President Biden held a conference call with the families of 14 Americans believed to be held hostage by Hamas in the Gaza Strip, expressing his condolences and assuring them that the US government is doing all it can to locate and bring home their loved ones. The Biden administration has been working to de-escalate the conflict between Israel and Hamas, and this call is seen as a sign of the president's commitment to the families of the hostages and his commitment to ensuring the safe return of their loved ones.
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President Joe Biden expressed shock at images depicting what he said were militants chopping off the heads of young children, but the White House has since clarified that he was referring to news reports about beheadings, which have not included or referred to photographic evidence. Reports of baby beheadings have spread across social and mainstream media, prompting the White House to urge both sides to de-escalate the conflict and work towards a peaceful resolution.
President Joe Biden has been interviewed by the office of special counsel Robert Hur as part of an investigation into the handling of classified documents discovered at Biden's Wilmington home and former private office. The voluntary interview was conducted over two days at the White House, and the Justice Department has not provided any further details on the investigation. White House spokesman Ian Sams said the President and the White House are cooperating with the investigation and being as transparent as possible.
President Donald Trump has filed a motion to dismiss the 2020 election interference case against him, claiming that his efforts to remain in the White House were part of his official responsibilities and should be protected by presidential immunity. His legal team has argued that the special counsel's team falsely claimed Trump's motives were impure and that his efforts to ensure election integrity were misconstrued. The motion to dismiss is the latest move in the ongoing legal battle, and it is unclear if it will be successful.
President Joe Biden's German shepherd, Commander, is no longer on the White House campus due to a number of biting incidents. First Lady Jill Biden's spokesperson, Elizabeth Alexander, said the family is evaluating next steps and the White House is grateful for the patience and support of the U.S. Secret Service as they work through solutions.
Senator Lindsey Graham has criticized Representative Matt Gaetz's attempt to remove House Speaker Kevin McCarthy from his seat, calling it a "disaster" for the Republican party. President Joe Biden also commented on the situation, noting that "extreme MAGA Republicans" had attempted to walk away from a deal, but were stopped. With the 2022 midterm elections looming, it remains to be seen how the Republican party will move forward in the coming months.
Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) has announced his intention to file a motion to vacate the speakership of House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) this week, citing McCarthy's lack of trustworthiness. The bill passed Saturday night did not include new funding for Ukraine, and McCarthy has said that those wanting more funding for Ukraine will have to give in on border security funding. This motion, if successful, would be a major shake-up in the House of Representatives, and it is unclear how it will be received by other members of Congress.
With the midnight deadline looming, the US is facing a potential government shutdown due to a disagreement between hard-right Republicans and the White House over spending cuts and border security. If a shutdown occurs, it would mean no paychecks for federal workers, the closure of federal parks and monuments, and disruptions to food and education programs for low-income children. The White House and Congress are continuing to negotiate in an effort to reach a deal before the deadline.