HONORING THE VICTIMS OF THE TRAGEDY IN VIRGINIA BEACH, VIRGINIA - A PROCLAMATION BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 1, 2019

HONORING THE VICTIMS OF THE TRAGEDY IN VIRGINIA BEACH, VIRGINIA - - - - - - - BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA A PROCLAMATION    Our Nation grieves with those affected by the tragic shooting at the Virginia Beach Municipal Center in Virginia Beach, Virginia.  Americans unite in praying for God to comfort the injured and heal the wounded.  May God be with the victims and bring aid and comfort to their families and friends.  As a mark of solemn respect for the victims of the terrible act of violence perpetrated on May 31, 2019, by the authority vested in me as President of the United States by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, I hereby order that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset, June 4, 2019.  I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same length of time at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.    ​IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of June, in the year of our Lord two thousand nineteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred forty-third. ​​​​​​DONALD J. TRUMP

Resolute Reads REAL NEWS PRESIDENT TRUMP DOESN'T WANT YOU TO MISS

REAL NEWS PRESIDENT TRUMP DOESN'T WANT YOU TO MISS

Trump Shakes ‘Every Single Hand’ of US Air Force Graduates While Praising Their ‘Noble Road of Service’ -Independent Journal Review “The president showered the U.S. Air Force Academy’s graduating class with praise and encouragement as they are ‘ready to fly, fight, and win,’” Madison Summers reports. “During the ceremony, Trump announced that he would shake ‘every single hand’ of the nearly [1,000] graduates as they walk across the stage.”  Watch: President Trump delivers 2019 Air Force Academy commencement speech Over 1,000 Illegal Immigrants Apprehended in El Paso Sector, Largest Group Ever at Single Time -Fox News “More than 1,000 illegal immigrants were apprehended by U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents near the U.S.-Mexico border early Wednesday—the largest ever group of migrants ever apprehended at a single time,” John Roberts and Travis Fedschun report. “The fact is that [the Rio Grande Valley] is receiving caravan-equivalent numbers every seven days,” Sector Chief Patrol Agent Rodolfo Karisch said. Why Trump’s Tariffs on Mexico are Needed to Cut Illegal Immigration -Fox News “President Trump sent a message of strength and leadership Thursday night when he announced he will impose escalating tariffs on Mexico in a bold move to halt the flow of illegal immigrants and protect our national security,” National Border Patrol Council President Brandon Judd writes. “The congressional inaction we are now witnessing is made worse by Mexico’s refusal to enforce its own immigration laws, which are actually much stronger than our own.” Democrats Should Forget Impeachment and Turn the Page -CNN “It would be divisive for the nation and a boon to our global competitors if Democrats choose to hobble our national agenda with superfluous, partisan impeachment,” Carrie Sheffield writes. “Clearly, Mueller is moving on and it's time for us to move on as a country, too . . . By a nearly 20-point margin, the American people do not want impeachment, according to polling by the Washington Post and ABC News.” My Fellow Democrats Are Skeptical About the USMCA. They Shouldn't Be -Fortune “Congress will soon vote on the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), a landmark trade pact finalized by all three nations last November,” former Democratic Governor of Washington Gary Locke writes. USMCA is a “historic win for workers,” Locke says. “It would guarantee fairer pay through wage requirements, ensure safe working environments, and strengthen workers’ rights to unionize for better benefits.” Trump Trip to Japan Will Benefit US and Our Allies -Fox News “President Trump’s just-concluded visit to Japan was more than ceremonial,” Brett Velicovich writes. “By strengthening our relationship with steadfast allies such as Japan, the president has placed America in an even better position to pacify the North Korean regime and bring an end to one of the biggest global security challenges of the century.”  First Lady Melania Trump in Japan President Trump Puts US Service Members in Spotlight During Memorial Day Address -Stars and Stripes “President Donald Trump spoke Tuesday to 1,000 sailors and Marines and a few servicemembers from other branches aboard the [USS Wasp], which was moored at Yokosuka Naval Base” in Japan, Seth Robson reports. “The president also surprised an enlisted sailor and Marine by calling them onto a stage and inviting them to say a few words of their own.”  Watch: President Trump and the First Lady visit Japan A Tariff Issue on Which Free and Fair Traders Can Agree -The Wall Street Journal “American exporters face systematically higher tariffs in the markets of more than 100 U.S. trading partners,” White House Director of Trade and Manufacturing Policy Peter Navarro writes. “Whether you’re a pure free trader or a fair, reciprocal and balanced trader like the president, if you live in a relatively low-tariff country like the U.S., you should oppose an international trading system that helps institutionalize nonreciprocal tariffs.”

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 1, 2019 Statement from the President   As we celebrate LGBT Pride Month and recognize the outstanding contributions that LGBT people have made to our great Nation, let us also stand in solidarity with the many LGBT people who live in dozens of countries worldwide that punish, imprison, or even execute individuals on the basis of their sexual orientation. My Administration has launched a global campaign to decriminalize homosexuality and invites all nations to join us in this effort!

White House Photos of the Week Friday, May 24, 2019- May 31, 2019

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 31, 2019 Photos of the Week Friday, May 24, 2019 President Donald J. Trump greets service members at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska Friday, May 24, 2019, during a refueling stop en route to Tokyo, Japan. (Official White House Photo by Shealah Craighead)       Saturday, May 25, 2019 Vice President Mike Pence congratulates a graduate during the West Point graduation ceremony Saturday, May 25, 2019, at the United States Military Academy Michie Stadium in West Point, N.Y. (Official White House Photo by D. Myles Cullen)       Sunday, May 26, 2019 President Donald J. Trump greets the Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe Sunday, May 26, 2019, at the Mobara Country Club in Chiba, Japan. (Official White House Photo by Shealah Craighead)       First Lady Melania Trump and Mrs. Akie Abe, wife of the Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe, tour the teamLab Borderless Exhibit Sunday, May 26, 2019, at the Mori Building Digital Art Museum in Tokyo. (Official White House Photo by Andrea Hanks)       President Donald J. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump join the Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe and his wife, Mrs. Akie Abe, for dinner at Inakaya restaurant Sunday, May 26, 2019, in Tokyo. (Official White House Photo by Andrea Hanks)       President Donald J. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, joined by the Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe and his wife, Mrs. Akie Abe, watch a sumo tournament Sunday, May 26, 2019, at the Ryōgoku Kokugikan Stadium in Tokyo. (Official White House Photo by Shealah Craighead)       President Donald J. Trump presents the President’s Cup trophy to wrestler Asanoyama during a sumo tournament Sunday, May 27, 2019, at the Ryōgoku Kokugikan Stadium in Tokyo. (Official White House Photo by Andrea Hanks)       Monday, May 27, 2019 President Donald J. Trump walks with Emperor Naruhito of Japan during a state call to the Imperial Palace Monday, May 27, 2019, in Tokyo. (Official White House Photo by Shealah Craighead)       First Lady Melania Trump and Mrs. Akie Abe, the wife of the Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe, walk together as they are photographed by members of the press Monday, May 27, 2019, at Akasaka Palace in Tokyo. (Official White House Photo by Andrea Hanks)       First Lady Melania Trump meets with Empress Masako of Japan during a state call to the Imperial Palace Monday, May 27, 2019, in Tokyo. (Official White House Photo by Andrea Hanks)       President Donald J. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, joined by the Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe and his wife, Mrs. Akie Abe, listen to family members of people abducted by North Korea Monday, May 27, 2019, at Akasaka Palace in Tokyo. (Official White House Photo by Andrea Hanks)       President Donald J. Trump participates in a press conference with the Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe Monday, May 27, 2019, at Akasaka Palace in Tokyo. (Official White House Photo by Andrea Hanks)       Emperor Naruhito of Japan listens as President Donald J. Trump delivers remarks during the state banquet at the Imperial Palace Monday, May 27, 2019, in Tokyo. (Official White House Photo by Shealah Craighead)       Vice President Mike Pence places a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier during a Memorial Day ceremony Monday, May 27, 2019, at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va. (Official White House Photo by D. Myles Cullen)       Vice President Mike Pence and Second Lady Karen Pence place roses on gravesites during a Memorial Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery Monday, May 27, 2019, in Arlington, Va. (Official White House Photo by D. Myles Cullen)       Tuesday, May 28, 2019 President Donald J. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump meet with Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako of Japan during a farewell call Tuesday, May 28, 2019, at the Palace Hotel Tokyo. (Official White House Photo by Andrea Hanks)       President Donald J. Trump, joined by First Lady Melania Trump, salutes as they are welcomed aboard USS WASP Tuesday, May 28, 2019, in Yokosuka, Japan. (Official White House Photo by Andrea Hanks)       President Donald J. Trump delivers remarks during a Memorial Day address to the service members aboard USS WASP Tuesday, May 28, 2019, in Yokosuka, Japan. (Official White House Photo by Andrea Hanks)       President Donald J. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump pose for a photo with service members during a visit aboard USS WASP Tuesday, May 28, 2019, in Yokosuka, Japan. (Official White House Photo by Andrea Hanks)       Wednesday, May 29, 2019 President Donald J. Trump and Vice President Mike Pence participate in the ceremonial swearing-in of Kimberly A. Reed, the President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Export-Import Bank of the United States Wednesday, May 29, 2019 in the Oval Office of the White House. (Official White House Photo by Joyce N. Boghosian)       Thursday, May 30, 2019 President Donald J. Trump salutes as he arrives at the 2019 United States Air Force Academy graduation ceremony Thursday, May 30, 2019, at the United States Air Force Academy’s Falcon Stadium in Colorado Springs, Colo. (Official White House Photo by Shealah Craighead)       President Donald J. Trump congratulates cadets during the 2019 United States Air Force Academy graduation ceremony Thursday, May 30, 2019, at the United States Air Force Academy’s Falcon Stadium in Colorado Springs, Colo. (Official White House Photo by Shealah Craighead)       United States Air Force cadets toss their covers in the air as the Thunderbirds fly overhead during the 2019 United States Air Force Academy graduation ceremony Thursday, May 30, 2019, at the United States Air Force Academy’s Falcon Stadium in Colorado Springs, Colo. (Official White House Photo by Shealah Craighead)       Vice President Mike Pence and Second Lady Karen Pence pose for a photo with children of United States Embassy staff Thursday, May 30, 2019, at the United States Embassy in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. (Official White House Photo by D. Myles Cullen)       Vice President Mike Pence participates in a bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau Thursday, May 30, 2019, at Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. (Official White House Photo by D. Myles Cullen)       Second Lady Karen Pence highlights the importance of beekeeping in Canada and across the world while touring the Gees Bees Honey Company's farm with owners Matt and Marianne Gee Thursday, May 30, 2019, in Gloucester, Ontario, Canada. (Official White House Photo by Amy Rossetti)       Friday, May 31, 2019 President Donald J. Trump welcomes a Gold Star family to the Blue Room of the White House Friday, May 31, 2019, prior to attending a reception to honor Gold Star families in the East Room. (Official White House Photo by Joyce N. Boghosian)

NATIONAL OCEAN MONTH, 2019 - A PROCLAMATION BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 31, 2019   NATIONAL OCEAN MONTH, 2019 - - - - - - - BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA A PROCLAMATION     The ocean supports millions of American jobs across numerous industries, including commercial fishing, recreation and tourism, international trade, shipping, ports, energy, and other maritime commerce.  During National Ocean Month, we recognize the importance of the ocean to the economy, national security, and environment of the United States, and we renew our commitment to safeguarding its vital resources.     America is, and will always be, one of the world's preeminent seafaring nations.  All of our Nation's citizens benefit from our access to the ocean.  With more than 13,000 miles of coastline and 3.4 million nautical square miles of ocean within our territorial jurisdiction, our country's exclusive economic zone is the largest in the world.  Together, our oceans and the Great Lakes generate $320 billion in economic activity.  That is one reason why my Administration is committed to developing new, innovative ways to protect our native aquatic species, reduce our reliance on foreign fish imports, and keep our fishery industry strong.     Over the last few years, we have made important strides in learning more about our ocean and our Nation's coastal waters, supporting our ocean economy, and promoting good stewardship of our waters for current and future generations.  Last year, I signed an Executive Order to advance ocean-related scientific research and to promote greater engagement of Federal agencies with State-led regional ocean partnerships.  Importantly, our Federal agencies are continuing efforts to make ocean-related information publicly available, which will help support commerce, energy development, and conservation efforts.     Additionally, my Administration is determined to conserve, manage, and balance America's use of the ocean through enhanced mapping and exploration.  With an emphasis on engaging with the private sector, we are leveraging resources and expertise to advance our understanding of the ocean and to support the ocean-related scientific and technological enterprise.  Through American innovation and investment in ocean science and technology, we will reinforce our economic competitiveness, strengthen our national security, protect our environment, and preserve our continued 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 June 2019 as National Ocean Month.  This month, I call upon Americans to reflect on the value and importance of oceans not only to our security, environment, and economy but also as a source of recreation, enjoyment, and relaxation.     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand nineteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America two hundred forty-third.                           DONALD J. TRUMP

AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSIC APPRECIATION MONTH, 2019 - A PROCLAMATION BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 31, 2019

AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSIC APPRECIATION MONTH, 2019 - - - - - - - BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA A PROCLAMATION      Throughout American history, African American music has reflected our Nation's challenges and triumphs and has always enriched our Nation's culture.  During African American Music Appreciation Month, we pay tribute to the talented and inspiring African American artists who have given sound and voice to the full range of human emotions through the blues, jazz, gospel, rock and roll, rap, hip hop, and other genres.    Last year, we lost one of our Nation's most beloved African American musicians, songwriters, and singers, Aretha Franklin, the "Queen of Soul."  She was an 18-time Grammy Award winner and the first female artist inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.  During her extraordinary career, Franklin infused her talent and unmistakable style into gospel, rhythm and blues, rock and roll, jazz, and even opera.  Her songs are treasures of the American music canon.  A recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the National Medal of Arts, Franklin's imprint on America's soundscape is timeless.  She will forever reign as a luminary of African American music.    This month, we celebrate the countless contributions of African American singers, composers, and musicians, who have influenced and shaped every genre and style of music.  They have turned universally shared emotions and experiences of suffering, joy, passion, pain, faith, injustice, and love into art that speaks to the heart and spirit of any American.  African American music has the power to encourage, inspire, and affect social change.  It transcends time, compelling generation after generation to sing, dance, think, and feel, and it endures in our culture, our history, our spirit, and our collective national soul.    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 June 2019 as African-American Music Appreciation Month.  I call upon public officials, educators, and all the people of the United States to observe this month with appropriate activities and programs that raise awareness and appreciation of African-American music.    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first 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

NATIONAL HOMEOWNERSHIP MONTH, 2019 -A PROCLAMATION BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 31, 2019   NATIONAL HOMEOWNERSHIP MONTH, 2019 - - - - - - - BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA A PROCLAMATION     During National Homeownership Month, we acknowledge the benefits of sustainable homeownership.  Homeownership continues to be an important option for many Americans to invest in their communities, build wealth, and achieve the American Dream.     My Administration's economic policies have helped spur a booming economy, in which nearly 6 million new jobs have been created and wages are rising at the fastest rate in a decade.  We have slashed more than 30,000 pages of job-killing regulations from the rule book that had been constraining economic growth, and my Tax Cuts and Jobs Act has put more money into the pockets of American workers.  These successes have led to more opportunities for Americans to become homeowners, and we are committed to building on them by continuing to work with State and local governments to remove burdensome and unnecessary regulations that restrict development and artificially raise housing costs.     To offer the opportunity for more sustainable homeownership to a greater number of Americans, we must also reform our Nation's housing finance system.  Earlier this year, I signed a Presidential Memorandum instructing the Secretaries of the Treasury and Housing and Urban Development to construct a plan on reforming the housing finance system to promote competition in the housing finance market that will also preserve the 30 year, fixed-rate mortgage for qualified homebuyers.  These reforms are critical to improving access to sustainable mortgages and to maintaining responsible support for homeownership and for building wealth.     This month, we reaffirm our commitment to empowering more Americans with the opportunity to take the important step of becoming homeowners.  By keeping taxes low, continuing to remove burdensome and unnecessary regulations, and making much-needed reforms to the housing finance system, we will open doors to sustainable homeownership to more Americans and their families.     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 June 2019 as National Homeownership Month.     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first 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