National

The E.U. is planning to allow fully vaccinated Americans to visit and travel within its borders this summer, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told the New York Times Sunday. 

Why it matters: Von der Leyen didn't specify when the rules will officially be relaxed, but the prospect of opening up tourism to Americans displays a buoyed confidence in the both the American and E.U. vaccination campaigns. 

Details: Von der Leyen did note, however, that travel will be contingent on vaccination certificates showing proof of vaccination with a vaccine approved by the European Medicines Agency (E.M.A.). The E.M.A. has approved all three of the vaccines being used in the U.S.

The decision will come more than a year after most non-essential travel was banned.

Discussions between E.U. and American officials on what form the vaccination certificates will take are ongoing.

Even if the European Commission suggests a change in travel policy, individual member states will still have the right to enforce stricter guidelines, such as quarantines, even for travelers with vaccination certificates, per the Times. 

What they're saying: “The Americans, as far as I can see, use European Medicines Agency-approved vaccines," Von der Leyen told the Times.

“This will enable free movement and the travel to the European Union."

"All 27 member states will accept, unconditionally, all those who are vaccinated with vaccines that are approved by E.M.A."

The E.U. will allow vaccinated Americans to visit this summer

However, travel will be contingent on vaccination certificates showing proof of vaccination

Dome of Positano on the Amalfi Coast in Italy

Dome of Positano on the Amalfi Coast in Italy. Photo: Daniele Orsi/REDA&CO/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

European Union (EU)

Coronavirus

Policymaking

2024 will be an election year like no other, as President Biden seeks re-election amid economic uncertainty, two wars and questions about his age. His likely foe, former President Trump, faces felony charges and vows revenge on his political enemies. Meanwhile, Americans generally are dissatisfied with those choices and are divided over immigration, race, education and more.

Politics & Policy

Conflicts, policies and powers are intersecting and shaping the world. Breaking news and analysis of national security, foreign policy and global crises.

World

The U.S. health system faces critical questions about cost, access and equity. Technological advances and new discoveries about diseases like cancer and Alzheimer’s are transforming patient care and reshaping public health.

Health

President Biden has found a key tool for selling the most progressive parts of his agenda during his first 100 days: make them all about jobs.

Why it matters: Long considered a centrist Democrat, Biden has had to court and cater to his party's progressive wing to maintain support in a narrowly divided Congress. Talking jobs also has the benefit of resonating with the moderates and conservatives he needs in 2022 and beyond.

The big picture: From coronavirus relief and infrastructure to climate change and immigration, the president has continually argued each proposal will be an economic driver and jobs creator — addressing a key vulnerability Democrats have faced in pushing progressive solutions previously.

As he rolled out his climate plan to a worldwide audience Thursday, Biden declared: “When people talk about climate, I think jobs.”

During the speech, in which he outlined the most ambitious climate proposal of any U.S. president in history, Biden said "jobs" eight times and mentioned the economy six times.

An accompanying statement issued by the White House used "jobs" no fewer than 13 times.

Biden's $1.9-trillion-dollar "American Rescue Plan" included huge increases in money for direct payments, state and local governments, vaccine distribution, schools and enhanced unemployment insurance, among other provisions.

While Republicans attempted to play up the parts of the bill they said had nothing to do with the pandemic, the Biden administration successfully messaged it as a measure that would revitalize the economy and create more American jobs.

Politicians in both parties have long argued better infrastructure will drive job creation throughout the economy, particularly manufacturing.

While providing more funding for "traditional" infrastructure projects like building and improving roads, bridges and airports, Biden's American Jobs Plan agenda also sets aside a large chunk of money for his climate proposals and Family Plan — which aims to improve child care and paid family leave.

When Republicans have branded those elements a "progressive wishlist" unrelated to infrastructure, administration officials have argued how each part will help create and facilitate job growth.

It's also a big part of why the White House titled it the "American Jobs Plan" — they want Americans to be repeatedly reminded of the word.

Biden has repeatedly defended the importance of immigration by referencing how Dreamers and other immigrants fill essential jobs, arguing they're key drivers of entrepreneurship and population growth.

The president sent an immigration proposal to Congress on Day 1. The fact sheet accompanying it mentioned the economy five times, with a key section outlining how Biden thinks immigration will grow it.

The bottom line: The Biden administration knows a key part of getting his priorities through Congress is successfully branding them with the American people.

A simultaneous challenge is convincing the public — who also are voters — that his most progressive proposals won't come at the expense of jobs and the economy but, instead, bolster them.

Biden's three tools for selling progressive policies: Jobs, jobs, jobs

The president has argued each proposal will be a jobs creator, appealing to both moderates and progressives.

Illustration of a raised fist coming out of a briefcase

Jobs

Hill Leaders

Axios Hill Leaders

President Biden is leaning toward nominating Mark Gitenstein to be his ambassador to the European Union and Julie Smith as his envoy to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, people familiar with the matter tell Axios.

Driving the news: Some Biden advisers want to have the EU and NATO ambassadors announced ahead of Biden’s first foreign trip as president, when he heads to the United Kingdom for the G-7 and then Brussels for a NATO summit in June.

While the president began reviewing names of potential ambassadors in March, officials have stressed he's taking his time on making final decisions.

Gitenstein, an international lawyer and President Obama's first ambassador to Romania, now serves as a senior counsel at Mayer Brown. He was also on the board of directors of The Biden Foundation, which dissolved at the end of last year.

Smith, a German speaker who was one of Biden's deputy national security advisers while he was vice president, is currently a senior adviser at the State Department. 

Biden officials say that final decisions have not been made.

Why it matters: While the EU and NATO will play key roles in Biden’s effort to restore relationships with European allies, contentious issues loom. 

The new president wants to work in concert with the EU on confronting China, but many European countries look at China as a massive market — instead of a strategic competitor.

The Biden administration also will continue to demand NATO allies spend at least 2% of the GDP on their defense budgets, as they pledged to do by 2024 during a 2014 summit in Wales. 

When president, Donald Trump angered some allies by pushing them to meet that commitment.

The intrigue: Biden hasn’t revoked Trump’s tariffs on EU steel and aluminum, and the European Union’s retaliatory 25% tariffs on American whiskey remain in place, potentially doubling in June. 

In March, officials on both sides of the Atlantic did move to reduce tensions from a long-running subsidy dispute over Boeing and Airbus, with both sides announcing a suspension in tariffs on billions of dollars in goods.

By the numbers: Biden has only announced 10 ambassadors, of the roughly 190 open positions, including Linda Thomas-Greenfield as his UN ambassador, who is also a member of his Cabinet, and nine career diplomats for open positions, mostly in Africa.

Overall, for his Cabinet and sub-cabinet, Biden has had 36 of his political appointees confirmed by the Senate.

That number is well ahead of President Trump's 25 confirmations after his first 100 days in office, according to the Washington Post and the Partnership for Public Service. 

Biden's numbers are well below the 68 confirmed appointees that Obama had at his 100-day mark.

Editor's note: This article has been corrected to reflect that the Biden Foundation has been dissolved.

Scoop: Biden close to naming ambassadors for EU and NATO

The president began reviewing names of potential ambassadors in March.

President Biden is seen walking with his sister, Valerie, after attending Mass in Delaware on Saturday.

President Biden walks with his sister, Valerie Biden Owens, after attending Mass in Delaware on Saturday. Photo: Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images

President Biden has repeatedly telegraphed tough decisions with earlier announcements designed to cushion the blow.

Driving the news: On Friday, the White House announced a generic call with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of Turkey. Less than 24 hours later, the president issued a statement labeling a World War I Armenian massacre "genocide," angering the Turks.

Several weeks ago, Biden released a slate of career foreign service officers he was nominating to be U.S. ambassadors.

The president will soon announce a series of friends and donors to marquee diplomatic jobs, a traditional source of friction between political appointees and careerists at the State Department.

On April 14, Biden also announced his new liaison to the Asian American Pacific Islander community just before he sat down with a group of AAPI lawmakers — including two who had demanded just such an appointment.

Why it matters: Good policy stems from good politics, and Biden prides himself on being a gentleman. But the two-step also reveals what bettors would call a presidential "tell."

Biden previously telegraphed future headlines with calls to Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud and Russian President Vladimir Putin, Axios' Hans Nichols notes.

He called Salman on Feb. 25, a day before declassifying an intelligence report saying the king's son, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, had approved an operation to "capture or kill" Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018.

Nichols scooped the president with news of the call.

The president also called Putin two days before announcing sanctions against Russian officials for cyberattacks against the U.S. and its interests.

A brutal military campaign launched by the Ottoman Empire in April 1915 resulted in the deaths of 1.5 million people. The Turkish government has long resisted the label "genocide," saying the deaths were typical of warfare.

Two statements illustrated Biden's communications — and diplomatic — approach.

At 2 p.m. Friday, as the workweek wound down, the White House announced his call with Erdoğan.

The generic readout said the president conveyed "his interest in a constructive bilateral relationship with expanded areas of cooperation and effective management of disagreements."

It also announced the two leaders would meet during a NATO summit in June "to discuss the full range of bilateral and regional issues."

At noon Saturday, the White House released a statement recognizing the anniversary in Armenia and branding the deaths genocide.

"We do this not to cast blame but to ensure that what happened is never repeated," said the president's statement.

The Turkish government responded by summoning the U.S. ambassador to Turkey, David Satterfield, for a meeting with its foreign minister in the capital of Ankara.

The bottom line: As with a presidential campaign, a schedule provides insight not just into current activities but future strategy.

Biden telegraphs tough moves with preemptive actions

Biden has repeatedly telegraphed tough decisions with earlier announcements designed to cushion the blow.

A child is seen protesting a World War I Armenian genocide outside the Turkish ambassador's residence in Washington. D.C.

A child protests World War I-era Armenian genocide outside the Turkish ambassador's residence in Washington on Saturday. Photo: Samuel Corum/AFP via Getty Images

Joe Biden

Data: CDC via Our World in Data; Chart: Will Chase/Axios

Joe Biden promised as president-elect to get 100 million coronavirus vaccine shots in American arms during his first 100 days in office; since taking office, he's more than doubled that goal — and more than a quarter of Americans are now fully vaccinated.

By the numbers: Not quite 1% were vaccinated when Biden took office, although the Trump administration managed to reach an important milestone of 1 million doses administered in a day.

The Biden administration has since surpassed 4 million vaccine doses administered in a day three times, according to CDC data.

Of note: Axios Sneak Peek will be counting down to Biden’s 100th day in office on Friday with data-driven analyses of the administration's accomplishments and challenges each day this week.

Biden's 100-day numbers: Vaccinated Americans

Since taking office, he's more than doubled his original goal.

Senate Budget Committee Chair Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and 16 Democratic senators sent President Biden a letter on Sunday calling for his American Families Plan to significantly expand Medicare. 

Why it matters: The plan, expected to be announced ahead of Biden's address to Congress on Wednesday, is one of several massive proposals brought by the administration to ease mass economic pain caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

The White House is expected to propose funding the plan by raising tax rates for the wealthiest Americans, Axios has confirmed. 

What they're saying: The senators urge Biden to lower the age requirement to receive Medicare — which is available to those 65 and older or younger people with disabilities — and to cover hearing, dental and vision through Medicare plans. 

"We have an historic opportunity to make the most significant expansion of Medicare since it was signed into law," the senators, including Sens. Elizabeth Warren (Mass.) Debbie Stabenow (Mich.), Dick Durbin (Ill.) and Ben Cardin (Md.), wrote.

"We look forward to working with you to make this a reality and, in the process, substantially improve the lives of millions of older Americans and persons with disabilities."

Democratic senators call on Biden to expand Medicare in American Families Plan

The senators urge Biden to reduce the age requirement to receive Medicare.

U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) at the Senate on April 13. Photo: Stefani Reynolds/Getty Images

The American military has begun its withdrawal from Afghanistan, Gen. Austin Miller, the head of the U.S.-led coalition there, said at a press conference Sunday, per the New York Times. 

Why it matters: Miller's statement comes about two weeks after President Joe Biden formally announced that the U.S. would execute a complete withdrawal from Afghanistan and effectively "end America’s longest war."

What they're saying: “I now have a set of orders," said Miller.

"We will conduct an orderly withdrawal from Afghanistan, and that means transitioning bases and equipment to the Afghan security forces.”

What's more: In addition to the 3,500 U.S. troops that will leave the country by mid-September, many of the 7,000 NATO troops stationed in Afghanistan will also withdraw, according to the Times. 

Many private contractors operating in Afghanistan will leave as well, though Miller noted that some contracts will be adjusted to continue support for the Afghan security forces.

Biden says the U.S. will begin Afghanistan troop withdrawal on May 1

Lawmakers react to Biden's plans to withdraw U.S. troops from Afghanistan

U.S. military starts Afghanistan withdrawal

3,500 U.S. troops that will withdraw from the country by mid-September.

U.S. troops near Bagram, Afghanistan in 2014 

U.S. troops near Bagram, Afghanistan in 2014. Photo: Scott Olson/Getty Image

Afghanistan

Axios AM

A poll and series of focus groups has honed a one-two punch for a doable immigration deal: Give Democratic lawmakers a real path to citizenship for Dreamers, and give Republicans tight border security that's more realistic than a wall. 

Why it matters: The formula — by Frank Luntz, who rose to fame as a Republican pollster but in recent years has taken a more bipartisan approach to policy — would make real progress on one of the nation's biggest tragedies that Capitol Hill has failed to confront. 

"The pathway to an agreement is to give both sides what they want most," Luntz said. 

In an exclusive preview of his findings, Luntz told me: "Republicans are more pro-immigrant than elites realize, and Democrats are more pro-border-security than elites realize."

"The key to immigration that most people will accept is that it must be earned, not just given."

Luntz drew on 20 focus groups to pose this climactic proposal in a poll of 1,000 registered voters that he concluded Friday: 

"Complete the building of a physical barrier between the U.S and Mexico to ensure border security, and pass the DREAM Act, which will give the children of undocumented workers the chance to earn citizenship over time."

The result (margin of error: ± 3 points): 60% support.

Luntz told me majorities in both parties back that plan: "Democrats overwhelmingly support it because of the DREAM Act. Republicans overwhelmingly support it because of the physical barrier. "

Luntz over the years has recommended phrasing for Republicans that includes "death tax" instead of "estate tax," and "government takeover of healthcare" for "Obamacare."

Luntz told me: "I’ve changed 'wall' to 'barrier.' It's more accurate and less ugly, both visually and verbally."

The proposal fits the No. 1 recommendation former President George W. Bush made in a Washington Post op-ed in conjunction with his new book of paintings of immigrants, "Out of Many, One":

"One place to start is DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals). Americans who favor a path to citizenship for those brought here as children, known as 'dreamers,' are not advocating open borders."

Between the lines: The Luntz  compromise leaves massive problems unaddressed. It does nothing to help most of those now living in the U.S. shadows, and wouldn't remedy the current border emergency. But it would be the first real movement on immigration legislation in decades.

Exclusive: Frank Luntz previews a feasible immigration compromise

It would make progress on one of the nation's biggest tragedies that Capitol Hill hasn't confronted.

A person holds onto a chain linked fence.

A man looks across the Rio Grande in February, while waiting to show immigration documents to officers at the U.S.-Mexico crossing in Matamoros, Mexico. Photo: John Moore/Getty Images

Immigration

Just over half of Americans approve of the job President Biden is doing as he approaches the 100th day of his term, NBC News and ABC News/Washington Post polls out Sunday indicate. 

Why it matters: Biden has spent trillions within months of taking office to combat the economic crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic, while overseeing a national vaccination campaign and facing backlash for a growing humanitarian crisis at the border.

Where it stands: Biden has a 53% approval rating in NBC's poll and a 52% approval rating in polling from ABC News/Washington Post. 

"Biden’s job rating is higher than Donald Trump’s was at this same point in time in the poll (40 percent approve, 54 percent disapprove), but it’s lower than Barack Obama’s was at 100 days (61 percent approve, 30 percent disapprove)," NBC News' Mark Murray reports. 

Methodology: NBC News surveyed 1,000 adults from April 17-20, including 600 respondents with a cell phone only, with a margin of error at ±3.10%. Margin of error for 790 interviews with registered voters is ±3.49%. 

The ABC News/Washington Post poll conducted by cellphone and landline April 18-21 in English and Spanish among a national sample of 1,007 adults. Margin of error ±3.5 percentage points. Partisan divisions are 33%-24%-35%, Democrats-Republicans-independents.

Polls show Biden approval in low 50s at 100-day mark

His approval is higher than Trump's was at the same point, but lower than Obama's.

President Biden at the virtual Leaders Summit on Climate on April 23. Photo: Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images

Louisiana state Sen. Troy Carter (D) defeated his colleague, state Sen. Karen Carter Peterson (D), in a special election Saturday for Louisiana's 2nd Congressional District seat, a majority-Black district that includes most of New Orleans and extends into Baton Rouge, according to AP.

Why it matters: Carter, who is known for being willing to work across party lines, secured several high-profile endorsements before the race, including the No. 3 Democrat in the House of Representatives, Rep. Jim Clyburn (S.C.).

What they're saying: Carter pledged to work on economic recovery from the pandemic, criminal sentencing legislation, protections for the LGBTQ community and pushing for clean air in areas of the district with "higher levels of pollution," AP notes.

"I will wake up every day with you on my mind, on my heart, and I will work for you tirelessly," former New Orleans City Council member Carter said.

Context: The seat was left vacant after President Biden tapped Cedric Richmond to serve as the White House director of public engagement.

Richmond and several other Congress members endorsed Carter in April.

Stacy Abrams, the former Georgia House minority leader and 2018 Democratic gubernatorial candidate in Georgia, and LaToya Cantrell, mayor of New Orleans, both endorsed Peterson.

Editor's note: This article has been updated with Carter's comment.  

Troy Carter wins Louisiana special election for U.S. House seat

Carter is known for being willing to work across party lines.

A voting booth in New Orleans, Louisiana, in December 2020.

Louisiana

Virginia state police are investigating reports that an unarmed Black man was shot by a sheriff's deputy who mistook his cordless house phone for a gun. The deputy had earlier given him a ride home, authorities said.

Driving the news: Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Office released video late Friday of the shooting of Isaiah Brown, 32, who's in critical condition  in a hospital with 10 bullet wounds following the shooting early Wednesday.

Details: Sheriff Roger Harris released body camera footage and a 911 call from Brown at a news conference confirming that the unnamed deputy had been placed on administrative leave.

During the call, a man identified as Brown can be heard saying he'll kill his brother and "give me the gun" after his brother won't let him in to retrieve his car keys. He tells the dispatcher several times he does not have a gun.

The deputy who gave Brown a ride home some 45 minutes earlier after his car broke down responded to the call as a "domestic incident." 

The deputy can be heard saying "he's got a gun to his head" before telling him to drop it and to stop walking toward him. Gunshots can be heard ringing out.

What they're saying: Brown’s lawyer, David Haynes, said in a statement to news outlets, "The officer mistook a cordless house phone for a gun.

"There is no indication that Isaiah did anything other than comply with dispatch’s orders and raised his hands with the phone in his hand as instructed."

Unarmed Virginia Black man shot by sheriff's deputy while on 911 call

The deputy had  given him a ride home some 45 minutes earlier, authorities said.

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