Biden's Aide Reveals Insights on Gaza Speech and War Dynamics

WHO:

NBC News - Brett McGurk, Deputy Assistant for the Middle East under President Joe Biden and Special Presidential Envoy under President Trump.

Deadline - Jeffrey Katzenberg and Steven Spielberg advised President Biden on a major Gaza speech.

WHAT:

NBC News - Brett McGurk discusses his book “Brink: Inside the Race to Free the October 7th Hostages.”

Deadline - McGurk's book offers an insider account of the diplomatic efforts to secure a ceasefire and hostage release in the war in Gaza.

WHERE:

NBC News - The discussion takes place on "Meet the Press NOW."

WHEN:

Deadline - McGurk's book was published this week.

WHY:

NBC News - The discussion reflects on the aftermath of the October 7 Hamas attack in Israel and the subsequent 15-month negotiation period.

HOW:

Deadline - The book describes the White House messaging about the conflict and the involvement of Katzenberg and Spielberg in advising the president.

(UPDATED October 7, 2026 23:03 UTC)

Brett McGurk, who served as Deputy Assistant for the Middle East under Biden and as Special Presidential Envoy under Trump, recently discussed his new book “Brink: Inside the Race to Free the October 7th Hostages” on "Meet the Press NOW." The book, published this week, provides an insider account of the diplomatic efforts to secure a ceasefire and the release of hostages during the ongoing conflict in Gaza, reflecting on the aftermath of the October 7 Hamas attack in Israel. Notably, McGurk's insights also highlight the involvement of Hollywood heavyweights Jeffrey Katzenberg and Steven Spielberg in advising President Biden on a major speech regarding the situation.