WH National Security Spox Kirby To Brief Press On Biden Mexico Trip

White House National Security Council Spokesperson John Kirby will shortly join White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre to brief reporters on President Joe Biden's upcoming trip to Mexico.

• Livestream: https://www.whitehouse.gov/live/
• Biden will be joined at the North American Leaders' Summit in Mexico City on January 9–10 by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO).
• Biden is expected to make a trip to the US-Mexican border en route to the summit to signal his intention to address border security and migration, one of the primary concerns for Republican voters. Biden will likely push AMLO for greater cooperation in migration and controlling the flow of narcotics into the US.
• The arrest of cartel leader Ovidio Guzmán yesterday may indicate a greater level of cooperation. The Washington Post writes: "Analysts and former U.S. officials said the latest arrest appeared timed to appease Biden in advance of the summit..."
• Trade is also likely to be on the agenda with a dispute simmering over Mexico's "energy sovereignty" policy which Washington claims violates the principles of the USMCA agreement.