Good Morning DC,
Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez swirled into the State Dinner at the White House last night but did not engage with the press.
Bezos said “hello” to the photographers when asked if he would be donating to the Biden campaign, while Sanchez remained tight-lipped about whether this was her debut on the state dinner scene. It appeared to be the case.
When asked about his sentiments regarding the 2024 election, Robert DeNiro replied with a question of his own: “What do you think?” With his leading lady Tiffany Chen in tow, DeNiro smoothly evaded further questions from the press.
Oh, the celebrities at the White House! Until next time, when the billionaires and silver screen stars align once more at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.
Let’s get you caught up with the news of the day.
President Biden is set to convene a trilateral meeting with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. of Philippines and Prime Minister Kishida Fumio of Japan.
The spokesperson for the Biden-Harris 2024 campaign, Sarafina Chitika, said there’s no need to speculate about Trump’s stance on abortion, as his actions during his time in the Oval Office speak to it.
“After his hand-picked Supreme Court justices overturned Roe, Trump opened the floodgates for every ban, limit, and attack on reproductive rights. Arizona’s Civil War-era abortion ban is a reminder that women are facing the consequences of his extreme record every day. Trump did this. And he’ll do it again.”
The Trump campaign criticized Joe Biden, labeling him as “dishonest.” They highlighted President Trump’s stance on abortion, emphasizing that he believes decisions should be left to the states to “determine by vote or legislation or perhaps both.”
Trump, speaking to reporters in Arizona, expressed disapproval of the recent court decision on abortion in the state, suggesting that it went beyond what he deemed acceptable. “I think it’ll be straightened out and, as you know, it’s all about state’s rights and it will be straightened out,” Trump said.
Speaker Mike Johnson wanted the House to reauthorize The Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) with “sweeping changes.”
Johnson outlined 56 reforms to the program, aiming to “stop the abuse of politicized FBI queries and prevent another Russia hoax debacle.”
Speaker of the House portrayed these reforms as the “important first step” that would pave the way for what he described as “real culture change.” Once the Republicans are back agin in the White House Johnson said, “dramatic reforms” will then be viable.
Johnson emphasized the significance of upholding Section 702 of FISA, which pertains to the capabilities of intelligence and law enforcement in the USA.
“KILL FISA,” Trump gave directive to Republicans in the US Congress. The Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act was voted down by 19 House Republicans. Reauthorization of FISA is up in the air soliciting all sorts of responses inside and outside of the Republican Party.
Speaker Johnson is meeting with Donald Trump in Mar-a-Lago today. The duo is convening a joint press conference on “election integrity.”
Following an Israeli strike that claimed the lives of his three sons and at least two of his grandchildren, Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh reiterated his call for a ceasefire in Gaza.
Amid escalating concerns over potential retaliation from Iran following the killing of Iranian commanders, President Biden has pledged “ironclad” support to Israel.
The UK Prime Minister is threatening to withdraw from the European Court of Human Rights over its Rwanda policy but not everyone in his Cabinet is on board.
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While the US is moving towards stricter abortion regulations, Poland is heading in the opposite direction, with its parliament set to commence debates on proposals to liberalize abortion laws.
And that’s a wrap for this morning April 11, 2024. Good Morning DC will be back tomorrow to provide you with a front-row seat to the ever-evolving landscape of American politics under President Joe Biden.
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