Barack Obama goes swimming with his nine-year-old daughter Sasha off Florida's Gulf coast, to back up his claim that its beaches are open for business.

President Barack Obama supports a proposal that a large portion of any federal penalties paid by BP Plc over the Gulf of Mexico oil spill be returned to the states, White House energy adviser Carol Browner said today.

Barack Obama has announced he is to take his family on holiday to the Gulf of Mexico coast, the area blighted by the BP oil disaster.

President Barack Obama says BP's successful capping of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill is good news.

President Barack Obama says news that BP has succeeded in capping the Gulf oil spill is a positive sign.