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Deb Haaland to ask Biden to restore protections for three national monuments - report – as it happened Deb Haaland to reportedly ask Biden to restore national monument protections – as it happened
(about 13 hours later)
Donald Trump ‘drastically shrunk’ the size of Utah’s Bears Ears and Grand Escalante national monuments in 2017 – follow all the day’s newsDonald Trump ‘drastically shrunk’ the size of Utah’s Bears Ears and Grand Escalante national monuments in 2017 – follow all the day’s news
We are wrapping up our live politics coverage for this evening, but we’ll have more live coverage starting early tomorrow, as California launches a full reopening of restaurants, bars and other businesses as the state officially retires many pandemic-related capacity and social distancing rules.We are wrapping up our live politics coverage for this evening, but we’ll have more live coverage starting early tomorrow, as California launches a full reopening of restaurants, bars and other businesses as the state officially retires many pandemic-related capacity and social distancing rules.
Key news from today:Key news from today:
Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell said on Monday it was “highly unlikely” he would allow Joe Biden to fill any supreme court vacancy arising in 2024, the year of the next presidential election, if Republicans had regained control of the chamber. Whether he would allow Biden to fill a vacancy in 2023 was still a question, McConnell said.Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell said on Monday it was “highly unlikely” he would allow Joe Biden to fill any supreme court vacancy arising in 2024, the year of the next presidential election, if Republicans had regained control of the chamber. Whether he would allow Biden to fill a vacancy in 2023 was still a question, McConnell said.
Interior secretary Deb Haaland recommended in an internal report that Joe Biden restore protections that Donald Trump removed at three national monuments, the Washington Post reported.Interior secretary Deb Haaland recommended in an internal report that Joe Biden restore protections that Donald Trump removed at three national monuments, the Washington Post reported.
The US Republican Party is “vastly diminished” and dominated by its Trump wing, which was not supported by the majority of Americans, Biden said at a press conference in Brussels, where he also said Ukraine was not yet ready to join Nato.The US Republican Party is “vastly diminished” and dominated by its Trump wing, which was not supported by the majority of Americans, Biden said at a press conference in Brussels, where he also said Ukraine was not yet ready to join Nato.
The US neared an official toll of 600,000 coronavirus deaths, with racial disparities persisting in the toll of those lost to the pandemic.The US neared an official toll of 600,000 coronavirus deaths, with racial disparities persisting in the toll of those lost to the pandemic.
NSA whistleblower Reality Winner was released from prison.NSA whistleblower Reality Winner was released from prison.
Vladimir Putin refused to give any guarantee that the opposition leader Alexei Navalny will get out of Russian prison alive.Vladimir Putin refused to give any guarantee that the opposition leader Alexei Navalny will get out of Russian prison alive.
A Nato communique warned that the rising power of China presents “systemic challenges to the rules-based international order”. “We remain concerned with China’s frequent lack of transparency and use of disinformation,” the Nato document says.A Nato communique warned that the rising power of China presents “systemic challenges to the rules-based international order”. “We remain concerned with China’s frequent lack of transparency and use of disinformation,” the Nato document says.
John Demers, the assistant attorney general of the National Security Division, is reportedly leaving the justice department. According to the New York Times, the departure of Demers, who was nominated by Donald Trump, was in the works for months, but his exit comes amid intensified scrutiny of the department because of the records seizure of top Democrats and reporters as part of a leaks investigation. The chair of the House Judiciary Committee announced its own investigation into the Trump Justice Department’s actions.John Demers, the assistant attorney general of the National Security Division, is reportedly leaving the justice department. According to the New York Times, the departure of Demers, who was nominated by Donald Trump, was in the works for months, but his exit comes amid intensified scrutiny of the department because of the records seizure of top Democrats and reporters as part of a leaks investigation. The chair of the House Judiciary Committee announced its own investigation into the Trump Justice Department’s actions.
Marjorie Taylor Greene holds press conference apologizing for Holocaust comparisonsMarjorie Taylor Greene holds press conference apologizing for Holocaust comparisons
The Republican Georgia congresswoman, who has a track record of racist and Islamophobic remarks, as well support for QAnon and other antisemitic conspiracy theories, staged a public apology today for her repeated comparisons of vaccine and mask mandates to the Holocaust.The Republican Georgia congresswoman, who has a track record of racist and Islamophobic remarks, as well support for QAnon and other antisemitic conspiracy theories, staged a public apology today for her repeated comparisons of vaccine and mask mandates to the Holocaust.
Her comments had been criticized by House Republican leaders, who once again denounced Greene’s remarks without taking any action to censure her for them.Her comments had been criticized by House Republican leaders, who once again denounced Greene’s remarks without taking any action to censure her for them.
“The Holocaust is...there’s nothing comparable to it,” Greene said in a press conference held after she said she had visited the Holocaust Museum. “It happened, and over 6 million Jewish people were murdered….The horrors of the Holocaust are something that some people don’t even believed happened, some people deny, but there is no comparison to the Holocaust.”“The Holocaust is...there’s nothing comparable to it,” Greene said in a press conference held after she said she had visited the Holocaust Museum. “It happened, and over 6 million Jewish people were murdered….The horrors of the Holocaust are something that some people don’t even believed happened, some people deny, but there is no comparison to the Holocaust.”
“Greene’s attempt to show remorse could help take some of the heat off her own party as the GOP prepares to go after [Ilan] Omar,” Politico reported, in response to the Democratic congresswoman’s tweet about “unthinkable atrocities committed by the US, Hamas, Israel, Afghanistan and the Taliban.”“Greene’s attempt to show remorse could help take some of the heat off her own party as the GOP prepares to go after [Ilan] Omar,” Politico reported, in response to the Democratic congresswoman’s tweet about “unthinkable atrocities committed by the US, Hamas, Israel, Afghanistan and the Taliban.”
House judiciary committee to investigate DOJ surveillance of lawmakers, journalistsHouse judiciary committee to investigate DOJ surveillance of lawmakers, journalists
Jerry Nadler, the chair of the House judiciary committee, announced a “formal investigation” into justice department surveillance during the Trump administration, Reuters reports.Jerry Nadler, the chair of the House judiciary committee, announced a “formal investigation” into justice department surveillance during the Trump administration, Reuters reports.
Lin-Manuel Miranda apologizes for colorism in ‘In the Heights’ casting decisionsLin-Manuel Miranda apologizes for colorism in ‘In the Heights’ casting decisions
Alongside widespread excitement and anticipation for In the Heights, a movie musical from Hamilton creator and star Lin-Manuel Miranda, there has also been criticism about the lack of dark-skinned Afro-Latino actors in main roles in a film that is supposed to represent New York’s Washington Heights.Alongside widespread excitement and anticipation for In the Heights, a movie musical from Hamilton creator and star Lin-Manuel Miranda, there has also been criticism about the lack of dark-skinned Afro-Latino actors in main roles in a film that is supposed to represent New York’s Washington Heights.
Some of the early responses to the criticism only sparked more pushback.Some of the early responses to the criticism only sparked more pushback.
Now, Miranda himself has tweeted out an apology, and promising to do better in his future work:Now, Miranda himself has tweeted out an apology, and promising to do better in his future work:
Dr Deborah Birx, then the White House coronavirus taskforce coordinator, hinted to an Obama-era official shortly before the 2020 election she wanted Donald Trump to lose to Joe Biden.Dr Deborah Birx, then the White House coronavirus taskforce coordinator, hinted to an Obama-era official shortly before the 2020 election she wanted Donald Trump to lose to Joe Biden.
Andy Slavitt, a former acting chief of the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services, writes in a new book, according to CNN, that he spoke to Birx “to get a sense for whether, in the event of a strained transition of government, she would help give Biden and his team the best chance to be effective.Andy Slavitt, a former acting chief of the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services, writes in a new book, according to CNN, that he spoke to Birx “to get a sense for whether, in the event of a strained transition of government, she would help give Biden and his team the best chance to be effective.
“At one point, after a brief pause, she looked me in the eye and said, ‘I hope the election turns out a certain way.’ I had the most important information I needed.”“At one point, after a brief pause, she looked me in the eye and said, ‘I hope the election turns out a certain way.’ I had the most important information I needed.”
Slavitt stepped down last week as senior adviser to the Biden pandemic response. His book, Preventable: The Inside Story of How Leadership Failures, Politics, and Selfishness Doomed the US Coronavirus Response, is published on Tuesday.Slavitt stepped down last week as senior adviser to the Biden pandemic response. His book, Preventable: The Inside Story of How Leadership Failures, Politics, and Selfishness Doomed the US Coronavirus Response, is published on Tuesday.
The Senate minority leader, Mitch McConnell, said on Monday it was “highly unlikely” he would allow Joe Biden to fill any supreme court vacancy arising in 2024, the year of the next presidential election, if Republicans had regained control of the chamber.The Senate minority leader, Mitch McConnell, said on Monday it was “highly unlikely” he would allow Joe Biden to fill any supreme court vacancy arising in 2024, the year of the next presidential election, if Republicans had regained control of the chamber.
“I think it’s highly unlikely – in fact, no, I don’t think either party, if it were different from the president, would confirm a supreme court nominee in the middle of an election,” McConnell told Hugh Hewitt, a rightwing radio host.“I think it’s highly unlikely – in fact, no, I don’t think either party, if it were different from the president, would confirm a supreme court nominee in the middle of an election,” McConnell told Hugh Hewitt, a rightwing radio host.
McConnell famously blocked Barack Obama from filling a vacancy in 2016, denying Merrick Garland, now Biden’s attorney general, even a hearing after he was nominated to fill the seat vacated by the death of Antonin Scalia.McConnell famously blocked Barack Obama from filling a vacancy in 2016, denying Merrick Garland, now Biden’s attorney general, even a hearing after he was nominated to fill the seat vacated by the death of Antonin Scalia.
McConnell said that was because no new justice should be seated in an election year – a position he reversed with alacrity in 2020, on the death of Ruth Bader Ginsburg two months before polling day.McConnell said that was because no new justice should be seated in an election year – a position he reversed with alacrity in 2020, on the death of Ruth Bader Ginsburg two months before polling day.
Ginsburg, a liberal lion, was replaced by the hardline Catholic Amy Coney Barrett, tipping the court 6-3 in conservatives’ favour. Major rulings are expected on abortion rights, gun control, affirmative action and more.Ginsburg, a liberal lion, was replaced by the hardline Catholic Amy Coney Barrett, tipping the court 6-3 in conservatives’ favour. Major rulings are expected on abortion rights, gun control, affirmative action and more.
McConnell now says no new justice should be seated in an election year when the White House and the Senate are controlled by different parties – a position he restated to Hewitt.McConnell now says no new justice should be seated in an election year when the White House and the Senate are controlled by different parties – a position he restated to Hewitt.
Asked by Hewitt what would happen if a vacancy arose in 2023 with Republicans in control of the Senate, McConnell said: “We’ll have to wait and see what happens.”Asked by Hewitt what would happen if a vacancy arose in 2023 with Republicans in control of the Senate, McConnell said: “We’ll have to wait and see what happens.”
McConnell’s hardball tactics have contributed to his status as a hate figure among progressives. On Monday, much online reaction to his remarks focused on beseeching Stephen Breyer, a liberal justice and at 82 the oldest on the current court, to retire while Biden is in the White House and Democrats hold the Senate.McConnell’s hardball tactics have contributed to his status as a hate figure among progressives. On Monday, much online reaction to his remarks focused on beseeching Stephen Breyer, a liberal justice and at 82 the oldest on the current court, to retire while Biden is in the White House and Democrats hold the Senate.
Breyer has shown little inclination to do so. Last month, he angered some on the left by telling high school and middle school students the key to working with conservatives was to talk to them more.Breyer has shown little inclination to do so. Last month, he angered some on the left by telling high school and middle school students the key to working with conservatives was to talk to them more.
Among progressives, support is growing for countering conservative dominance of the court by increasing the number of justices. Republicans are stringently opposed.Among progressives, support is growing for countering conservative dominance of the court by increasing the number of justices. Republicans are stringently opposed.
McConnell told Hewitt he wanted to give Breyer “a shout out, though, because he joined what Justice Ginsburg said in 2019, that nine is the right number for the supreme court, and I admire him for that. I think even the liberal justices on the supreme court, have made it clear that court packing is a terrible idea.”McConnell told Hewitt he wanted to give Breyer “a shout out, though, because he joined what Justice Ginsburg said in 2019, that nine is the right number for the supreme court, and I admire him for that. I think even the liberal justices on the supreme court, have made it clear that court packing is a terrible idea.”
FBI warns QAnon followers may transition from ‘digital soldiers’ to real-world violenceFBI warns QAnon followers may transition from ‘digital soldiers’ to real-world violence
The FBI has warned that followers of the QAnon conspiracy theory could again engage in violence against political opponents out of frustration that the theory’s predictions have not come true, Reuters reports.The FBI has warned that followers of the QAnon conspiracy theory could again engage in violence against political opponents out of frustration that the theory’s predictions have not come true, Reuters reports.
In a 4 June bulletin distributed to members of Congress and seen by Reuters, the FBI said its experts believe that some believers in predictions of political upheavals promoted on QAnon websites and bulletin boards believe they can “no longer ‘trust the plan’”.In a 4 June bulletin distributed to members of Congress and seen by Reuters, the FBI said its experts believe that some believers in predictions of political upheavals promoted on QAnon websites and bulletin boards believe they can “no longer ‘trust the plan’”.
Given the failure of QAnon’s predictions to materialize, the FBI bulletin warns that some QAnon adherents “likely will begin to believe” they have an “obligation” to transform themselves from “serving as ‘digital soldiers’ towards engaging in real world violence” against Democrats and “other political opposition”.Given the failure of QAnon’s predictions to materialize, the FBI bulletin warns that some QAnon adherents “likely will begin to believe” they have an “obligation” to transform themselves from “serving as ‘digital soldiers’ towards engaging in real world violence” against Democrats and “other political opposition”.
The FBI attributes at least some of a falloff in support for QAnon to the non-occurrence of events, such as Trump’s restoration, which QAnon predicted but which failed to materialize, and also to large-scale deplatforming of QAnon materials by social media companies.The FBI attributes at least some of a falloff in support for QAnon to the non-occurrence of events, such as Trump’s restoration, which QAnon predicted but which failed to materialize, and also to large-scale deplatforming of QAnon materials by social media companies.
Believers in the conspiracy theory – which casts former President Donald Trump as a savior figure and elite Democrats as a cabal of Satanist pedophiles and cannibals – played a prominent role in the deadly 6 January assault on the Capitol.Believers in the conspiracy theory – which casts former President Donald Trump as a savior figure and elite Democrats as a cabal of Satanist pedophiles and cannibals – played a prominent role in the deadly 6 January assault on the Capitol.
The FBI’s new assessment echoes what QAnon expert Travis View told the Guardian last fall, warning that if supporters of the conspiracy theory begin to lose faith in Trump’s ability to stop the cabal of child abusers, that might inspire them to begin taking more direct violent action themselves.The FBI’s new assessment echoes what QAnon expert Travis View told the Guardian last fall, warning that if supporters of the conspiracy theory begin to lose faith in Trump’s ability to stop the cabal of child abusers, that might inspire them to begin taking more direct violent action themselves.
Read more from us about previous acts of violence linked to QAnon adherents, or see the new FBI assessment, shared by NBC News’ Ben Collins:Read more from us about previous acts of violence linked to QAnon adherents, or see the new FBI assessment, shared by NBC News’ Ben Collins:
Disneyland drops mask mandate, will not require proof of vaccinationDisneyland drops mask mandate, will not require proof of vaccination
Starting tomorrow, as California officially removes many of its coronavirus public health restrictions, Disneyland will allow fully vaccinated guests to visit the theme park without wearing a mask. The theme park will use the honor system, per the Hollywood Reporter, and will allow guests to self-attest that they have been vaccinated, rather than requiring any proof.Starting tomorrow, as California officially removes many of its coronavirus public health restrictions, Disneyland will allow fully vaccinated guests to visit the theme park without wearing a mask. The theme park will use the honor system, per the Hollywood Reporter, and will allow guests to self-attest that they have been vaccinated, rather than requiring any proof.
Interior secretary Deb Haaland recommended that Joe Biden restore protections that Trump weakened at three national monuments, the Washington Post reports.Interior secretary Deb Haaland recommended that Joe Biden restore protections that Trump weakened at three national monuments, the Washington Post reports.
Haaland paid a historic visit in April to the Bears Ears national monument, the Utah site sacred to Native Americans that was downsized by President Donald Trump, Rico Moore reported for the Guardian. Read more from Rico about her trip here, as well as the Guardian’s original reporting on Trump’s widely-condemned decision to “drastically shrink” two national monuments in 2017.Haaland paid a historic visit in April to the Bears Ears national monument, the Utah site sacred to Native Americans that was downsized by President Donald Trump, Rico Moore reported for the Guardian. Read more from Rico about her trip here, as well as the Guardian’s original reporting on Trump’s widely-condemned decision to “drastically shrink” two national monuments in 2017.
As the US approaches 600,000 coronavirus deaths, as tracked by Johns Hopkins University, the Associated Press has updated details on the racial disparities in who has been most likely to lose most family members and loved ones to the pandemic.As the US approaches 600,000 coronavirus deaths, as tracked by Johns Hopkins University, the Associated Press has updated details on the racial disparities in who has been most likely to lose most family members and loved ones to the pandemic.
A toll of 600,000 people, the Associated Press notes, is greater than the population of Baltimore or Milwaukee. It is about equal to the number of Americans who died of cancer in 2019. The racial disparities in the death rates have shifted over time:A toll of 600,000 people, the Associated Press notes, is greater than the population of Baltimore or Milwaukee. It is about equal to the number of Americans who died of cancer in 2019. The racial disparities in the death rates have shifted over time:
In the first wave of fatalities, in April 2020, Black people were slammed, dying at rates higher than those of other ethnic or racial groups as the virus rampaged through the urban Northeast and heavily African American cities like Detroit and New Orleans.In the first wave of fatalities, in April 2020, Black people were slammed, dying at rates higher than those of other ethnic or racial groups as the virus rampaged through the urban Northeast and heavily African American cities like Detroit and New Orleans.
Last summer, during a second surge, Hispanics were hit the hardest, suffering an outsize share of deaths, driven by infections in Texas and Florida. By winter, during the third and most lethal stage, the virus had gripped the entire nation, and racial gaps in weekly death rates had narrowed so much that whites were the worst off, followed closely by Hispanics.Last summer, during a second surge, Hispanics were hit the hardest, suffering an outsize share of deaths, driven by infections in Texas and Florida. By winter, during the third and most lethal stage, the virus had gripped the entire nation, and racial gaps in weekly death rates had narrowed so much that whites were the worst off, followed closely by Hispanics.
Now, even as the outbreak ebbs and more people get vaccinated, a racial gap appears to be emerging again, with Black Americans dying at higher rates than other groups.Now, even as the outbreak ebbs and more people get vaccinated, a racial gap appears to be emerging again, with Black Americans dying at higher rates than other groups.
Family identifies woman struck and killed by a car at a Minneapolis protestFamily identifies woman struck and killed by a car at a Minneapolis protest
This is Lois Beckett, picking up our live politics coverage from Los Angeles.This is Lois Beckett, picking up our live politics coverage from Los Angeles.
A family member has identified the person killed after being struck by a car at a protest in Minneapolis near the site of Winston Smith’s killing by members of a US Marshals task force: she was Deona Knajdek, 31, a local news outlet reports.A family member has identified the person killed after being struck by a car at a protest in Minneapolis near the site of Winston Smith’s killing by members of a US Marshals task force: she was Deona Knajdek, 31, a local news outlet reports.
Knajdek’s brother told KARE 11 that “friends of his sister told him she had parked her car at the scene of the demonstration to shield fellow activists who were protesting and block traffic from coming through”.Knajdek’s brother told KARE 11 that “friends of his sister told him she had parked her car at the scene of the demonstration to shield fellow activists who were protesting and block traffic from coming through”.
Knajdek’s employer, a company that manages living facilities for adults with mobility issues, said in a statement that “she was one of the most selfless people we have ever had the pleasure of knowing”.Knajdek’s employer, a company that manages living facilities for adults with mobility issues, said in a statement that “she was one of the most selfless people we have ever had the pleasure of knowing”.
A 35-year-old man from neighboring St Paul was booked in a local jail on probable cause of criminal vehicular homicide, KARE 11 reported.A 35-year-old man from neighboring St Paul was booked in a local jail on probable cause of criminal vehicular homicide, KARE 11 reported.
The White House press secretary turned Fox News contributor Kayleigh McEnany claimed on Sunday she “never lied” while speaking for Donald Trump.The White House press secretary turned Fox News contributor Kayleigh McEnany claimed on Sunday she “never lied” while speaking for Donald Trump.
Addressing a conservative group in Dallas, McEnany said of her first steps in the role: “And then there was the question, ‘Will you ever lie to us?’, and I said without hesitation, ‘No’, and I never did, as a woman of faith.Addressing a conservative group in Dallas, McEnany said of her first steps in the role: “And then there was the question, ‘Will you ever lie to us?’, and I said without hesitation, ‘No’, and I never did, as a woman of faith.
“As a mother of baby Blake, as a person who meticulously prepared at some of the world’s hardest institutions, I never lied. I sourced my information, but that will never stop the press from calling you a liar.”“As a mother of baby Blake, as a person who meticulously prepared at some of the world’s hardest institutions, I never lied. I sourced my information, but that will never stop the press from calling you a liar.”
The press has questioned the veracity of McEnany’s claims. So have political factchecking sites. For instance, Politifact gave McEnany a “pants on fire” rating last September after she told reporters: “The president never downplayed the virus.”The press has questioned the veracity of McEnany’s claims. So have political factchecking sites. For instance, Politifact gave McEnany a “pants on fire” rating last September after she told reporters: “The president never downplayed the virus.”
She was responding to questions about reporting by Bob Woodward of the Washington Post, to whom Trump said in March 2020, as the coronavirus pandemic took hold: “To be honest with you, I wanted to always play it down. I still like playing it down, because I don’t want to create a panic.”She was responding to questions about reporting by Bob Woodward of the Washington Post, to whom Trump said in March 2020, as the coronavirus pandemic took hold: “To be honest with you, I wanted to always play it down. I still like playing it down, because I don’t want to create a panic.”
Politifact said: “The record shows she’s wrong.”Politifact said: “The record shows she’s wrong.”
In a wide-ranging press conference in Brussels, Joe Biden did something he often skirts around. He criticized Donald Trump by name in public. The 46th US president sometimes likes to refer obliquely to Trump, the Trump administration and his politics, but not always explicitly and not always addressing the 45th president directly.In a wide-ranging press conference in Brussels, Joe Biden did something he often skirts around. He criticized Donald Trump by name in public. The 46th US president sometimes likes to refer obliquely to Trump, the Trump administration and his politics, but not always explicitly and not always addressing the 45th president directly.
Following the NATO summit, Biden weighed in on Trump’s style and the Republican party’s apparent blind loyalty to their former president, despite his resounding defeat and numerous humiliations (twice impeached, eg).Following the NATO summit, Biden weighed in on Trump’s style and the Republican party’s apparent blind loyalty to their former president, despite his resounding defeat and numerous humiliations (twice impeached, eg).
Biden said: “It is a shock and a surprise that what’s happened in terms of the consequences of President’s Trump’s phony populism has happened.Biden said: “It is a shock and a surprise that what’s happened in terms of the consequences of President’s Trump’s phony populism has happened.
“And it is disappointing that so many of my Republican colleagues in the Senate, who I know know better, have been reluctant to take on, for example, an investigation [into the January 6 insurrection at the US Capitol by rapid supporters of Trump], because they are worried about being primaried.“And it is disappointing that so many of my Republican colleagues in the Senate, who I know know better, have been reluctant to take on, for example, an investigation [into the January 6 insurrection at the US Capitol by rapid supporters of Trump], because they are worried about being primaried.
“But at the end of the day we have been through periods like this in American history before where there has been this reluctance to take a chance on your reelection because of the nature of your party’s politics at the moment.“But at the end of the day we have been through periods like this in American history before where there has been this reluctance to take a chance on your reelection because of the nature of your party’s politics at the moment.
“I think this is passing, I don’t mean easily passing, but that’s why it’s important that I succeed in my agenda, whether it’s dealing with the vaccine, the economy, infrastructure, it’s important that we demonstrate we can make progress … and I think we are going to be able to do that.”“I think this is passing, I don’t mean easily passing, but that’s why it’s important that I succeed in my agenda, whether it’s dealing with the vaccine, the economy, infrastructure, it’s important that we demonstrate we can make progress … and I think we are going to be able to do that.”
The Reuters news agency has a little more:The Reuters news agency has a little more:
Joe Biden said Ukraine still has more work to do before it can become a member of the Nato alliance.Joe Biden said Ukraine still has more work to do before it can become a member of the Nato alliance.
“It depends on whether they meet the criteria,” Biden told reporters in Brussels. “The fact is, they still have to clean up corruption. ... School’s out on that question.”“It depends on whether they meet the criteria,” Biden told reporters in Brussels. “The fact is, they still have to clean up corruption. ... School’s out on that question.”
A tweet today from the Ukrainian president had led some reporters to think that the Nato summit had approved adding Ukraine as a member, but it seems that will not yet happen.A tweet today from the Ukrainian president had led some reporters to think that the Nato summit had approved adding Ukraine as a member, but it seems that will not yet happen.
Biden’s press conference at the Nato headquarters has now concluded, after he took just a handful of questions from reporters.Biden’s press conference at the Nato headquarters has now concluded, after he took just a handful of questions from reporters.
A reporter asked Joe Biden how it would impact US-Russian relations if Alexei Navalny, a critic of Russian president Vladimir Putin, died in prison.A reporter asked Joe Biden how it would impact US-Russian relations if Alexei Navalny, a critic of Russian president Vladimir Putin, died in prison.
“Navalny’s death would be another indication that Russia has little or no intention of abiding by basic fundamental human rights,” Biden said.“Navalny’s death would be another indication that Russia has little or no intention of abiding by basic fundamental human rights,” Biden said.
In an interview with NBC News ahead of his Wednesday summit with Biden, Putin would not guarantee that Navalny would survive his prison sentence.In an interview with NBC News ahead of his Wednesday summit with Biden, Putin would not guarantee that Navalny would survive his prison sentence.
No surprise here: the first question at Joe Biden’s press conference focused on his upcoming summit with Russian president Vladimir Putin and what he hoped to get out of the meeting.No surprise here: the first question at Joe Biden’s press conference focused on his upcoming summit with Russian president Vladimir Putin and what he hoped to get out of the meeting.
The US president emphasized that he wanted to see whether there are areas where he and Putin can work together to promote the interests of their countries and the world at large.The US president emphasized that he wanted to see whether there are areas where he and Putin can work together to promote the interests of their countries and the world at large.
But Biden declined to provide many specific details, saying he did not want to negotiate in public with reporters.But Biden declined to provide many specific details, saying he did not want to negotiate in public with reporters.
Noting he has met Putin before, Biden said of the Russian president, “He’s bright, he’s tough, and I have found that he is – as they say when I used to play ball – a worthy adversary.”Noting he has met Putin before, Biden said of the Russian president, “He’s bright, he’s tough, and I have found that he is – as they say when I used to play ball – a worthy adversary.”
Joe Biden said he had a “positive and productive meeting” with Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, much of which was a one-on-one discussion.Joe Biden said he had a “positive and productive meeting” with Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, much of which was a one-on-one discussion.
The president expressed confidence that his administration will make “real progress” in improving US-Turkish relations.The president expressed confidence that his administration will make “real progress” in improving US-Turkish relations.
Biden also emphasized his loyalty to the Nato alliance, saying, “The US commitment to article five of the Nato treaty is rock-solid and unshakable.”Biden also emphasized his loyalty to the Nato alliance, saying, “The US commitment to article five of the Nato treaty is rock-solid and unshakable.”
The US president accused China and Russia of trying to “drive a wedge in our trans-Atlantic solidarity”.The US president accused China and Russia of trying to “drive a wedge in our trans-Atlantic solidarity”.
Looking ahead to his Wednesday summit with Russian president Vladimir Putin, Biden said, “I’m not looking for conflict with Russia but we will respond if Russia continues its harmful activities, and we will not fail to defend the trans-Atlantic alliance.”Looking ahead to his Wednesday summit with Russian president Vladimir Putin, Biden said, “I’m not looking for conflict with Russia but we will respond if Russia continues its harmful activities, and we will not fail to defend the trans-Atlantic alliance.”
About two and a half hours later than scheduled, Joe Biden is now holding his press conference at Nato headquarters in Brussels, Belgium.About two and a half hours later than scheduled, Joe Biden is now holding his press conference at Nato headquarters in Brussels, Belgium.
The US president opened his remarks by reflecting on his country’s coronavirus death toll, which is expected to soon surpass 600,000.The US president opened his remarks by reflecting on his country’s coronavirus death toll, which is expected to soon surpass 600,000.
Biden offered his condolences to the millions of Americans who have lost loved ones in the pandemic, and he urged anyone who has not yet gotten vaccinated to do so as quickly as possible.Biden offered his condolences to the millions of Americans who have lost loved ones in the pandemic, and he urged anyone who has not yet gotten vaccinated to do so as quickly as possible.
“If you’ve not been vaccinated, get vaccinated. Get vaccinated as soon as possible,” Biden said. “We have more work to do to beat this virus, and now’s not the time to let our guard down.”“If you’ve not been vaccinated, get vaccinated. Get vaccinated as soon as possible,” Biden said. “We have more work to do to beat this virus, and now’s not the time to let our guard down.”
Secretary of state Antony Blinken and defense secretary Lloyd Austin are now also waiting with reporters in the room where Joe Biden will soon hold his press conference.Secretary of state Antony Blinken and defense secretary Lloyd Austin are now also waiting with reporters in the room where Joe Biden will soon hold his press conference.
The US president was scheduled to start his press conference at the Nato headquarters in Brussels about two and a half hours ago. No sign of him yet, but stay tuned.The US president was scheduled to start his press conference at the Nato headquarters in Brussels about two and a half hours ago. No sign of him yet, but stay tuned.