Topic: The White House

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Its approval rating at new low, Congress plows ahead on immigration, taxes

The approval rating for Congress has never been lower, a poll shows. Might that change as the 'the broken branch' of government makes bipartisan headway on vexing issues of immigration and tax reform?
US military aid to Syria rebels: Why Obama is starting with the minimum

Obama's cautious shift away from providing only non-lethal assistance to Syria's rebels reflects continued deep misgivings about sending US arms into the war and a desire to keep a door open to diplomacy.
Terrorism & Security Russia warns of Syria chemical weapons fabrication as US ups involvement

The Obama administration says it's convinced the Syrian government has used chemical weapons and promised more aid to the rebellion. Russia warns that it could be Iraq all over again.
USA Update Syria crosses 'red line' on chemical weapons. How will Obama respond? (+video)

US officials say the regime of President Bashar al-Assad has used chemical weapons 'multiple times' to kill at least 100 rebel fighters and civilians. Obama had warned Syria of 'enormous consequences' if it crossed that 'red line.'
Why Obama chose woman with no CIA experience for No. 2 CIA job

Avril Haines will be the first woman to be second in command at the CIA, but critics point not to her gender but her lack of CIA experience. Her choice suggests Obama wants a close ally.
Syria war death toll hits 93,000, UN says. A spur to US to aid rebels?

The new UN figure for lives lost in the Syria war is 30,000 higher than in November's report. A possible battle for the city of Aleppo could drive it higher still. Obama's security team met Wednesday about how to help Syrian rebels, but no decision was apparent.
CIA deputy director Michael Morell steps down. Who is the new CIA No. 2?

Michael Morell, the CIA deputy director, is leaving. The new CIA deputy director: White House lawyer Avril Haines, who will be the first woman in the job.
Actually, Americans aren’t shrugging over NSA surveillance (+video)

Two new polls find that a majority of Americans disapprove of the NSA's data-mining programs. The head of the NSA says he's ready to provide evidence they've helped prevent terrorist attacks.
Will Obama reconsider arming Syrian rebels? This week could be key.

President Obama has long been loath to arm Syrian rebels, worried that the weapons could fall into extremists' hands. But with the rebels faltering, he could reconsider.
Decoder Wire Did Hillary Clinton just drop a presidential hint on Twitter?

Hillary Clinton said on Twitter that her next role is 'TBD,' prompting a flurry of interest in her debut on the social networking site.
Feds surrender: Teens can buy 'morning-after pill'

The federal government said today it will end its years-long fight against a judge's order to allow girls of any age to buy emergency contraception without prescriptions.
Presidential cyberwar directive gives Pentagon long-awaited marching orders (+video)

The 18-page, Top Secret 'Presidential Policy Directive 20' instructs the Pentagon to draw up a cyberwar target list and to protect US infrastructure from foreign cyberattack.
Edward Snowden leaks: why Obama has a political cushion (+video)

Edward Snowden and his decision to speak out as the leaker of classified national security documents have deflected attention from President Obama. The political odd couples defending and opposing the programs also insulate the president.
Obama wants faster Internet in US schools. Would you pay $5 a year for it?

'We expect free wifi with our coffee, why shouldn't we have it in our schools?' Obama said in pressing for an initiative to urgently upgrade Internet connections at US schools.
Showered in boos, Republicans feed Democratic immigration reform fears

House Republicans on Thursday voted to strip administrative protection from the young undocumented immigrants whom President Obama sought to shield from deportation last year. The move played to Democratic concerns that the GOP isn't serious about immigration reform.
Verizon phone-snooping flap: why Obama won't be harmed

News that Verizon has been forced to turn over millions of phone records to the US government feeds the narrative of Big Brother-ism in Washington. But concerns over national security are likely to mitigate political fallout.
Decoder Wire Samantha Power: Can Obama's UN nominee live down Israel comments?

Samantha Power, President Obama's nominee to be ambassador to the UN, is no shrinking violet. She's made her fair share of controversial statements, and they'll likely come up in confirmation hearings.
Opinion 4 ways Obama should work with US business to combat China’s cyberspying

If the US wishes to stop this Chinese economic cyber-espionage, a true public-private partnership is needed. Here are four ways President Obama should work with US business to combat Chinese cyberspying.
Syrian rebels feel the blow of regime's Qusair capture

The Syrian regime could not have taken control of Qusair without help from Iranian-back Hezbollah, said a White House spokesman on Wednesday. Following the fighting, the U.S. urged Syria to allow international groups to evacuate the wounded.
Rice selected for new high-profile role in Obama administration

Susan Rice will become President Barack Obama's national security adviser, he announced on Wednesday. He will nominate Samantha Power to take Rice's spot as U.S. ambassador to the U.N. These leadership changes take place as the country faces a variety of foreign policy challenges.
Newtown photos barred: Did lawmakers balance privacy, public's right to know? (+video)

The Connecticut legislature passed a bill Wednesday restricting the release of crime-scene photos of the Newtown victims. The law brought relief to family members, but it's also prompted concerns among civil liberties groups.
Susan Rice to top foreign policy post in Obama power play (+video)

President Obama is naming Susan Rice as his national security adviser, a bold show of support for a close confidante amid continuing controversy over Benghazi. Samantha Power will replace her at the UN.
Decoder Wire Michelle Obama heckled: How'd she handle it? (+video)

Tuesday night was a rare moment of unscripted anger from Michelle Obama, who has generally avoided direct political confrontation and has approval ratings higher than those of her husband.
National security adviser Donilon to resign, Obama to appoint Susan Rice to replace him (+video)

Tom Donilon, President Obama's top national security adviser, is resigning and Susan Rice, the US ambassador to the United Nations, is seen as the likely candidate to replace him. A planned announcement by the president is expected this afternoon.
Terrorism & Security Britain joins France in saying nerve gas used in Syria

The British Foreign Office found the presence of sarin gas in several samples from Syria a day after the French government said there was 'no doubt' the chemical weapon was used by Assad's forces.