WHITE HOUSE

Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, an early frontrunner for the Republican Party's 2012 presidential nomination, defended his work at a private equity firm, saying that he wants people with extensive private sector experience in his cabinet.

President Obama wants to end a tax break worth $72 billion to U.S. businesses. Doing so would be a big mistake.

The US government has commented that an arrest warrant for Moammar Gaddafi by the International Criminal Court further erodes the legitimacy of his rule.

Fresh off his victory of passing same sex marriage, Governor Andrew Cuomo said he's concentrating on his job as governor but won't rule out a run for the White House in 2016.

President Barack Obama will meet with leaders from both parties Monday, seeking to overcome an impasse in negotiations over a deal to raise the federal debt limit.

The famous Edwardian gown that Princess Diana wore while dancing with John Travolta during a 1985 state dinner at the White House was sold for a staggering $800K at a Toronto auction.

Two million turned out for one of the largest gay pride parades rejoicing at the legalization of same-sex marriage in New York State.

Two million turned out for one of the largest gay pride parades rejoicing at the legalization of same-sex marriage in New York State.

In Africa on a goodwill mission Friday, First Lady Michelle Obama defended her husband against criticism that he isn't paying enough attention to the continent. The first lady said her weeklong trip is, actually, proof of the president's commitment to Africa, the Associated Press reported.

President Barack Obama indicated Friday he is ready to take over the budget deficit / debt ceiling negotiations, inviting Senate leaders to the White House next week, as the continuing impasse pushes the U.S. closer to a potential default.

Consumer Watchdog on Friday said the White House's close relationship with the Google is inappropriate, as the Internet search company is currently under review by Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Department of Justice, a report said on Friday.

U.S. Federal Trade Commission will issue subpoenas to Google and other companies as part of an investigation into practices in Google's search engine business.

U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama is in Cape Town on the last leg of her South Africa tour.

A year ago, it seemed implausible, perhaps absurd, to think the U.S.'s two, major parties, the Democratic Party and the Republican Party, would disagree so much that the United States would be at risk of defaulting on its bonds, due to a failure to raise the debt ceiling before the U.S. Government runs out of money in August. Now, incredibly, it appears a U.S. default is possible.

New York City today will see two massive storms touch down - Bieber fever and gay-courting Obama.

Princess Diana wore a Victor Edelstein gown as she elegantly danced with Hollywood actor John Travolta at a November 9, 1985 White House dinner. Check out rare pictures of the Princess dancing with the actor.

Following are President Obama's remarks on the drawdown of troops in Afghanistan as prepared for delivery. The speech took place at the White House in Washington, D.C. on June 22, 2011, at 8 p.m. ET.

President Barack Obama began the steady retreat from Afghanistan Wednesday, saying in a televised speech the United States has largely achieved its goals and the withdrawal of troops will now begin.

President Barack Obama began the steady retreat from Afghanistan Wednesday, saying in a televised speech the United States has largely achieved its goals and the withdrawal of troops will now begin.

President Barack Obama will announce the withdrawal of 10,000 American troops from Afghanistan this year, and another 20,000 troops, the remainder of the 2009 surge, by the end of next summer, administration officials say.

How big could the national debt get? Well, to paraphrase a line popularized by actor William Shatner, if Congressional lawmakers can not agree on a deficit reduction package, it’s going to get ‘really big’ -- grow to a total larger than the U.S. economy.