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Biden Hosts Quad Leaders for Private Meetings in Wilmington

President Joe Biden is currently engaging in private discussions with leaders from Australia, Japan, and India as part of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue at his Delaware estate. The meetings have stirred controversy regarding media access, drawing criticism from the White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA).

As preparations unfolded, statements were released by the White House acknowledging that Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida had already arrived, with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi being spotted in Wilmington on Saturday.

The events are taking place in the president’s hometown, characterized by a notably low profile—prompting frustrations among members of the media who feel excluded. The WHCA has voiced strong objections to the limited access granted to the press during these crucial discussions.

WHCA PROTESTS ‘UNACCEPTABLE’ LACK OF PRESS ACCESS AT BIDEN’S QUAD SUMMIT

Security measures have been tight, with Secret Service agents monitoring the entrance to Biden’s home. Additionally, leaders were invited to a private dinner at Archmere Academy, the former school of President Biden, which contributes to the air of exclusivity surrounding the meetings.

Officials within the Biden administration have attempted to frame the unconventional nature and location of the summit as a sign of hospitality and personal connection, underscoring the president’s belief in the significance of personal relationships in foreign diplomacy. White House national security spokesman John Kirby noted, “These are personal relationships that mean a lot to him,” highlighting Biden’s approach to fostering international links.

According to a State Department briefing, this gathering marks the first time Biden has hosted these foreign leaders in Wilmington during his presidency, reflecting the strong ties and strategic importance each leader holds in current geopolitical dynamics.

However, the WHCA’s stance has been firmly articulated by its president, Eugene Daniels, who stated that the lack of access to the president during these bilateral meetings is unacceptable. In a communication to the press, he lamented that the current administration’s policy only allows for the motorcades of the foreign leaders to be seen without any visuals or interaction involving President Biden himself, describing it as an unprecedented situation for bilateral meetings held on U.S. soil.

Daniels expressed concern about the need for transparency, especially in significant diplomatic moments. He emphasized the importance of providing the public with independent press accounts of these interactions, despite the administrations’ noted security concerns.

In defense of the decision, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre responded that it is not uncommon for the media to have limited access during such events, adding that reporters would ultimately have the opportunity to observe the leaders when they depart from the meetings.

This summit may represent one of Biden’s last encounters with international leaders following his withdrawal from the upcoming presidential election earlier this year, adding layers of significance to the discussions taking place in Wilmington.

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