Biden news: President makes first response to classified papers trove as GOP accused Dems of hypocrisy

Discovery of documents cast a shadow over Biden’s visit to Mexico City for three-day summit with counterparts Trudeau and López Obrador

Biden visits U.S.-Mexico border amidst migrant crisis

President Joe Biden’s visit to Mexico was shrouded by news that classified documents from his time as vice president were discovered at a think tank in Washington DC.

After initially dodging questions on the classified papers, the president addressed the issue on Tuesday, saying that he was “surprised” by the find.

“I was surprised to learn there were any government records that were taken there to that office,” he said, adding that he doesn’t know what the documents contain.

Mr Biden’s attorneys confirmed on Monday that they had found the government materials in a private office at the Penn Biden Center for Diplomacy and Global Engagement in November.

The documents were immediately handed over to the National Archives and the Justice Department launched an investigation.

At least some of the materials are said to include intelligence memos regarding Iran, Ukraine, the United Kingdom and other topics, reported CNN.

The revelation about the documents comes amid a a three-day trip to Mexico where Mr Biden has held meetings with Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

During Tuesday’s meeting, Mr Biden praised Mr Trudeau for his support and cooperation with the US on international affairs.

“I want to thank you again. You’ve always been there whenever I call, you pick up the phone,” he said.

Key points

• Classified Obama-Biden papers found at think tank, prompting DOJ probe
• Abbott says Biden ‘noncommittal’ on border policy changes
• Biden to meet López Obrador and Justin Trudeau in Mexico today
• Biden takes first presidential trip to US-Mexico border
• Biden and Lula speak after Jan 6-style insurrection rocks Brazil

[9 January 2023 20:00 · Oliver O'Connell]

Voices: Why Republicans really want to impeach Biden

Noah Berlatsky writes:

The Republican House has finally, after 15 votes, managed to elect Kevin McCarthy as speaker. That means they can get on to their main business: impeaching Joe Biden for something. Or for anything.

Read on:

[9 January 2023 20:30 · Oliver O'Connell]

Recap: Biden takes first presidential trip to US-Mexico border

John Bowden reports on President Joe Biden’s visit to El Paso, Texas, at the weekend — his first visit to the border with Mexico.

[9 January 2023 21:16 · Oliver O'Connell]

Meanwhile, in Florida...

[9 January 2023 21:45 · Oliver O'Connell]

In pictures: Jill Biden attends women’s empowerment events in Mexico City

Jill Biden speaks with Hope Salazar, wife of US Ambassador to Mexico Ken Salazar, as they tour around the house to view paintings at the ambassador’s residence in Mexico City (REUTERS)

First Lady Jill Biden poses with women after hosting a conversation on women’s empowerment at the US Ambassadors’ house in Mexico City (AFP via Getty Images)

Jill Biden attends a Tochito NFL flag football event in Mexico City. The organisation promotes gender equality and girls’ empowerment (REUTERS)

[9 January 2023 21:53 · Oliver O'Connell]

Biden and Lula have spoken

President Joe Biden and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva have spoken by telephone the day after protesters loyal to former president Jair Bolsonaro stormed government buildings in Brasilia.

A White House official confirmed the call.

[9 January 2023 22:13 · Oliver O'Connell]

Biden and Lula release joint statement

The White House released the following statement after President Joe Biden spoke with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

President Biden and President Lula spoke by telephone this afternoon. President Biden conveyed the unwavering support of the United States for Brazil’s democracy and for the free will of the Brazilian people as expressed in Brazil’s recent presidential election, which President Lula won. President Biden condemned the violence and the attack on democratic institutions and on the peaceful transfer of power. The two leaders pledged to work closely together on the issues confronting the United States and Brazil, including climate change, economic development, and peace and security. President Biden invited President Lula to visit Washington in early February for in-depth consultations on a wide-ranging shared agenda, and President Lula accepted the invitation.

[9 January 2023 22:20 · Oliver O'Connell]

Biden arrives at National Palace in Mexico City

[9 January 2023 22:30 · Oliver O'Connell]

Harris condemns Brazil riots as ‘clear attack on a democratic process'

Vice President Kamala Harris ceremonially swears in Elizabeth Bagley as Ambassador to Brazil on 9 January 2023 (EPA)

Vice President Kamala Harris swore in Elizabeth Bagley as the new US Ambassador to Brazil this afternoon and made the following comments regarding yesterday’s violence.

“Well, let’s be clear. This was an obvious and clear attack on a democratic process. And we condemn it. Of course, I will also say that as I’ve said to the ambassador, Ambassador Bagley, I’m very confident in her ability to represent the United States and to extend to President Lula all that we need in terms of the work that we will do together as allies on some of the most important issues facing our world. So we’re very much looking forward to her leadership and to work with President Lula.”

[9 January 2023 22:38 · Oliver O'Connell]

Biden and AMLO meet in Mexico City

[9 January 2023 22:46 · Oliver O'Connell]

The Trudeaus arrive in Mexico City

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador and his wife Beatriz Gutierrez Mueller welcome Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his wife Sophie Gregoire (EPA)