What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
January 3, 2025 Recap
President Joe Biden issued a statement emphasizing the critical role of the domestic steel industry and its workers in ensuring U.S. national security, resilient supply chains, and economic strength. Steel is essential to key sectors such as infrastructure, the automotive industry, and the defense industrial base. Biden highlighted the challenges U.S. steel producers have faced due to unfair foreign trade practices, including dumping steel at artificially low prices. These practices have caused factory closures and job losses across America. To address these issues, the administration has tripled tariffs on steel imports from China and invested in manufacturing, establishing over 100 new steel and iron mills since Biden took office. The President also noted that U.S. steel production is now the cleanest in the world, further solidifying its global leadership.
In a decisive move to protect national security, President Biden blocked the proposed acquisition of U.S. Steel by Nippon Steel, a Japanese corporation. He cited concerns that foreign ownership of one of America’s largest steel producers could undermine national security and critical supply chains. Biden stressed the importance of maintaining U.S. Steel as an American-owned and operated company by unionized American workers. This action reflects his administration's commitment to defending industries vital to national security and ensuring the resilience of critical sectors.
The accompanying executive order prohibits the transaction and requires Nippon Steel and U.S. Steel to abandon the acquisition within 30 days. The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) will oversee the process, enforce compliance, and implement measures to protect national security. The order explicitly prohibits any attempts to circumvent its provisions. President Biden reserved the authority to issue further directives to safeguard national security and underscored his commitment to using all available powers to protect the nation’s infrastructure and supply chains. This decision demonstrates the administration’s unwavering focus on keeping critical industries under domestic control to bolster U.S. strength and security.
President Joe Biden announced eight recipients of the Medal of Valor, the nation’s highest honor for public safety officers who display extraordinary valor in saving or protecting human life. The medals were presented at the White House.
2025 Medal of Valor Recipients:
Sergeant Jeffrey Mathes, Officer Rex Engelbert, and Detectives Michael Collazo, Ryan Cagle, and Zachary Plese (Nashville Police Department)
Recognized for neutralizing an active shooter at The Covenant School in Nashville on March 27, 2023. They acted swiftly under fire to save lives and prevent further tragedy.
Sergeant Tu Tran (Lincoln, Nebraska Police Department)
Honored for rescuing a drowning woman from a freezing pond on February 22, 2023, risking his life to save her as her car submerged.
Lieutenant John Vanderstar (FDNY)
Commended for saving a mother and child from a burning apartment on October 23, 2022. Despite intense flames, he secured their safety before additional firefighters arrived.
Firefighter Brendan Gaffney (FDNY)
Celebrated for saving an unconscious pregnant woman and a child during an apartment fire on February 5, 2023. He used his body as a shield and performed CPR to ensure their survival.
The awards, authorized under the Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor Act of 2001, acknowledge exceptional courage beyond the call of duty.
Private Bruno R. Orig (Korea, 1951): For saving wounded comrades, manning a machine gun to cover retreating troops, and holding his position until overrun, ultimately sacrificing his life.
Private First Class Wataru Nakamura (Korea, 1951): For single-handedly neutralizing enemy positions during a communications repair mission, fighting until his ammunition was depleted, and sacrificing his life in a grenade attack.
Corporal Fred B. McGee (Korea, 1952): For leading his squad in heavy combat, supporting assaults under intense fire, evacuating the wounded, and persisting despite severe injuries before being killed in action.
Private First Class Charles R. Johnson (Korea, 1953): For saving injured comrades during a massive enemy assault, engaging in hand-to-hand combat, and holding off enemy forces at the cost of his life, saving up to ten soldiers.
General Richard E. Cavazos (then 1st Lt.) (Korea, 1953): For leading multiple raids, evacuating casualties under heavy fire, and ensuring no soldiers were left behind. Cavazos later became a four-star general and was honored posthumously.
Captain Hugh R. Nelson Jr. (Vietnam, 1966): For rescuing injured comrades from a crashed helicopter under enemy fire, shielding one soldier with his body, and sacrificing his life to save others.
Specialist Fourth Class Kenneth J. David (Vietnam, 1970): For drawing enemy fire away from wounded comrades and Medevac helicopters, fighting despite injuries, and holding his position until the last helicopter departed.
The Medal of Honor, the highest U.S. military decoration, recognizes acts of extraordinary bravery and self-sacrifice above and beyond the call of duty.
President Biden announced the members of a Presidential Delegation to attend the inauguration of His Excellency John Dramani Mahama as President of Ghana on January 7, 2025, in Accra. Shalanda D. Young, Director of the U.S. Office of Management and Budget, will lead the delegation. Other members include:
Virginia E. Palmer, U.S. Ambassador to Ghana.
Karen Bass, Mayor of Los Angeles, California.
Frances Z. Brown, Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for African Affairs at the National Security Council.
President Biden announced the recipients of the National Medal of Science and the National Medal of Technology and Innovation, the highest U.S. honors for achievements in science and technology. The National Medal of Science, established in 1959, recognizes contributions to science that benefit the nation, while the National Medal of Technology and Innovation, created in 1980, honors innovators advancing technology, the economy, and quality of life.
Biden highlighted that these recipients embody America's spirit of "possibilities" by tackling major challenges and advancing solutions in climate, medicine, vaccines, communication, and space exploration. Their work strengthens U.S. leadership in science and inspires future generations.
National Medal of Science Recipients:
Richard B. Alley
Larry Martin Bartels
Bonnie L. Bassler
Angela Marie Belcher
Helen M. Blau
Emery Neal Brown
John O. Dabiri
Ingrid Daubechies
Cynthia Dwork
R. Lawrence Edwards
Wendy L. Freedman
Keivan G. Stassun
G. David Tilman
Teresa Kaye Woodruff
National Medal of Technology and Innovation Recipients:
Martin Cooper
Jennifer A. Doudna
Eric R. Fossum
Paula T. Hammond
Kristina M. Johnson
Victor B. Lawrence
David R. Walt
Paul G. Yock
Feng Zhang
Organizations: Moderna, Inc. and Pfizer Inc.National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan held an on-the-record press gaggle. He began by announcing a visit to New Delhi, India, from January 5 to 6, marking his final trip to the Indo-Pacific region in his current role. During the visit, he will meet with Indian officials, including National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, to discuss defense, strategic technology cooperation, and shared security priorities. Sullivan will also address young entrepreneurs at IIT Delhi, highlighting U.S.-India innovation efforts under the iCET initiative.
On the Nippon Steel deal, the U.S. blocked the acquisition of a major steel producer, emphasizing the need to keep critical infrastructure under domestic ownership. Addressing concerns about strained U.S.-Japan relations, Kirby defended the administration’s record of reliability and its commitment to alliances in the Indo-Pacific, citing initiatives like AUKUS and the Camp David summit as evidence.
In response to recent threats, including vehicular attacks, Kirby assured that federal agencies are actively working to safeguard the upcoming inauguration and that the Trump transition team is being briefed on security issues. He also highlighted federal law enforcement vigilance following the New Orleans and Las Vegas incidents.
Regarding Middle East developments, Kirby discussed ongoing U.S. efforts to broker a ceasefire and hostage release deal involving Hamas and Israel, welcoming Israel’s decision to send a team to Doha for further negotiations. In Lebanon, the U.S. supports maintaining a fragile ceasefire and emphasizes the importance of democratic processes as the country prepares for a presidential election.
In South Korea, amidst political instability, the U.S. reaffirmed its ironclad alliance and commitment to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. Kirby expressed confidence in South Korea’s adherence to constitutional processes while ensuring open communication with its government.
Kirby also addressed topics like Ukraine, noting that additional security aid packages are expected soon, and downplayed Elon Musk’s comments on foreign elections, emphasizing U.S. respect for democratic processes. While refusing to comment on the legal complexities surrounding Guantanamo cases, he reiterated the administration’s commitment to transferring detainees and reducing security threats globally.
The briefing underscored the administration's commitment to international alliances, domestic security, and active diplomacy in addressing complex global challenges.
President Biden issued several executive orders and memoranda to establish clear orders of succession for various government agencies, ensuring continuity of leadership during vacancies caused by death, resignation, or incapacitation. For the Office of the National Cyber Director (ONCD), the order of succession begins with the Deputy National Cyber Director, followed by the Chief of Staff and Assistant Directors, with restrictions on acting officials assuming leadership unless qualified under the Federal Vacancies Reform Act. Similarly, the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) has a designated succession order starting with the Deputy CEO, Head of Investment, and Chief Operating Officer, among others. It includes provisions that acting officials must meet federal requirements to serve. This directive also revokes a 2021 memorandum on DFC succession.
In the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), the order of succession prioritizes the Chief of Staff, General Counsel, and other senior officials based on their appointment seniority while prohibiting acting officials from serving unless legally eligible. This directive supersedes a 2020 succession memorandum. The succession for the Department of Agriculture begins with the Undersecretaries for Farm Production and Conservation, Food Services. It continues through key officials, including State Executive Directors, who are prioritized alphabetically in cases of identical start dates. This directive replaces a 2012 executive order.
The Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) succession prioritizes Associate Directors, including the U.S. Chief Technology Officer, followed by the Chief of Staff and Deputy Directors, based on seniority. Acting officials must meet the eligibility requirements of the Federal Vacancies Reform Act. This directive revokes a 2017 memorandum. At the United States Agency for Global Media (USAGM), the designated succession order includes the Director of Voice of America, General Counsel, CFO, and Chief Management Officer, with acting officials barred from assuming leadership unless legally qualified.
For the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the order of succession starts with Deputy Administrators and Assistant Administrators in appointment order while also requiring acting officials to meet federal qualifications. This memorandum revokes a 2008 directive. Finally, the Department of the Treasury's succession hierarchy begins with Under Secretaries, General Counsel, and Assistant Secretaries, followed by the Chief of Staff and IRS leadership, with acting officials required to meet the criteria under federal law. This directive replaces a 2016 executive order.
General provisions ensure compliance with the Federal Vacancies Reform Act and alignment with applicable laws and budgetary constraints across all these directives. The President retains the discretion to deviate from established orders when permitted by law. None of these directives creates enforceable legal rights or benefits, and all will be published in the Federal Register to ensure transparency.
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre held a briefing outlining the administration’s priorities and upcoming engagements. President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden will travel to New Orleans to support families and communities affected by the January 1st attack and meet with local officials. They will also attend former President Jimmy Carter’s state funeral. The President’s schedule also includes visits to Los Angeles, Coachella Valley, and Rome, where he will meet with global leaders, including Pope Francis and Italian officials, to discuss key international issues.
The administration has taken significant actions to protect national security, including blocking a foreign acquisition of U.S. Steel. This decision was based on concerns over risks to critical supply chains and domestic industries, emphasizing the need to maintain a resilient and American-owned steel sector. The President continues prioritizing measures to strengthen domestic manufacturing and counter unfair global trade practices, particularly those from China. The strongest U.S. steel industry in years reflects the administration's successful policies, such as tariffs on Chinese steel imports.
In response to the terrorist attack in New Orleans and a truck explosion in Las Vegas, the administration is closely monitoring ongoing investigations while emphasizing public safety during upcoming high-profile events like the inauguration and Super Bowl. Additionally, concerns about radicalization and mental health among military personnel involved in these incidents were acknowledged, with calls for continued vigilance by federal law enforcement and homeland security teams.
The briefing also addressed humanitarian and health concerns. The administration reassured the public about food safety amid the ongoing avian flu outbreak and emphasized its commitment to addressing human rights issues globally. However, specific comments on recent Amnesty International reports were deferred and are pending further review. On the domestic front, President Biden’s leadership in climate action, economic recovery, and infrastructure investment continues to highlight his commitment to building a stronger, more equitable America.
As the administration nears the end of its term, President Biden remains focused on delivering on his agenda. He plans to commemorate the anniversary of January 6th, reaffirming the importance of democracy. While reflecting on former President Carter’s legacy of service, Biden is expected to address his administration's achievements, including historic investments in infrastructure and climate resilience. The briefing concluded with an acknowledgment of departing White House staff and their contributions, underscoring the administration's continued focus on its goals in the coming weeks.
President Biden congratulates this year’s Medal Of Valor awardees at the White House
So much to keep up with, thank you