engagement in the region, a senior administration official said that there is "no question" that the PRC's assertiveness and influence in the region has been a factor and "requires us to sustain our strategic focus." The official said that U.S. engagement with the Pacific Islands is tied to the belief in a free and open Indo-Pacific and that this summit will show the United States, working with like-minded partners, as a viable alternative that will work for Pacific Island nations.

Who is attending:

There is no list yet on how many leaders have confirmed their attendance to the summit. A senior administration official stated that the summit will have "very good attendance" and where a Prime Minister is not able to attend, in almost every case they have sent a foreign minister.

Senior administration officials as well as his office confirmed that Prime Minister Sato Kilman of Vanuatu will not be in attendance as he has to be in parliament on Monday for a no-confidence vote.

Prime Minister Sogavare of the Solomon Islands will also not be attending. Sogavare returned home to the Solomon Islands over the weekend after attending UNGA in New York. The administration official said his absence was "disappointing." ** The Prime Minister's absence is especially notable because he refused to sign the U.S. Pacific Partnership Strategy last year. Additionally, the Solomon Islands signed a security agreement with China last year, and, most recently in July, agreed to an additional deal to increase cooperation between the two countries on law enforcement and security matters.

Previous Meetings

This is the second summit President Biden has convened with the Pacific Island Forum in Washington. The previous summit was September 28-29, 2022. At last year's summit, the White House released its first ever Pacific Partnership Strategy which was aimed at strengthening the partnership and targeting issues like climate change and the security of the region.

President Biden was meant to meet with the leaders again this past May in Papua New Guinea while traveling overseas for the G7 Summit, which was held in Hiroshima, Japan. Unfortunately, that trip was canceled along with President Biden's trip to Australia in order to return to D.C. for the negotiations of the debt limit.

President Biden delivered a pre-recorded video speech to the Pacific Island Forum on the organization's 51st Leaders Meeting online summit on August 6. 2021. This marked the first time a sitting U.S. President had led a delegation and addressed the forum. Vice President Harris also addressed the PIF virtually in July 2022.

Pacific Island Forum The Pacific Island Forum was founded in 1971 and is comprised of 18 members: Australia, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Kiribati, Nauru, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Republic of Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.

Foreign pool report #3 - Gather for leaders arrival

Press was called to gather at the Palm Room doors for the Pacific Island leaders arrival.

Foreign Pool report #4 - Arrivals

The first leader arrived at the South Portico at 9:28 a.m.

As each delegation drove up in separate cars, the flags for their respective countries would be brought out and displayed opposite the red carpet of the American flag. Based on the flag, the press gathered were able to tell which delegations were arriving. Your foreign pooler will inquire about a full list of the attendants from the White House Press Office. All the arrivals stopped for photos after the car pulled away and then walked into the White House.

This is the arrival order based on your foreign looker's observations —

Australia
French Polynesia
Secretary General for PIF
Tonga
Vanuatu
Federated States of Micronesia
Fiji
Niue
Marshall Islands
Palau
Solomon Islands
Samoa
Nauru
Tuvalu
Papua New Guinea
Kiribati
Cook Islands

The arrivals finished at 10:04

Foreign Pool report #4 - Arrivals

[APP Note: This is likely Report #5]

The previous note should have said based on your foreign pooler's observations, not looker. Apologies for the error

Foreign pool report #6 - PIF summit ongoing

Pool entered the East Room at 10:46.

The President was already in the room and seated. As were all of the delegations.

POTUS began speaking at 10:47. Remarks are ongoing

The event is being live-streamed at https://www.whitehouse.gov/live/

Foreign pool report #7 - Summit participants

From the White House press office —

The President is hosting Pacific Islands Leaders at the White House for the U.S.-Pacific Islands Forum:

U.S. Manifest

The President
T.H. Antony Blinken, United States Secretary of State
T.H. Jake Sullivan, Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs
T.H. Kurt Campbell, Deputy Assistant to the President and Coordinator for the Indo-Pacific, National Security Council

Pacific Islands Leaders

The Hon. Mark Brown, Prime Minister of the Cook Islands and Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum
The Hon. Sitiveni L. Rabuka, Prime Minister of the Republic Fiji
The Hon. Hu'akavameiliku, Prime Minister of Tonga
H.E. Taneti Maamau, President of the Republic of Kiribati
H.E. Surangel Whipps Jnr, President of the Republic of Palau
H.E. David W Kabua, President of the Republic of the Marshall Islands
H.E. Russ Kun, President of the Republic of Nauru
H.E. Wesley W. Simina, President of the Federated States of Micronesia
The Hon. James Marape, Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea
The Hon. Kausea Natano, Prime Minister of Tuvalu
The Hon. Fiame Naomi Mata'afa, Prime Minister of Samoa
The Hon. Dalton Tagelagi, Premier of Niue
The Hon. Louis Mapou, President of New Caledonia
The Hon. Moetai Brotherson, President of French Polynesia
The Hon. Nanaia Mahuta, Minister of Foreign Affairs for New Zealand
Mr. Collin Beck, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs & External Trade for the Solomon Islands
H.E Odo Tevi, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Vanuatu to the United Nations
H.E. Ewen McDonald, Special Envoy for the Pacific and Regional Affairs of Australia

Speaking Program

The President
The Hon. Mark Brown, Prime Minister of the Cook Islands and Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum

Foreign pool report #8 - PIF summit

Seated on either side of POTUS in the room was Secretary Antony Blinken and Prime Minister Mark Brown. POTUS finished speaking at 10:52.

Prime Minister Mark Brown of the Cook Islands spoke next. Said the milestone of establishing diplomatic relations with the Cook Islands and Niue represent "eras of change" Finished speaking at 11:00.

POTUS did not respond to a shouted question about Bidenomics.

Pool were pulled from the room at 11:01

Foreign Pool Report #9 -- Some quotes from the PIF Meeting

Please check these quotes against the transcript. The event was live-streamed at https://www.whitehouse.gov/live/

POTUS
- Said the United States was delivering on progress made at last year's summit
- "Alongside our partners, the Blue Pacific, we're increasing our climate assistance, including more than $20 million for new investments to prepare for climate and natural hazards."
- "Today, I'm pleased to announce we're working with Congress to address $40 billion in our Pacific islands Infrastructure Initiative."

Prime Minister Mark Brown
- "Our own organization the Pacific Islands Forum, is 52 years old this year. And as mentioned today, the Cook Islands and Niue celebrate milestones of formal diplomatic relations with the United States respectively. These milestones celebrate eras of change, and demonstrate that with unshakable resolve and leadership, remarkable achievements are possible in our discussions today"
- "We have an opportunity here as the Pacific Islands Forum and as the United States to develop our partnerships for prosperity"
- "In a few weeks, I will host the 52nd Pacific Island forum leaders meeting where we will endorse the 2050 strategy implementation plan. a plan by the Pacific and for the Pacific that will ensure the security and prosperity of all Pacific people to lead free, healthy and productive lives."

- I strongly encourage the US as a critical founding dialogue partner to actively engage at the highest level in the upcoming forum dialogue partners meeting"

Additional color -

The summit participants were seated at three long tables. Each participant had a name card in front of them.

Foreign pool report #11 - 2 minutes to group photo

2 minute warning to group photo in the South Portico

Foreign pool report #12 — group photo

Leaders walked out at 12:03 and lined up on a red carpet in front of a line of flags.

Biden briefly wrapped an arm around and was speaking to Prime Minister Mark Brown.

Biden responded to one question :

Q: What's your message to car companies as you head to Detroit

Biden - "Stay under the speed limit"

Foreign Pool Report 13 - Participating in group photo

From the White House Press Office --

The President is participating in a family photo with Pacific Islands Leaders.

Participants

The Hon. Mark Brown, Prime Minister of the Cook Islands and Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum
The Hon. Sitiveni L. Rabuka, Prime Minister of the Republic Fiji
The Hon. Hu'akavameiliku, Prime Minister of Tonga
H.E. Taneti Maamau, President of the Republic of Kiribati
H.E. Surangel Whipps Jnr, President of the Republic of Palau
H.E. David W Kabua, President of the Republic of the Marshall Islands
H.E. Russ Kun, President of the Republic of Nauru
H.E. Wesley W. Simina, President of the Federated States of Micronesia
The Hon. James Marape, Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea
The Hon. Kausea Natano, Prime Minister of Tuvalu
The Hon. Fiame Naomi Mata'afa, Prime Minister of Samoa
The Hon. Dalton Tagelagi, Premier of Niue
The Hon. Louis Mapou, President of New Caledonia
The Hon. Moetai Brotherson, President of French Polynesia
The Hon. Nanaia Mahuta, Minister of Foreign Affairs for New Zealand
Mr. Collin Beck, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs & External Trade for the Solomon Islands
H.E Odo Tevi, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Vanuatu to the United Nations
H.E. Ewen McDonald, Special Envoy for the Pacific and Regional Affairs of Australia

Foreign Pool Report #14 - Lid until 1 p.m.

From White House Press Office -- There is a lid until 1 p.m.

Foreign Pool Report #15 - No stop at sticks expected

The White House Press Office has told your foreign pooler that no Pacific Island leaders are expected to speak at the sticks today.

Also, the leaders' departures from the White House this afternoon will not be covered by press.

Foreign Pool Report #16

Good afternoon,

In case it was missed by anyone, I wanted to forward along the two documents the White House just released on the U.S. Pacific Island Partnership.

FACT SHEET: Enhancing the U.S.-Pacific Islands Partnership
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/09/25/fact-sheet-enhancing-the-u-s-pacific-islands-partnership/

U.S.-Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Statement on Reaffirming U.S.-Pacific Partnership
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/09/25/u-s-pacific-islands-forum-leaders-statement-on-reaffirming-u-s-pacific-partnership/

Since the leaders' departures from the White House are not covered by press, that is it from me today! It was my pleasure to be your foreign pooler and I hope everyone has a great rest of the day!