REMARKS BY PRESIDENT TRUMP PRESENTING THE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF’S TROPHY TO THE U.S. MILITARY ACADEMY FOOTBALL TEAM

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 7, 2019

REMARKS BY PRESIDENT TRUMP PRESENTING THE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF’S TROPHY TO THE U.S. MILITARY ACADEMY FOOTBALL TEAM Rose Garden   (May 6, 2019) 12:30 P.M. EDT      THE PRESIDENT:  At ease.  This is a beautiful day.  What a great group of people.  Star athletes and stars in every way.  It's an honor to have you at the White House.  Today, it’s my honor to present the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy, for the second year in a row, to the Army Black Knights.  (Applause.)       We’re pleased to be joined by Vice President Mike Pence -- thank you, Mike; along with West Point graduate and Army Secretary -- very good -- Mark Esper.  Mark, thank you.  Thank you.  (Applause.)  Also a man who has done unbelievably well for a long period of time, Army Chief of Staff Mark Milley.  (Applause.)  Where is Mark?  Hi, Mark.  And Sergeant Major of the Army Daniel Dailey.  (Applause.)  Thanks also -- thank you.  Thank you, Daniel.  Thank you, Daniel.      Also, thanks to members of Congress Mike Conaway, Trent Kelly, and Steve Womack.  Thank you, fellas.  Thank you very much.  (Applause.)  Thank you.      I especially want to welcome West Point’s Superintendent, Lieutenant General Darryl Williams.  (Applause.)  Thank you, Darryl.  Great job.  And, General, I want to thank you for continuing the United States Military Academy’s famous tradition of excellence.  It is indeed excellent.      And of course, we are thrilled to be joined by Coach Jeff Monken.  Jeff, what a job you've done.  (Applause.)  What a job.  What a job he's done.  We'll be talking about it.  Interim-Athletic Director Dan McCarthy -- thank you, Dan.  (Applause.)  And the Army football team.  The whole team is here, and we appreciate it.       Oh, there's Mark.  I'm looking all over for Mark.  (Laughter.)  I said, "He disappeared."  That's not like a true Army guy.  Thank you, Mark, very much.       Congratulations to all of you on a phenomenal victory.  For the first time ever, the West Point football program became back-to-back winners of the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy.  First time ever.  It's a long history.  With 11 victories last season, you won more games than any other Army team in history.  (Applause.)  Pretty good.  That's pretty good.       Over the last two seasons, you've won 21 of your last 26 games.  And you now hold the second-longest active winning streak in college football -- trailing only a team called "Clemson," the Clemson Tigers.  Did you ever hear of that team?  (Applause.)  Did you ever hear of that team, fellas?  They're a good team, too.  They were here.  They were here.       Every time you enter the field, you prove that you are "Army Strong."  You clinched the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy in a hard-fought victory against Air Force.  You led the first half as co-captain Darnell Woolfolk scored the first of two unanswered touchdowns.  Where is Darnell?  Come here, Darnell.  (Applause.)  Want to say something?  Come here, Darnell.  Say something.  Come on.  Come on, Darnell.      MR. WOOLFOLK:  On behalf of the Army football team, I just want to thank everybody for coming out.  All of this support has been amazing.  Go Army!  (Applause.)      THE PRESIDENT:  Good player. Then Air Force came surging back, closing your lead to only three points.  Well, that's not good.  (Laughter.)  You were a little concerned, Coach?  You don’t get concerned, right?      MR. MONKEN:  No.      THE PRESIDENT:  He wasn’t concerned.  (Laughter.)      But as Army always does, you held the line.  Linebackers James Nachtigal and co-team captain Cole Christiansen made a  pivotal -- really, and, I mean, this was pivotal -- fourth down stop in the final two minutes of the game, securing a 17-to-14 win for the Black Knights.  It was a tough game.  Air Force is tough.  They've always been tough, Coach.  I've seen their record.       MR. MONKEN:  Not that tough.       THE PRESIDENT:  (Laughs.)  He goes, "Not that tough."  (Laughter.)        You then won your third bowl victory in three years, tying an FBS Bowl record with an outstanding and astonishing 70 points against a very good team, the Houston Cougars.        In that game, quarterback Kelvin Hopkins dodged defenders left and right in a magnificent 77-yard touchdown run -- the longest in Army Bowl history.  Where's Kelvin?  (Applause.)  Come here, Kelvin.  Come here.  Boom.  These guys are all running for office after this, you know. (Laughter.)        MR. HOPKINS:  Sir, thank you very much for having me and my teammates here.  We were blessed to have a great season next year -- or last year -- and we're looking for a great one next year.  So, go Army.  (Applause.)       THE PRESIDENT:  You'll be back?       MR. HOPKINS:  Yes, sir.  Yes, sir.       THE PRESIDENT:  He'll be back.  That’s a good sign.  And, Kelvin, I want to just congratulate you because it was a standout performance -- capped, really, an extraordinary year -- as Kelvin became the first Army player ever to rush and throw for over 1,000 yards in a single season.  Wow.  That’s great.  (Applause.)  That’s pretty good, huh?  I got to watch you.        But what mattered most was the team’s triumph in one of our nation’s most celebrated athletic events: the Army-Navy game.  Did anybody ever hear of it?  Mark, did you ever hear of the Army-Navy game?  It's a big deal.  I was there.  I was there numerous times, but I was there to watch this one.       You took an early lead and held Navy scoreless for three quarters.  For four minutes into the fourth quarter, Navy’s quarterback -- an outstanding player -- was at the seven-yard line getting ready to go into the end zone.  He was ready.  Right?  He was ready.       PARTICIPANT:  He was.       THE PRESIDENT:  You weren’t ready, but he was ready.        PARTICIPANT:  No, we weren't ready.        THE PRESIDENT:  You weren’t ready.  In a play that ultimately saved the game, defensive back Jaylon McClinton raced in from the side and knocked the ball loose from an Army recovery -- you got it, Army recovery.  And I think the name of that player happened to be James Gibson.        Where are those two guys?  Come on down, James.  (Applause.) Come on.  Come on -- say -- you saved the game, I mean, in all fairness.  Boy, they must like you.  Do you guys like -- you like these two guys, I guess, right?  You're lucky they're here.  Right, Coach?       Say a few words.  Go ahead, fellas.  (Laughter.)       MR. GIBSON:  Just again, thank you for your support and thank you for having us here, Mr. President.  You know, it's been a great opportunity to be here.  Thank you.      THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you.  Great job.  (Applause.)  Great job.       MR. MCCLINTON:  I'd just like to thank all my teammates.  The brotherhood is really special.  So, go Army.  (Applause.) THE PRESIDENT:  Great, Jaylon.  You're so lucky they were in that game, fellas.  It could've been another story.  You could've had somebody else here.  That would not have been good, huh?  (Laughter.)  Good job.       That hit stopped a Navy touchdown in its tracks, and Army won by a single score.  Jaylon and James, way to go!  And I was at the game, by the way.        And, you know, I was so impressed when I was at the game -- I mentioned this to the coach and it's a big deal.  I hope it doesn’t become the story, but it is a big story, because I'm going to look at doing a waiver for service academy athletes who can get into to the major leagues -- like the NFL, hockey, baseball.  We're going to see if we can do it.  And they'll serve their time after they're finished with professional sports.       And that'll make things -- can you imagine this incredible coach with that little asset?  Because I would imagine that would make recruiting a little bit easier.       MR. MONKEN:  Yes, sir.       THE PRESIDENT:  So we're going to -- on behalf of the coach, who's a tremendous guy -- we're going to look at a waiver for the service academy.  So they'll serve their time after.  I think it sounds good.  Right?  (Applause.)  I think it sounds good.       I've always watched.  It used to be five years, and four years.  And it's a long time; that’s a long time.  Now it's two years, but it's another four years -- four or five years -- that you have to do things.  So they'll serve it afterwards, Coach.       Good luck, Coach.  If you win again, which I know you will, you'll do it without, but good luck.  I think it's a great idea.  I think it's really fair, too.       From 1997 to 2015, Army won only four games against other service academies.  Think of that.  Now, with your victories over Air Force and Navy -- and a lot of great schools and some football powers -- you have won five in a row and ended last season ranked 19th in the nation.  Think of that.        Coach Monken’s record of success earned him the prestigious George Munger and Vince Lombardi Coach of the Year Awards.  And, Coach, I just think it’s an amazing job that you’ve done.  And I just -- I really want you to come up and say a few words, Coach, because few people have been able to do, in the coaching world, what you’ve been able to do.  And you did have that little bit a restriction -- some people would call it a lot -- and you still always seemed to win.         So, Coach, say a few words, please.  (Applause.)         COACH MONKEN:  Mr. President, on behalf of the Army football brotherhood, the United States Corps of Cadets, West Point’s Long Gray Line, and all of the brave men and women who proudly serve in the United States Army, United States Army Reserves, and the Army National Guard, we thank you for inviting America’s team here to the White House, to our nation’s capital, once again, for the second straight year, to accept the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy, which we consider the most coveted award in college football.        It’s a privilege and an honor for us to be here with you once again.  These young men and their classmates in the Corps represent our nation’s very best.  Their commitment to put country before themselves is what sets these men apart, and it sets them apart from common men.  And it’s the same commitment that they have to each other.  Jaylon McClinton mentioned the “brotherhood” and how special that is.        There’s just an incredible loyalty on this team and a commitment to serve this team.  And that’s allowed them to experience record-setting success in a program with an already unbelievable football history -- the National Championships, and the Heisman Trophies, and the great teams that people talked about.  It’s unbelievable to have a team like this join the history of Army football.      This is a tough team and these are tough players -- a tough bunch of guys.  They fought their way to 11 wins and, as you mentioned, 21 wins in the last two years.  Our 20-plus seniors have led a resurgence in Army football.      But what makes me most proud is the commitment that they make beyond the field -- the accomplishments still to come for this group of young men, as each of them will serve as officers in the United States Army.  As most college football players prepare for upcoming seasons while earning their degrees, preparing them for a career beyond football, ours also prepare to fight our nation’s wars.        In a speech to our Corps, Army Chief of Staff Mark Milley said, “You came here to fight, and fight you will.”  I love that line.  And just as this team fought this year against opponents who wanted to take their place on the victory stand, they’ll fight against those who want to take what’s ours as a nation.  And these men -- those that stand on the side over here, everybody in a Cadet uniform, all their classmates back at West Point -- they’re going to stand in the gap between freedom and those that want to take it from us.  And I’m most proud of that, of this football team, and of our Academy.      These young men represent all that our nation expects of an officer and a West Pointer.  The best of the best: warriors, gritty, determined, disciplined, resilient.  These are same qualities expected in a championship football team, and they are.  CIC, Armed Forces Bowl, the Lambert Trophy, and the national champions of toughness -- what we call the “Last of the Hard.”      Mr. President, thank you again for hosting this team and this incredible trophy.  It’s our great honor to be here as your guests.  On Brave Old Army team and beat Navy.  (Applause.)      THE PRESIDENT:  And I was telling some of the incredible talent behind me -- we were taking pictures in the Oval Office, right behind the Resolute Desk.  That’s been around for a long time -- a lot of great Presidents.  And we were talking about our country -- how well our country is doing.      And we’ve increased the military budget -- when I first came in -- from way down to $700 billion, Coach.  Seven hundred billion.  You could do a good job with that.  (Applause.)  And then $716 [billion], and now it’s even going up a little bit higher.  We’ll soon have the strongest we’ve ever had, even proportionately -- the strongest military that we’ve ever had.      And our country, needless to say, is doing fantastically well.  We’re setting records -- over 100 days of stock market wins, meaning the highest in history.  Over 100 days, we’ve had, of stock markets wins.        And our unemployment numbers are the best in 51 years.  And for certain groups -- African American, Asian American.  Women is now 71 years.  But the other groups -- and Hispanic American -- historic lows on unemployment.  The history of the country -- the best we’ve had.         So we’re very proud to have everybody with us.  And I have to say, as President, I have no greater honor than to serve as the Commander-in-Chief of America’s Armed Forces.  I’m very proud of it.         I know that all of you are a great football team, but it’s not only a football team; you're the future in the United States Army.  So important.  And I'm very proud of a man named Mark Milley, who is sitting right here, because he's done a fantastic job.  And -- come here.  Stand up, Mark.  We'd introduce you, but you don't like to stand up.  He just likes to win. (Applause.)  He doesn't want any -- he doesn't want people talking about him.  He just wants to win.  Right, Mark?  Thank you, Mark, very much.  I appreciate it.         When you first entered West Point, each and every one of you pledged to serve our nation after graduation.  You represented the best of America, and millions of your fellow citizens admire and respect you.  And I just want to thank you all for your selfless commitment to this country.         When he was Superintendent of West Point, General Douglas MacArthur -- who was one of the best students in the history of West Point -- I always used to hear he was the single best.  And I don't know how you do that.  But he was a great student, a great academic, which a lot of people didn't know.  He made athletics a mandatory part of the Academy curriculum and set a clear goal: “Every cadet an athlete.”  That's what he -- "Every cadet an athlete."        Some things you can’t learn in a classroom.  And at the United States Military Academy, you push yourself to the limit in body, and mind, and spirit because you play for more than a trophy.  The lessons you learn on the football field will help you to lead on the battlefield.  And hopefully, we won't have too many battles, because we're building a military so strong that nobody's going to mess with us.  Nobody.         When you play for Army, you’re taught the courage to take a hit, the strength to sacrifice for your team, and the grit to fight for every single inch.  You give all that you have and you never let up until that mission is done, until you've gained that victory.         The Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard -- all of the United States Armed Forces are the strongest, toughest, bravest, and fiercest warriors the world has ever known.  We have the greatest military, right now, that the world has ever known.  And we're doing some additional things, like for our great veterans.  They don't know -- right now, it looks like so far off.  But someday, they'll be veterans.  We're taking care of our veterans like never before.        We just approved, after 44 years -- they've been trying to get it -- Veteran's Choice.  Rather than waiting for days and weeks and months to see a doctor, if there's a wait, you go right outside; you get to a local doctor, who is a great doctor; we pay the bill and you get yourself fixed up.  They've been trying to get that, Mark, for 44 years, as you know.  And plenty of other things have been passed for our great veterans.        With us today are 28 seniors on the team who will soon graduate, become second lieutenants, and enter different branches of the Army, including Infantry, Armor, Field Artillery, and Air Defense Artillery.        Wherever your country needs you, we know you will serve with integrity, loyalty, honor, courage, and an unbreakable will to win, win, win!  We love that sound.  Don't we love that word?  That's a great word.  You know it well.  Armies always -- and this great Army of ours -- always fights on to victory.  Always.        To the entire Black Knights team: Congratulations once again on your historic victories and keep on that path to just winning and making us all very proud of you.  Because we are all very, very proud of you.         So, Coach, I want to congratulate you again.  That's an incredible job.  The job you've done is like few others.  Very few others.  And I know some coaches.  I know some coaches in other leagues.  I know some coaches in the NFL.  Jeff, they have great, great respect for you, as a coach and as a man.  And I just want to let you know that.  (Applause.)        MR. MONKEN:  Thank you.       THE PRESIDENT:  You know who I'm talking about, right?        So, thank you all.  We'll take some pictures around that incredible trophy.  And we'll see you very soon.  Thank you very much.  Thank you all for being here.  Appreciate it.  (Applause.)                         END                12:48 P.M. EDT

FIRST LADY MELANIA TRUMP CELEBRATES ANNIVERSARY OF “BE BEST”

Office of the First Lady FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 7, 2019 FIRST LADY MELANIA TRUMP CELEBRATES ANNIVERSARY OF “BE BEST” Celebrations in the Kennedy and Rose Gardens Highlight a Year of Success and Future Plans   THE WHITE HOUSE, WASHINGTON - First Lady Melania Trump today celebrated the one year anniversary of BE BEST, her awareness campaign that focuses on some of the major issues facing children today.  The initiative is focused on encouraging children to BE BEST in their individual paths in life, by shining a spotlight on successful programs and services that teach them about the importance of positive social, emotional, and physical health.  Attendees included representatives from many of the programs the First Lady has worked with throughout the year. BE BEST EXPANDS Broken into three separate pillars of well-being, online safety, and opioid abuse, Mrs. Trump continues to evolve and expand her campaign based on research and information learned from her many visits and events.  Moving from a focus of social media to the larger scope of online safety, this pillar encompasses any digital program that prioritizes safety and digital citizenship in today’s technology-driven world.  BE BEST will continue to raise awareness around the importance of safe and positive online behaviors and work with technology companies to create a better online world.  Mrs. Trump will also expand her focus from babies born with neonatal abstinence syndrome, to children of all ages when talking about the dangers of opioid abuse.  While visiting a university last winter, Mrs. Trump listened to students share personal stories about opioid addiction – and in response, BE BEST will promote resources and programs available for all who struggle with addiction. During her remarks, the First Lady announced that a BE BEST Ambassador was appointed through the United States Agency for International Development, and will serve as the liaison between the First Lady’s office and the agency.   At today’s celebration Mrs. Trump called upon all partner agencies to appoint a BE BESTt Ambassador in order to further amplify her work. BE BEST INTERNATIONAL First Lady Melania Trump also announced a second solo international tour.  The trip is set for the fall of 2019 and will further her commitment to visiting schools, hospitals, organizations, and companies that support children around the globe.  BE BEST AT WORK Before departing, the First Lady recognized members of the Farming High School Robotics Team from Minnesota.  The team designed a motorized wheelchair for 5-year-old Rocco Zachow who suffers from limited mobility, after his family reached out to the Robotics team for help.  Members of the team presented the new chair to Rocco on-stage at the White House this morning. “I am proud of the work Be Best has done so far,” said First Lady Melania Trump. “Taking the experiences we gained this year and expanding upon all that we learned, I know Be Best will continue to be a source of help for children by focusing on programs aimed to combat some of the issues of today’s world.  I want to thank all who attended today’s celebration and look forward to what the coming years will bring.” The First Lady celebrated the anniversary of BE BEST in the Rose Garden of the White House.  Guest speakers included Dr. Francis Collins of National Institutes of Health; Toni Townes-Whitley of Microsoft, and Eric Bolling a Senior Political Anchor, all who shared personal stories of how BE BEST has impacted their fields of work.  A reception with lemonade, cookies, and lawn games for kids was held in the Kennedy Garden prior to the start of the program. More details about BE BEST can be found at www.BeBest.gov. FULL LIST OF EXPECTED PARTICIPANTS, ORGANIZATIONS, AND COMPANIES IN ATTENDANCE: First Lady Melania Trump President Donald J. Trump Vice President Mike Pence Secretary Steven Mnuchin, U.S. Department of the Treasury Secretary Alex Acosta, U.S. Department of Labor Secretary Alex Azar, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Elaine Chao, U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Betsy DeVos, U.S. Department of Education Secretary Robert Wilkie, U.S. Department of Defense Acting Secretary Kevin McAleenan, U.S. Department of Homeland Security Assistant to the President and Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney  Assistant to the President & Senior Conuselor Kellyanne Conway Acting Administrator Dr. Uttam Dhillon, Drug Enforcement Administration Administrator Mark Green, U.S. Agency for International Aid Director Jim Carroll, Office of National Drug Control Policy Ambassador Robinson Githae, Republic of Kenya Akousa Okyere-Badoo, Minister of the Embassy of Ghana Ambassador Yasser Reda Abdalla Ali Said, Arab Republic of Egypt Ambassador Edward Sawrengera, Republic of Malawi White House Regional Communications Director Carolina Hurley  Kelly Nantel, National Safety Council Dr. Francis Collins, Director of National Institutes of Health Toni Townes-Whitley, President, US Regulated Industries at Microsoft Eric Bolling, Senior Political Anchor Be Best Ambassador, Julie Cram, U.S. Agency for International Aid Rogue Robotics Team, Farmington Minnesota  Zachow Family (Rocco Zachow & Parent – Kyndie Zachow) Boys & Girls Clubs of America  Potters House  JBA School Children’s Inn, National Institutes of Health Amazon Facebook Twitter Snap Google Community Anti-Drug Coalition Nationwide Children’s Hospital  Students Against Destructive Decisions Nicklaus Children’s Healthcare Foundation Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Lily’s Place FULL REMARKS Good morning, thank you all for being here today. Before I begin, I’d like to acknowledge some of the people and partner agencies who have been so supportive of my efforts over this past year including my husband President Trump, Vice President Mike Pence and Mrs. Pence, Cabinet Secretaries Alex Azar, Betsy DeVos, Elaine Chao, Alex Acosta, Robert Wilkie, Steven Mnuchin, and Acting Secretary Kevin McAleenan, leadership from the Office of National Drug Control Policy, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency, the National Safety Council, the United States Agency for International Development, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and the Office of Management and Budget. I am grateful for your support, thank you all for taking the time out of your busy schedules to be here today. I’d also like to recognize some of the organizations that have traveled to be here today and have become true partners with my office. They include the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America, Students Against Destructive Decisions, Twitter, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Facebook, Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation, Amazon, Lily’s Place, Snap, Google, and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center to name a few. There are so many organizations that have worked alongside my office in the past year. On behalf of a grateful nation, I cannot thank you enough for all you are doing on behalf of children. Your work is saving lives and helping children and I believe there is no greater gift you can give to this country, thank you. I have always said that as a mother and as First Lady, it concerns me that today’s fast-paced and ever-connected world can make children less prepared to express or manage their emotions, causing them to turn to forms of destructive actions such as bullying, unhealthy habits, risky online behavior, drug abuse and addiction, or even suicide. One year ago today I announced BE BEST, an awareness campaign dedicated to the children of this country and all over the world. BE BEST has three pillars - the well-being of children, online safety, and opioid abuse - and it continues to have one goal, which is to educate children and parents about the issues they face, and promote programs and services available to help them with today’s challenges. My office has spent the past year listening to and learning from children, parents, medical professionals, teachers, leaders in technology and social media, and many others who have a stake in the vital issues that can affect the next generation. In fact, this past year has shown me that children are vulnerable to more than just social media and so I expanded one of my pillars to online safety. I look forward to using BE BEST to promote any digital programs that make online safety and digital citizenship a priority in today’s technology-driven world. I have also expanded my focus of the dangers of opioid abuse to include kids of all ages, and will continue to work with partner agencies to highlight and promote the programs and resources available for all who struggle with addiction. Since announcing BE BEST, I have visited schools and hospitals, and visited 15 states to promote and highlight some of the successful work being done by so many on behalf of children. I have participated in children’s events, including speaking engagements focused on one or more of the pillars of Be Best. I have had the opportunity to meet with more than 30 foreign diplomats, heads of state or spouses to exchange ideas on the challenges children are facing all over the world, and have hosted or participated in 18 roundtables and policy briefings. I am also proud to have reconvened the Interagency Working Group on Youth Programs in order to build upon the good work being done by our agencies and the government. I traveled internationally to 9 countries – including my first solo trip to Africa where I partnered with USAID to visit the beautiful countries of Ghana, Malawi, Kenya and Egypt to speak with children about Be Best and also educate myself about the different cultures and challenges within each community. While in Africa, I felt it was important that people throughout the continent and world understand that the United States cares. It is a fact that our own country is safer and stronger when people across the globe have opportunity, when our trading partners are flourishing, when nations around the world can withstand crises, and when societies are freer and more democratic. I am thrilled to see the Ambassadors of Malawi, Kenya, and Egypt and the Minister of the Embassy of Ghana in attendance – thank you each for being here today. The trip was very special to me and it is something I will never forget. I was heartened to hear that after our visit to Malawi, a member of our advance team was so moved by the visit and the children at the Chipala Primary School that she started a Go Fund Me page on her own time, and raised enough money to build a new classroom for the school. I have seen pictures of the construction, and want to take a moment to recognize Carolina Hurley for not only working as a volunteer on the trip, but for understanding and implementing one of the pillars of BE BEST to make a true difference in the lives of children. Thank you Carolina. I am also excited to announce that for the first time in its history, the United States Agency for International Development has appointed a BE BEST Ambassador. Ms. Julie Cram was appointed in March and will act as our point of contact for moving Be Best forward within that agency. Thank you for being here today, Julie. On this one-year anniversary of my initiative, I call on all of our partner agencies to appoint a BE BEST Ambassador who will serve as a liaison between my office and their respective agency to better highlight and promote the programs and services offered to parents and children on behalf of the U.S. government. I’d now like to take a moment and introduce three individuals I have worked with over the past year and who have done tremendous work in not only helping children, but also educating me on how to better use my platform to help the next generation. Dr. Francis Collins, is the Director of the National Institutes of Health and oversees the work of the largest supporter of biomedical research in the world, spanning the spectrum from basic to clinical research. He is an elected member of the National Academy of Medicine and the National Academy of Sciences, was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in November 2007, and received the National Medal of Science in 2009. We have worked with NIH on several occasions and I continue to be impressed to their commitment to treating the whole child – both physically and emotionally. Toni Townes-Whitley, is the President of the US Public Sector of Microsoft. She is passionate about leveraging technology to create positive societal and global impact and is one of the leading women in her field. I had the opportunity to visit Microsoft in Washington State in March, and was impressed by all they are doing, especially in the area of online safety. Eric Bolling is the anchor and host of “America This Week” and a two time New York Times Bestselling author. He is currently on a 15 city tour speaking about the opioid epidemic. In 2017, Eric lost his only child- Eric Chase - to an accidental opioid overdose while attending the University of Colorado. I have worked with Eric on many occasions and greatly admire how he has turned his grief to help children. Thank you all for those kind words, and for the work you have done and will continue to do to help children succeed and grow. As I said at my campaign launch a year ago – I am here with one goal, which is to help children reach their full potential so they can grow up happy, healthy and contribute positively to society and the world. With that goal always in mind, we must continue our work to do what we can to affect positive change for our children. Through character education programs, children can learn the importance of social and self-awareness, positive relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. Once a child understands these vital skills, they will be able to live out the tenets of mutual respect, compassion and self-esteem and understand the impact that can be made when all of those values and attributes are made a priority. In fact, we have some people here today who I consider to be absolute examples of what it means to BE BEST. I recently learned about the Jackson family in Minnesota and how the Farmington High School Rogue Robotics team built a personalized and modified power wheels chair for two-year old Cillian Jackson when no other options were available. Inspired by Cillian’s story, the mother of five year-old Rocco Zachow reached out to Rogue Robotics for help. Rocco has a rare form of dwarfism and limited mobility. Using plans donated to them by the organization Go Baby Go, the students modified another power car into a motorized wheelchair by rewiring, coding and programming the chair's electronics, redesigning the joystick, and customizing the seat just for Rocco. Over the last few weeks, the team has been hard at work and I am happy to say that members of the Farmington High School Robotics Team, and their Coach Spencer Elvebak, are at the White House with us today to present Rocco and his parents – Kynde and Jeremy – with their new powered chair. This is truly what it means to BE BEST – Thank you for what you have done to change this little boy’s life, and thank you for being here today. Will you all come to the stage to present Rocco and his family with the chair? Thank you again. Isn’t that great? These are the kinds of stories I will continue to highlight with the hope that other students, citizens and organizations will use their talents and resources to help children. In my time as First Lady of the United States I will continue to make every effort to promote the many successful well-being and character education programs that exist today. I will continue speaking with and learning from leaders in the technology industry in order to raise awareness around the importance of safe and positive online behaviors. I will continue to work with those who are fighting the epidemic and stigma of drug addiction. And I will continue to travel and speak to children directly about some of the challenges they face every day. I am committed to visiting more schools, hospitals, organizations and companies to promote BE BEST, and speaking to children around the country and world about their ideas and concerns. I am also excited to announce my next International trip. Details are still coming together. But we plan to travel this fall and I am very much looking forward to it. In closing, I want to again thank all of you for being here today, and for the support each of you have given. There is still much work to be done, but when it comes to the next generation of leaders and citizens, I know we all agree the work is worth the reward. If we listen to our kids, whether it’s their fears, interests, ideas, or concerns, we can provide them the support and tools they need to thrive. I ask you again to join me in my commitment to promoting values such as encouragement, kindness, compassion, healthy living, online safety, and respect in our children. My hope is that together we can BE BEST at helping children and families find effective ways to educate themselves and become part of the solution to so many problems and issues facing kids today. Let’s join together in recommitting to help children dream big, think big, and do all they can to BE BEST in everything that they do. Thank you all for being here today. God bless you, your families, our children, and God bless the United States of America.        ###

REMARKS BY PRESIDENT TRUMP AT THE NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER DINNER

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 7, 2019 REMARKS BY PRESIDENT TRUMP AT THE NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER DINNER State Dining Room   (May 1, 2019)  6:47 P.M. EDT      THE PRESIDENT:  It is my pleasure to welcome you very special friends to the White House for a dinner before the National Day of Prayer.  We look forward to that tomorrow.      I want to thank our magnificent First Lady, Melania, for hosting this beautiful event.  Thank you.  (Applause.)      And we are also very honored to have with us our great Vice President, Mike Pence.  Mike?  Mike, how are you?  (Applause.)  And Second Lady Karen Pence, who works so hard and does such a great job.  Thank you, Karen.  (Applause.)       Also thanks to Ben Carson and Secretary Sonny Perdue for being with us.  You're always with us and we appreciate it very much.  Thank you.  Thank you both very much.  (Applause.)        And very special -- we're proudly joined by leaders representing many of the world's great faiths: Christians, Muslims, Jews, Sikhs, Hindus.  Tonight, we break bread together, united by our love of God, and we renew our resolve to protect the sacred freedom of religion.  All of us.  (Applause.)      In recent weeks, people of faith around the world have faced terrible hardship.  All of us in this room send our love and prayers to the Jewish Americans wounded at the Chabad of Poway shooting in California.  So tragic.  So horrible.  And our hearts break for the life of Lori Gilbert-Kaye, who was so wickedly taken from us.      We mourn for the Christians murdered in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday, and grieve for the Muslims murdered at their mosques in New Zealand.      Here at home, we also remember the three historically black churches burned recently in Louisiana, and the horrific shooting last year at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh.      Violence and terrorism against people of all faiths must end and it must end now.  (Applause.)  All civilized nations must join together in this effort.  In our own country, we must always protect the religious liberty enshrined in our Constitution and in our lives -- in our lives.  It's so important for us all.      I'm thrilled to report that tomorrow the Senate will confirm the 100th federal judge to the court system.  Under my administration, we're getting to a level where we're going to be breaking records, with respect to the judiciary -- which means a lot for the people in this room because you were treated very poorly, but now you're -- (applause) -- with time, you'll see what happens.      And we'll have close to 145 very shortly.  One hundred and forty-five federal judges, including two great Supreme Court judges and -- Justices of the Supreme Court.  So I think it's something that was long overdue.  And I think we're going to be treated very, very fairly.  Very important.      During this holy season, when Christians celebrate Easter, Jews mark the Passover, and Muslims prepare for Ramadan, we're reminded of how blessed we are to inherit the traditions of freedom and religious tolerance that have defined America from the beginning.      When we embrace the fullness of our faiths, we become better friends, better neighbors, better citizens, and better people.  America is forever.  We will be a nation that believes forever.  And we certainly believe, more than anyone, the power of prayer -- the most powerful thing there is.      From our earliest history, we've always been people of faith.  Our Declaration of Independence proclaims that our rights are bestowed on us by our Creator.  The First Continental Congress began with a prayer.  Our first President, George Washington, declared a national day of thanksgiving to our Father in Heaven.  Each time we pledge allegiance to our flag, we say that we are "one Nation under God."  And for 67 years, Presidents have proclaimed a National Day of Prayer.  Sixty-seven years.      Half a mile from where we are gathered this evening stands the Washington Monument.  On the very top of the tallest structure in our nation's capital, facing the rising sun each morning, two Latin words are prescribed and inscribed.  It's called, "Praise be to God."  Very important.      And, by the way, you're seeing it more and more.  You're seeing people prouder and prouder.  It's happening.  We remember -- (applause) -- remember when we started our campaign?  I was saying, "We're going to be saying 'Merry Christmas’ again."  Now everyone is very proud to be saying "Merry Christmas" again.  (Laughter.)      There was a time when we went shopping and you wouldn't see "Merry Christmas" on the stores.  You'd see a red wall and it wouldn't say that; it would say "Happy Holidays" or something, but it wouldn't say "Merry Christmas."  We're back to saying "Merry Christmas" again in this country.  And that's something that I consider a great achievement because it really spells out what's happening.  (Applause.)      So tonight, we praise God for our nation.  We give thanks for His providence.  We ask Him to watch over and protect the lives of religious believers, and the people of goodwill all over the world, and the people in this room, who are so important to so many different religions.  And we pray that He will continue to bless America with faith, freedom, and peace.      So thank you for coming to the White House.  It is a great honor for Melania and myself to be with you.  Great for Mike and Karen, and all of the wonderful representatives of our country.  And you're the representatives of our faiths.  And thank you very much.  Very, very important day.  And we're going to have something incredibly successful tomorrow.  And we look forward to being with you.      Thank you all for being here.  Thank you very much.  (Applause.)  Thank you.                                 END                 6:54 P.M. EDT

REMARKS BY PRESIDENT TRUMP AT PRESENTATION OF THE PRESIDENTIAL MEDAL OF FREEDOM TO ELDRICK “TIGER” WOODS

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 7, 2019 REMARKS BY PRESIDENT TRUMP AT PRESENTATION OF THE PRESIDENTIAL MEDAL OF FREEDOM TO ELDRICK “TIGER” WOODS Rose Garden   (May 6, 2019) 6:12 P.M. EDT      THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you very much.  Please.  Melania and I are delighted to welcome you to the White House on this beautiful spring evening.  This is the Rose Garden, for those of you that don’t know, and we use it seldom.  But this is one of the times we’re using it, Tiger.      Today, it is my privilege to award our nation’s highest civilian honor to one of the greatest athletes in the history of sports: Tiger Woods.  Tiger, congratulations on receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom.  (Applause.)      We are thankful to be joined on this occasion by our great Vice President -- Mike, thank you very much; members of my Cabinet; some of our nation’s governors; and many distinguished members of the House and the Senate.  Thank you all for being here.      We are also pleased to have us -- with us is Tiger’s mother, Kultida; his daughter Sam and his son Charlie; his girlfriend Erica; and his caddy Joe LaCava.  Where’s Joe LaCava?  Stand up, Joe.  He does a good job.  Good job.  (Applause.)  Wow.  Good job, Joe.      For over five decades, the Presidential Medal of Freedom has been given to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to American life, history, and culture. This evening, we are in the presence of a true legend -- an extraordinary athlete who has transformed golf and achieved new levels of dominance.  He’s also a great person.  He’s a great guy.      Tiger introduced countless new people to the sport of golf, from every background and from every walk of life.  He inspired millions of young Americans with his thrilling, wire-to-wire victories.  Tiger Woods is a global symbol of American excellence, devotion, and drive.      At just six months old, Tiger watched from his highchair as his dad, a very special guy also -- Earl -- I got to know him -- a veteran of the Vietnam War and Army Special Forces.  And he was tough, Tiger, wasn’t he?  But good.      MR. WOODS:  Not as tough as her.  (Laughter.)      THE PRESIDENT:  Well, I think she might be tougher.  She might be tougher.      Practiced in the garage of the family home.  At 18 months, Tiger was on the driving range, and he was looking good.  People were saying, “Wow.”  Starting at age 15, he won three successive U.S. Junior Amateur titles.  And at 18, he became the youngest-ever winner of the U.S. Amateur tournament.  At 20, he capped off his amateur career with an unrivaled third consecutive title.  So that would be six in a row.  And I say that’s a record that can never be broken.  That’s an incredible -- stroke play, match play, everything.  That will never be broken.  And in 1996, he burst onto the professional stage as Rookie of the Year.       But it was in 1997, at Augusta National -- Bobby Jones’s temple to the sport of golf -- that the game would forever change.  For four straight days at The Masters Tournament, Tiger stunned the world with his power, grace, and strategic brilliance.  He shaped perfect 350-yard drives down Augusta’s rolling fairways, went flag-hunting at tucked-away pins with the heart-stopping precision like nobody has ever seen before, and he buried one clutch putt after another.  On that Sunday, we saw Tiger crush the field by a record margin of 12 strokes -- unheard of -- with the lowest score in Masters history: 270.       At 21 years old, he became the youngest Masters Champion of all time, and the first person of African American or Asian heritage to win the storied tournament -- or any of golf’s four majors.  As a New York Times headline said the next day, “Woods Tears Up Augusta and Tears Down Barriers.”  Incredible achievement.       After clinching the Green Jacket -- (applause) -- amazing.  After clinching the Green Jacket, Tiger marched straight to his first coach -- his dad -- and embraced the man who inspired his enduring love of the game.  Then Tiger turned to hug his mom, the steady presence throughout his life -- that’s true -- I’ve seen that; I’ve watched that -- and the person who told him that red is his power color.  Wow, that was a good move.  (Laughter.)  That was right.       In the years that followed, Tiger launched one of the single most dominant runs in the history of sports. He holds the record for the lowest scoring average in PGA Tour history: 68.17 in 2000.  And remember, he only plays in the hardest tournaments.  That’s a pretty amazing thing.  I wonder what would happen if you played 35 a year.  Let’s try it, Tiger.  Come on, that back is in good shape.  (Laughter.)       He played a record 142 consecutive PGA events without missing a cut.  That’s incredible.  He has a PGA Tour winning percentage of 23 percent of the events he played -- a figure that nearly defies comprehension.  Nothing like it.       At the punishing 2000 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach, the entire field shot over par, but Tiger finished 12 under -- the first time in US Open history anyone beat par by double digits.  He led the field by 15 strokes, setting the record for the largest margin of victory in the 150-year history of a major golf tournament.  That was the most amazing day of golf I’ve ever seen.  Tiger’s cumulative stroke total was 29 better than the field average.       A month later at the British Open at St. Andrews, the home of golf, Tiger finished 19 under par and 8 strokes ahead of the field.  He then took the 2001 Masters, becoming the only player in the modern era to win all four major championships in a one-year period -- a feat now known as the “Tiger Slam.”        Tiger’s determination and work ethic drove golf to new heights of athletic competition and popularity.  The “Age of Tiger” gave us moments that will live forever in sporting lore, such as his unbelievable chip-in on the 16th hole at the Masters.  The shot rolled perfectly along the slope of the green, and hung on the edge of the cup for a breathtaking three seconds before finally dropping in.  We’ve seen that shot many, many times.        In the midst of this success, Tiger suffered severe injury.  In 2008, he entered the U.S. Open with two leg fractures and a torn ACL.  On the third day at Torrey Pines, he was one over par after the 12th hole, and it really looked like he had no chance.  Then came some of the most riveting scenes in golf history.  He eagled the 13th -- do you remember that, Tiger, huh?        MR. WOODS:  Kind of.  (Laughter.)        THE PRESIDENT:  I thought so.  He’s got a great memory, this guy.  And he remembers the good stuff, which is really important -- not the bad.  We don’t want to -- we just -- what you did there was amazing.  Because he chipped in for birdie on the 17th, and then eagled the 18th hole.  All very vivid memories for all of us.        In the final round on the 72nd hole, his ball was buried in very thick rough, 101 yards from the pin, and he had to get it up-and-down to keep his U.S. Open hopes alive.  After hitting a 60-degree wedge to within 15 feet, Tiger willed the putt in to force a playoff.  That was a great playoff -- with Rocco.  He fought through the pain and won the dramatic 19-hole playoff on Monday.        Unfortunately, two days later, Tiger announced that he would be unable to compete the rest of the season due to his injuries.  In the years that followed, Tiger endured knee surgery and four excruciating back surgeries -- I know that you remember, too -- that’s not good, but it ended up good -- including a spinal fusion in 2017.  He fell from number one in the world rankings to 1,199th.  I don’t believe that.  Even if he had one leg, I don’t believe that.  (Laughter.)  That’s got to be the best bet anybody ever made.         Tiger’s injuries were so profound that for two years he could barely swing a club.  As Tiger said, “There was a point in time I didn’t know if I’d ever do this again” -- if he’d ever play again.         But Tiger fought through the terrible pain, and he fought all the way back to the summit of golf.  Last year, we saw a sign of what was to come when he won the Tour Championship.  People forget that, but he won the Tour Championship last year.  Then just weeks ago, the world turned in to the 2019 Masters, and that was something special.  What happened next was one of the most incredible comebacks that golf, or any sport, has ever seen.         On Saturday, Tiger shot six birdies for a score of 67, sending him into the final round, tied for second place, and just two strokes behind the leader.  And they were looking; they were watching.  They were saying, “Oh no, here we go again.”  (Laughter.)        In gusting winds on Sunday, still behind by two strokes on the 12th, Tiger called upon his wisdom and experience to play for par, while other players shot and unfortunately they found the water.  There was a lot of water they found.  He birdied the par 5 on the 15th to take the lead for the first time in the 2019 Masters.  Then on the 16th, he shaped a perfect draw, and the patrons roared -- like they could only, frankly, at Augusta -- as the ball rolled to within feet of the hole.        Tiger was back on top and won his first major in 11 years.  And that was some major -- with record-setting television.  (Applause.)  I don’t know if you know about that, Tiger.  Record-setting ratings.         Just as he did after sinking his final putt on the 18th hole all the way back in 1997, he went straight to his loved ones and embraced his kids, who were too young to remember the last time he won a major.         As of today, Tiger has 81 PGA Tour victories -- one behind the all-time record.  Going to catch that soon.  He has won the second-most major championships.  He holds the record for most weeks at number one in the world, more than twice as long as anyone else.  That’s an amazing number.         In addition to his incredible playing career, Tiger is a successful entrepreneur -- to put it mildly -- and devoted philanthropist; that’s how I originally met Tiger.  His TGR Foundation supports junior golf programs around the country.  His Learning Lab has helped over 165,000 students pursue their dreams in STEM fields.        Tiger, we are inspired by everything you have become and attained.  The job you have done is incredible: your spectacular achievements on the golf course, your triumph over physical adversity, and your relentless will to win, win, win.  These qualities embody the American spirit of pushing boundaries, defying limits, and always striving for greatness.  That’s what he does.         Congratulations again on your amazing comeback and your amazing life, and for giving sports fans everywhere a lifetime of memories.  We can’t wait to see what’s next, Tiger.  It’s going to be good, we know that.  It’s going to be good because there are no winners like you.         And now I’d like to ask the military aide to come forward and read the citation for Eldrick “Tiger” Woods, Presidential Medal of Freedom.  Thank you.  (Applause.)        MILITARY AIDE:  Eldrick "Tiger" Woods is one of the greatest golfers of all time.  He is second all-time in both professional victories with 81, and major championships with 15 -- including five Masters, three U.S. Opens, three Open Championships, and four PGA Championships.        With a record-setting performance in 1997, he became the youngest person and first African American to win the Masters.  And in 2019, he became the tournament's second-oldest champion.        Off the course, Tiger established the TGR Foundation, which has empowered students to classroom and career success for more than 20 years.         The United States is now proud to honor Tiger Woods, whose tenacity, willpower, and unyielding drive inspire us all.  (Applause.)        (The Medal of Freedom is presented.)  (Applause.)         MR. WOODS:  Thank you, Mr. President, Mrs. Trump.  (Applause.)  Thank you all.  Thank you.         I just want to say this has been an unbelievable experience.  And to have the support that I've had for all these years -- and everyone here has seen and been with me for -- some of you for my entire life, and some of you for more than half my life.  You've seen the good and the bad, the highs and the lows.  And I would not be in this position without all of your help.         In '97, yes, I won the Masters.  And I was there to -- I ended up hugging my dad and my mom.  My dad is no longer here, but my mom is here.  I love you, Mom.  Thank you.  (Applause.)  And Sam and Charlie, for all your love and support.  I love you guys so much.  Erica, thank you.        I mean, everyone has meant -- you guys have meant so much to me in my life.  And I've battled -- I've tried to -- I've tried to hang in there and I've tried to come back and play -- play the great game of golf again.  I've been lucky enough to have had the opportunity to do it again.  And I've found a game that has allowed me to do this.        And the amazing Masters experience that I just had a few weeks ago certainly is probably the highlight of what I've -- what I've accomplished so far in my life on the golf course.  To have had that type of experience and to be able to come out on top and win.  Joey, thank you.  All the great reads, too.  (Laughter.)         I just want to say thank you, again.  This is an honor.  I know that I'm the fourth golfer to have received this award: the late Arnold Palmer, the great Jack Nicklaus, and Charlie Sifford, who is -- I always called him "Grandpa," because he was like the grandpa I never had.  And I ended up becoming so close with him that I ended up naming my son, Charlie, after him.  And so to have been chosen as the next golfer after Charlie is truly remarkable.          So, thank you, again.  And thank you, Mr. President.  (Applause.)                          END                 6:29 P.M. EDT

REMARKS BY PRESIDENT TRUMP WELCOMING THE 2019 WOMEN’S NCAA DIVISION I BASKETBALL NATIONAL CHAMPIONS: THE BAYLOR LADY BEARS

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 7, 2019 REMARKS BY PRESIDENT TRUMP WELCOMING THE 2019 WOMEN’S NCAA DIVISION I BASKETBALL NATIONAL CHAMPIONS: THE BAYLOR LADY BEARS Oval Office (April 29, 2019)  3:50 P.M. EDT        THE PRESIDENT:  Well, thank you very much.  And it's my great honor to welcome to the White House the 2019 NCAA Women’s Basketball National champions, the Baylor Lady Bears.  Okay?  And I watched that last game, and that was a tough, rough game with Notre Dame.      To Coach Kim Mulkey, I want to just congratulate you and the entire team.  And, you know, interestingly, I got a little bit of a résumé about you, Coach.  Should I -- can I read a couple of lines from this?      COACH MULKEY:  Sure.      THE PRESIDENT:  Do you mind if I do that?  Because this is very impressive.      So, women's basketball head coach, 19th season.  But what's impressive: "No matter what Kim Mulkey has attempted in basketball, whether it be the court or along the sidelines, [she] has found tremendous success.  In 18-[plus] seasons as the head coach, she has attained a 576 career victories and ranks number two among the winningest Division I head coaches in the winning percentage of .853.  She's number three."  And she doesn’t like number three, but she's going to catch (inaudible).  "She's number three all-time, by percentage, between two mentors, second-rank, Leon Barmore" -- that's at .869.  And of course, the very legendary, Pat Summitt at .841.      So you're pretty close to Pat Summitt.  If you have a couple of more seasons, good, you can maybe even take that percentage.  That percentage was pretty big.  That's an amazing job.      And you started off, and you inherited a team that was 7 and 20, and was going nowhere.  And look what you have right there.  Here we are in the Oval Office, right?     COACH MULKEY:  I'm blessed.  Thank you.       THE PRESIDENT:  So, Coach, that's really fantastic.  (Applause.)  That's fantastic.      I just read that through.  I heard great things and I read it, and I felt we should let people know because that's an incredible -- 7 and 20 to the national championship.  Great job.      COACH MULKEY:  Thank you.      THE PRESIDENT:  Would you like to work at the White House, by any chance?      COACH MULKEY:  No.  (Laughter.)      THE PRESIDENT:  Because we'll take you.  We need that.      Our Vice President, you know Mike Pence, everybody.      COACH MULKEY:  We met him.  Thank you.      THE PRESIDENT:  So, again, to your team, you deserved it.  An amazing season.  An amazing career, in all of your cases.      I also want to recognize Baylor President, Linda Livingstone.  Where's Linda?  Linda.  Linda.      DR. LIVINGSTONE:  Right here.      PARTICIPANT:  Over there.      THE PRESIDENT:  Hi, Linda.  How are you?      DR. LIVINGSTONE:  Right here.  How are you?      THE PRESIDENT:  Congratulations.  Fantastic job.      DR. LIVINGSTONE:  Thank you very much.  I'm very proud of this team.      THE PRESIDENT:  It's also a great school.  We need to remember that.      DR. LIVINGSTONE:  It is a fabulous school.      THE PRESIDENT:  It's a fantastic school.          And Athletic Director Mack Rhoades.  Where's Mack?  Hi, Mack.  Congratulations.      MR. RHOADES:  President Trump, thank you very much.      THE PRESIDENT:   Fantastic (inaudible).  Thank you.  Great job.      Along with some of your biggest fans from Texas.  These are friends of mine.  These are -- the same way like you, they're great competitors: Congressman Bill Flores.  Bill?  Hi, Bill.  So, congratulations.      CONGRESSMAN FLORES:  Thank you for inviting me.      THE PRESIDENT:  Do you go to a lot of the games?  I guess, huh?      CONGRESSMAN FLORES:  I do.      THE PRESIDENT:  That's fantastic, Bill.  Good job.  And good job in Washington.      Congressman Louie Gohmert.  He's been with me for a long time -- Louie, right?      CONGRESSMAN GOHMERT:  Right.      THE PRESIDENT:  We fight that fight.  We don’t give up and we won't allow ourselves to lose.      CONGRESSMAN GOHMERT:  (Inaudible) Bears.      THE PRESIDENT:  You better believe it.      And a friend of ours also -- a great attorney and a great talent -- is Attorney General Ken Paxton.  Where's Ken?      STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL PAXTON:  Right behind you.      THE PRESIDENT:  Hi, Ken.      STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL PAXTON:  How are you?      THE PRESIDENT:  How you doing with all those cases?  Good?  (Laughter.)      STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL PAXTON:  Very good.  You're going to like how it turns out.      THE PRESIDENT:  We don’t let him lose any cases.      The championship game will go down as one of the greatest in the history of women’s college basketball.  You would say that, I think, Coach, right?  Supposedly, one of the greatest games ever.      COACH MULKEY:  Probably the most stressful.  (Laughter.)      THE PRESIDENT:  You look great.      You dominated for most of the game and led Notre Dame by 12 points going into the final minutes of the third quarter.  It was very exciting.  People were calling and saying, "You better turn on this game.  It looks pretty good."      Then, one of your true star players -- a great player -- team captain, Lauren Cox, suffered a painful MCL sprain and had to be taken off the court in a wheelchair.  But as you just found out, Lauren is going to be fine.      And we want to just say that we hear that she's pretty much fully recovered and will be back next year, Coach.  Right?      COACH MULKEY:  Yes, sir.      THE PRESIDENT:  You'll be back next year, right?  You better be.  That’s great.      After seeing such a vital member of the team go down, Notre Dame surged in the final quarter, tying the game with 16 seconds left.      And you had an angry coach.  (Laughter.)  I'm sure.  Okay?      COACH MULKEY:  Passionate.      THE PRESIDENT:  Passionate too.      As the clock ticked toward zero, Chloe Jackson hung back at half court, drove toward the key, and made a game-winning layup with less than four seconds remaining.  It was a play for the ages.  And I've heard that from a lot of people.      And where's Chloe?  Chloe?  Great going, Chloe.  Huh? Huh?  (Applause.)  There was no choke.  There was no choke.      Then the game almost went into overtime when Notre Dame was given two free throws with 1.9 seconds left on the board.  Well, they don’t have that.  So tell me, how many of the -- one was made?  In other words, not two?      COACH MULKEY:  She missed the first one.      THE PRESIDENT:  She missed the first one.  The second one was bad.  And I'm sure you were very -- you felt badly about her missing the first one.  (Laughter.)  That's fantastic.  So, she -- she won one for two, and that was that, huh?      COACH MULKEY:  Yes.      THE PRESIDENT:  Wow, that’s exciting.      But in the end, you won the game 82 to 81.  And it was a thrilling victory that people will be talking about for many, many years to come.      As your coach said with tears streaming down her face on national television, “God is good.  He has blessed these [great] kids.”  Nice.  Right, Mike?  Very nice.      That victory was the culmination of an incredible year.  The Lady Bears had a stunning 37 and 1 season.  Wow.  Who was the one team, may I ask?  Did you even --      COACH MULKEY:  Stanford, before Christmas.      THE PRESIDENT:  Wow.  What happened after Christmas?      COACH MULKEY:  Oh, what happened there, y'all?      THE PRESIDENT:  It won't happen.  It was (inaudible).  (Laughter.)  They must be a very good team.  Good team.  Very good team, I guess, Stanford.  (Laughter.)  Huh?  Will they be back?  Stanford will be --      COACH MULKEY:  Stanford has a very good team as well.      THE PRESIDENT:  They'll be tough again --      COACH MULKEY:  Yes, sir.      THE PRESIDENT:  -- this coming season?      COACH MULKEY:  Yes, sir.      THE PRESIDENT:  Okay.  Good.  Well, congratulations to them, too.  Thirty-seven to one.      You beat your chief rivals, the Texas Longhorns, not once, but twice.  And you scored nearly 1,000 more points than any of your opponents, and blocked more than three times as many shots.  That’s incredible.      You've left an enduring mark on college basketball history.  And you'll all be incredibly proud of what you have achieved in many years to come.      You're going to be looking back and you're going to be thinking about that incredible season, and you're going to be thinking about being in this incredible office, right?  This is the Oval Office.  This is where it all begins and ends, and then begins again.  Louie, right?  This is a very special place.      I've had the biggest people in the world come into this office, and they stop and they look.  And actually, some -- I have had this too -- strong, tough people start crying.  Can you believe it?  I've seen them, where they cry.  And it's pretty amazing.  But that's where you are right now.  This is the Oval Office.      CONGRESSMAN GOHMERT:  Was that Hillary?  (Laughter.)      THE PRESIDENT:  I sort of say -- you know what I say?  That's right.  (Laughs.)  That's interesting.  This is sort of the ballgame, right?  This is the ballgame.  So it's -- anyway.      So I just want to -- Coach, I want to congratulate you, and I think maybe, most importantly, it's truly a great school, beyond everything else, and with a fantastic reputation.  And we do love the state of Texas, I'll tell you.  We've had some good times.  I just left recently, and we've had some good times in Texas.  And they're incredible people.      So this is a tremendous championship.  Coach, could you say a few words, please?      COACH MULKEY:  Yes, sir.  First of all, thank you for inviting us.  And we would like to present you with one of our jerseys.      THE PRESIDENT:  Wow.  I love that.      COACH MULKEY:  And -- it may not be the right size --      THE PRESIDENT:  I love those short sleeves.      COACH MULKEY:  -- but maybe Melania will wear it.      THE PRESIDENT:  Well, I'll give it to Melania.  You know, I love those short sleeves.  Such beautiful arms.  (Laughter.)  Great definition.      COACH MULKEY:  Like I said, Melania may look better in it.  (Laughter.)      THE PRESIDENT:  That's beautiful.  Thank you.      COACH MULKEY:  Chloe would like to --      THE PRESIDENT:  That's beautiful.  Let me get this one, very importantly, here.      Coach, go ahead, please.      COACH MULKEY:  Chloe Jackson?      THE PRESIDENT:  Chloe, please.      (A hat is presented.)      THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you.  Wow, that's beautiful.  Am I allowed to wear it?  I'll mess up my hair, but that's okay.  (Laughter.)  That's okay.  It is mine.  (Laughter.)      (The President puts the hat on.)  (Applause.)      PARTICIPANT:  Looks good.      THE PRESIDENT:  I know, I like it.  Feels good.  Huh?  I got to get it off.      COACH MULKEY:  And Kalani Brown, behind you --      THE PRESIDENT:  Yes.      COACH MULKEY:  -- would like to give you a basketball.      THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you very much.  Thank you very much.  Thank you.  I appreciate it.  Great job.  Great play.  Great play.  Thank you.  And we'll put that in a very great place of honor.  That's really nice.      Would you like to say something on behalf of the school, please?      DR. LIVINGSTONE:  Well, we just appreciate the privilege of being here, and thank you for honoring this team.  It's a fabulous group of young women who worked so hard this year, but don’t just represent the university well on the court, but they're wonderful contributors in the classroom and in the community.  And so we're very proud of them and really appreciate the opportunity to be here with you today.      THE PRESIDENT:  And some very good students on the team too, I hear.      DR. LIVINGSTONE:  They are excellent students.  They take their classroom work very, very seriously, and represent the university well.      THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you very much.  Congratulations.      DR. LIVINGSTONE:  Thank you very much.  Appreciate that.      THE PRESIDENT:  That's really fantastic.      Would you have anything to ask the team?  Anybody would like to ask the team anything?      They're so shy.  (Laughter.)  Now, if I ask beyond that, they'll be asking questions, but that's okay.      Thank you very much, everybody.  Appreciate it.      Thank you.  Thank you.  Congratulations.  Fantastic.  Thank you very much.      Q    Mr. President, do you still believe that white nationalism is not on the rise?      THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you very much.  Appreciate it.              END                      4:01 P.M. EDT

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 7, 2019 Statement from the Press Secretary on the Visit of His Excellency Viktor Orban, Prime Minister of Hungary   President Donald J. Trump will welcome Prime Minister Viktor Orban of Hungary to the White House on May 13, 2019.  Recognizing the longstanding ties between the United States and Hungary, the President and the Prime Minister will discuss ways to deepen cooperation on a range of issues, including trade, energy, and cyber security.  As the leaders of NATO Allies, they will also explore opportunities to meet the many national security responsibilities of their two countries and will celebrate Hungary’s 20th anniversary as a NATO member.