White House Gaggle

By Gregory Gorman
July 1, 2005

President’s Schedule

The President had his usual briefings and taped his July 4th radio message. The message will include thanks to the troops during this year’s Independence Day commemorations. At 10:15 am, the President will have a photo opportunity with the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution where he will be presented with the Distinguished Patriot Award. At 11:25 am, the President will welcome Prime Minister Sabah of Kuwait to the White House. Following a meeting in the Oval Office, the two leaders will have a working lunch in the Old Family Dining Room. This afternoon, the President will travel to Walter Reed Army Medical Center to visit with 37 wounded soldiers from Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. He will also meet with six families of wounded troops who are in the Intensive Care Unit at Walter Reed and he will award five Purple Hearts. The President will then depart for Camp David until Sunday.

Iranian President

Press Secretary Scott McClellan said that the White House continues to look into and establish the facts regarding President-elect Ahmadinejad’s participation in the 1979 hostage situation. McClellan went on to say, "I don’t think it should be surprising to anyone if it turns out to be true . . . this is a regime run by an unelected few that only allowed its hand-picked candidates to run in an election that was well short of free and fair". When asked if U.S. policy towards Iran would change if the allegations are proven to be true, McClellan would only say that the administration is working to establish the facts first.

Wounded Georgian Soldier at Walter Reed

During his visit with wounded soldiers today at Walter Reed, McClellan announced that the President will see a Georgian soldier who was wounded while serving with coalition forces. When asked why a Georgian soldier was being treated at Walter Reed, McClellan said he did not have any details and would try to get more information.

Aid Relief for Africa

McClellan stated that the United States is leading the way in providing support to Africa and the African people. He said the U.S. has tripled its aid to Africa since President Bush has been in office and that the administration is working to save lives and improve lives on the African continent. According to McClellan, the administration wants to see concrete results and outcomes for the resources that have been provided for Africa. McClellan went on to say that the American people are generous and that the U.S. is fulfilling its commitments to Africa.