Ben Wolfgang
Articles by Ben Wolfgang
Obama seeks to end immigration enforcement by local, state police
The administration issued a report Monday saying that in order to rebuild trust between police and their communities, the federal government should stop enlisting state and local police in most immigration enforcement, setting up another challenge as President Obama tries to please immigrant rights advocates while carrying out deportations. Published May 18, 2015
Obama joins Twitter under @POTUS handle
President Obama joined Twitter on Monday, vowing to use his @POTUS account as a vehicle to communicate more directly with the American people. Published May 18, 2015
Obama to limit police access to military equipment
President Obama on Monday set new limits on police access to certain military equipment, part of a larger federal government response aimed at preventing the kind of unrest seen in Ferguson, Missouri, last year. Published May 18, 2015
Obama ‘red line’ erased as Bashar Assad’s chemical weapons use goes unchecked by U.S. military
Amid recent reports Syrian President Bashar Assad again used chemical weapons in his nation's ongoing civil war, Mr. Obama is taking a much different approach than he did in 2012 and 2013, when the U.S. declared itself on the verge of military intervention after Mr. Assad unleashed sarin gas and other chemical agents despite clear warnings from the White House. Published May 17, 2015
White House chides Gambian president over anti-gay remarks
The Obama administration has blasted Gambian President Yahya Jammeh for saying he would slit the throats of gay men in his West African nation. Published May 17, 2015
Obama releases financial disclosure forms, holds assets of at least $1.9 million
President Obama and first lady Michelle Obama released financial disclosure forms Friday showing they hold assets totaling somewhere between $1.9 million and $6.9 million. Published May 15, 2015
Obama honors fallen officers at memorial service
President Obama on Friday honored 131 officers who lost their lives in 2014 and said the nation not only owes them a debt of gratitude but also also must pay tribute to their memories by fighting poverty and improving communities' relationships with law enforcement. Published May 15, 2015
Obama on B.B. King’s death: ‘There’s going to be one killer blues session in heaven tonight’
President Obama on Friday mourned the loss of legendary bluesman B.B. King, who died Thursday night in Las Vegas at 89 years old. Published May 15, 2015
Republicans slam Obama for downplaying ‘low-tech’ Iran threat
Leading Republicans are slamming President Obama for seemingly downplaying the "low-tech" threat posed by Iran and brushing off international fears that Tehran could use money from economic sanctions relief to fuel more chaos in the Middle East. Published May 15, 2015
Obama looks for global support on Iran nuke deal
Just hours after Congress cemented its authority to review any nuclear deal with Iran, President Obama said Thursday the U.S. and its Gulf allies are unified in their effort to not only stop Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons but also to transform the nation from regional troublemaker to peaceful neighbor. Published May 14, 2015
Obama to honor two WWI soldiers with Medal of Honor
President Obama next month will award the Medal of Honor to two soldiers for their heroic actions during World War I, the White House said Thursday. Published May 14, 2015
Obama pushes ahead with summit despite Arab absences
Despite the absence of key Arab leaders, President Obama forged ahead Wednesday with a summit of Persian Gulf states and said the U.S. is focused on deepening security ties in the region despite deep concerns about Mr. Obama's proposed nuclear deal with Iran. Published May 13, 2015
House abortion bill ‘disgraceful,’ White House says
The White House on Wednesday blasted a House bill that would ban abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy, calling the legislation "disgraceful." Published May 13, 2015
Obama praises Facebook move on wages, paid leave
President Obama on Wednesday praised Facebook's decision to require higher wages and better benefits for its contractors and vendors. Published May 13, 2015
King of Bahrain snubs Obama summit for horse show: report
King Hamad bin Issa al-Khalifa of Bahrain won't attend President Obama's Gulf Arab summit in Washington this week and instead is expected at a London horse show, according to media reports. Published May 13, 2015
Obama ‘deeply saddened’ by Amtrak crash
President Obama said Wednesday he was "shocked and deeply saddened" by the Amtrak train crash that killed six people and injured more than 60 others Tuesday night. Published May 13, 2015
Obama-Hillary Clinton divide seen amid scandals, political disagreements
Conventional political wisdom said Hillary Rodham Clinton would run away from President Obama's record, but instead it's the White House incumbent who in recent weeks has put real distance between himself and his potential successor. Published May 10, 2015
Obama: Free community college in ‘everybody’s interest’
President Obama on Friday called on Congress to close tax loopholes for millionaires and billionaires and use the savings to offer all Americans a higher education, saying that two years of free community college is in "everybody's interest." Published May 8, 2015
Obama congratulates David Cameron on U.K. election win
After a resounding election win for British Prime Minister David Cameron and his Conservative party, President Obama on Friday offered congratulations and vowed the U.S. and the U.K. will remain key partners on a host of global issues. Published May 8, 2015
VE Day 70th anniversary: Obama honors ‘generation that literally saved the world’
President Obama on Friday paid tribute to the American men and women who helped defeat Nazi Germany 70 years ago, calling them "the generation that literally saved the world." Published May 8, 2015
