White House

President Joe Biden is experiencing firsthand the COVID wave, because he caught the 'Rona like millions of others.

According to The White House, Biden is experiencing "very mild symptoms."

He has been out in recent days stumping this week in front of big crowds, fighting for climate change laws. After his speech Wednesday, he mingled maskless with a bunch of people, also mostly unmasked.

The White House Biden is fully vaccinated and twice boosted, he is taking Paxlovid, which treats the symptoms of the virus.

The White House says Biden will isolate at The White House, but he will continue working. He will stay in isolation until he tests negative.

The White House Medical Unit is contacting folks who came in close contact with the President.

Biden was recently in Saudi Arabia, where The White House announced he would fist-bump, rather than shake hands, in an effort to avoid COVID. However, after taking heat for a fist-bump with Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, he seemingly switched to shaking hands with other leaders.

Biden's last test for COVID was Tuesday, when he tested negative.

The mother of Kamala Harris' stepdaughter has been granted a temporary restraining order that protects both her and her daughter ... after she claims a man tried to use her to get letters to the VP.

According to legal docs, obtained by TMZ, film producer and Prettybird CEO Kerstin Emhoff -- who used to be married to Harris' husband, Doug Emhoff -- was granted the TRO last week, which requires 68-year-old Ralph Manning Scott to stop all contact and stay a football field away from both her and her 23-year-old daughter Ella.

Kerstin claims Scott approached her front door last year, handing Ella an envelope and asking her to deliver it to "Kamala."

Kerstin says she doesn't know him at all, nor did she give him her address info ... making her so frightened, she sold her home and moved somewhere else.

She claims Scott found out she was moving and says she saw him outside her home just a day after moving into the new place.

Kerstin also claims Scott's been sending a bunch of letters, greeting cards, and packages to both her home and work addresses, appearing delusional as he writes about his supposed connections to JFK and Tom Hanks ... and says he's lonely and without a family.

Megan Rapinoe's in Washington D.C. to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, but while the soccer star's physically at the White House, it's clear her thoughts are very much with Brittney Griner in Russia.

Just hours after the Phoenix Mercury star pled guilty in a Moscow court, the Olympic gold medalist shared a photo of her outfit for Thursday's ceremony at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave ... and it features the WNBA star's initials stitched into the suit.

In addition to the "BG" ... there's also a flower stitched onto the lapel of the pearl-colored blazer.

"The most important part of today," the 37-year-old said.

Rapinoe is on her way to the White House where she'll be presented with the medal ... the highest honor a civilian can receive from the government.

President Biden -- who recently spoke with Griner's wife, Cherelle, about Brittney's imprisonment -- will present the medal to Rapinoe.

"The President called Cherelle," the White House said on Wednesday, "to reassure her that he is working to secure Brittney’s release as soon as possible."

Joe Biden has finally gotten into contact with the wife of Brittney Griner ... and, according to the White House, POTUS assured her they're doing everything they can to bring the WNBA star home.

The White House said in a statement that both Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris spoke with Cherelle Griner on Wednesday ... this after Cherelle had pled with U.S. officials to have Biden call her for the last several weeks.

"The President called Cherelle to reassure her that he is working to secure Brittney’s release as soon as possible," the White House said ... adding that Biden also read her a draft of a letter he was planning to send to Brittney later Wednesday.

In their statement, White House officials added that Biden told Cherelle they are currently pursuing "every avenue to bring Brittney home."

As you know, Brittney has been in a Russian jail since mid-February ... after she was accused of having drugs in her luggage at an airport in Moscow.

Cherelle has been very vocal about speaking with Biden in the leadup to Brittney's trial -- which began last Friday -- saying last Thursday that she "would love" for the President "to tell me he cares."

White House officials said Wednesday in addition to the phone call, Biden also "directed his national security team to remain in regular contact with Cherelle and Brittney’s family, and with other families of Americans held hostage or wrongfully detained abroad, to keep them updated on efforts to secure the release of their loved ones as quickly as possible."

"Real Housewives of Orange County" alum Meghan King has been quietly dating a new man ... shortly after ending her two-month marriage to President Joe Biden's nephew.

Sources close to the couple tell TMZ that Meghan has been dating co-founder and CEO of Trusted Provider Network, Trevor Colhoun since April. Trevor is also an heir to the John Deere tractor fortune.

Our sources tell us the pair met through mutual friends and have kept things hush-hush for the last several months. The two have not publicly confirmed they're dating.

The reality star called it quits with POTUS' nephew, Cuffe Biden Owens in December 2021 ... only 2 months after they said their "I Dos" in an intimate ceremony at Owens' family home in Pennsylvania. The President and First Lady Jill Biden attended the ceremony.

President Biden just announced that Olympic gymnast Simone Biles and soccer star Megan Rapinoe will be receiving the nation's highest civilian honor -- the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

The Commander-in-chief made the announcement on Friday ... revealing the two superstar athletes are among 17 names to receive the prestigious award later this month.

The White House said these individuals reflect what America embodies -- hard work, perseverance, and faith.

Biles -- on top of being the greatest gymnast of all time -- has been an outspoken advocate for mental health and sexual assault victims since becoming a household name.

Rapinoe -- an Olympic gold medalist and two-time World Cup winner -- has led the charge for the U.S. Women's National Team's fight for equal pay ... and is at the forefront of LGBTQ+ rights and racial justice.

Other notable names chosen are Denzel Washington, former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords, John McCain (posthumous), and Apple co-founder Steve Jobs (posthumous).

Of course, #46 knows a thing or two about the honor ... in fact, President Obama surprised his VP with the Presidential Medal for his years of public service.

The White House prides itself on giving the award to individuals who've excelled in public or private endeavors ... but also played a role in cultivating a better country for all.

Other athletes who have received the honor include Jerry West, Tiger Woods, Lou Holtz and Roger Staubach.

Donald Trump was not only in on the January 6th insurrection, he wanted to lead the insurrectionists to the Capitol, and when the Secret Service refused to drive him there, Trump tried to grab the wheel of the Presidential car ... this according to Mark Meadows' right hand aide, Cassidy Hutchinson.

Her testimony is shocking ... the January 6th House Committee called a special session so she could appear and tell her story about the events leading up to the riot.

Hutchinson testified ... Trump became aware on January 6th people in the crowd had weapons and were approaching the Capitol without going through security. She says she overhead Trump respond, "I don't f***ing care if they have weapons. They're not here to hurt me."

She went on to say Trump ordered the Secret Service to remove the metal detector from the area around his speech, presumably so armed protesters would be unfettered to approach the Capitol.

After Trump spoke to the crowd, he got back into The Beast (the presidential limo) and ordered the driver to take him up to the Capitol. The head of the security detail refused to take him, saying it was unsafe. She says Trump responded, "I'm the f***ing President! Take me up to the Capitol now."

When the head of security refused, she says Trump reached forward and grabbed the steering wheel and had to be physically restrained.

She says he then lunged at the head of security and allegedly attempted to go for his throat. Trump was again restrained and the limo proceeded back to The White House.

Hutchinson also testified Trump would often become enraged, throwing plates, pushing over chairs when things didn't go his way.

Trump has taken to his Truth Social platform in an attempt to discredit Hutchinson's testimony ... saying he didn't even know who she was -- and assuming she was only angry with him after being denied permission to travel with staff on a trip to Florida.

John Hinckley -- the man who tried assassinating Ronald Reagan once upon a time -- is feeling remorse for what he did, and is and is now asking for forgiveness.

Hinckley shared his feelings Tuesday on 'CBS Mornings,' offering up condolences to the families that suffered for what he did. He struggles to recall what happened outside the Hilton hotel in D.C. back in 1981, when he shot then-President Reagan, Press Secretary James Brady, Secret Service Agent Tim McCarthy and D.C. cop Thomas Delahanty.

Reagan came within a hair's breadth from dying, and Brady was shot in the head and was confined to a wheelchair with multiple health issues for the rest of his life.

Hinckley says he's glad he failed in his attempt to kill the President.

He says mental illness was behind the act, and a jury agreed ... Hinckley was found not guilty by reason of insanity. As for his mental state these days, Hinckley says he's been one of the most scrutinized people in the mental health system.

Hinckley says he'd like forgiveness from all the folks he hurt, including Jodie Foster, with whom he had an obsession and fired the shots to get her attention.

Hinckley was confined to a mental institution until 2016 and won unconditional release just this month. He says he did the interview with CBS so people could see he's not a monster.

President Biden is back on his feet -- and on top of softer terrain -- just a couple days after wiping out on his bike in a clip that's now gone viral.

The Prez hit Rehoboth Beach in Delaware Monday -- sporting a big grin, ballcap and aviator sunglasses. 46 didn't hit the water, just a walk along the shore, but he stopped to chat and take pics with several other beachgoers along his stroll.

As we reported, JB was biking with Dr. Jill Biden on Saturday while on a weekend getaway in his home city when his shoe got caught in the pedal strap, causing him to fall.

The celebration of Juneteenth as a federal holiday is a combination of solemn moments and all-out partying -- featuring multiple generations of music superstars -- to mark the occasion.

The biggest party went down Sunday at the Hollywood Bowl where Chaka Khan, Earth Wind & Fire, Khalid, Billy Porter and many more took the stage and got the sold-out crowd on its collective feet.

The concert event -- "Juneteenth: A Global Celebration of Freedom" -- aired live on CNN, and Chaka's performance was especially rousing, backed by The Roots, she belted out her hits "Ain't Nobody" and "I'm Every Woman" ... while EWF and Bell Biv Devoe also played crowd favorites "Groove Tonight" and "Poison."

President Biden and Vice President Harris recorded messages to address the Hollywood Bowl audience ... and called the holiday a "time to celebrate, time to educate and time to act."

Meanwhile, the activist who fought hard for years to get Juneteenth federal holiday status also marked the day.

95-year-old Opal Lee completed a 2.5 mile walk in Fort Worth -- symbolizing the 2.5 years it took for the enslaved African-Americans in Galveston, TX to get the news that President Lincoln had issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863.

That happened on June 19, 1865 ... hence the holiday's name, Juneteenth. While it's long been unofficially recognized -- especially in the Black community -- it didn't become a federal holiday until last year.

Opal's suggestion for all Americans to recognize the holiday -- "I advocate that we celebrate from the 19th of June to the 4th of July. That would be celebrating freedom."

Johnny Depp's fans not only have love for the actor ... they're showering his lawyer with the highest honor in the land ... pushing for her to become the first woman Prez!

Depp fans have plastered Camille Vasquez's name on everything from hats to shirts ... with the words "Camille Vasquez for President" emblazoned on the items.

The t-shirts are going for a reasonable $8.50. The hats are pricier ... retailing for $30 a pop.

And, get this ... there's even an apolitical prayer candle with Vasquez's name that's being hawked.

As you know, Camille became a household name by successfully repping JD, clearly outlawyering opposing counsel.

Johnny's certainly down with his lawyer's skills, because she's representing him again ... this time with attorney Benjamin Chew in another lawsuit against Johnny involving an alleged on-set assault.

Pharrell just gave some huge relief to a handful of NAACP student leaders -- wiping out all their student debt for good.

The artist surprised the group at an NAACP panel on the Black student debt crisis in D.C. Friday ... the good news got the 3 students and 2 recent graduates smiling from ear to ear.

One student, emotional with tears of joy in her eyes shouted, "I'm going to law school!"

Wisdom Cole, NAACP's National Director of Youth and College, told ABC News this is giving the crew an opportunity of a lifetime, and thanked Pharrell for forever changing the students' lives.

He also is hoping this will serve as an example to the President to do the same for struggling students across the country ... the NAACP's meeting was held right across from the White House, where President Biden has been trying to cancel a minimum of 50K in student debt.

In the wake of the Uvalde and Buffalo mass shootings, President Biden says it's on the American people to force Congress to ban assault weapons, and the best way to do that is at the voting booth.

The Prez flew to L.A. Wednesday an appeared on "Jimmy Kimmel Live," where he addressed America's gun violence issue. Remember, Jimmy delivered an impassioned monologue after the elementary school massacre ... so he asked Biden squarely, "Why haven't we done anything about this?"

POTUS said he'd sat for 4 hours with the victims' families in Texas, and spoke about the pain on their faces .. to which Kimmel said, "Shouldn't we demand that every Senator in the United States sit with those families?"

The President didn't disagree, but then implored all Americans to make gun violence and an assault weapons ban a "voting issue" ... meaning, only vote for candidates who support your view on the issue.

Kimmel asked why he wouldn't simply ban assault weapons by executive order, and Biden said he didn't want to abuse the Constitution ... as he says his predecessor did. Instead, he says Americans have the power to demand the change when they vote.

Of course, the flip side to that is we've heard that same battle cry after Columbine, Sandy Hook, Parkland and all the other school shootings.

For what it's worth, the House of Representatives did vote Thursday and pass the "Protecting Our Kids Act" ... a bundle of 8 gun control bills. However, it passed mainly on party lines with all the Democrats and only 5 Republicans voting in favor, and the reality is the 50-50 Senate most likely will not pass it.

Matthew McConaughey is serious about making a real change when it comes to guns in The United States ... meeting with politicians and speaking from The White House after a shooting that killed 19 elementary students in his hometown.

The actor joined the White House press briefing Tuesday, urging politicians on both sides to take action following the Uvalde shooting -- saying making a difference in the safety of our country is the best way to honor the lives lost.

McConaughey says he and his wife, Camila, spent a lot of time on the ground with the families of victims of the shooting -- sharing stories, tears and memories ... and now he is urging those in the highest office to make a change.

Matthew's words come following a short meeting with President Biden ... and a second day of meetings with lawmakers, as Congress mulls over new gun safety legislation this week.

Of course, his speech at the WH isn't the first time the actor has spoken out on this issue. He took to social media, pleading for gun reform just hours after the shooting.

The biggest band in the world is inside one of the most famous residences ... all in the name of stopping anti-Asian hate.

The K-pop supergroup addressed members of the media during Tuesday's White House press briefing Tuesday to put a spotlight on the troubling rise of anti-Asian hate crimes and the importance of Asian inclusion and diversity.

During the briefing, BTS thanked President Biden for the chance to speak on the issues and for reminding them how important their voice can be as artists. May 31 marks the last day of Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander heritage month.

The group was also scheduled to have a closed meeting with President Biden in the Oval Office to discuss hate crimes targeting Asians in the U.S. -- which also comes on the heels of Biden's first trip to Asia as President.

Karl-Anthony Towns and Jordyn Woods were present as President Joe Biden signed a monumental Police Reform Bill on Wednesday ... visiting the White House on the second anniversary of George Floyd's death.

26-year-old Towns made the trip to 1600 Penn with Woods to watch #46 sign the executive order into law ... which was inspired in part by Floyd's tragic passing in 2020.

KAT -- who plays for the Timberwolves in Minnesota, where Floyd died -- joined members of George's family for the signing of the bill ... including Gianna Floyd, his young daughter.

TMZ Sports spoke with Towns while he was out in D.C. ... asking the three-time All-Star if he thought the bill was a good sign for the country.

"It's a step in the right direction," Towns told us.

Philadelphia 76ers head coach Doc Rivers was also in attendance for the historic moment ... as the President and his administration continued to push their agenda for police reform.

Throughout the day, Vice President Kamala Harris was photographed going over what appears to be the bill with Gianna at a podium.