A PROCLAMATION BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA - NATIONAL SMALL BUSINESS WEEK, 2019

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 3, 2019

NATIONAL SMALL BUSINESS WEEK, 2019 - - - - - - - BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA A PROCLAMATION        During National Small Business Week, we honor America's entrepreneurs who take a risk on an idea, invest in their neighborhoods, and create jobs for others.  Small business owners exemplify the American spirit by developing new ways to provide goods and services to consumers.  As a Nation, we reaffirm our commitment to the free market so that American small businesses continue to thrive.      America's 30 million small businesses are central to our economy and our communities.  Their courageous innovation makes our cities and towns vibrant places to live, work, and raise families.  Small businesses employ almost 59 million workers, more than one-third of our country's labor force.  These companies foster environments that reward problem solving and accountability, enabling workers to develop skills and valuable hands-on experience that propel their careers.      The success of our small businesses depends on leadership and vision from all perspectives and backgrounds.  Approximately 10 million American small businesses are women-owned; 29 percent are minority-owned; and nearly 10 percent are veteran-owned.  As our Nation continues to enjoy record low unemployment, with African-American, Hispanic-American, and Asian-American unemployment all having achieved historic lows, we recognize that much of this success is due to small businesses creating two out of every three net new jobs in our booming economy.      My Administration is a strong ally and advocate of small businesses and their ability to help America reach its full economic potential.  Most small businesses are now able to deduct 20 percent from their taxable business income due to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.  This historic legislation and other pro growth policies of my Administration, including the elimination of unnecessary and burdensome regulations, have enabled small business owners to reinvest their profits into their businesses.  Additionally, we are investing in infrastructure and cybersecurity to ensure America's entrepreneurs have the tools and technologies they need to compete in a global economy.      New initiatives are making it easier for small businesses to offer healthcare coverage options that until now have been largely unaffordable.  Moreover, once approved by the Congress, the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) will better serve the interests of American workers and businesses, including through strong intellectual property protections that secure innovation and trade secrets.      The USMCA is the first trade agreement in our Nation's history to include a chapter specifically focusing on small and medium sized enterprises.  All of these efforts to create a more friendly business environment have enabled business owners to pay bonuses, increase wages, and increase benefits -- putting more money in the pockets of their workers.      This week, we celebrate the pioneering spirit, creativity, and determination upon which America has always been built.  This undaunted conviction drives our entrepreneurs and small business owners, whose hard work and perseverance give our Nation economic strength.  Their initiative, combined with the greatest workforce in the world, is enabling us to convert the unlimited potential of America into great wealth and prosperity.      NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 5 through May 11, 2019, as National Small Business Week.  I call upon all Americans to recognize the critical contributions of America's entrepreneurs and small business owners as they grow our Nation's economy.     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this third day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand nineteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-third.                         DONALD J. TRUMP

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 5, 2019

Presidential Message on Ramadan, 2019 I send my warmest greetings to all Muslims observing the holy month of Ramadan. Ramadan commemorates when the sacred Quran was revealed to Muhammad.  At the spotting of the crescent moon, Muslim families and communities will honor this revelation by beginning a month of inward reflection, spiritual renewal, and prayer. During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to dusk, recite passages from the Quran, and perform benevolent acts of charity and good will toward others.  By doing so, they develop a renewed sense of purpose in their own spiritual journey, deepening their appreciation for God's grace and mercy. Throughout this month, we all have an opportunity to reflect on the blessings we have been given and to work toward greater fellowship with one another.  Together, in the spirit of Ramadan, we can achieve a more harmonious and respectful society. Melania joins me in sending our best wishes to Muslims in the United States and around the world for a blessed month of celebration.

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 5, 2019 Presidential Message on Cinco de Mayo, 2019    I send my greetings and best wishes to all those celebrating Cinco de Mayo. On this day 157 years ago, the Mexican people valiantly defended their freedom and prevailed in the Battle of Puebla.  Facing a French army equipped with more men and better weapons, the tenacious Mexican forces, under the command of General Ignacio Zaragoza, rose to the daunting challenge and emerged victorious on May 5, 1862. As we honor the anniversary of this historic victory, we celebrate the courage and patriotism the Mexican soldiers exemplified in defeating the invading army of Napoleon III.  We also acknowledge the remarkable achievements of Mexican Americans and the many contributions they have made, and continue to make, to our Nation. Melania and I hope those who are celebrating enjoy today's festivities.  Feliz Cinco de Mayo

A PROCLAMATION BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA - PUBLIC SERVICE RECOGNITION WEEK, 2019

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 3, 2019 PUBLIC SERVICE RECOGNITION WEEK, 2019 - - - - - - - BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA A PROCLAMATION          During Public Service Recognition Week, we express our gratitude to our Nation's civil servants for their dedication to mission, service, and stewardship.  These members of our Federal, State, and local government workforces deliver results for the American people, often without acclaim.       Each day, millions of government employees serve their fellow citizens, and we as a Nation recognize the valuable role they play in our communities.  From the law enforcement officers and border patrol agents who keep our country safe and secure to those who work in education, healthcare, transportation, and other public service careers, civil servants ensure government works for the American people.  Our country's brave men and women in uniform make up the greatest Armed Forces in the world.  They are able to defend our freedom because civilian employees at the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs work faithfully each day to fulfill President Abraham Lincoln's charge to "care for him who shall have borne the battle."  In often difficult circumstances, our civil servants respond to natural disasters, search for cures for diseases, protect information networks, and improve quality of life for their fellow Americans.  They remain focused on their mission of serving and protecting.      My Administration understands that it is critical for Federal employees to provide high-quality service and to be good stewards of taxpayer dollars.  To maintain these high standards, we are continuing to implement policies that create a more efficient and productive Federal Government.  By removing unnecessary regulations and streamlining internal agency processes, we have helped eliminate barriers that stand in the way of Federal employees' efforts to do their jobs.  We have also made it easier for the Federal Government to hire more military spouses, and we are giving a second chance to those with a criminal history.      This week, we pause to give tribute to the many civil servants who paid the ultimate price in service to our Nation.  We will never forget their sacrifice, and we are proud to add their names to the Wall of Honor in the Theodore Roosevelt Federal Office Building, a tradition which began in 2013 to honor Federal civilian employees who died in the line of duty.  My Administration also is pleased to launch the Gears of Government President's Award.  This award program reinforces the President's Management Agenda by recognizing individuals and teams across the Federal workforce who support exceptional delivery of key mission, service, and stewardship outcomes for the American people.      During Public Service Recognition Week, we acknowledge the work our civil servants do for the American people on a daily basis, and we appreciate their willingness to dedicate their experience and expertise, and sometimes even their lives, to serving their fellow citizens.      NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 5 through May 11, 2019, as Public Service Recognition Week.  I call upon Americans and all Federal, State, tribal, and local government agencies to recognize the dedication of our Nation's public servants and to observe this week through appropriate programs and activities.      IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this third day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand nineteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-third.             DONALD J. TRUMP

White House Photos of the Week

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 3, 2019 Photos of the Week Saturday, April 27, 2019 First Lady Melania Trump and Mrs. Akie Abe, wife of the Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe, listen to White House Assistant Curator Lydia Tederick Saturday, April 27, 2019, during a tour of the Green Room in the White House. (Official White House Photo by Andrea Hanks)       Monday, April 29, 2019 President Donald J. Trump welcomes the 2019 NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball National Champions – the Baylor Lady Bears – to the Oval Office Monday, April 29, 2019, at the White House. (Official White House Photo by Joyce N. Boghosian)       President Donald J. Trump welcomes the 2019 National Teacher of the Year Award winners to the Oval Office Monday, April 29, 2019, at the White House. (Official White House Photo by Joyce N. Boghosian      Tuesday, April 30, 2019 President Donald J. Trump honors 2018 NASCAR Cup Series Champion Joey Logano and Team Penske owner Roger Penske Tuesday, April 30, 2019, on the South Lawn of the White House. (Official White House Photo by Tia Dufour)       President Donald J. Trump honors 2018 NASCAR Cup Series Champion Joey Logano and Team Penske owner Roger Penske Tuesday, April 30, 2019, on the South Lawn of the White House. (Official White House Photo by Shealah Craighead)       Vice President Mike Pence, joined by USS Harry S. Truman Commanding Officer Captain Nicholas Dienna, departs the USS HARRY S. TRUMAN Tuesday, April 30, 2019, in Norfolk, Va. (Official White House Photo by D. Myles Cullen)       First Lady Melania Trump watches her bowling ball travel down the lane during a Be Best bowling event with children of Secret Service agents Tuesday, April 30, 2019, in the bowling alley of the White House. (Official White House Photo by Andrea Hanks)       Vice President Mike Pence visits with diners at Doumar’s Cones & Barbecue Tuesday, April 30, 2019, in Norfolk, Va. (Official White House Photo by D. Myles Cullen)       Wednesday, May 1, 2019 President Donald J. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump host a National Day of Prayer dinner Wednesday, May 1, 2019, in the State Dining Room of the White House.  (Official White House Photo By Tia Dufour)       First Lady Melania Trump receives applause as she arrives to the National Day of Prayer dinner Wednesday, May 1, 2019, in the State Dining Room of the White House. (Official White House Photo by Andrea Hanks)       Vice President Mike Pence speaks to reporters during a meeting with ICE Baltimore Field Office Leadership Wednesday, May 1, 2019, at the United State Custom House in Baltimore.       Second Lady Karen Pence delivers remarks to Coast Guard spouses Wednesday, May 1, 2019, at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Arlington, Va., announcing that Coast Guard spouses will now receive free access to LinkedIn Premium along with all the other service branch spouses. (Official White House Photo by Amy Rossetti)       Thursday, May 2, 2019 President Donald J. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump walk along the West Wing Colonnade Thursday, May 2, 2019, prior to attending the National Day of Prayer service in the Rose Garden of the White House. (Official White House Photo by Tia Dufour)       First Lady Melania Trump, joined onstage by President Donald J. Trump, recites a prayer to begin the National Day of Prayer service Thursday, May 2, 2019, in the Rose Garden of the White House. (Official White House Photo by Andrea Hanks)        President Donald J. Trump listens as Rabbi Yisroel Goldstein of the Chabad of Poway, Calif., speaks at the National Day of Prayer service Thursday, May 2, 2019, in the Rose Garden of the White House. (Official White House Photo by Tia Dufour)       Second Lady Karen Pence welcomes the 2019 National Teacher of the Year Award winners to the Vice President’s Residence Thursday, May 2, 2019, in Washington, D.C. (Official White House Photo by Amy Rossetti)       Friday, April 3, 2019 President Donald J. Trump welcomes Slovak Prime Minister Peter Pellegrini Friday, May 3, 2019, to the West Wing Lobby entrance of the White House.  (Official White House Photo by Tia Dufour)       President Donald J. Trump and Slovak Prime Minister Peter Pellegrini speak with reporters Friday, May 3, 2019, in the Oval Office of the White House. (Official White House Photo by Shealah Craighead)