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Anita Powell

Produced by Anita Powell

July 25, 2024
Biden explains why he stepped away from presidential race

U.S. President Joe Biden on Wednesday evening addressed the nation and explained why he decided not to stand for re-election in the 2024 race for the White House against his 2020 electoral rival, former president and Republican candidate, Donald Trump. VOA’s Anita Powell has more.
July 24, 2024
Biden returns to White House while Harris launches nomination campaign

U.S. President Joe Biden Tuesday returned to the White House after contracting COVID-19 and announcing that he will not be seeking re-election — developments that happened while his deputy, Vice President Kamala Harris, launched her bid to be the Democratic candidate who will face former President Donald Trump in November. VOA’s Anita Powell has more.
July 22, 2024
President Biden ends reelection bid

U.S. President Joe Biden ended his reelection bid on Sunday and is endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris to be the Democratic Party’s nominee for the November ballot. VOA's Esther Githui-Ewart talks to VOA White House correspondent Anita Powell on the latest from the White House.
July 16, 2024
Despite sympathy for Trump attack, Biden maintains political rivalry

The weekend assassination attempt on Donald Trump has silenced much of the chatter over President Joe Biden’s political future. But as Trump charged forward Monday, appearing at the Republican National Convention and naming his vice presidential pick, the Biden administration prepared for a Tuesday campaign stop at this uncertain stage in the presidential race. VOA’s Anita Powell reports from the White House.
July 15, 2024
Biden, in somber Oval Office address, calls for unity, peace after Trump shooting

President Joe Biden on Sunday summoned the gravitas of the Oval Office to entreat Americans to unify and shun political violence after a stunning attempt on the life of rival Donald Trump a day earlier. Trump, en route to the political convention where he is expected to clinch the Republican presidential nomination, made similar calls – in a sign both men fear trouble ahead as the November election looms. VOA’s Anita Powell reports from the White House.
July 10, 2024
US President Biden welcomes NATO leaders, preaches peace and support for Europe

U.S. President Joe Biden on Tuesday welcomed leaders of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, NATO, to Washington, where he heralded the alliance’s 75th anniversary while making the case for peace and support for Europe — a region experiencing ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine. VOA White House correspondent Anita Powell has more.
July 09, 2024
US president welcomes newly enlarged NATO alliance, addresses Ukraine defense, and more

U.S. President Joe Biden this week will host the newly enlarged NATO alliance for a summit aimed at addressing a range of issues, including how to ensure that Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression remains a top priority, despite the outcome of the race to the White House in November. VOA’s Anita Powell has more.
June 19, 2024
US President moves to protect some undocumented immigrants

U.S. President Joe Biden on Tuesday said his government would offer protections to some undocumented spouses of U.S. citizens. This happened after the Washington leader recently marked the 12th anniversary of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, DACA, program which was initiated by former President Barack Obama and provides protection for young undocumented immigrants. VOA’s Anita Powell has more.
May 29, 2024
Washington support for Israel firm after 'heartbreaking' Rafah camp airstrike

The White House described an Israeli airstrike on a refugee camp in Rafah as “heartbreaking,” but it made no move to limit military assistance to Israel or shift its policy supporting the country's right to conduct operations in Gaza. Anita Powell reports from the White House.
May 23, 2024
Presidents Biden, Ruto expected to talk security during state visit

United States President Joe Biden welcomed Kenyan President William to Washington, DC Thursday for the first day of Ruto’s state visit. VOA’s Yehyes Wuhib spoke to White House correspondent Anita Powell for a look at what the two presidents are expected to discuss in the coming days.
May 23, 2024
US elevates security relationship with Kenya during state visit

WHITE HOUSE — The United States will designate Kenya as its first major non-NATO ally in sub-Saharan Africa, the White House said as President Joe Biden on Thursday welcomed President William Ruto for a state visit.
May 22, 2024
White House to welcome Kenyan president

White House rolls out red carpet to Kenyan leader as two nations collaborate on Haiti peacekeeping force
May 22, 2024
Kenyan president set to meet US counterpart

Kenya’s President William Ruto this week is scheduled to receive a lavish welcome from the White House where he will meet with his U.S. counterpart Joe Biden for diplomatic talks. VOA’s Anita Powell has more.
May 21, 2024
White House welcomes Kenyan president for first African state visit

WASHINGTON—The White House welcomes this week the President of Kenya William Ruto for the first state visit for an African leader. VOA White House correspondent Anita Powell sat down with Frances Brown, the newly appointed director for African affairs at the National Security Council. They talked about the visit and many other issues.
May 12, 2024
Next US president must address Washington's position on Africa relations

Analysts say the next U.S. president, between Democrat candidate Joe Biden and his Republican opponent, former President Donald Trump, will face a stiff challenge trying to restore the nation’s influence in Africa, a continent where Eastern powerhouses like China and Russia are gaining inroads. VOA’s White House correspondent Anita Powell has more in this report.
May 07, 2024
Washington urges Gaza cease-fire deal amid Israeli plans for Rafah assault

Reports of possible progress on a cease-fire deal between Israel and Hamas are happening against the backdrop of Israel’s plan for a military incursion into the southern Gaza city of Rafah. In Washington, President Joe Biden lunched with Jordan’s king and spoke to Israel’s leader by phone in an apparent effort to soothe tensions. VOA’s Anita Powell reports from the White House.
April 11, 2024
US, Israel ‘Ready’ for Cease-Fire But Say Hamas Must Free Hostages

The White House blames militant group Hamas for the failure to reach a cease-fire with Israel before the end of Ramadan, as Washington prepares for a high-level meeting on Israel’s plans to invade Rafah and faces lingering questions over the killing of aid workers by Israeli forces. VOA White House correspondent Anita Powell reports from Washington.
April 03, 2024
Biden, Xi Hold ‘Candid and Constructive’ Call

On a call Tuesday, President Joe Biden discussed with Chinese President Xi Jinping a range of high-level issues and reiterated his request that China not use web-based disinformation tools to interfere with the U.S. presidential election. The two leaders also discussed Taiwan – the island China claims – as it prepares to inaugurate a new leader next month. VOA’s Anita Powell reports from Washington.
March 21, 2024
South Africa Minister Visits Washington DC

South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Naledi Pandor, is visiting Washington, D.C. this week and said the Biden administration’s unwavering support for Israel’s assault on Gaza has strained relations between the two nations. VOA’s Anita Powell questioned Pandor at the South African embassy about the frosty relations as the United States is considering a law that would further inflame tensions. VOA’s Carol Van Dam reports.
March 07, 2024
US President Ready to Deliver State of the Union Address

U.S. President Joe Biden on Thursday night will deliver his annual State of the Union, SOTU, address amid preparations for a likely repeat election in November against Republican candidate, former President Donald Trump. Biden is expected to spotlight his administration’s successes while using the platform to convince voters to give his administration a second term in office. VOA’s White House correspondent Anita Powell filed this report that details more.

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