Good Morning DC,
Wall Street billionaire Bill Ackman has been popping champagne since Claudine Gay handed in the letter of resignation as the president of Harvard University.
The grand finale of this Ivy League drama has left the Republicans basking in satisfaction.
Let’s get you caught up with the news of the day.
THE WHITE HOUSE
Last night, upon returning to the White House from the Christmas holidays, President Biden responded to a question regarding his plans for the southern border.
“They ought to give me the money,” Biden referred to the impasse in the Congress.
2024 ELECTION
Trump’s legal team has officially filed an appeal against the decision by the Maine Secretary of State to remove him from the ballot.
As the possibility of a second Trump presidency looms, the Biden campaign is strategizing to articulate a message that emphasizes the differences between the two candidates.
The only Republican contenders who qualified for the CNN Republican debate in Iowa are Trump, Nikki Haley and Ron DeSantis. Trump has opted out from the debate and instead will participate in a town hall with Fox News.
ON THE HILL
Senator Bernie Sanders is calling on Congress to block additional funding to Israel amid the war in Gaza, citing concerns about the proportionality, morality, and potential violations of international law in Israel’s military response to Hamas’ actions.
“Enough is enough. Congress must reject that funding. The taxpayers of the United States must no longer be complicit in destroying the lives of innocent men, women, and children in Gaza,” said Sanders in a statement.
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise has endorsed Donald Trump for the 2024 presidential election, expressing pride in his endorsement and emphasizing the collaboration with Trump to address what he perceives as challenges stemming from Biden’s policies.
Senator Bob Menendez who is already grappling with charges related to the alleged acceptance of illicit cash, gold bars, and a Mercedes-Benz car, is now confronted with additional corruption allegations. The latest superseding indictment implicates him in corruption dealings involving Qatar. Menendez continues to maintain his innocence amid these legal challenges.
GLOBAL AFFAIRS
State Department Spokesperson Matt Miller expressed the United States’ rejection of recent statements from Israeli Ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben Gvir proposing the resettlement of Palestinians outside of Gaza. “This rhetoric is inflammatory and irresponsible,” said Miller. State Department maintains its position that Gaza is Palestinian land and will remain so.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani in a phone call. They discussed the “urgency” of addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and preventing the escalation of the conflict.
THE BALKAN VOICE NEWSLETTER
We are excited to introduce The Balkan Voice, our essential newsletter covering US-Western Balkans relations. This newsletter will provide an insider’s perspective on US policy toward the Western Balkans, featuring weekly coverage, State Department briefings, exclusive interviews, and more.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog had a diplomatic call with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic. The two leaders discussed the potential for a state visit, with President Herzog extending congratulations to President Vucic on his party’s recent election victory.
Across the pond, the UK is at odds with Turkey over the military aid donated to Ukraine. Turkey has denied passage through its waters for Royal Navy minehunters en route to Ukraine, obstructing their entry into the Black Sea. President Erdogan argues that this transfer would violate the 1936 Montreux Convention, which prohibits the passage of warships through the Bosphorus and Gallipoli straits during periods of conflict.
Champagne sales in the House of Lords reached their highest level in five years last year, with nearly £90,000 worth of sparkling wine sold. According to Freedom of Information figures, a total of 1,589 bottles were purchased, amounting to a total cost of £88,987.90.
And that’s a wrap for this Wednesday morning, January 3, 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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