Barack Obama 2016-01-01 1 Appendix A-- Digest of Other White House Announcements The following list includes the President's public schedule and other items of general interest announced by the Office of the Press Secretary and not included elsewhere in this book. January 1 In the morning, the President traveled to Marine Corps Base Hawaii in Kaneohe Bay, HI. In the afternoon, the President returned to his vacation residence in Kailua, HI. Later, he and Mrs. Obama traveled to Waikiki, HI. In the evening, the President and Mrs. Obama returned to their vacation residence in Kailua, where they remained overnight. During the day, the President had an intelligence briefing. January 2 In the morning, the President, Mrs. Obama, and their daughters Malia and Sasha traveled to Bellows Air Force Station in Waimanalo, HI. Later, they returned to their vacation residence in Kailua, HI, arriving in the afternoon. In the afternoon, the President and his daughters Malia and Sasha traveled to Honolulu, HI, where they visited his sister Maya Soetoro-Ng. Then, they and Ms. Soetoro-Ng's daughters Suhaila and Savita Ng traveled to the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. Then, they traveled to the East-West Center. Later, they visited the Honolulu Zoo. Then, the President and his daughters returned to their vacation residence in Kailua, arriving in the evening. In the evening, the President, Mrs. Obama, and their daughters Malia and Sasha returned to Washington, DC, arriving the following afternoon. During the day, the President had an intelligence briefing. The President declared an emergency in Missouri and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local response efforts in the area affected by severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds, and flooding beginning on December 22, 2015, and continuing. January 4 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President had an intelligence briefing. The President declared a major disaster in Mississippi and ordered Federal aid to supplement State, tribal, and local recovery efforts in the area affected by severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds, and flooding from December 23 through 28, 2015. January 5 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. Later, in the Blue Room, the President met with citizens affected by gun violence prior to delivering remarks on gun violence prevention efforts. In the afternoon, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Biden met with Secretary of Defense Ashton B. Carter. During the day, the President was briefed on the death of S. Sgt. Matthew McClintock, USA, in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. January 6 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. Also in the morning, the President was briefed on the nuclear test conducted by North Korea. In the afternoon, in the Private Dining Room, the President and Vice President Biden had lunch. Later, in the Oval Office, they met with Secretary of State John F. Kerry. During the day, in the Oval Office, the President had a telephone conversation with Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi of Iraq to congratulate him on Iraqi forces' recent success in their effort to retake Ramadi from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) terrorist organization and underscore continuing U.S. support. They also discussed Iraq's economic stabilization efforts and the need to improve the structural integrity of the Mosul Dam, as well as regional issues, including Saudi Arabia's execution of Shia cleric Nimr al-Nimr and Iraq- Turkey relations. He also had separate telephone conversations with President Park Geun-hye of South Korea and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan to discuss the international response to North Korea's nuclear test and congratulate the two leaders on the recent South Korea- Japan agreement to resolve the World War II-era "comfort women" issue. Also during the day, in the Oval Office, the President met with White House Chief of Staff Denis R. McDonough, Council of Economic Advisers Chairman Jason L. Furman, and National Economic Council Director Jeffrey D. Zients. January 7 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. In the evening, the President traveled to Fairfax, VA. Later, he returned to Washington, DC. January 8 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President had an intelligence briefing. In the afternoon, in the Oval Office, the President participated in a conference call with grassroots supporters to discuss gun violence prevention efforts. Then, also in the Oval Office, he participated in promotion ceremonies for Cmdr. Jillian C. Malzone, USCG, and Lt. Col. Andrew C. Steadman, USA, Military Aides to the President, and met with members of their families. The White House announced that the President will welcome Prime Minister Malcolm B. Turnbull of Australia to the White House on January 19. January 9 The White House announced that the President will travel to Omaha, NE, on January 13. January 11 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. In the afternoon, starting in the Grand Foyer, the President recorded an interview with Matt Lauer of NBC's "Today" program for later broadcast. The White House announced that the President will travel to Baton Rouge, LA, on January 13 and 14. The President announced his intention to nominate Todd A. Weiler to be Assistant Secretary of Defense for Manpower and Reserve Affairs. The President announced his intention to nominate Nelson Reyneri to be a member of the Board of Directors for the Overseas Private Investment Corporation. The President announced his intention to nominate Kelly Keiderling-Franz to be Ambassador to Uruguay. The President announced his intention to nominate Stephen M. Schwartz to be Ambassador to Somalia. The President announced his intention to nominate the following individuals to be members of the Board of Directors for the National Association of Registered Agents and Brokers: Raymond G. Farmer; Thomas McLeary; Michael J. Rothman; and Heather A. Steinmiller. The President announced his intention to nominate J. Mark McWatters to be a member of the Board of Directors for the Export-Import Bank of the United States. The President announced his intention to appoint Thomas M. Gallas as a member of the National Capital Planning Commission. The President announced his intention to appoint Ethel Brooks, Sara Darehshori, and Norman L. Eisen as members of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council. January 12 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. In the afternoon, the President posted a live video preview of his State of the Union Address to his Facebook feed. The President announced the designation of the following individuals as members of a Presidential delegation to attend the Inauguration of Jimmy Morales as President of Guatemala in Guatemala City, Guatemala, on January 14: Joseph R. Biden, Jr. (head of delegation); Todd Robinson; Jeh C. Johnson; Thomas R. Carper; Norma Torres; Thomas A. Shannon; and Mark Feierstein. The President announced the nomination of Winfield D. Ong to be a judge on the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana. The President announced the nomination of Myra C. Selby and Donald K. Schott to be judges on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. January 13 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President had an intelligence briefing. Also in the morning, the President had a telephone conversation with President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin of Russia to discuss the importance of working toward a diplomatic solution to the crisis in Ukraine through full implementation of the Minsk agreements by all parties, the situation in Syria, including diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict and the urgent humanitarian needs of the Syrian people, and the necessity for a strong and united international response to North Korea's recent nuclear test in defiance of Security Council resolutions. In the afternoon, the President traveled to Joint Base Andrews, MD, where he met with King Abdullah II of Jordan. Then, he traveled to Omaha, NE. Upon arrival, he traveled to Papillion, NE, where he visited with Lisa Martin, who had written him a letter on her concerns as a new mother, her husband Jeff, and their son Cooper. Then, he visited with some local neighborhood residents before leaving for the Baxter Arena in Omaha. In the evening, the President traveled to Baton Rouge, LA. Upon arrival, he traveled to the Holiday Inn Baton Rouge hotel, where he remained overnight. During the day, the President had a telephone conversation with Head Coach Nicholas L. Saban of the University of Alabama football team to congratulate him on his team's victory in the 2015 College Football Playoff National Championship. January 14 In the morning, from Room A111 of McKinley Senior High School in Baton Rouge, LA, the President participated in a Twitter question-and-answer session. In the afternoon, while en route to the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport, the President stopped at Poor Boy Lloyd's restaurant, where he purchased sandwiches and visited with patrons. Then, he returned to Washington, DC. During the day, the President met with Ben Simmons, a freshman on the Louisiana State University basketball team. January 15 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. In the afternoon, the President had a telephone conversation with President Enrique Peña Nieto of Mexico to congratulate him on the arrest of Sinaloa drug cartel leader Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzmán Loera and review broader security and economic issues, including the importance of taking steps to advance the approval of the Trans-Pacific Partnership. Then, in the Private Dining Room, he and Vice President Biden had lunch. Later, in the East Room, he recorded separate live interviews with YouTube hosts Destin Sandlin, Ingrid Nilsen, and Adande "Swoozie" Thorne for online broadcast. Later in the afternoon, in the Situation Room, the President met with the National Security Council to discuss the campaign to degrade and destroy the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) terrorist organization. The President was briefed on recent progress by Iraqi security forces in taking back Ramadi and ways in which the Global Coalition To Counter ISIL can continue to accelerate and integrate the military campaign on all possible fronts in Iraq and Syria. The White House announced that the President will award National Medal of Science and National Medal of Technology and Innovation to 17 scientists, engineers, mathematicians, and innovators on January 22. The President declared a major disaster in Washington and ordered Federal aid to supplement State, tribal, and local recovery efforts in the area affected by severe storms, straight-line winds, flooding, landslides, and mudslides from November 12 through 21, 2015. January 16 In the evening, at the Oyamel Cocina Mexicana restaurant, the President and Mrs. Obama had dinner. The President declared an emergency in Michigan in response to a request from the Governor submitted on January 14 and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local response efforts due to the emergency conditions in the area affected by contaminated water. January 17 The White House announced that the President will travel to Detroit, MI, on January 20. January 18 In the afternoon, at the Leckie Elementary School, the President and Mrs. Obama participated in a community service event in commemoration of Martin Luther King, Jr., Day. Wendy Spencer, Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation for National and Community Service, also attended. January 19 In the morning, the President had a telephone conversation with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey to express his condolences for and condemnation of the January 12 terrorist attack in Istanbul, pledge continued cooperation in the fight against terrorism, including degrading and ultimately destroying the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) terrorist organization, and discuss the recent string of attacks against Turkish security forces by the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and the urgent need for deescalation. In the afternoon, in the Cabinet Room, the President and Prime Minister Malcolm B. Turnbull of Australia had a working lunch. Later, in the Oval Office, he met with Secretary of State John F. Kerry. During the day, the President met with Mayor Karen Williams Weaver of Flint, MI, to discuss the city's contaminated tap water supply and efforts to restore access to safe water for residents, including Federal emergency assistance. January 20 In the morning, the President traveled to Detroit, MI, arriving in the afternoon. In the afternoon, the President traveled to the Jolly Pumpkin Pizzeria and Brewery, where he had lunch with Mayor Michael E. Duggan of Detroit, Shinola Founder Tom Kartsotis, Henry Ford Health System emergency physician Tolulope Sonuyi, and United Automobile Workers (UAW) Local 22 member and General Motors Co. employee Teana Dowdell. Later, he visited Shinola's flagship storefront adjacent to the restaurant. Then, he traveled to the Cobo Center, where he met with North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) Chairman Paul Sabatini, Cochair Sam Slaughter, and Executive Director Rod Alberts, followed by a tour of NAIAS exhibits with Chairman Sabatini, UAW President Dennis Williams, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles Vice President of Vehicle Engineering Mitch Clauw, General Motors Co. President Daniel L. Amman, and Chevrolet Bolt EV specialist Patrick Foley. Later, also at the Cobo Center, he recorded an interview with Lee Cowan of CBS News for later broadcast. Later in the afternoon, in the Hi-Bay Training Room at the UAW-GM Center for Human Resources, the President continued his interview with Lee Cowan of CBS News. Then, he returned to Washington, DC, arriving in the evening. January 21 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President had an intelligence briefing. Later, he had a telephone conversation with Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany to offer his condolences for the loss of German life in the January 12 terrorist attack in Istanbul, Turkey, discuss the European response to the influx of Middle Eastern and North African refugees, underscore the importance of global efforts to address the humanitarian crisis in Syria, and review the situation in Ukraine. The White House announced that the National Medal of Science and National Medal of Technology and Innovation presentation ceremony scheduled for January 22 would be postponed due to inclement weather. The President declared a major disaster in Missouri and ordered Federal aid to supplement State, tribal, and local recovery efforts in the area affected by severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds, and flooding from December 23, 2015, to January 9, 2016. The President declared a major disaster in Alabama and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area affected by severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds, and flooding from December 23 through 31, 2015. January 22 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. In the afternoon, in the Oval Office, the President recorded an interview with Glenn Thrush for Politico's "Off Message" podcast for later online broadcast. January 24 During the day, the President had a telephone conversation with former President Shimon Peres of Israel to wish him a speedy recovery following his recent heart attack. January 25 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President had an intelligence briefing. In the afternoon, the President traveled to Bethesda, MD, where, at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, he visited with wounded U.S. servicemembers and their families. Later, he returned to Washington, DC. January 26 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. Later, also in the Oval Office, they met with Senate Minority Leader Harry M. Reid and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi to discuss legislative priorities in advance of the House Democratic Issues Conference later in the week. In the afternoon, in the Oval Office, the President participated in an interview with Jeffrey Goldberg of the Atlantic magazine. Then, in the Situation Room, he met with leaders of his health and national security teams, including Secretary of Health and Human Services Sylvia Mathews Burwell, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Thomas R. Frieden, and National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Director Anthony S. Fauci, to discuss the spread of Zika and other mosquito-borne viruses in the Americas as well as steps being taken to protect the U.S. public and the potential economic and developmental impacts of the Zika virus spreading in the Western Hemisphere. The President emphasized the need to accelerate research efforts to make available better diagnostic tests, develop vaccines and therapeutics, and ensure that all U.S. citizens have information about the Zika virus and steps they can take to better protect themselves from infection. January 27 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. Later, also in the Oval Office, they met with Secretary of the Treasury Jacob J. Lew. Then, also in the Oval Office, the President met with Sen. Bernard Sanders. In the afternoon, in the Private Dining Room, the President and Vice President Biden had lunch. Later, in the Diplomatic Reception Room, the President recorded separate "Live From the White House" television interviews on the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act with Curt Autry of WWBT in Richmond, VA; Jim Rosenfield of WCAU in Philadelphia, PA; Joyce Garbaciak of WISN in Milwaukee, WI; Deanie Wimmer of KSL in Salt Lake City, UT; Jim Benemann of KCNC in Denver, CO; David Ono of KABC in Los Angeles, CA; and Allen Martin of KPIX in Oakland, CA, for later broadcast. January 28 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. Then, in the Situation Room, the President met with the National Security Council to discuss the intensification of the U.S. campaign to degrade and destroy the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) terrorist organization, as well as the integration of military and diplomatic efforts on all fronts, including working with international partners to counter ISIL's stated goal of expansion beyond Iraq and Syria. In the afternoon, in the Oval Office, the President participated in a credentialing ceremony for newly appointed Ambassadors to the U.S. Later, he traveled to Baltimore, MD, arriving in the evening. In the evening, the President returned to Washington, DC. The President announced the nomination of Terrence J. Campbell to be a judge on the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas. The President announced the nomination of Jennifer Klemetsrud Puhl to be a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. January 29 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President had an intelligence briefing. In the afternoon, in the Oval Office, the President met with Secretary of Defense Ashton B. Carter. Later, he had a telephone conversation with President Dilma Vana Rousseff of Brazil to discuss shared concerns over the spread of the Zika virus in the Western Hemisphere, the importance of collaborative efforts to deepen knowledge, advance research, and accelerate work to develop better vaccines and other technologies to control the virus, and the crucial need to prioritize building national, regional, and global capacity to combat infectious disease threats more broadly. The White House announced that the President will meet with Speaker of the House of Representatives Paul D. Ryan and Senate Majority Leader A. Mitchell McConnell on February 2 to discuss legislative priorities for the upcoming congressional session and areas of potential compromise. The White House announced that the President will welcome President Sergio Mattarella of Italy to the White House on February 8. The White House announced that the President will travel to Springfield, IL, on February 10 to address the Illinois General Assembly. The President announced his intention to nominate R. David Harden to be Assistant Administrator for Democracy, Conflict, and Humanitarian Assistance at the U.S. Agency for International Development. The President announced his intention to appoint Traci D. Blackmon, Rachel Held Evans, and Adam Hamilton as members of the President's Advisory Council on Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships. January 30 In the afternoon, at the home of Vernon E. Jordan, Jr., the President and White House Senior Adviser Valerie B. Jarrett attended the Alfalfa Club luncheon. The White House announced that the President will travel to Baltimore, MD, on February 3. February 1 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President had an intelligence briefing. Later, also in the Oval Office, he met with Secretary of Health and Human Services Sylvia Mathews Burwell. In the afternoon, in the Vice President's Ceremonial Office at the Dwight D. Eisenhower Executive Office Building, the President and Vice President Joe Biden met with administration officials and research experts serving on the White House Cancer Moonshot Task Force. The White House announced that the President will welcome the 2015 National Basketball Association Champion Golden State Warriors to the White House on February 4. The President declared a major disaster in Idaho and ordered Federal aid to supplement State, tribal, and local recovery efforts in the area affected by severe winter storms from December 16 through 27, 2015. February 2 In the morning, the President had a telephone conversation with Prime Minister David Cameron of the United Kingdom to discuss the situation in Syria, including international humanitarian support for those displaced by the violence and efforts to alleviate the refugee inflows in Europe; note the ongoing initiative to resolve the political impasse in Libya; and review U.K. negotiations with European Union leaders to reform its membership status. Then, in the Oval Office, he met with Speaker of the House of Representatives Paul D. Ryan and Senate Majority Leader A. Mitchell McConnell to discuss legislative priorities for the upcoming congressional session and areas of potential compromise. Vice President Joe Biden also attended. In the afternoon, in the Private Dining Room, the President had lunch with Speaker Ryan. The White House announced that the President will present the Medal of Honor to Senior Chief Petty Officer Edward C. Byers, Jr., USN, on February 29. The President declared a major disaster in Washington and ordered Federal aid to supplement State, tribal, and local recovery efforts in the area affected by a severe winter storm, straight-line winds, flooding, landslides, mudslides, and a tornado from December 1 through 14, 2015. February 3 In the morning, the President traveled to Catonsville, MD, where, at the Islamic Society of Baltimore, he participated in a roundtable discussion with Muslim leaders from around the country. In the afternoon, in the gymnasium of the Al-Rahmah School on the campus of the Islamic Society of Baltimore, the President visited with students who had gathered to listen to his earlier remarks. Later, he returned to Washington, DC. Later in the afternoon, in Rooms 210 and 212 of the Dwight D. Eisenhower Executive Office Building, the President dropped by a meeting of the White House Rural Council to thank the Council for its work and discuss efforts to target Federal resources to help rural communities confront the challenges of financial stress, mental health, and the opioid epidemic. February 4 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. In the afternoon, in the Oval Office, the President met with President Juan Manuel Santos Calderon of Colombia. Vice President Biden, National Security Adviser Susan E. Rice, Deputy Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken, and Colombia's Minister of Foreign Relations Maria Angela Holguin Cuellar and Minister of Interior Juan Fernando Cristo Bustos also attended. During the day, in the Oval Office, the President met with Sen. Charles E. Grassley and Rep. Robert W. Goodlatte to discuss criminal justice reform legislation. The President announced the nomination of Stephanie A. Finley to be a judge on the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana. The President announced the nomination of Claude J. Kelly III to be a judge on the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana. The President announced the nomination of Patrick A. Burke to be a U.S. Marshal for the District of Columbia. February 5 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. Then, the President had a telephone conversation with President Xi Jinping of China to coordinate diplomatic efforts in response to North Korea's January 6 nuclear test, reaffirm their commitment to the complete and verifiable denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, reiterate that North Korea's planned ballistic missile test would violate multiple U.N. Security Council resolutions, and emphasize the importance of a strong and united international response. Later, in the Oval Office, he met with Sen. Robert P. Casey, Jr., to discuss legislative priorities for the upcoming congressional session. In the afternoon, in the East Room, the President recorded a segment with Stephen T. Colbert for CBS's "Late Show With Stephen Colbert" for later broadcast. The President declared a major disaster in Arkansas and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area affected by severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds, and flooding from December 26, 2015, through January 22, 2016. The President declared an emergency in Louisiana and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local response efforts due to the emergency conditions in the area affected by flooding from December 28, 2015, through February 1, 2016. February 7 In the afternoon, in the Blue Room, the President and Mrs. Obama participated in a live pre-Super Bowl 50 interview with Gayle King of the "CBS This Morning" program. Then, in the Oval Office, he continued his interview with Ms. King for later broadcast. The White House announced that the President will travel to Springfield, IL, on February 10. February 8 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. Then, the President had a telephone conversation with Prime Minister Justin P.J. Trudeau of Canada to discuss Canada's role in the Global Coalition To Counter ISIL and Canada-U.S. relations. Later, in the Oval Office, he and Vice President Biden met with President Sergio Mattarella of Italy. In the afternoon, in the Private Dining Room, the President and Vice President Biden had lunch. In the evening, the President had a telephone conversation with President Park Geun-hye of South Korea to discuss North Korea's recent ballistic missile launch, reiterate South Korea-U.S. solidarity, and emphasize the need for a strong and united international response. He also had a telephone conversation with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan to discuss North Korea's provocations, Japan-U.S. security cooperation, and the importance of forging a strong, united international response to North Korea's actions. The White House announced that the President will travel to San Jose, CA, on February 11. The White House announced that the President will welcome King Abdullah II of Jordanto the White House on February 24. February 9 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. In the afternoon, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Biden met with House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, Senate Minority Leader Harry M. Reid, Sen. Charles E. Schumer, and Rep. Steven J. Israel to discuss the President's 2017 Federal budget proposal and domestic and national security priorities over the coming months. Later, in the Oval Office, the President had a telephone conversation with Head Coach Gary W. Kubiak and team captain and offensive linebacker DeMarcus Ware of the National Football League's Denver Broncos to congratulate them on their team's victory in Super Bowl 50. The White House announced that the President will travel to Los Angeles, CA, on February 11. The President declared a major disaster in Texas and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area affected by severe winter storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds, and flooding from December 26, 2015, through January 21, 2016. February 10 In the morning, the President traveled to Springfield, IL. Upon arrival, he traveled to the Feed Store restaurant, where he ordered lunch, greeted patrons and staff, and posed for photographs. In the afternoon, at the Hoogland Center for the Arts, the President and former Illinois State Sens. Kirk W. Dillard, Dennis J. Jacobs, and Lawrence M. Walsh, Jr., participated in an interview with Christi Parsons of the Chicago Tribune and the Los Angeles Times for later broadcast online. Later, he traveled to San Jose, CA, arriving in the evening. In the evening, the President traveled to the Sheraton San Jose Hotel in Milpitas, CA, where he remained overnight. The White House announced that the President will travel to Palm Springs, CA, on February 12. The President declared a major disaster in Oklahoma and ordered Federal aid to supplement State, tribal, and local recovery efforts in the area affected by severe winter storms and flooding from December 26, 2015, through January 5, 2016. February 11 In the morning, the President traveled to a private residence in Palo Alto, CA, where he attended a Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee fundraiser. In the afternoon, the President traveled to Atherton, CA. Later, he traveled to Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank, CA, where he recorded an interview with Ellen DeGeneres of NBC's "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" for later broadcast. Later, he traveled to Los Angeles, CA. In the evening, the President traveled to the W Los Angeles- West Beverly Hills hotel, where he remained overnight. The White House announced that the President will welcome the 2015 Stanley Cup Champion Chicago Blackhawks to the White House on February 18. The President announced his intention to nominate John B. King, Jr., to be Secretary of Education. The President announced the nomination of Abdul K. Kallon to be a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit. February 12 In the morning, the President traveled to Palm Springs, CA. While en route aboard Air Force One, he took an aerial tour of the newly established Castle Mountains National Monument, Mojave Trails National Monument, and Sand to Snow National Monument in Southern California. Upon arrival in Palm Springs, he traveled to Rancho Mirage, CA, arriving in the afternoon. In the evening, the President traveled to a private residence in the Thunderbird Heights neighborhood, where he remained overnight. The President announced his intention to nominate Christine A. Elder to be Ambassador to Liberia. The President announced his intention to nominate Elizabeth Holzhall Richard to be Ambassador to Lebanon. The President announced his intention to nominate Ranvir Trehan to be a General Trustee on the Board of Trustees of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The President announced his intention to nominate Raymond Bogan to be a U.S. Commissioner to the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas. The President announced his intention to nominate Sharon H. Yuan and Miriam Sapiro to be members of the Panel of Arbitrators of the International Centre for the Settlement of Investment Disputes. February 13 In the morning, the President traveled to Thunderbird Country Club in Rancho Mirage, CA. Then, he returned to a private residence in the Thunderbird Heights neighborhood. Later, he traveled to La Quinta, CA, arriving in the afternoon. In the afternoon, the President returned to a private residence in the Thunderbird Heights neighborhood of Rancho Mirage. Also in the afternoon, he was informed of the death of Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonin G. Scalia. Later in the afternoon, following his remarks at Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort and Spa, the President returned to a private residence in Thunderbird Heights, where he remained overnight. In the evening, the President had a telephone conversation with Eugene Scalia, son of Associate Justice Antonin Scalia, to extend his and Mrs. Obama's condolences to the entire Scalia family on the death of his father. Later, he had a telephone conversation with President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin of Russia to discuss the February 11 meeting of the International Syria Support Group, the delivery of humanitarian aid to besieged areas of Syria, and the implementation of a nationwide cessation of hostilities. In particular, President Obama urged Russia to play a constructive role by ending its air campaign against moderate opposition forces in Syria. They also discussed the situation in Ukraine and the need for separatist forces to fulfill their Minsk agreement obligations, especially adhering to the cease-fire and ensuring full access for the special monitoring mission of the Organization for Security and Co-Operation in Europe in eastern Ukraine. February 14 In the morning, the President traveled to Thunderbird Country Club in Rancho Mirage, CA. Then, he returned to a private residence in the Thunderbird Heights neighborhood of Rancho Mirage. Later, he traveled to the Porcupine Creek Golf Course. In the evening, the President returned to a private residence in Thunderbird Heights, where he remained overnight. February 15 In the morning, the President traveled to Thunderbird Country Club in Rancho Mirage, CA. Then, he returned to a private residence in the Thunderbird Heights neighborhood of Rancho Mirage. Later, he traveled to the Annenberg Retreat at Sunnylands. In the afternoon, the President returned to a private residence in Thunderbird Heights. Later, he traveled to the Annenberg Retreat at Sunnylands, where, at the Sunnylands Center, he greeted leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). In the evening, the President returned to a private residence in Thunderbird Heights. Then, he traveled to the Annenberg Retreat at Sunnylands, where, at the Historic House, he hosted a working dinner for ASEAN leaders. Later, he returned to a private residence in Thunderbird Heights, where he remained overnight. During the day, on the margins of the U.S.-ASEAN Leaders Summit‎ at Sunnylands, the President met with Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung of Vietnam to discuss Vietnam-U.S. relations and note President Obama's acceptance of Vietnam's invitation to visit in May when he travels to Japan for the Group of Seven (G-7) nations summit. February 16 In the morning, the President traveled to Thunderbird Country Club in Rancho Mirage, CA. Then, he returned to a private residence in the Thunderbird Heights neighborhood of Rancho Mirage. Later, he traveled to the Annenberg Retreat at Sunnylands, where, in the Historic House, he attended a second retreat session with leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Then, he participated in a family photograph with ASEAN leaders. In the afternoon, the President recorded an interview with Lin Xueling of Channel NewsAsia for later broadcast. Later, he returned to Washington, DC, arriving in the evening. February 17 In the afternoon, in the Oval Office, the President met with Secretary of State John F. Kerry. In the evening, at the BLT Steak restaurant, the President had dinner with actor Morgan Freeman and Obama Foundation advisers working on plans for siting a Presidential library in Chicago, IL. The White House announced that the President and Mrs. Obama will attend a public viewing of Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonin G. Scalia who will lie in repose in the Great Hall at the U.S. Supreme Court on February 19. The President announced his intention to appoint Thomas E. Donilon as Chair of the Commission on Enhancing National Cybersecurity. The President announced his intention to appoint Samuel J. Palmisano as Vice Chair of the Commission on Enhancing National Cybersecurity. The President declared a major disaster in Alaska and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area affected by a severe storm from December 12 through 15, 2015. The President declared a major disaster in Oregon and ordered Federal aid to supplement State, tribal, and local recovery efforts in the area affected by severe winter storms, straight-line winds, flooding, landslides, and mudslides from December 6 through 23, 2015. February 18 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President had an intelligence briefing. In the afternoon, in the Oval Office, the President met with members of the family of civil rights icon Martin Luther King, Jr., and showed them the bust newly displayed in the Oval Office in commemoration of Dr. King's legacy. During the day, the President had separate telephone conversations with Senate Majority Leader A. Mitchell McConnell, Minority Leader Harry M. Reid, and Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Patrick J. Leahy to discuss his intention to nominate a Supreme Court Associate Justice. Also during the day, in the Oval Office, the President and Mrs. Obama met with Virginia McClaurin, a 106-year-old Washington, DC, resident who was at the White House to attend the Black History Month reception in the East Room. The White House announced that the President and Mrs. Obama will travel to Cuba on March 21 and 22 and Argentina on March 23 and 24. February 19 In the morning, the President had a telephone conversation with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey to discuss the situation in Syria and Turkish-U.S. counterterrorism cooperation, in particular the shared goal of degrading and ultimately destroying the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) terrorist organization. The President condemned and offered condolences for the February 17 terrorist attack in Ankara, Turkey, and the February 18 terrorist attack against a Turkish military convoy in Diyarbakir Province, expressed concern about recent Syrian regime advances in northwest Syria, and called for a halt to actions that heighten tensions between Turkey and moderate opposition forces in northern Syria and undermine collective efforts to combat ISIL. Also in the morning, he had a telephone conversation with Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Charles E. Grassley to discuss his intention to nominate a Supreme Court Associate Justice. In the afternoon, at the U.S. Supreme Court, the President and Mrs. Obama met with members of Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonin G. Scalia's family to extend their condolences on behalf of the Nation for his death and express gratitude for his decades of public service. Then, in the Great Hall, he and Mrs. Obama attended a public viewing of Justice Scalia, who lay in repose until his funeral on February 20. The President announced his intention to appoint David Benton as a member of the Arctic Research Commission. The President announced his intention to appoint the following individuals as members of the National Advisory Council on Indian Education: Phyliss J. Anderson; Mandy Broaddus; Dahkota Kicking Bear Brown; and Joely Proudfit. The President announced his intention to appoint Robert O. Carr and Keith T. Parker as members of the National Infrastructure Advisory Council. February 22 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. Also in the morning, he had a telephone conversation with President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin of Russia to discuss the situation in Syria, in particular the international diplomatic efforts to establish a cease-fire between the Syrian regime and the armed opposition, and the situation in Ukraine, with President Obama stressing the importance of separatist forces in eastern Ukraine fulfilling their obligations under the Minsk agreements by honoring the cease-fire and permitting the special monitoring mission of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe full access to the conflict area. Later, he had a telephone conversation with Mayor Bobby J. Hopewell of Kalamazoo, MI, City Manager James Ritsema, Deputy City Manager Jeff Chamberlain, Kalamazoo County Sheriff Richard C. Fuller III, and Kalamazoo Public Safety Chief Jeffrey Hadley to offer his condolences for the injuries and loss of life in the February 20 shooting and offer any Federal support needed in pursuing their investigation. In the afternoon, in the Private Dining Room, the President and Vice President Biden had lunch. Later, on the South Lawn, the President recorded an interview with actor Leonardo DiCaprio for a documentary film on climate change. The White House released further details on the President's presentation of the Medal of Honor to Senior Chief Petty Officer Edward C. Byers, Jr., USN, on February 29. February 23 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. In the afternoon, in the Situation Room, the President participated in a video conference with Prime Minister David Cameron of the United Kingdom, President François Hollande of France, and Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany to discuss the situation in Syria, including international diplomatic efforts to negotiate a cease-fire, and the ongoing refugee and migration crisis in Europe, in particular the importance of the NATO mission and coordination between Greece and Turkey to manage the flow of migrants into Europe. Later, in the Gallatin West Room of the Jefferson, Washington, DC hotel, he attended a Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee roundtable fundraiser. The White House announced that the President will travel to Jacksonville, FL, on February 26. February 24 In the morning, the President published a guest post titled "A Responsibility I Take Seriously" on SCOTUSblog.com, a website focusing on the Supreme Court. In the afternoon, in the Oval Office, the President met with Veterans of Foreign Wars Commander-in-Chief John A. Biedrzycki and Executive Director Robert E. Wallace. Later, also in the Oval Office, he met with Sen. Orrin G. Hatch, President pro tempore of the Senate and former chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, to discuss his intention to nominate a Supreme Court Associate Justice. The President announced his intention to nominate Carla D. Hayden to be Librarian of Congress. February 25 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President had an intelligence briefing. Also in the morning, he met with Sen. A. Lamar Alexander, Jr. In the afternoon, in the South Court Auditorium of the Dwight D. Eisenhower Executive Office Building, the President recorded an interview with James Hamblin of the Atlantic magazine's "If Our Bodies Could Talk" video series for later broadcast online. Later, in the Holbrooke Conference Room at the Department of State, he met with the National Security Council. During the day, the President had a telephone conversation with Prime Minister Matteo Renzi of Italy to discuss Italy-U.S. cooperation in the effort to defeat the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) terrorist organization, strategies to manage the flow of migrants into Europe, and ways to improve the economic situation in Europe. The White House announced that the President will meet on March 1 with Senate Majority Leader A. Mitchell McConnell, Minority Leader Harry M. Reid, and Judiciary Committee Chairman Charles E. Grassley and Ranking Member Patrick J. Leahy to discuss his intention to nominate a Supreme Court Associate Justice. The President announced the nomination of Donald W. Beatty and Donald C. Coggins, Jr., to be judges on the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina. The President announced the nomination of Lucy Haeran Koh to be a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. February 26 In the morning, the President traveled to Jacksonville, FL, arriving in the afternoon. While en route aboard Air Force One, he had a telephone conversation with Mayor David K. Kauffman of Hesston, KS, to discuss the shootings in Newton, KS, and Excel Industries in Hesston on February 25, offer his condolences for the loss of life, and extend his gratitude to police officers and other first responders who acted quickly to save lives. In the afternoon, the President traveled to the Saft America, Inc., advanced batteries plant, where he toured manufacturing facilities with Saft America President Thomas J. Alcide, plant employee Jim Mastronardi, and Rep. Patrick E. Murphy. Later, he returned to Washington, DC. The White House announced further details on the President's March 1 meeting with Senate Majority Leader A. Mitchell McConnell, Minority Leader Harry M. Reid, and Judiciary Committee Chairman Charles E. Grassley and Ranking Member Patrick J. Leahy to discuss his intention to nominate a Supreme Court Associate Justice. The White House announced that the President will welcome the 2015 College Football Playoff National Champion University of Alabama Crimson Tide to the White House on March 2. The White House announced further details on the state visit of Prime Minister Justin P.J. Trudeau of Canada on March 10. The President declared a major disaster in Georgia and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area affected by severe storms and flooding from December 22, 2015, through January 13, 2016. February 29 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President had an intelligence briefing. In the afternoon, in the Cabinet Room, the President participated in an interview with American Ballet Theatre principal dancer Misty Copeland and Maya Rhodan of Time magazine. The White House announced that the President will travel to Milwaukee, WI, on March 3. March 1 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. Then, also in the Oval Office, the President met with a delegation of scouts from Boy Scouts of America, who presented him with their annual report and discussed their youth development initiatives. Later, also in the Oval Office, he met with Senate Majority Leader A. Mitchell McConnell, Minority Leader Harry M. Reid, and Judiciary Committee Chairman Charles E. Grassley and Ranking Member Patrick J. Leahy to discuss the President's intention to nominate a Supreme Court Associate Justice. In the afternoon, in the Private Dining Room, the President and Vice President Biden had lunch. March 2 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. In the afternoon, in the Oval Office, the President participated in a credentialing ceremony for newly appointed Ambassadors to the U.S.: Pierre Clive Agius of Malta, Elisenda Vives Balmaña of Andorra, Armando Varricchio of Italy, and David B. MacNaughton of Canada. Later, he had a telephone conversation with NASA astronaut Cmdr. Scott J. Kelly to welcome him back to Earth from his record-breaking yearlong mission on the International Space Station, thank him for his service and for sharing his journey with people across the globe through social media, and note his participation in important research, which will help inspire a new generation of young people to pursue studies and careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics and maintain U.S. leadership in space exploration. March 3 In the morning, the President traveled to Milwaukee, WI. In the afternoon, at the Engine Company 3 restaurant, the President had lunch with Mosinee, WI, resident Brent Brown, Springfield, IL, resident Karen George, and Milwaukee, WI, residents Karen and Sharon Szyszko and Susan W. Campbell, who had written to the President about their positive experiences with the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Later, he returned to Washington, DC. The President announced his intention to nominate Christopher J. Brummer to be a Commissioner on the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. The President announced his intention to nominate Susan L. Castaneda to be a member of the Board of Directors of the National Association of Registered Agents and Brokers. The President announced his intention to nominate Roberto R. Herencia to be a member of the Board of Directors of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation. The President announced his intention to nominate Brian D. Quintenz to be a Commissioner on the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. The President announced his intention to appoint J. Todd Breasseale as Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs at the Department of Homeland Security. The President announced his intention to appoint Abbey Johnston as a member of the Medal of Valor Review Board. The President announced his intention to appoint Jennifer Sheehy as a member of the Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled. March 4 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. Later, in the Situation Room, the President participated in a video conference with President Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai and Chief Executive Officer Abdullah Abdullah of Afghanistan to congratulate them on the National Unity Government's recent progress in naming candidates for Cabinet positions and High Peace Council leadership, note the Afghan Government's ongoing commitment to reform, accountability, regional cooperation, and Taliban reconciliation efforts, and commend Afghan security forces for their bravery and sacrifices in improving stability and security. In the afternoon, in the Oval Office, the President met with Secretary of State John F. Kerry. He also met with senior staff to discuss his intention to nominate a Supreme Court Associate Justice. The President declared a major disaster in the District of Columbia and ordered Federal aid to supplement the District's recovery efforts in the area affected by a snowstorm on January 22 and 23. The President declared a major disaster in Maryland and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area affected by a severe winter storm and snowstorm on January 22 and 23. March 7 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President had an intelligence briefing. The President declared a major disaster in Virginia and ordered Federal aid to supplement commonwealth, tribal, and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by a severe winter storm and snowstorm on January 22 and 23. March 8 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President had an intelligence briefing. In the afternoon, in the East Room, the President met with student delegates from the 54th Annual U.S. Senate Youth Program and participated in a group photograph. Then, in the Oval Office, he met with Secretary of Defense Ashton B. Carter. The White House announced that the President will travel to Austin, TX, on March 11. The White House announced that the President will travel to Dallas, TX, on March 11 and 12. March 9 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President had an intelligence briefing. In the afternoon, in the Map Room, the President recorded an interview with Juan Carlos López of CNN en Español for later broadcast. Then, in the Oval Office, he met with Secretary of the Treasury Jacob J. Lew. During the day, in the Oval Office, the President met with Chief Judge Merrick B. Garland of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. March 10 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President met with Prime Minister Justin P.J. Trudeau of Canada. National Security Adviser Susan E. Rice, U.S. Ambassador to Canada Bruce Heyman, and Canada's Ambassador to the U.S. David B. MacNaughton, Minister of Foreign Affairs Stephane Dion, Minister of National Defense Harjit Singh Sajjan, and Minister of Environment and Climate Change Catherine McKenna also attended. In the evening, on the North Portico, the President and Mrs. Obama, greeted Prime Minister Trudeau and his wife Sophie Grégoire-Trudeau, followed by an official photograph on the Grand Foyer Staircase. March 11 In the morning, the President traveled to Austin, TX, arriving in the afternoon. In the afternoon, the President traveled to Torchy's Tacos restaurant, where, with Mayor Stephen I. Adler of Austin, TX, he purchased lunch and greeted staff. Later, he traveled to the Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long Center for the Performing Arts, where, in the AT&T Room, he met with entrepreneurs, filmmakers, organizers, and technology industry leaders to discuss efforts to counter the recruitment and messaging of violent extremist groups through media. In the evening, the President traveled to Dallas, TX. Upon arrival, he traveled to the Dallas Sheraton Hotel, where he remained overnight. The White House announced that the President will welcome Prime Minister Enda Kenny of Ireland to the White House on March 15. March 12 In the evening, the President returned to Washington, DC. March 13 The President declared a major disaster in Louisiana and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area affected by severe storms and flooding beginning on March 8 and continuing. March 14 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. Later, in a diplomatic reception room at the Department of State, following his remarks at the Global Chiefs of Mission Conference, the President met with Washington Post reporter Jason Rezaian, who was released from detention in Iran in January, and his wife Yeganeh Salehi. National Security Adviser Susan E. Rice and Special Presidential Envoy for the Global Coalition To Counter ISIL Brett H. McGurk also attended. In the afternoon, in the Private Dining Room, the President and Vice President Biden had lunch. Then, in the Oval Office, he met with lawmakers and stakeholders who supported the effort to designate three new national monuments in the California desert: Castle Mountains National Monument, Mojave Trails National Monument, and Sand to Snow National Monument. Later in the afternoon, in the Roosevelt Room, the President participated in an interview with Lin-Manuel Miranda, creator of the Broadway musical "Hamilton." Then, in the Rose Garden, he recorded a video in which he held cue cards while Mr. Miranda performed a free-style rap about his visit to the White House for later broadcast online. Later, he had a telephone conversation with President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin of Russia to discuss the situation in Syria, including implementation of the cessation of hostilities between the Syrian regime and the armed opposition and President Putin's announcement of a partial withdrawal of Russian forces from Syria; the need for regime forces to allow access for the delivery of humanitarian assistance; and additional efforts to encourage a political transition in Syria. They also discussed the situation in Ukraine, with President Obama emphasizing the need for combined Russian-separatist forces to implement the cease-fire in eastern Ukraine and allow Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe monitors access to separatist-controlled areas, including the Russia-Ukraine border. March 15 In the afternoon, in the Roosevelt Room, the President dropped by a meeting between Vice President Joe Biden, First Minister Arlene Foster and Deputy First Minister J. Martin P. McGuinness of Northern Ireland, and former Sen. Gary W. Hart, in his capacity as Secretary of State John F. Kerry's Personal Representative for Northern Ireland. He and Vice President Biden congratulated the First Minister on her election to office in January and commended both leaders' progress in the Northern Ireland peace process, specifically the successful conclusion of the Stormont House Agreement in December 2014 and the Fresh Start Agreement in November 2015. Later, in the Map Room, he recorded an interview with Andy Katz and Rebecca Lobo of ESPN for later broadcast. The President announced the nomination of Rebecca Ross Haywood to be a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. The President announced the nomination of Walter D. Counts III to be a judge on the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas. The President announced the nomination of E. Scott Frost, James W. Hendrix and Irma Carrillo Ramirez to be judges on the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas. The President announced the nomination of Karen Gren Scholer to be a judge on the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas. The President announced the nomination ofthe nomination of Kathleen M. Sweet to be a judge on the U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York. The President announced the nomination of Danny C. Reeves to be a judge on the U.S. Sentencing Commission. The President declared a major disaster in New Jersey and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area affected by a severe winter storm and snowstorm from January 22 through 24. March 16 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. In the afternoon, in the Roosevelt Room, in advance of his trip to Cuba, the President met with Cuban American leaders, including civil society advocates, faith leaders, and representatives from the private sector, to discuss the recent regulatory changes made by the Departments of Commerce and the Treasury and the impact those changes would have on the ability of U.S. citizens to travel to Cuba and engage directly with the Cuban people. He also reiterated his intention to meet with Cuban Government officials, entrepreneurs, and members of civil society while in Havana. Later, in the Diplomatic Reception Room, he listened to and visited with a women's choir from Spelman College, who were visiting the White House for a celebration of Women's History Month. The White House announced that the President will travel to Saudi Arabia on April 21, that he will then travel to the United Kingdom, and that he will conclude his travel by visiting Germany, as previously announced. The President declared a major disaster in Delaware and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area affected by the severe winter storm and flooding on January 22 and 23. March 17 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. Later, in the Roosevelt Room, the President recorded an interview with Nina Totenberg of NPR for later broadcast. The President announced his intention to nominate Anne Hall to be Ambassador to Lithuania. The President announced his intention to nominate James X. Dempsey to be a member of the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board. The President announced his intention to nominate Douglas B. Wilson to be a member of the U.S. Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy. The President announced his intention to nominate Almo J. Carter and Larry T. Glenn to be Commissioners of the U.S. Parole Commission. The President announced his intention to nominate Jeffrey A. Rosen to be a Governor on the Board of Governors of the U.S. Postal Service. The President announced his intention to appoint Ilona R. Cohen and Geovette E. Washington as a members of the Council of the Administrative Conference of the United States. The President announced the nomination of Lisabeth Tabor Hughes to be a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. March 18 In the afternoon, the President recorded a telephone sketch with Cuban comedian Luis "Pánfilo" Silva, ahead of the President's travel to Cuba, for later broadcast. Later, in the Blue Room, he recorded a video message on the observance of Nowruz for later broadcast online. During the day, the President was briefed by Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism Lisa O. Monaco on the arrest in Brussels, Belgium, of Salah Abdeslam, the sole surviving suspected accomplice in the terrorist attacks in Paris, France, on November 13, 2015. Also during the day, the President had separate telephone conversations with Prime Minister Charles Yvon Michel of Belgium and President François Hollande of France to congratulate them on the arrest of Salah Abdeslam in Brussels, commend the work of Belgian security services and the close cooperation between Belgian and French law enforcement authorities, and reiterate U.S. support for Belgium and France in the fight against terrorism and joint efforts to degrade and destroy the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) terrorist organization. The White House announced that the President will welcome the leaders of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden to the White House for a U.S.-Nordic Leaders Summit on May 13. March 19 The President declared a major disaster in Texas and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area affected by severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding beginning on March 7 and continuing. March 20 In the afternoon, the President, Mrs. Obama, their daughters Malia and Sasha, and his mother-in-law Marian Robinson traveled to Havana, Cuba. Accompanying them aboard Air Force One were Rachel and Sharon Robinson, wife and daughter of the late Major League Baseball player Jackie Robinson. Upon arrival, they traveled to the Meliá Habana hotel. In the evening, the President, Mrs. Obama, and their daughters Malia and Sasha traveled to the Old Havana historical district, where they toured Plaza de Armas square, greeted locals, visited monuments, made stops at the Cathedral of the Virgin Mary of the Immaculate Conception and the Museum of the City of Havana, and had dinner at San Cristóbal restaurant. While at the Cathedral, he met with Cardinal Jaime Lucas Ortega y Alamino of Havana and recorded an interview with David Muir of ABC's "World News Tonight With David Muir" program for later broadcast. Later, the President, Mrs. Obama, and their daughters traveled to the Chief of Mission's residence, where they remained overnight. March 21 In the morning, the President traveled to the Revolution Square, where he participated in a wreath-laying ceremony at the memorial of José Martí, toured the memorial, and signed the guest book. Later, he traveled to the Palace of the Revolution, where he participated in an arrival ceremony and photo opportunity with President Raúl Castro Ruz of Cuba. In the afternoon, at the Palace of the Revolution, the President met with President Castro. Then, they had an expanded bilateral meeting that included several Cabinet officials and senior advisers from both countries. Then, he traveled to La Cervecería restaurant, where he recorded a second interview with David Muir of ABC's "World News Tonight With David Muir" program for later broadcast. Then, also at La Cervecería, he recorded a sketch with Cuban comedians Luis "Pánfilo" Silva, Mario "Chequera" Sardiñas, and Andy "Fecundo" Vásquez. Later, he returned to the Chief of Mission's residence. In the evening, the President and Mrs. Obama traveled to the Palace of the Revolution, where they attended a state dinner with President Raúl Castro Ruz of Cuba. Later, they returned to the Chief of Mission's residence, where they remained overnight. March 22 In the morning, the President was briefed on the explosions in Brussels, Belgium. He also had a telephone conversation with Prime Minister Charles Yvon Michel of Belgium to offer his condolences on the terrorist attacks in Brussels and reaffirm U.S. support, assistance, and commitment to defeating terrorism. Later, he traveled to the Gran Teatro de la Habana Alicia Alonso. Later, he traveled to the U.S. Embassy, where, in the Eagle Snack Bar, he met with Cuban dissidents and civil society leaders. In the afternoon, the President traveled to Estadio Latinoamericano, where he attended an exhibition game between Major League Baseball's Tampa Bay Rays and the Cuban National Team with President Raúl Castro Ruz of Cuba, joined by Mrs. Obama, Malia and Sasha Obama, and Mrs. Obama's mother Marian Robinson. While at the stadium, he also visited with Rachel and Sharon Robinson, wife and daughter of the late Major League Baseball player Jackie Robinson, and former New York Yankees shortstop Derek S. Jeter and participated in a live interview with Karl Ravech, Eduardo Pérez, and Doug Glanville of ESPN. Before the game began, he greeted members of the Tampa Bay Rays. Later in the afternoon, the President, Mrs. Obama, their daughters Malia and Sasha, and his mother-in-law Marian Robinson traveled to Buenos Aires, Argentina, arriving the following morning. March 23 Upon arrival in Buenos Aires, Argentina, the President, Mrs. Obama, their daughters Malia and Sasha, and his mother-in-law Marian Robinson traveled to the Chief of Mission's residence. Later, he traveled to the Casa Rosada, where, in the Salon Blanca, he was greeted by President Mauricio Macri of Argentina, followed by an expanded bilateral meeting. U.S. National Security Adviser Susan E. Rice, Deputy National Security Adviser for Strategic Communications Benjamin J. Rhodes, and Ambassador to Argentina Noah B. Mamet and other advisers from both countries also attended. In the afternoon, in the President's Office at the Casa Rosada, the President had a restricted bilateral meeting with President Macri. Later, he traveled to the Buenos Aires Metropolitan Cathedral, where he visited with Cardinal Mario Aurielio Poli of Buenos Aires, Minister of Foreign Relations, International Trade, and Culture Susana Malcorra of Argentina, Apostolic Nuncio to Argentina Archbishop Emil Paul Tscherrig, and other clergy; participated in a wreath-laying ceremony at the tomb of José de San Martín; and viewed a memorial to the Holocaust. Later, he traveled to the Sheraton Buenos Aires Hotel and Convention Center, where he visited with U.S. Embassy personnel and their families. Later in the afternoon, the President traveled to Usina del Arte. Then, he returned to the Chief of Mission's residence. In the evening, the President and Mrs. Obama traveled to the Néstor Kirchner Cultural Centre, where they were greeted by President Mauricio Macri of Argentina and his wife Juliana Awada. Later, they returned to the Chief of Mission's residence, where they remained overnight. The President declared a major disaster in Pennsylvania and ordered Federal aid to supplement Commonwealth and local recovery efforts in the area affected by a severe winter storm and snowstorm on January 22 and 23. March 24 In the morning, the President traveled to the Parque de la Memoria, a memorial dedicated to the victims of the 1976-1983 military regime, where he viewed monuments with President Mauricio Macri of Argentina. Later, he returned to the Chief of Mission's residence. In the afternoon, the President, Mrs. Obama, their daughters Malia and Sasha, and his mother-in-law Marian Robinson traveled to San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina, where, at the Parque Llao Llao, they hiked along the Villa Tacul Trail. Then, also at the Parque Llao Llao, he, Mrs. Obama, and Malia toured Nahuel Huapi Lake aboard the Modesta Victoria with guide Manuel Echeverria. In the evening, at the Llao Llao Hotel and Resort, the President, Mrs. Obama, their daughters Malia and Sasha, and Mrs. Robinson had dinner. While at the Llao Llao Hotel and Resort, he and Mrs. Obama met with President Mauricio Macri of Argentina and his wife Juliana Awada. Later, they returned to Washington, DC, arriving the following morning. During the day, the President received a telephone briefing from Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism Lisa O. Monaco on the ongoing investigation of the terrorist attacks in Brussels, Belgium. The White House announced that the President will welcome President Xi Jinping of China to the White House on March 31. March 25 The White House announced that the annual Easter Egg Roll will take place on March 28. The White House announced that the President will travel to Atlanta, GA, on March 29. The White House announced that the President will welcome Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization to the White House on April 4. The President announced the designation of the following individuals as members of a Presidential delegation to attend the Inauguration of Faustin Archange Touadéra as President of the Central African Republic in Bangui, Central African Republic, on March 30: Samantha Power (head of delegation); Jeffrey Hawkins; Karen Bass; Isobel Coleman; Raymond E. Mabus, Jr.; Linda Etim; David M. Rodriguez; and D. Bruce Wharton. The President announced his intention to appoint Dori Henry as Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs at the Department of Labor. The President announced his intention to appoint Robin L. Diamonte as a member of the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation. The President declared a major disaster in Mississippi and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area affected by severe storms and flooding beginning on March 9 and continuing. March 27 In the morning, the President, Mrs. Obama, and their daughters Malia and Sasha traveled to Alexandria, VA, where they attended an Easter Sunday service at the Alfred Street Baptist Church. Later, they returned to Washington, DC. In the afternoon, the President had separate telephone conversations with the parents of Justin and Stephanie Shults, U.S. citizens who were killed in the terrorist attacks in Brussels, Belgium, on March 22, to offer his condolences for their deaths. March 28 In the morning, on the South Lawn, the President and Mrs. Obama participated in the annual White House Easter Egg Roll. Later, also on the South Lawn, he read "Where the Wild Things Are" to children participating in the Easter Egg Roll. Then, on the White House Basketball Court, he visited briefly with former National Basketball Association player Shaquille R. O'Neal, who was at the White House for a Junior NBA event. Also in the morning, in the Blue Room, he and Mrs. Obama met with Kameria Chayten, a first grader from Birmingham, AL, who had written a letter to the President asking for the chance to meet him with her family before the end of his term. In the afternoon, in the Situation Room, the President met with members of his counterterrorism and homeland security team to discuss efforts to combat the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) terrorist organization following the March 22 terrorist attacks in Brussels, Belgium. The President was briefed on the absence of specific, credible intelligence of any plot to conduct similar attacks in the U.S., expanded information sharing with international partners, and ongoing efforts to disrupt external plots emanating from ISIL-controlled territory and address ISIL's use of the Internet to recruit followers and encourage attacks in the U.S. The White House announced that the President will meet with President Park Geun-hye of South Korea and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan on the margins of the Nuclear Security Summit on March 31. March 29 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. Later, he traveled to Atlanta, GA, arriving in the afternoon. In the afternoon, the President returned to Washington, DC. March 30 In the morning, the President had a telephone conversation with Prime Minister Mohammad Nawaz Sharif of Pakistan to offer his condolences for the March 27 terrorist attack in Lahore, express his understanding of Prime Minister Sharif's decision to cancel his visit to the U.S. in the wake of the attack, and reiterate his commitment to Pakistan-U.S. counterterrorism cooperation. Then, in the Oval Office, he and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. Later, in the Roosevelt Room, he met with Ramona Brant, Norman O. Brown, and Angie Jenkins, who received commutations from President Obama; Phillip A. Emmert and Michael D. Short, who received commutations from former President George W. Bush; and Serena D. Nunn and Kemba N. Smith, who received commutations from former President William J. Clinton. In the afternoon, in the Oval Office, the President met with Secretary of State John F. Kerry. March 31 In the evening, in the East Room, the President hosted a working dinner with heads of delegations attending the Nuclear Security Summit. Vice President Joe Biden also attended. On the margins of the dinner, he met with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey to discuss Turkey-U.S. cooperation on regional security, counterterrorism, and migration and extend condolences on behalf of the American people for those killed and injured in the terrorist attack in Diyarbakir, Turkey, earlier in the day. The President announced the designation of the following individuals as members of a Presidential delegation to attend the Inauguration of Mahamadou Issoufou as President of Niger in Niamey, Niger, on April 2: David M. Rodriguez (head of delegation); Eunice S. Reddick; Bisa Williams; and Kyeh Kim. April 1 In the afternoon, in Halls D and E of the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, the President participated in a family photograph followed by a working lunch with leaders attending the Nuclear Security Summit. April 4 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. In the afternoon, in the Private Dining Room, the President and Vice President Biden had lunch. Later, in the East Room, he hosted a reception for Greek Independence Day. Vice President Biden also attended. The President announced the designation of the following individuals as members of a Presidential delegation to attend the Inauguration of Patrice Talon as President of Benin in Porto-Novo, Benin, on April 6: D. Bruce Wharton (head of delegation); Lucy Tamlyn; and Kyeh Kim. April 5 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President had an intelligence briefing. In the afternoon, in the Oval Office, the President met with Secretary of Defense Ashton B. Carter. In the evening, in the Map Room, the President and Mrs. Obama recorded a promotional video with competitors in the Invictus Games for later broadcast. Later, in the Blue Room, he hosted a dinner for the Joint Chiefs of Staff, combatant commanders, and their spouses. Vice President Joe Biden and Mrs. Obama also attended. The President announced the nomination of David C. Nye to be a judge on the U.S. District Court for the District of Idaho. April 6 In the morning, the President had separate telephone conversations with President Htin Kyaw and Member of Parliament and National League for Democracy Leader Aung San Suu Kyi of Burma to offer his congratulations on the recent Presidential Inauguration and historic democratic transfer of power to a civilian-led Government that reflects the will of the people and underscore the commitment of the U.S. in supporting the people and Government of Burma as they work to achieve a more inclusive, peaceful, and prosperous future. Later, in the Oval Office, he and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. In the afternoon, the President had a telephone conversation with Head Coach Jerold T. "Jay" Wright of the Villanova University men's basketball team to congratulate him on his team's victory in the NCAA Men's College Basketball National Championship. The White House announced that the President will travel to Chicago, IL, on April 7. The White House announced that the President will travel to Los Angeles, CA, on April 7 and 8. The White House announced that the President will travel to San Francisco, CA, on April 8. April 7 In the afternoon, the President and his daughter Malia traveled to Chicago, IL. Upon arrival, he traveled to the University of Chicago Law School, where he dropped by the D'Angelo Law Library reading room and briefly addressed students who had gathered to watch a live video feed of his formal remarks in Harold J. Green Law Lounge. Later, following his remarks, the President recorded an interview with Chris Wallace of Fox News's "Fox News Sunday" program for later broadcast. Later in the afternoon, the President and his daughter Malia traveled to Los Angeles, CA, arriving in the evening. In the evening, the President and his daughter Malia traveled to Santa Monica, CA. Later, they traveled to the W Los Angeles-West Beverly Hills hotel in Los Angeles, where they remained overnight. The White House announced that the President will host his administration's sixth and final White House Science Fair on April 13. The President announced his intention to nominate Dimitri F. Kusnezov to be Deputy Administrator for Defense Programs at the National Nuclear Security Administration. The President announced his intention to nominate Matthew Lehrich to be Assistant Secretary for Communications and Outreach at the Department of Education. The President announced his intention to nominate Amy McIntosh to be Assistant Secretary for Planning, Evaluation, and Policy Development at the Department of Education. The President announced his intention to nominate Antonia Whalen to be Assistant Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education at the Department of Education. April 8 In the morning, the President and his daughter Malia traveled to a private residence, where he attended a Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee roundtable fundraiser. In the afternoon, the President and his daughter Malia traveled to San Francisco, CA. Upon arrival at San Francisco International Airport, he visited with supporters. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and Rep. K.L. Jacqueline Speier also attended. Then, they traveled to the InterContinental San Francisco hotel. Later, he traveled to a private residence, where he participated in a Democratic National Committee roundtable fundraiser. In the evening, the President returned to the InterContinental San Francisco, where he remained overnight. The White House announced that the President will meet with the National Security Council at Central Intelligence Agency headquarters in Fairfax, VA, on April 13. The President announced his intention to appoint Stephen W. Preston and Wendy R. Sherman as members of the President's Intelligence Advisory Board. The President announced his intention to appoint Nancy E. Brune and Beatriz Rendón as members of the President's Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for Hispanics. April 9 In the afternoon, the President and his daughter Malia returned to Washington, DC, arriving in the evening. April 11 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. In the afternoon, in the Oval Office, the President met with Federal Reserve Chair Janet L. Yellen to discuss the national economy and implementation of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. Vice President Biden also attended. During the day, in the Oval Office, the President had a telephone conversation with Head Coach Geno Auriemma of the University of Connecticut women's basketball team to congratulate him on his team's victory in the NCAA championship game. April 12 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. Later, he viewed exhibits on display at the newly established Belmont-Paul Women's Equality National Monument. April 13 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. In the afternoon, the President and Vice President Biden had lunch. Then, on the State Floor, he viewed projects on exhibit for the White House Science Fair and visited with student participants. Later, he traveled to Langley, VA. In the evening, the President returned to Washington, DC. The President announced his intention to appoint the following individuals as members of the Commission on Enhancing National Cybersecurity: Keith B. Alexander; Annie I. Antón; Ajaypal S. Banga; Steven R. Chabinsky; Patrick D. Gallagher; Peter Lee; Herbert S. Lin; Heather H. Murren; Joe Sullivan; and Maggie Wilderotter. April 14 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. In the afternoon, in the Roosevelt Room, the President dropped by a meeting between Vice President Biden and Prime Minister Edi Rama of Albania to discuss Albania-U.S. relations, regional security, counterterrorism efforts, and Albania's efforts to advance European integration. Later, also in the Roosevelt Room, he recorded an interview with Nicole Sinclair of Yahoo! Finance for online broadcast on April 15. The President announced his intention to nominate Susan F. Beard to be Inspector General of the Department of Energy. The President announced his intention to nominate Susan S. Gibson to be Inspector General of the National Reconnaissance Office. The President announced his intention to nominate Mary Beth Leonard to be U.S. Representative to the African Union, with the rank of Ambassador. The President announced his intention to nominate Lawrence R. Silverman to be Ambassador to Kuwait. The President announced his intention to appoint Rosemary Freitas Williams as Assistant Secretary for Public and Intergovernmental Affairs at the Department of Veterans Affairs. The President announced his intention to appoint Jordan Goodman and Howard Konar as members of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council. The President announced the nomination of the following individuals to serve as judges on the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington: Beth M. Andrus; J. Michael Diaz; and Kathleen M. O'Sullivan. April 15 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President had an intelligence briefing. In the afternoon, in the Diplomatic Reception Room, the President met with various hip-hop and R&B artists to discuss criminal justice reform and the White House "My Brother's Keeper" initiative. Later, in the Oval Office, he met with J Street Chairman of the Board Morton H. Halperin and Chief of Staff Daniel Kalik, J Street U Director Sarah Turbow, and J Street U national board and staff members. April 18 In the morning, the President had a telephone conversation with President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin of Russia to discuss the status of the cessation of hostilities between the Syrian regime and the armed opposition, stress the importance of pressing the Syrian regime to halt its offensive attacks against the opposition, and underscore the commitment to ensuring humanitarian access to all besieged areas. They also discussed the situation in Ukraine, with President Obama urging President Putin to take steps to end the fighting in eastern Ukraine and stressing the importance of moving forward with full implementation of the Minsk agreements. In the afternoon, in the Oval Office, the President visited with the 2016 winners of the White House News Photographers Association's Eyes on History contest, including 2016 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Rodney Batten of NBC News. Later, in the Blue Room, the President recorded an interview with Charlie Rose of the "CBS This Morning" program for later broadcast in installments on various CBS programs and in full on PBS's "The Week" program. During the day, the President received a briefing from his senior staff on the status of arguments made by U.S. Solicitor General Donald B. Verrilli, Jr., in the Supreme Court case United States v. Texas concerning the administration's efforts to shield undocumented immigrants from deportation and allow them to work legally. The White House announced additional details concerning the President and Mrs. Obama's travel to the United Kingdom on April 22. April 19 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. In the afternoon, the President traveled to Ramstein Air Base, Germany, arriving the following morning. During the day, the President had a telephone conversation with President Rafael Correa Delgado of Ecuador to convey his condolences on behalf of the American people for the loss of life caused by the April 16 earthquake and discuss U.S. assistance in support of Ecuador's recovery effort. The President announced his intention to nominate Geeta Pasi to be Ambassador to Chad. The President announced his intention to nominate David V. Brewer and Gayle A. Nachtigal to be members of the Board of Directors of the State Justice Institute. The President announced his intention to appoint the following individuals as members of the National Infrastructure Advisory Council: Jan Allman; Georges C. Benjamin; Jesse F. "Jeff" Bingaman, Jr.; and Ben Fowke. The President announced his intention to appoint Chris Young as a member of the President's National Security Telecommunications Advisory Committee. The President announced his intention to appoint Gary Gilbert and David A. Score as members of the Board of Visitors to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. The President made additional disaster assistance available by authorizing an increase in the level of Federal funding for Public Assistance projects undertaken by the Omaha Tribe of Nebraska and Iowa as a result of flooding from May 24 through August 1, 2011. The President made additional disaster assistance available by authorizing an increase in the level of Federal funding for Public Assistance projects undertaken by the Omaha Tribe of Nebraska and Iowa as a result of flooding from May 25 through August 1, 2011. April 20 In the morning, the President traveled to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, arriving in the afternoon. In the afternoon, the President traveled to the Erga Palace, where he met with King Salman bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia to discuss Saudi Arabia-U.S. relations, thank Saudi Arabia for hosting the April 21 U.S.-Gulf Cooperation Council Summit, underscore the importance of accelerating the campaign against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) terrorist organization, and review developments in various regional conflicts, including Yemen, Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, and the Israeli-Palestinian peace process. The meeting was also attended by U.S. National Security Adviser Susan E. Rice, Secretary of Defense Ashton B. Carter, Director of the Central Intelligence Agency John O. Brennan, Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Joseph W. Westphal, Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism Lisa O. Monaco, and other senior advisers; and Crown Prince and Deputy Prime Minister Muhammad Bin Nayif bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud, Minister of Defense Muhammad bin Salman bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud, Minister of Foreign Affairs Adil al-Ahmad al-Jubayr, and other senior officials of Saudi Arabia. Later in the afternoon, the President traveled to the Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh, hotel. In the evening, in Suite 808 at the Ritz-Carleton hotel, the President met with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan of Abu Dhabi, Deputy Supreme Commander of the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces, to discuss the April 21 U.S.-Gulf Cooperation Council Summit as an opportunity for the U.S. and its Gulf partners to strengthen cooperation against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) terrorist organization and in other regional conflicts, including Yemen and Libya; review challenges posed by Iran's destabilizing activities in the region; and reiterate the importance of stabilizing areas of Iraq liberated from ISIL. Later, in Meeting Rooms A and B of the Ritz-Carleton, he visited with U.S. Embassy personnel and their families. He remained overnight at the Ritz-Carleton. The White House announced additional details concerning the President's travel to Hannover, Germany, on April 25. April 21 In the morning, the President traveled to Diriyah Palace, where, in the First Floor Foyer, he participated in a family photograph with Gulf Cooperation Council leaders. Then, in the Conference Hall, he attended the first session of the U.S.-Gulf Cooperation Council Summit. U.S. National Security Adviser Susan E. Rice, Secretary of Defense Ashton B. Carter, Secretary of State John F. Kerry, and Deputy National Security Adviser for Strategic Communications Benjamin J. Rhodes also attended. Also in the morning, upon arrival at the Diriyah Palace, the President met with Amir Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jabir al-Sabah of Kuwait to discuss Kuwait-U.S. cooperation in the region, the importance of Gulf support in stabilizing areas of Iraq liberated from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) terrorist organization, challenges posed by Iran's destabilizing activities in the region, and Kuwait's role as a leader in delivering humanitarian assistance to Syrian refugees. He also met with Amir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani of Qatar to discuss the role of Qatar and the Gulf Cooperation Council in addressing conflicts in Syria, Yemen, and Libya, including diplomatic efforts to advance a political resolution in all three countries, and Qatar's counterterrorism efforts, primarily in disabling terrorist finance channels. In the afternoon, in Dining Hall 2 at the Diriyah Palace, the President attended the second session of the U.S.-Gulf Cooperation Council Summit, as well as a working lunch. Then, in Conference Hall 1, he attended the third session of the summit. Later, he traveled to London, United Kingdom, arriving in the evening. In the evening, upon arrival in London, the President traveled to Winfield House, the residence of the U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom, where he remained overnight. The President announced his intention to nominate Peggy E. Gustafson to be Inspector General of the Department of Commerce. The President announced his intention to nominate Annette Evans Smith to be a member of the National Council on the Arts. April 22 In the morning, at the Grosvenor House hotel, the President visited with U.S. Embassy personnel and their families. Then, he returned to Winfield House. In the afternoon, the President and Mrs. Obama traveled to Windsor, United Kingdom, where, in the Private Dining Room at Windsor Castle, they had lunch with Queen Elizabeth II and her husband Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Later, they returned to Winfield House in London. Then, he traveled to 10 Downing Street, where he met with Prime Minister David Cameron of the United Kingdom. Later in the afternoon, the President traveled to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London. Later, he returned to Winfield House. In the evening, the President and Mrs. Obama traveled to Kensington Palace, where they had dinner with Prince William and Catherine, Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex. Later, they returned to Winfield House, where they remained overnight. The White House announced that the President will welcome the U.S. Naval Academy football team to the White House to present them with the 2015 Commander in Chief's Trophy on April 27. April 23 In the morning, the President traveled to the Globe Theatre, where he toured the facility with Director of Education Patrick Spottiswoode and viewed a brief musical and dramatic performance, including excerpts from "Hamlet," in commemoration of the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare's death. Later, he traveled to the Royal Horticultural Halls. In the afternoon, in the Library Reading Room at the Royal Horticultural Halls, the President recorded an interview with Huw Edwards of BBC News for later broadcast. Then, in Lindley Hall, he met with Labour Party Leader Jeremy B. Corbyn of the United Kingdom to congratulate him on his election as Leader and discuss economic inequality, the impact of globalization on workers, and continuation of the United Kingdom's membership in the European Union. Later, he traveled to Watford, United Kingdom, where, at the Grove golf course, he played a round of golf with Prime Minister David Cameron of the United Kingdom, White House Trip Director Marvin D. Nicholson, Jr., and Special Assistant to the President and Principal Travel Aide Joseph B. Paulsen. In the evening, the President returned to Winfield House in London, where he remained overnight. April 24 In the morning, the President traveled to Hannover, Germany, arriving in the afternoon. In the afternoon, the President traveled to the Seefugium hotel. Later, he traveled to the Schloss Herrenhausen, where he participated in an official arrival ceremony in the Courtyard of Honor and Gardens, followed by meetings with Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany in the Rooftop Pavilion Room. Later, he traveled to the Hannover Congress Centrum, arriving in the evening. In the evening, the President traveled to the Schloss Herrenhausen, where, in the Ballroom, he attended a dinner with Chancellor Merkel and German and U.S. business leaders. Later, he returned to the Seefugium hotel, where he remained overnight. April 25 In the morning, the President traveled to the Hannover Messe Fairgrounds, where he toured the Hannover Messe Trade Fair with Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany. In the afternoon, the President traveled to the Schloss Herrenhausen, where, in Gallery Hall, he recorded an interview with Charlie Rose of PBS's "Charlie Rose" program for later broadcast. Then, in the Ballroom, he met with Chancellor Merkel, President François Hollande of France, Prime Minister Matteo Renzi of Italy, and Prime Minister David Cameron of the United Kingdom to discuss efforts to address the ongoing refugee and migration crisis in Europe, the situations in Syria, Libya, and Ukraine, coalition efforts to combat the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) terrorist organization, and the importance of concluding the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership negotiations. Later, he returned to Washington, DC, arriving in the evening. The White House announced that the President will honor the 2016 National and State Teachers of the Year on May 3. The President declared a major disaster in Texas and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area affected by severe storms and flooding from April 17 through 24. April 27 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. Then, in the Oval Office and the Vice President's Office in the Dwight D. Eisenhower Executive Office Building, he recorded a video with Vice President Biden and White House staffers for the President's remarks at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner on April 30. In the afternoon, in the Private Dining Room, the President and Vice President Biden had lunch. The White House announced that the President will travel to Flint, MI, on May 4. The President declared a disaster under the Compact of Free Association between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Marshall Islands, as amended, due to ongoing severe drought. April 28 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President had an intelligence briefing. In the afternoon, in the Situation Room, East Colonnade, and State Floor, the President recorded an interview with Peter Bergen of CNN for later broadcast. In the evening, in the Old Family Dining Room, the President and Mrs. Obama hosted a Seder to mark the beginning of Passover. The President announced his intention to nominate Angela L. Kokosko Ripley to be a member of the Board of Directors of the National Association of Registered Agents and Brokers. The President announced his intention to nominate Gail H. Marcus to be a member of the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board. The President announced his intention to nominate Kathleen M. Marshall to be a member of the Election Assistance Commission. The President announced his intention to nominate Leslie Greene Bowman and George J. Sanchez to be members of the National Council on the Humanities. The President announced his intention to nominate Kent Y. Hirozawa to be a member of the National Labor Relations Board. The President announced his intention to appoint Emanuel Chirico as a member of the Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations. The President announced the nomination of Patricia D. Barksdale and William F. Jung to be judges on the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida. The President announced the nomination of Todd E. Edelman and Florence Y. Pan to be judges on the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. The President announced the nomination of Philip R. Lammens to be a judge on the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida. The President announced the nomination of Regina M. Rodriguez to be a judge on the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado. The President announced the nomination of Patricia A. Timmons-Goodson to be a judge on the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina. The President announced the nomination of Anne R. Traum to be a judge on the U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada. April 29 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President had an intelligence briefing. Then, in the Family Theater, he recorded a video with former Speaker of the House of Representatives John A. Boehner and White House staffers for use in the President's remarks at the White House Correspondents' Association (WHCA) dinner on April 30. Then, in the Roosevelt Room, he recorded a video message on the occasion of Major League Baseball Hall of Famer and Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient Willie H. Mays, Jr.'s 85th birthday. Later, in the Oval Office, he recorded an additional video segment with Mrs. Obama for his WHCA dinner remarks. In the afternoon, in the East Room, the President met with departing White House interns and participated in a question-and-answer session. Later, in the Private Dining Room, he participated in an interview with Philip Galanes of the New York Times and actor Brian Cranston for later publication as part of the newspaper's "Table for Three" series. The White House announced further details on the President's travel to Flint, MI, on May 4. May 1 In the morning, the President and Mrs. Obama met with Obama Foundation advisers to review architecture and design proposals for the Obama Presidential Library in Chicago, IL. May 2 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. In the afternoon, in the Diplomatic Reception Room, the President recorded separate "Live From the White House" interviews with local television anchors: Steve Karlin of KCCI in Des Moines, IA; Josh McElveen of WMUR in Manchester, NH; Cammy Dierking of WKRC in Cincinnati, OH; Kathy Mykleby of WISN in Milwaukee, WI; Kari Lake of KSAZ in Phoenix, AZ; and Phil Witt of WDAF in Kansas City, MO. The White House announced further details on the President's travel to Flint, MI, on May 4. May 3 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. In the afternoon, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Biden met with Secretary of State John F. Kerry. Then, in the Blue Room, the President met with National Teacher of the Year award recipient Jahana Hayes and one of her students, Lynadia Whiting. During the day, the President was briefed on the death of U.S. Navy Seal Charles H. Keating IV in Teleskof, Iraq. May 4 In the morning, the President traveled to Flint, MI. In the afternoon, the President traveled to Northwestern High School, where, in the library, he participated in a roundtable discussion with Flint residents and community leaders: Carol Weber, Jaslyn Morris, Harold Harrington, Nicholas Custer, Mona Hanna-Attisha, Rigel J. Dawson, Tyrone Wooten, Nicole Spears, and Rick Vasquez. Then, also at Northwestern High School, he visited with 8-year-old Amariyanna Copeny, also known as "Little Miss Flint," who had written him a letter about her concerns regarding the contaminated tap water in Flint, MI. Later in the afternoon, the President returned to Washington, DC, arriving in the evening. The White House announced that the President will deliver the commencement address at Howard University on May 7. The White House announced that the President will travel to Ottawa, Canada, on June 29. May 5 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. Then, the President had a telephone conversation with President Enrique Peña Nieto of Mexico to congratulate him on the "everyday justice" reform package submitted to Mexico's Congress, review joint efforts to address irregular migration from Central America, and pledge Mexico-U.S. collaboration to reduce the production and consumption of heroin. Later, in the East Room, he visited with recipients of the 2013 Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers and participated in a photo opportunity. In the afternoon, in the Private Dining Room, the President and Vice President Biden had lunch. Then, in the Diplomatic Reception Room, they met with 6-year-old immigration reform activist Sophie Cruz, who was at the White House for the Cinco de Mayo reception. Later, the President and Mrs. Obama traveled to Joint Base Andrews, MD. In the evening, the President and Mrs. Obama returned to Washington, DC. The White House announced that the President will welcome the NCAA Champion University of Connecticut women's basketball team to the White House on May 10. The White House announced that the President will host President Sauli Niinistö of Finland, Prime Minister Erna Solberg of Norway, P rime Minister Stefan Löfven of Sweden, Prime Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen of Denmark, and Prime Minister Sigurdur Ingi Jóhannsson of Iceland at the White House for a U.S.-Nordic Leaders Summit on May 13. The President announced the designation of the following individuals as members of a Presidential delegation to attend the opening ceremony of the 2016 Invictus Games in Orlando, FL, on May 8: Michelle Obama (head of delegation); Precious Goodson; Elizabeth H. Dole; Centra "Ce-Ce" Mazyck; Bill Rausch; Dylan Tête; and Barbara Van Dahlen. The President announced his intention to appoint Henry C. Eickelberg as a member of the Advisory Committee to the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation. The President announced his intention to appoint Sachin Dev Pavithran and Shelley Siegel as members of the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board. The President announced his intention to appoint Wayne A.I. Frederick and Janice Bryant Howroyd as members of the President's Board of Advisers on Historically Black Colleges and Universities. May 6 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. In the afternoon, in the Oval Office, the President reviewed edits to his Howard University commencement address planned for May 7. Later, he met with Secretary of Defense Ashton B. Carter. The President declared a major disaster in Arkansas and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area affected by severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds, and flooding from March 8 through 13. May 7 In the morning, the President traveled to Howard University, accompanied by Ta-Nehisi P. Coates, national correspondent for the Atlantic magazine. May 9 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. Later, in the East Room, he and Vice President Biden, joined by Sen. Orrin G. Hatch, met with members of the 1983 NCAA Champion North Carolina State University men's basketball team. Then, he participated in a photo opportunity and was presented with a team jersey. In the afternoon, in the Oval Office, the President participated in a telephone interview with Dan Corey, Editor in Chief of the Rutgers University Daily Targum, for later publication and online broadcast. May 10 In the morning, in the Situation Room, the President met with the National Security Council to discuss efforts to combat the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) terrorist organization. The White House announced that the President will travel to Vietnam and Japan from May 21 through 28. The President announced the designation of the following individuals as members of a Presidential delegation to attend the closing ceremony of the 2016 Invictus Games in Orlando, FL, on May 12, joined by Vice President Joe Biden: Jill T. Biden (head of delegation); Betty Easley; Noah Galloway; William McNulty; and Brad Snyder. The President announced his intention to nominate Blair Anderson to be Under Secretary for Policy at the Department of Transportation. The President announced his intention to nominate Carol Z. Perez to be Ambassador to Chile. The President announced his intention to nominate J. Patricia Wilson Smoot to be a Commissioner on the U.S. Parole Commission. The President announced his intention to nominate Robert M. Tobias to be a member of the Internal Revenue Service Oversight Board. May 11 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President had an intelligence briefing. In the afternoon, in the Oval Office, the President met with Secretary of the Treasury Jacob J. Lew. Later, also in the Oval Office, he had a telephone conversation with Prime Minister Malcolm B. Turnbull of Australia to discuss maritime issues, the Trans-Pacific Partnership, the Paris Agreement on climate change, the international steel market, and efforts to combat the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) terrorist organization. The White House announced that the President will travel to New Brunswick, NJ, on May 15. May 12 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President had an intelligence briefing. The President announced his intention to nominate Christopher E. O'Connor to be Assistant Secretary for Congressional and Legislative Affairs at the Department of Veterans Affairs. The President announced his intention to appoint Tamara L. Lundgren and Inge G. Thulin as members of the Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations. The President announced his intention to appoint the following individuals as members of the President's Advisory Council on Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships: Naseem Kourosh; Barbara Satin; and Manjit Singh. The President announced his intention to appoint the following individuals as members of the President's Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities: Jack Martin Brandt; Dan Habib; Michelle C. Reynolds; and Ricardo Thornton, Sr. The President announced his intention to appoint Thomas J. Reese and John Ruskay as members of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom. May 13 In the evening, on the North Portico, the President and Mrs. Obama greeted in succession Prime Minister Sigurdur Ingi Jóhannsson of Iceland and his wife Ingibjörg Elsa Ingjaldsdóttir, Prime Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen of Denmark and his wife Solrun Jákupsdóttir Løkke Rasmussen, Prime Minister Stefan Löfven of Sweden and his wife Ulla Löfven, Prime Minister Erna Solberg of Norway and her husband Sindre Finnes, and President Sauli Niinistö of Finland and his wife Jenni Haukio upon their arrival for a State Dinner. Then, in the State Dining Room, he and Mrs. Obama participated in an official photograph with Prime Minister Jóhannsson, Prime Minister Rasmussen, Prime Minister Löfven, Prime Minister Solberg, President Niinistö, and their spouses. The White House announced that the President will award the Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor to thirteen public safety officers on May 16. May 15 In the morning, the President traveled to Piscataway, NJ. Upon arrival, he traveled to High Point Solutions Stadium in Piscataway, where he recorded an interview with Shane Smith, cofounder of VICE News, for later broadcast. In the afternoon, the President returned to Washington, DC. May 16 In the afternoon, in the Roosevelt Room, the President recorded an interview with Legal Editor Chris Geidner of BuzzFeed News for later broadcast online. Then, in the Oval Office, he met with Secretary of Defense Ashton B. Carter. The White House announced that the President will award the National Medal of Science and National Medal of Technology and Innovation to 17 scientists, engineers, mathematicians, and innovators on May 19. May 17 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. Then, the President had a telephone conversation with President-elect Rodrigo Duterte of the Philippines to convey his congratulations on Mr. Duterte's recent electoral victory, note the successful election and record voter participation, and discuss Philippines-U.S. relations. In the afternoon, in the Private Dining Room, the President had lunch with Jack Ma, executive chairman and founder, Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. Later, in the Oval Office, he met with Boys and Girls Clubs of America's Youth of the Year award recipients. Then, in the Roosevelt Room, he recorded an interview with Masayoshi Tanaka of Japan's NHK News for later broadcast. The President announced the designation of the following individuals as members of a Presidential delegation to attend the World Humanitarian Summit in Istanbul, Turkey, on May 23 and 24: Gayle E. Smith (head of delegation); John R. Bass; Sarah Sewall; and Anne C. Richard. May 18 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. In the afternoon, the President had a telephone conversation with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey to discuss the situation in Syria and Turkey-U.S. cooperation in the fight against terrorism. President Obama condemned and offered condolences for the February 17 terrorist attack in Ankara, which killed and wounded both military personnel and civilians, and the February 18 terrorist attack against a Turkish military convoy in Diyarbakir Province and pledged U.S. support in confronting terrorist organizations, including the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK). Then, in the Gallatin West Room of the Jefferson, Washington, DC hotel, he attended a Democratic National Committee roundtable fundraiser. The President announced his intention to nominate Ysaÿe M. Barnwell to be a member of the National Council on the Arts. The President announced his intention to nominate Daniel J. Becker to be a member of the Board of Directors of the State Justice Institute. The President announced his intention to nominate Rena Bitter to be Ambassador to Laos. The President announced his intention to nominate Anne S. Casper to be Ambassador to Burundi. The President announced his intention to nominate Sung Y. Kim to be Ambassador to the Philippines.‎ The President announced his intention to nominate Geoffrey R. Pyatt to be Ambassador to Greece. The President announced his intention to nominate Douglas A. Silliman to be Ambassador to Iraq. The President announced his intention to nominate Marie L. Yovanovitch to be Ambassador to Ukraine. The President announced the nomination of Frances M. Tydingco-Gatewood to remain a judge on the U.S. District Court of Guam. The President announced the nomination of Carole Schwartz Rendon to be a U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Ohio. May 19 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. In the afternoon, in the Private Dining Room, the President and Vice President Biden had lunch. During the day, the President received regular briefings from Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism Lisa O. Monaco on the crash of EgyptAir Flight 804 off the coast of Greece. May 20 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing, which included an update on the crash of EgyptAir Flight 804 off the coast of Greece. In the afternoon, the President traveled to Joint Base Andrews, MD. While playing a round of golf at the base, he was notified of the shooting outside the White House at the U.S. Secret Service security checkpoint on West Executive Drive. The White House announced that the President will welcome Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India to the White House on June 7. The President announced his intention to appoint Katharine G. Abraham as a member and Chairperson of the Commission on Evidence-Based Policymaking. The President announced his intention to appoint Rand Beers and Diana Bolt Perreiah as members of the National Infrastructure Advisory Council. The President announced his intention to appoint W. Carl Lineberger and Anneila I. Sargent as members of the National Science Board. May 21 In the afternoon, the President traveled to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, AK. While en route aboard Air Force One, he had a telephone conversation with Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi of Iraq to reaffirm U.S. support for the Iraqi people in the common fight against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) terrorist organization, including the train-and-assist mission to strengthen Iraqi security forces, and offer condolences on behalf of the American people for the recent terrorist attacks in Baghdad. In the evening, the President traveled to Yokota Air Force Base, Japan, arriving the following evening. May 22 In the evening, upon arrival at Yokota Air Force Base, Japan, the President traveled to Hanoi, Vietnam. Upon arrival, he traveled to the JW Marriott Hotel Hanoi, where he remained overnight. May 23 In the morning, the President traveled to the Presidential Palace, where he participated in an arrival ceremony with President Tran Dai Quang of Vietnam, followed by an official photograph. Then, in the Yellow Room, he met with President Quang. During the meeting, he and President Quang signed several Vietnam-U.S. commercial agreements. Then, at Ho Chi Minh's House on Stilts, on the grounds of the Presidential Palace, he met with National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan of Vietnam and toured the house and grounds. In the afternoon, the President traveled to the International Convention Center. Later, he traveled to the Presidential Palace, where, in the Main Meeting Hall, he met with Prime Minister Nguyen Xuân Phúc of Vietnam. Then, he traveled to the Communist Party Central Office, where he met with Communist Party General Secretary Nguyen Phú Trong of Vietnam. Later, he returned to the JW Marriott Hotel Hanoi. In the evening, the President traveled to Bun cha Huong Lien restaurant in Hanoi, where he dined and recorded an interview with Anthony Bourdain of CNN's "Anthony Bourdain Parts Unknown" program for later broadcast. Later, he returned to the JW Marriott Hotel Hanoi, where he remained overnight. May 24 In the morning, in Salons A, B, and C of the JW Marriott Hotel Hanoi, the President met with U.S. Embassy personnel and their families. Later, he traveled to the National Convention Center. In the afternoon, in the Me Tri neighborhood of Hanoi, the President recorded the second part of his interview with Anthony Bourdain of CNN's "Anthony Bourdain Parts Unknown" program for later broadcast. Then, he traveled to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, where, upon arrival, he toured the Jade Emperor Pagoda. Later, he traveled to the Dreamplex Coworking Space, where he toured the facility and visited with Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative exhibitors. In the evening, the President traveled to the InterContinental Asiana Saigon hotel, where he remained overnight. The White House announced that the President will welcome the NCAA Champion Villanova University men's basketball team to the White House on May 31. The President declared a major disaster in Montana and ordered Federal aid to supplement State, tribal, and local recovery efforts in the area affected by a severe winter storm and straight-line winds on April 15 and 16. May 25 In the morning, in the Grand Ballroom of the InterContinental Asiana Saigon hotel, the President met with U.S. consulate personnel and family members. Then, he traveled to the GEM Center. In the afternoon, the President traveled to Toko Name, Japan, arriving in the evening. In the evening, upon arrival in Toko Name, the President traveled to Shima City, Japan. Then, he traveled to the Shima Kanko Hotel, The Classic, where he remained overnight. The President announced his intention to nominate Rebecca F. Dye to be a Commissioner on the Federal Maritime Commission. The President announced his intention to nominate Thomas Atkin to be Assistant Secretary for Homeland Defense at the Department of Defense. The President announced his intention to nominate Daniel P. Feehan to be Assistant Secretary for Readiness at the Department of Defense. The President announced his intention to nominate Marguerite Salazar to be a member of the Board of Directors of the National Association of Registered Agents and Brokers. The President announced his intention to nominate Peter M. McKinley to be Ambassador to Brazil. The President announced his intention to appoint Sam W. Brown, Jr., as a member of the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board. The President announced his intention to appoint Larry Mayer as a member of the Arctic Research Commission. The President announced his intention to appoint Phyliss Craig-Taylor, Marian Wright Edelman, and Lillian Lowery as members of the President's Board of Advisers on Historically Black Colleges and Universities. May 26 In the morning, the President traveled to Ise, Japan, where he visited the Ise Jingu Shrine and participated in a tree-planting ceremony with Group of Seven (G-7) leaders. In the afternoon, the President returned to Shima City, where, in the Café & Wine Bar Lien at the Shima Kanko Hotel, The Classic, he attended session one of the G-7 summit, a working lunch. Then, also at the Shima Kanko Hotel, in the Sunset Garden, he participated in a family photograph with G-7 leaders, followed by sessions two and three of the G-7 summit in the Guest Lounge. In the evening, in La Mer The Classic restaurant at the Shima Kanko Hotel, the President attended session four of the G-7 summit, a working dinner. May 27 In the morning, in the Guest Lounge of the Shima Kanko Hotel, the President attended a Group of Seven (G-7) meeting on energy and climate change. Then, also at the Shima Kanko Hotel, in Shinju Hall, he participated in a G-7 leaders outreach session, followed by a family photograph and working lunch, with leaders from Bangladesh, Indonesia, Laos, Papua New Guinea, Vietnam, and Sri Lanka. Also participating were officials from the United Nations, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, International Monetary Fund, World Bank, Asian Development Bank, and African Union. In the afternoon, the President traveled to Iwakuni, Japan. Later, he traveled to Hiroshima, Japan, where, at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, he and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan visited the display for Sadako Sasaki, a young girl who survived the 1945 atomic bombing of Hiroshima by the U.S., but died several years later of leukemia caused by radiation exposure. After viewing the display, he presented paper cranes to two local school children in memory of Sadako and signed the guest book. Then, at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, he and Prime Minister Abe participated in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Cenotaph commemorating the victims of the bombing. Later, after delivering remarks at Peace Memorial Park, he met briefly with two survivors of the bombing: Sunao Tsuboi, chairman of the Hiroshima Prefectural Confederation of A-bomb Sufferers Organization, and Shigeaki Mori, who created a memorial for U.S. prisoners of war killed in the bombing. In the evening, the President traveled to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, AK, crossing the International Date Line and arriving in the morning. Then, he returned to Washington, DC, arriving in the evening. May 30 In the morning, in the State Dining Room, the President hosted a Memorial Day breakfast reception honoring military service organizations, Gold Star Mothers, Gold Star Wives, veterans service organizations, and senior military leadership. Later, he traveled to Arlington, VA, where, at Arlington National Cemetery, he participated in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Later, he returned to Washington, DC. The White House announced that the President will travel to Elkhart, IN, on June 1. The White House announced that the President will travel to Colorado Springs, CO, on June 2 to deliver the commencement address at the U.S. Air Force Academy May 31 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President had an intelligence briefing. June 1 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President had an intelligence briefing. Then, in the Situation Room, he had a briefing on U.S. efforts to combat the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) terrorist organization and other counterterrorism issues. In the afternoon, the President traveled to Elkhart, IN. While en route aboard Air Force One, he received a briefing on the shooting at the University of California, Los Angeles in Los Angeles, CA. Also in the afternoon, while at Concord Community High School, he visited with Lester Townsend, a 108-year-old resident of South Bend, IN. In the evening, the President traveled to Colorado Springs, CO. Upon arrival, he traveled to the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Colorado Springs, where he remained overnight. The White House announced that the President will travel to Miami, FL, on June 3. The White House announced that the President will travel to Palm City, FL, on June 3 and 4. The White House announced that the President will welcome the Super Bowl 50 Champion Denver Broncos to the White House on June 6. The White House announced that the President will welcome Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong of Singapore to the White House on August 2. June 2 In the afternoon, in Colorado Springs, CO, following his U.S. Air Force Academy commencement address in Falcon Stadium, the President participated in an interview in the Falcon locker room with Megan Schrader of the Colorado Springs Gazette. Later, he traveled to Peterson Air Force Base, CO, where he visited briefly with Maj. Alex Turner, USAF, the Thunderbird pilot whose F-16 aircraft crashed shortly after a flyover maneuver at the commencement ceremony, and thanked the first responders who acted quickly to tend to Maj. Turner. Then, he returned to Washington, DC, arriving in the evening. June 3 In the afternoon, the President traveled to Miami Beach, FL, where, at a private residence, he attended a Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee roundtable fundraiser. In the evening, the President traveled to Miami, FL. Later, he traveled to Palm City, FL. Upon arrival, he traveled to the Floridian National Golf Club, where he remained overnight. The President announced his intention to appoint Micah Fialka-Feldman and Betty Williams as members of the President's Committee for People With Intellectual Disabilities. The President announced his intention to appoint Elie Wiesel as a member of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council. The President announced his intention to appoint Donald L. Pereira as a Commissioner on the U.S. Section of the Great Lakes Fishery Commission. The President announced his intention to appoint Tod Sedgwick as a member of the World War I Centennial Commission. June 4 In the afternoon, the President had a telephone conversation with Yolanda "Lonnie" Williams to offer his condolences for the passing of her husband Muhammad Ali, express how fortunate he and Mrs. Obama felt to have met him, and note his remarkable life and career. June 5 In the afternoon, the President had a telephone conversation with Sen. Bernard Sanders to discuss the Democratic Presidential primary process. Later, he returned to Washington, DC, arriving in the evening. June 6 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President had an intelligence briefing. During the day, the President had a telephone conversation with Maj. Gen. John "J.T." Thomson, USA, commanding general of the 1st Cavalry Division at Fort Hood, TX, to convey his condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of the nine soldiers who died in flash flooding during a training exercise at Fort Hood on June 2 and thank Maj. Gen. Thomson, the leaders of Fort Hood, and the soldiers and first responders who coordinated search-and-recovery operations. The White House announced that the President will travel to Warsaw, Poland, and then to Spain, from July 4 through 11. June 7 In the afternoon, in the Cabinet Room, the President and Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India had a working lunch. Vice President Joe Biden also attended. Later, in the Map Room, the President recorded a video message offering his endorsement of former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton in her bid to win the Democratic Presidential nomination. In the evening, the President had a telephone conversation with former Secretary Clinton to commend her on running a successful Presidential campaign and congratulate her on securing the delegates necessary to clinch the Democratic nomination. He also had a telephone conversation with Sen. Bernard Sanders to congratulate him on running an energizing Presidential campaign and bringing a new generation of U.S. voters into the political process. The White House announced that the President will travel to New York City on June 8. The White House announced that the President will welcome Sen. Bernard Sanders to the White House on June 9. June 8 In the afternoon, in the Private Dining Room, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had lunch. Later, he traveled to New York City, where, in Studio 6B at NBC Studios at Rockefeller Center, he recorded an interview with James T. Fallon, Jr., for NBC's "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" for later broadcast. Later in the afternoon, the President traveled to a private residence, where he attended a Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee roundtable fundraiser. In the evening, the President returned to Washington, DC. June 9 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. Later, also in the Oval Office, the President met with Sen. Bernard Sanders. In the afternoon, in the Roosevelt Room, the President participated in an interview with former New York Yankees shortstop Derek S. Jeter of the Players' Tribune website for later broadcast online. Then, from the Oval Office and Private Dining Room, he posted a video via Facebook Live on the death of Muhammad Ali and displayed some of the cherished Ali memorabilia featured in the White House. Later, in the Oval Office, he met with Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch. The White House announced that the President will travel to Green Bay, WI, on June 15. The White House announced that the President, Mrs. Obama, and their daughters Malia and Sasha will travel to Carlsbad Caverns National Park in Carlsbad, NM, and Yosemite National Park in California on June 17. The President announced his intention to nominate Bonnie A. Barsamian Dunn to be a member of the Board of Directors of the Securities Investor Protection Corporation. The President announced his intention to appoint Joyce St. Clair as a member of the Advisory Committee to the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation. The President announced his intention to nominate Michael A. Khouri to be a Commissioner on the Federal Maritime Commission. June 10 In the morning, at the Sidwell Friends School, the President, Mrs. Obama, and their daughter Sasha attended the graduation ceremony of their daughter Malia. In the afternoon, at Cafe Milano, the President, Mrs. Obama, and their daughters Malia and Sasha had lunch. June 11 The President declared a major disaster in Texas and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area affected by severe storms and flooding beginning on May 26 and continuing. June 12 In the morning, the President was briefed by Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism Lisa O. Monaco on the shooting at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, FL. Also in the morning, he had a telephone conversation with Mayor John "Buddy" Dyer, Jr., of Orlando to offer his condolences for the nightclub shooting and pledge Federal assistance in the investigation. In the afternoon, in the Oval Office, the President was updated on the shooting in Orlando by Federal Bureau of Investigation Director James B. Comey, Jr., and Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism Monaco. White House Chief of Staff Denis R. McDonough and Deputy National Security Adviser for Strategic Communications Benjamin J. Rhodes also attended. The White House announced the postponement of the President's scheduled travel to Green Bay, WI, on June 15. June 13 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing, which included an update on the June 12 terrorist attack at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, FL, from Federal Bureau of Investigation Director James B. Comey, Jr., Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh C. Johnson, National Counterterrorism Center Director Nicholas J. Rasmussen, and Deputy Attorney General Sally Quillian Yates. In the afternoon, in the Oval Office, the President participated in an interview with Bloomberg News Editor in Chief John Micklethwait, Washington Bureau Chief Megan Murphy, and Bloomberg Businessweek Editor in Chief Ellen Pollock for Bloomberg Businessweek. The White House announced that the President will travel to Orlando, FL, on June 16. June 14 In the morning, in the Diplomatic Room at the Department of the Treasury, the President met with the National Security Council to discuss efforts to combat the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) terrorist organization and the investigation into the June 12 terrorist attack at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, FL. Vice President Joe Biden also attended. In the afternoon, the President had a telephone conversation with Prime Minister Justin P.J. Trudeau of Canada to accept Prime Minister Trudeau's condolences for the terrorist attack in Orlando, FL. President Obama expressed his own condolences on behalf of the American people for the death of Canadian citizen Robert Hall, who was killed by the Abu Sayyaf terrorist organization in the Philippines after being abducted in September 2015. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to confront terrorism wherever it occurs. Then, he had a telephone conversation with President François Hollande of France to accept President Hollande's condolences for the terrorist attack in Orlando. President Obama offered his own condolences on behalf of the American people for the fatal attack on French police officer Jean-Baptiste Salvaing and his partner Jessica Schneider in Magnanville, France, on June 13. The leaders renewed their shared determination to degrade and destroy ISIL and stand against the broader scourge of terrorism. June 15 In the morning, in the Map Room and Rose Garden, the President met with Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama, to accept the Dalai Lama's condolences for the June 12 terrorist attack at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, FL; discuss the Dalai Lama's efforts to promote compassion, empathy, and respect for others; review the situation of Tibetans in China, including efforts to foster dialogue between Tibetan and Chinese officials; and appraise climate change issues, including efforts to protect the Himalayan glaciers and the environment on the Tibetan plateau. During the day, the President had a telephone conversation with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey to accept President Erdogan's condolences for the June 12 terrorist attack in Orlando and reaffirm their shared commitment to combat all forms of violent extremism. The White House announced that the President and First Family will travel to Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico on June 17. June 16 In the morning, the President traveled to Orlando, FL, arriving in the afternoon. While en route aboard Air Force One, he met with Sen. Marco A. Rubio. In the afternoon, the President traveled to the Amway Center, where, in the NBA Interview Room, he and Vice President Joe Biden met with local law enforcement officials, medical professionals, and other first responders to thank them for their actions in responding to the June 12 terrorist attack at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando. Then, also at the Amway Center, in the practice gym, they met with families of victims of the attack and some survivors of the shooting. Later, they traveled to the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, where they laid flowers at a public memorial site dedicated to the victims of the attack. Later in the afternoon, the President returned to Washington, DC, arriving in the evening. The White House announced that the President will welcome Deputy Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia to the White House on June 17. The President announced his intention to nominate Mark D. Acton to be a Commissioner on the Postal Regulatory Commission. The President announced his intention to nominate Kamala Shirin Lakhdhir to be Ambassador to Malaysia. The President announced his intention to nominate Andrew R. Young to be Ambassador to Burkina Faso. The President announced his intention to nominate Shirley Woodward to be Inspector General of the Central Intelligence Agency. The President announced his intention to appoint Arthur Bienenstock as a member of the National Science Board. The President announced his intention to appoint the following individuals as members of the National Cancer Advisory Board: Francis Ali-Osman; Lawrence Gostin; Scott Hiebert; Electra D. Paskett; Nancy Raab-Traub; and Margaret R. Spitz. June 17 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President met with Deputy Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia. Later, he, Mrs. Obama, and their daughters Malia and Sasha traveled to Roswell, NM, arriving in the afternoon. While en route aboard Air Force One, he had a telephone conversation with Brendan Cox, husband of the late Jo Cox, the British Member of Parliament who was killed after a meeting with her constituents in Birstall, United Kingdom, on June 16, to offer his condolences on behalf of the American people. In the afternoon, the President, Mrs. Obama, and their daughters Malia and Sasha traveled to Carlsbad, NM, where they toured Carlsbad Caverns National Park with Park Ranger Valerie Gohlke. In the evening, the President, Mrs. Obama, and their daughters Malia and Sasha traveled to Atwater, CA. Upon arrival at Castle Airport, they traveled to the Majestic Yosemite Hotel, where they remained overnight. June 18 In the morning, the President and Mrs. Obama traveled to a park facility on the Lower Yosemite Falls Loop, where they visited with children taking part in an "Every Kid in a Park" initiative event and participated in a photo opportunity. Later, also on the Lower Yosemite Falls Loop, he recorded an interview with Richard Bacon, host of National Geographic's "Explorer" program, for later broadcast. Then, also on the Lower Yosemite Falls Loop, he recorded a virtual reality promotional video with Yosemite National Park Superintendent Don Neubacher In the afternoon, the President, Mrs. Obama, and their daughters Malia and Sasha toured sections of Yosemite National Park, including Glacier Point. Later, they returned to the Majestic Yosemite Hotel, where they remained overnight. In the evening, the President posted an entry to his Facebook feed describing his visit to Carlsbad Caverns and Yosemite National Parks to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service and promote the White House's "Every Kid in a Park" initiative. June 19 In the morning, the President, Mrs. Obama, and their daughters Malia and Sasha hiked sections of Yosemite National Park. In the afternoon, at the Ahwahnee Meadow landing zone, the President visited with park rangers from the National Park Service and thanked them for their service in helping to preserve U.S. wilderness and parklands. Then, he, Mrs. Obama, and their daughters Malia and Sasha returned to Washington, DC, arriving in the evening. In the evening, upon arrival at Joint Base Andrews, while still aboard Air Force One, the President, Mrs. Obama, and their daughters finished watching game 7 of the National Basketball Association Finals between the Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers. June 20 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. In the afternoon, in the East Room, the President visited with members of the 2015 U.S. Solheim Cup golf team and participated in a photo opportunity. Then, he had a telephone conversation with President-elect Pedro Pablo Kuczynski of Peru to congratulate him on his victory in the Presidential election, commend the Peruvian people for again demonstrating their commitment to democratic values through a peaceful election process, and discuss Peru-U.S. relations, including expanded economic ties under the Trans-Pacific Partnership. The White House announced that the President will sign H.R. 2756, the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act, in the South Court Auditorium on June 23. The White House announced that the President will travel to San Jose, CA. The President announced the designation of the following individuals as members of a Presidential delegation to attend the inaugural ceremony of the expansion of the Panama Canal in Panama City, Panama, on June 26: Jill T. Biden (head of delegation); John D. Feeley; William R. Brownfield; Kurt W. Tidd; and Mari del Carmen Aponte. June 21 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President had an intelligence briefing. In the afternoon, the President traveled to Bethesda, MD, where, at the Military Advanced Training Center of the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, he visited with wounded U.S. servicemembers, veterans, and family members. Later, he returned to Washington, DC. The White House announced that the President will award the Medal of Honor to Lt. Col. Charles Kettles, USA (Ret.), for conspicuous gallantry during the Vietnam war, on July 18. June 22 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President had an intelligence briefing. In the afternoon, the President posted an entry to his Facebook feed in honor of the late Jo Cox, the British Member of Parliament who was killed after a meeting with her constituents in Birstall, United Kingdom, on June 16. Later, in the Oval Office, he met with Secretary of State John F. Kerry. Then, he had a telephone conversation with Head Coach Mike Sullivan of the National Hockey League's Pittsburgh Penguins to congratulate him on his team's victory in the Stanley Cup Championship. The White House announced that the President will welcome the 2015 Women's National Basketball Association Champion Minnesota Lynx to the White House on June 27. The President announced his intention to nominate Thomas G. Kotarac to be a member and Chairman of the Railroad Retirement Board. The President announced his intention to nominate Valerie Martinez to be a member of the National Council on the Arts. The President announced his intention to appoint Paul Ohm and Allison B. Orris as members of the Commission on Evidence-Based Policymaking. The President announced his intention to appoint Lisa Pugh as a member of the President's Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities. The President announced his intention to appoint Trevor W. Morrison as a member of the Public Interest Declassification Board, and upon appointment, to designate him Chairperson. The President announced his intention to appoint James E. Baker as a member of the Public Interest Declassification Board. June 23 In the morning, President had a telephone conversation with President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya to accept President Kenyatta's condolences for the June 12 terrorist attack at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, FL, discuss the challenges Kenya faces in hosting hundreds of thousands of East African refugees for more than two decades and the need for strong international support, and reaffirm Kenya-U.S. relations, including security cooperation. In the afternoon, in the Oval Office, the President met with Secretary of the Treasury Jacob J. Lew. Then, he had a telephone conversation with Head Coach Tyronn Lue of the National Basketball Association's Cleveland Cavaliers to congratulate him on his team's victory in the NBA Finals. Later, in the Roosevelt Room, he recorded promotional videos for the 2016 ESPY awards, residential solar installations, and BuzzFeed News's voter registration initiative. Later in the afternoon, the President traveled to Mountain View, CA. Upon arrival at Moffett Federal Airfield, he visited with Air Force servicemembers and family members. Then, he traveled to San Francisco, CA, arriving in the evening. In the evening, at Twenty Five Lusk restaurant, the President had dinner with technology industry leaders, venture capitalists, and entrepreneurs. Also in the evening, he was briefed on the incoming returns for the United Kingdom's referendum vote regarding membership in the European Union. Later, he traveled to the InterContinental San Francisco hotel, where he remained overnight. During the day, the President received a briefing on the hostage situation at a cinema complex in Viernheim, Germany, which ended with police killing the gunman. The White House announced that the President will travel to Seattle, WA, on June 24. June 24 In the morning, the President traveled to Stanford, CA. In the afternoon, in Room 204 of the Memorial Auditorium at Stanford University, the President recorded a conversation about the Global Entrepreneurship Summit with Facebook, Inc., Founder and Chief Executive Officer Mark E. Zuckerberg for immediate broadcast on Facebook Live. Then, in the Pigott Theater, he participated in a Google Portal virtual question-and-answer session with Google Inc. Chief Executive Officer Sundar Pichai and entrepreneurs from London, United Kingdom; Erbil, Iraq; Seoul, South Korea; and Mexico City, Mexico. Later, he traveled to Seattle, WA, where, at the Westin Seattle hotel, he attended a fundraiser reception for Gov. Jay R. Inslee of Washington. In the evening, the President traveled to Medina, WA. Later, he returned to the Westin Seattle hotel in Seattle, where he remained overnight. During the day, the President had a telephone conversation with Prime Minister David Cameron of the United Kingdom to discuss the outcome of the June 23 referendum on the U.K.'s membership in the European Union, in which a majority of British voters expressed their desire to leave the EU, and reaffirm U.K.-U.S. relations. Also during the day, the President had a telephone conversation with Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany to discuss the British people's decision to leave the European Union, express their mutual regret at the decision, pledge that the economic and financial teams of the Group of Seven nations will coordinate closely to ensure a continued focus on financial stability and economic growth, and underscore the strength of transatlantic ties between Germany, the EU, and the U.S., as represented by the upcoming NATO summit in Warsaw, Poland, on July 8 and 9. June 25 In the morning, the President returned to Washington, DC, arriving in the afternoon. While en route aboard Air Force One, he had a telephone conversation with Gov. Earl R. Tomblin of West Virginia to discuss the recent flooding, offer his condolences for the loss of life, and offer Federal assistance. The President declared a major disaster in West Virginia and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area affected by severe storms, flooding, landslides, and mudslides beginning on June 22 and continuing. June 27 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. Later, also in the Oval Office, the President participated in a credentialing ceremony for newly appointed Ambassadors to the U.S: Leonidas Pantelides of Cyprus, Carlos Manuel Sada Solana of Mexico, Mohamedoun Daddah of Mauritania, Gladys Marithza Ruiz Sanchez of Guatemala, Essomba Etoundi of Cameroon, Theocharis Lalacos of Greece, Anthony W.J Phillips-Spencer of Trinidad and Tobago, Claudia Ivette Canjura de Centeno of El Salvador, Christophe Pierre of the Holy See (Vatican City), Tihomir Anguelov Stoytchev of Bulgaria, Dina Khalil Tawfiq Kawar of Jordan. In the afternoon, in the Private Dining Room, the President and Vice President Biden had lunch. Later, in the State Dining Room, the President recorded an interview with Steve Inskeep of NPR for later broadcast. June 28 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Joe Biden had an intelligence briefing. In the afternoon, in the Oval Office, the President and Vice President Biden met with Secretary of Defense Ashton B. Carter. During the day, the President was briefed by Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism Lisa O. Monaco on the terrorist attack on AtatÜrk International Airport in Istanbul, Turkey. June 29 In the morning, the President traveled to Ottawa, Canada. In the afternoon, the President traveled to the National Gallery of Canada, where, in the Canadian Galleries, he participated in a North American Leaders' Summit working session with Prime Minister Justin P.J. Trudeau of Canada and President Enrique Peña Nieto of Mexico. The session was also attended by U.S. National Security Adviser Susan E. Rice, Secretary of State John F. Kerry, Secretary of Commerce Penny S. Prtizker, and Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh C. Johnson; Mexico's Secretary of Economy Ildefonso Guajardo Villarreal, Secretary of Foreign Relations Claudia Ruiz Massieu Salinas, Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources Rafael Pacchiano Alaman, and Secretary of Finance and Public Credit Luis Videragay Caso; and Canada's Minister of International Trade Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Catherine McKenna, Ambassador to U.S. David B. MacNaughton, and Ambassador to Mexico Pierre Alarie. Then, on the Gallery grounds along the banks of the Ottawa River, they participated in a North American Leaders' Summit family photograph, followed by a working lunch in the Garden Court. Later in the afternoon, the President traveled to the Parliament Buildings, where, in the Rotunda, he participated in an official arrival ceremony with Prime Minister Trudeau and his wife Sophie Grégoire-Trudeau, Speaker of the House of Commons Geoff Regan, Speaker of the Senate George J. Furey, and other Canadian officials and signed the guest book. Then, in the Cabinet Room, he met with Prime Minister Trudeau. In the evening, in Room 100 of the Sir John A. MacDonald Building at Parliament Hill, the President visited with U.S. Embassy personnel and their families. Later, he returned to Washington, DC. During the day, the President had a telephone conversation with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey to express his condolences for the terrorist attack on AtatÜrk International Airport in Istanbul, Turkey, on June 28, offer U.S. assistance to support Turkish authorities in their investigation, and pledge to continue working with Turkey and all other partners and allies to fight terrorism. President Obama also commended President Erdogan and his Government for their leadership in reaching a deal to normalize relations with Israel and in taking steps to ease tensions with Russia. The President announced his intention to nominate Debra Satz to be a member of the National Council on the Humanities. The President announced his intention to nominate W. Stuart Symington to be Ambassador to Nigeria. The President announced his intention to nominate Jason D. Tulley to be a judge on the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. The President announced his intention to appoint Kody H. Kinsley as Assistant Secretary for Management at the Department of the Treasury. June 30 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President had an intelligence briefing. In the afternoon, in the Oval Office, the President met with 13-year-old Ismael Torres-Castrodad, the first-ever March of Dimes National Ambassador from Puerto Rico, and his parents Isamari Castrodad and Ismael Torres, Sr.