1600 Daily The White House • June 20, 2019 President Trump Hosts Canada’s Justin Trudeau at the White House

The White House • June 20, 2019 President Trump hosts Canada’s Justin Trudeau at the White House  A day after Mexico’s 114-4 landslide vote to become the first country to ratify the new U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade deal, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau visited Washington today. In addition to meeting with President Donald J. Trump at the White House, the Prime Minister encouraged Congress to make USMCA a bipartisan priority. “We’ve worked hard to build a great trade deal that’s good for Canadian workers, good for American workers, good for Mexican workers as well,” Prime Minister Trudeau said. “This is just a really great opportunity for us to continue to work and to develop and to build on the closest alliance in the world, between Canada and the United States.” Share: President Trump welcomes Prime Minister Trudeau  President Trump said the new deal, which would replace the 25-year-old NAFTA, is a win for everybody. “It’s great for the farmers, manufacturers . . . It’s great for unions,” he said. It also puts all of North America on the same economic team. “In a trade sense, we’re competing with the European Union. We’re competing with China. It gives us a bigger dialogue. It gives us a much bigger platform.” Outside of Washington, momentum is growing for USMCA. Today, Congressional leaders from both parties received a letter signed by a majority of the nation’s Governors, calling for swift passage of the deal. “Nearly 25 years after the passage of the North American Free Trade Agreement, it is time to update our trade policies,” they write. Former Democratic leaders have been vocal in their support for USMCA, as well. “Consider how USMCA would boost wages for workers in the auto industry, which supports over 7 million U.S. jobs,” former Vermont Governor and Democratic presidential candidate Howard Dean says. “It also makes it easier for Mexican workers to form unions and collectively bargain . . . thereby making it less attractive for U.S. companies to shift production and operations to our southern neighbor.” The bottom line: “This deal has the strongest labor provisions of any U.S. trade agreement in history,” Dean says. “I really believe that Nancy Pelosi and the House will approve it,” President Trump told reporters from the Oval Office today. “I think the Senate will approve it rapidly.” President Trump is making the U.S.–Canada partnership stronger than ever.  President Trump: “We’ve come a long way” on USMCA Video of the day: Ivanka Trump visits Charlotte This week, Advisor to the President Ivanka Trump traveled with Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross to the Siemens Charlotte Energy Hub in North Carolina, where they learned more about the company’s world-class apprenticeship program. Over the past year, Ms. Trump has traveled across the country, highlighting the programs that help reskill American workers for the jobs of tomorrow. Under President Trump’s Pledge to America’s Workers, which launched last summer, more than 9 million such workforce development opportunities have been created in the United States. Siemens USA alone has pledged 75,000 of those. Photo of the Day Official White House Photo by Shealah Craighead President Donald J. Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau pose for a photo in the West Wing Lobby entrance of the White House | June 20, 2019

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING: SUPPORT FOR THE UNITED STATES-MEXICO-CANADA AGREEMENT

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 20, 2019 WHAT THEY ARE SAYING:  SUPPORT FOR THE UNITED STATES-MEXICO-CANADA AGREEMENT  Governors   Letter from 28 State Governors: “As governors, we support smart and strategic trade agreements that promote economic growth in our states and expand opportunities for our workers, farmers, and manufacturers.  Nearly 25 years after the passage of the North American Free Trade Agreement, it is time to update our trade policies with two of our most critical trading partners.  The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) is a comprehensive, 21st Century trade agreement that protects workers across the nation, establishes a level playing field among the United States and our partners, and encourages free and fair trade.” Former Governor Tom Vilsack (D-IA): “Having this agreement pass creates optimism, creates hopefulness about the future, which is really important, which is incredibly important for agriculture and for the food industry, to have that optimism that things are going to be better. This isn’t about giving President Trump a victory. It’s about giving the farmers in this room a victory,” Vilsack said. “It’s about giving all the people who are connected to the food and agriculture industry a victory. It’s about giving the American economy a victory.” Former Governor Tom Corbett (R-PA): “There is clearly much on the line for Pennsylvania when it comes to a new trade deal with Canada and Mexico. Over 42,000 jobs rely on trade with Mexico and Canada and this deal will allow for the creation of even more export-related jobs here in Pennsylvania. That’s why passing a new deal must be about jobs, not a political party’s agenda. Members on both sides of the aisle need to work together to get this passed as soon as possible.” Former Governor Jim Hodges (D-SC) and Former Governor George Allen (R-VA): “Although we affiliate with different political parties, one thing that should always bring us together is the opportunity to secure and preserve American prosperity. That’s why we’re coming together, having served as governors from different states and different parties, in support of the United States-Mexico-Canada trade agreement. […] Congress should proceed with a robust debate on the agreement as soon as possible. We must end the trade and tariff disputes that are harming American farmers and most manufacturing workers, as well as leading to many higher prices for American consumers. No agreement is perfect, but—as the two of us know—good compromise is found when both sides cede on some things, come out from their corners and meet in the middle. We need lawmakers from both sides of the aisle to come together and ratify the United States-Mexico-Canada trade agreement to secure the future of our states and the future of our country.” Former Governor Howard Dean (D-VT): “Or consider how USMCA would boost wages for workers in the auto industry, which supports over 7 million U.S. jobs. To receive duty-free treatment under USMCA, 75 percent of a vehicle’s value must originate in North America, up from the current 62.5 percent requirement under NAFTA. This change would create more jobs at auto-parts suppliers. USMCA also requires nearly half of all car parts to be made by workers earning at least $16 an hour. That provision would ensure American manufacturing workers earn strong wages. This deal has the strongest labor provisions of any U.S. trade agreement in history. It requires all three countries to protect labor rights recognized by the International Labor Organization. It also makes it easier for Mexican workers to form unions and collectively bargain. That’ll help American workers by raising wages and benefits in Mexico -- thereby making it less attractive for U.S. companies to shift production and operations to our southern neighbor.” Former Governor Gary Locke (D-WA): “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.” Letter from State Lieutenant Governors: “As lieutenant governors, one of our main responsibilities is to promote economic growth, and under the new provisions renegotiated in the USMCA, we believe this agreement will benefit all our states and improve trade conditions for the business community . . . We believe the USMCA deal provides American workers and farmers with the necessary protections and framework for robust economic growth in the 21st century. We urge the passage of this trade deal and remain able and ready to promote its achievements.” State Legislators Alabama State Legislative Resolution: “By this resolution, we memorialize the Congress of the United States to approve the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, USMCA, in order to ensure continuity in trade among the three North American economic partners.” Alabama Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh (R-AL): “Alabama dairy, poultry, and other farmers will have access to foreign markets. The USMCA also requires more car parts to be assembled in the United States, which will benefit Alabama’s growing auto manufacturer sector. This mutually beneficial trade deal can help continue the robust growth we have had in the last few years, and I urge Congress to approve it as fast as possible.” Alaska State Legislative Resolution: “By signing the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, Canada, Mexico, and the United States have agreed to make targeted improvements to the North American Free Trade Agreement that build on their enormously successful partnership and shared competitiveness in the global marketplace … the Alaska State Legislature supports the ratification of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement and urges the United States Congress to ratify the agreement as soon as possible.” Arkansas State Legislative Resolution: “The House of Representatives encourage the United States Congress to ratify the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement in order to ensure continuity in trade between the three North American economic partners.” Arizona State Legislative Resolution: “A seamless transition between the current NAFTA and the newly negotiated USMCA will ensure that none of the benefits of continuity in trade accomplished by the integration of the three North American economies will be lost…the Senate of the State of Arizona prays that the United States Congress ratify the newly negotiated USMCA to ensure continuity in trade among the three North American partners.” Florida Legislators: A group of over 30 Florida legislators wrote - “The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement trade deal is a positive move for Floridians. This trade deal provides support for new innovations and advances in agriculture and technology. USMCA creates tremendous positive impact for Florida’s workers and opens up markets for American farmers.” Idaho State Legislative Resolution: “We support the ratification of USMCA and urge Congress to ratify the agreement as soon as possible.” Iowa State Legislative Resolution: “The Iowa General Assembly recognizes that a multilateral trade agreement between the United States, Canada, and Mexico will strengthen Iowa’s economy and benefit Iowa’s farmers and workers, and urges Congress to enact legislation to implement such a multilateral trade agreement.” Maine House Minority Leader Kathleen Dillingham (R-ME): “Given our unique geographic position, a fair free trade agreement between the United States, Mexico, and Canada is important to the health of Maine . . . I also want to lend my support for the Agreement as a way to improve on the NAFTA and ensure everyone in North America benefits from open markets.” Michigan State Legislative Resolution: “The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) creates a 21st Century trade agreement for North America. The renegotiated USMCA has provisions favorable to U.S. autoworkers that would help level the playing field between U.S. and Mexican autoworkers. The updated agreement is also more beneficial to the agricultural sector than NAFTA and will offer a higher degree of certainty and stability to Michigan farmers. The new IP provisions are the most comprehensive of any multilateral U.S. trade agreement and are vastly superior to those included in NAFTA.” Minnesota Legislators: “Minnesota has a vested interest in the ratification of this historic agreement. It would strengthen a relationship that is already vital to our economy. Minnesota enjoys vibrant agriculture, small business, and manufacturing communities that will be strengthened through the USMCA. In 2017 alone, Minnesota’s exports to our North American neighbors totaled $6.7 billion.” Montana State Legislative Resolution: “The Montana Legislature supports the ratification of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement on trade by all countries as soon as possible.” North Carolina State Legislative Resolution: “The General Assembly memorializes the Congress of the United States to approve the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement in order to ensure continuity in trade among the three North American economic partners.” Pennsylvania State Legislative Resolution: “RESOLVED (the Senate concurring), That the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania urge . . . the Congress of the United States to ratify the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement on trade by all countries as soon as possible.” Pennsylvania House Speaker Mike Turzai (R-PA): “Great to have @VP in PA today to talk about #USMCA. This trade deal will help create more jobs for PA workers!” State Representative John Hershey (R-PA): “#USMCA would be a huge win for PA manufacturers and farmers, many of which are in the 82nd district. THANK YOU, @VP, for coming to PA and hearing our concerns!” South Carolina State Legislative Resolution: “Be it resolved by the House of Representatives . . . by this resolution, memorialize the Congress of the United States to approve the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement USMCA in order to ensure continuity in trade among the three North American economic partners.” Tennessee State Legislative Resolution: “This General Assembly thanks President Trump for his work in negotiating the USMCA to help improve international competitiveness and fair trade and strengthen the economies of all nations involved in this trade agreement…we praise President Trump for his work in negotiating the landmark United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement and his ongoing support of American businesses, workers, and farmers.” Texas Legislators: A group of over 75 Texas legislators wrote – “The trade landscape has shifted over the past two decades, and we are calling upon Congress to take immediate action to shape the future of global trade and provide a platform of modernization that will encourage fair market access, protections for workers, and the ability to further innovate under a collaborative agreement that is designed for the 21st Century. The USMCA positions our country for this next chapter and also allows Texas to continue to lead.” Washington Legislators: Over 30 Washington legislators wrote – “Continued, uninterrupted trade with Canada and Mexico is vital to Washington State’s economy and to the jobs that support thousands of our citizens and their families. That is why we believe the USMCA is one of the most important agreements for the economic viability of Washington State.” Wisconsin State Legislative Resolution: “It is especially important to have a solid trade relationship with Mexico and Canada, and the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement would strengthen these relationships, and expand opportunities for Wisconsin exporters.” County and Municipal Officials Association of California Cities-Orange County: “The Association is pleased to support the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). We strongly believe that access to fair and balanced trade will improve access to good middle-class jobs and strengthen the nation’s economy; thereby improving the lives of all Americans.” California County Supervisors: A coalition of Supervisors from Fresno, King, Tehama, and Tulare Counties wrote – “We appreciate the Administration’s efforts to assist the agricultural industry in California. Our growers continue to provide the safest and most reliable supply of food and fiber in the world and do so with the highest production costs and highest regulatory standards. Through aggressive investment and implementation of cutting edge technology, we have created a significant economic driver for our local and global economy. Our growers need free and fair trade and encourage the timely approval and implementation of the USMCA.” Del Norte County, California Board of Supervisors: “Del Norte County is ready, willing and able to compete in a world market that looks out for the United States best interests for free and fair trade. Our County encourages timely implementation of the USMCA.” Merced County, California Board of Supervisors: “As we continue to work toward an agreement that allows for the fair and profitable trade of goods throughout North America, the Merced County Board of Supervisors is hopeful that Congress will also recognize the value of this proposal to help implement it in a timely fashion.” Coalition of 25 Mississippi Mayors: “We, the undersigned Mayors in Mississippi urge Congress to approve the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement to rebalance and modernize the North American Free Trade Agreement into a 21st century, high standard trade deal, and to better serve the interests of American workers, farmers, ranchers, and businesses, and support mutually beneficial trade leading to freer markets, fairer trade, and robust economic growth in North America.” Fulton County, New York Resolution: “Rebalancing the terms and conditions originally contained in NAFTA is in the best interest of residents and businesses of New York and the United States in general…the Board of Supervisors herby supports the passage of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement and urges its representatives in Congress to pursue swift ratification.” Herkimer County, New York Resolution: “The Herkimer County Legislature herby supports passage of the Unite States-Mexico-Canada Agreement and urges its representatives in Congress to pursue swift ratification.” Coos County, Oregon Board of Commissioners: “To be able to continue trade with Canada and Mexico is vital to Oregon State’s economy and to the jobs that support the tens of thousands of members in our county. For those families, as well as companies, we believe the USMCA is one of the most important agreements for the economic future of the State of Oregon.” Bexar County, Texas Resolution: “The Bexar County Commissioners Court supports the passage of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement by the United States Congress in order to support mutually beneficial trade between the three [Canada and Mexico] countries.” Borden County, Texas Resolution: “The Borden County Commissioners Court supports the passage of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement by the United States Congress in order to help secure the future prosperity of Borden County and the State of Texas.” Cooke County, Texas Resolution: “The Cooke County Commissioners Court supports the passage of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement by the United States Congress in order to help secure the future prosperity of Cooke County and the State of Texas.” Cottle County, Texas Resolution: “The Cottle County Commissioners Court supports the passage of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement by the United States Congress in order to help secure the future prosperity of Cottle County and the State of Texas.” Deaf Smith County, Texas Resolution: “The Deaf Smith County Commissioners Court supports the passage of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement by the United States Congress in order to help secure the future prosperity of Deaf Smith County and the State of Texas.” Falls County, Texas Resolution: “The Falls County Commissioners Court supports the passage of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement by the United States Congress in order to help secure the future prosperity of Falls County and the State of Texas.” Hill County, Texas Resolution: “The Hill County Commissioners Court supports the passage of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement by the United States Congress in order to help secure the future prosperity of Hill County and the State of Texas.” Hutchinson County, Texas Resolution: “The Hutchinson County Commissioners Court supports the passage of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement by the United States Congress in order to help secure the future prosperity of Hutchinson County and the State of Texas.” McLennan County, Texas Resolution: “The Commissioners Court of McLennan County supports the passage of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement by the United States Congress in order to help secure the future prosperity of McLennan County and the State of Texas.” Montague County, Texas Resolution: “The Montague County Commissioners Court supports the passage of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement by the United States Congress in order to help secure the future prosperity of Montague County and the State of Texas.” Polk County, Texas Resolution: “The Polk County Commissioners Court supports the passage of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement by the United States Congress in order to help secure the future prosperity of Polk County and the State of Texas.” San Patricio County, Texas Resolution: “The San Patricio County Commissioners Court supports the passage of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement by the United States Congress in order to help secure the future prosperity of San Patricio County and the State of Texas.” Waller County, Texas Resolution: “The Waller County Commissioners Court supports the passage of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement by the United States Congress in order to help secure the future prosperity of Waller County and the State of Texas.” Young County, Texas Resolution: “The Young County Commissioners Court supports the passage of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement by the United States Congress in order to help secure the future prosperity of Young County and the State of Texas.” Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle (R-AL): “International trade is critically important for our local economy. It means investments and jobs, which translate into new opportunities for our citizens. I support ratification for USMCA.” Merced Mayor Michael Murphy (Unaffiliated-CA): “On behalf of the City of Merced, I am pleased to lend my support to the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). As a community that relies heavily on the agriculture industry for jobs and economic development, Merced is keenly aware of the impacts that agricultural trade can have on local economies.” San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer (R-CA): “Free trade works, and we need to pass the USMCA to keep goods and services moving between San Diego and other border cities.” Sanibel Councilman Jason Maughan (R-FL): “Florida’s export of Made-in-America products alone is nearly $60 Billion Dollars per year. The continuation of this strong trade relationship with the World guarantees hundreds of thousands of American jobs in Florida. Your determined negotiation of the USMCA has protected those jobs and allowed Business to flourish without suffering unfair and unjust trade restrictions from foreign governments.” Vicksburg Mayor George Flaggs (I-MS): “The USMCA is a must for Vicksburg; it is a must for Mississippi; and, most importantly, it is a must for future prosperity of our great nation.” Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz (D, NY): “The ability of Erie County’s dairy farmers to access the Canadian market is a true success for the revised trade agreement and the deal should be ratified by Congress, the Canadian Parliament, and the Mexican Congress of the Union.” Laredo Mayor Pete Saenz (D-TX) on behalf of the Texas Border Coalition:“International trade under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) framework has been absolutely critical to the economic prosperity of the border region, the state of Texas and the entire United States. We support improvements to the NAFTA framework as proposed in the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).” San Antonio Councilwoman Rebecca Viagran (D-TX): “I am aware of how our local economy has benefitted from the passage of NAFTA, benefits which include the creation of 63,000 jobs between 1994 and 2016. It’s critical that Congress ratify the USMCA so our small and mid-businesses can benefit.” Norfolk Mayor Kenny Alexander (D-VA): “The City of Norfolk serves as a global gateway for the import and export of freight in the United States and has a strong partnership with The Port of Virginia. The Port serves as a driving economic engine for the Commonwealth of Virginia and the nation with 374,000 jobs, or 9.4 percent of the state’s resident workforce, working in port-related jobs . . . The USMCA will support our continuing growth and provide mutually beneficial trade with our partners, leading to freer markets, fairer trade, and robust economic growth for the City of Norfolk.”   ###

REMARKS BY PRESIDENT TRUMP AND PRIME MINISTER TRUDEAU OF CANADA BEFORE BILATERAL MEETING

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 20, 2019 REMARKS BY PRESIDENT TRUMP AND PRIME MINISTER TRUDEAU OF CANADA BEFORE BILATERAL MEETING Oval Office   12:10 P.M. EDT      PRESIDENT TRUMP:  Well, thank you very much.  We had some good news.  The market hit a all-time high today.  The S&P just broke its record, so we're very happy about that.  The stock market continues to do well.  Jobs have been literally through the roof.  And, speaking of jobs, we have the USMCA with Canada, with Mexico.  And we've come a long way.  It's a great agreement. As you know, Mexico, yesterday, approved it --      PRIME MINISTER TRUDEAU:  Yep.         PRESIDENT TRUMP:  -- through the very positive vote.  And you're doing very well, I understand, also.      PRIME MINISTER TRUDEAU:  We are.           PRESIDENT TRUMP:  But it's an honor to have the Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau.  He's been a friend of mine.  We've worked hard together.  We worked, in particular, on the USMCA.  And we hope to have bipartisan support.  I think, Justin, you're going to be making the rounds at Congress later on?      PRIME MINISTER TRUDEAU:  Meeting a few people.          PRESIDENT TRUMP:  That's a terrific thing.  But it's great to have you.      So, we're going to be talking about that.  And, generally, we'll be talking trade and other things.  And we're then going to have lunch and some meetings.  And it's an interesting day, but it will be, like, a positive day, I think, like usual.  That's the way we want to have it.  We want to have very positive days.  We only have positive days.      So I want to thank you very much, Justin, for coming to the White House.      PRIME MINISTER TRUDEAU:  Thank you, Donald.         PRESIDENT TRUMP:   Thank you.  Please.          PRIME MINISTER TRUDEAU:  Thank you, Donald, for this meeting.  It's an opportunity for us, as you say, to keep talking about how we've worked hard to build a great trade deal that's good for Canadian workers, good for American workers, good for Mexican workers as well.      We're moving forward on the ratification process aligned with you.  Obviously, today, as well, on top of the great news on the Canadian and American economies, we're continuing to work on a broad range of global issues.  Obviously, there's news today we're going to be talking about as well.      But this is just a really great opportunity for us to continue to work and to develop and to build on the closest alliance in the world, between Canada and the United States.       PRESIDENT TRUMP:  Well, this will be the largest trade deal ever made, and it won't even be close.  If you take a look at the numbers, second is so far away, you don't even call it second.  So it's very exciting.  And very exciting for Mexico; very exciting for Canada.      And I have to also thank the President of Mexico because he's really been doing a job on the border and a job in Mexico.  A lot of very positive things have happened.  And the flow has very substantially slowed down.  They have 6,000 Mexican troops on their southern border.  And it's been -- it's really been a tremendous difference.      So I want to thank Mexico and the people of Mexico.  Now, this has only been for a short period of time.  Our country has been asking for this for 45 years, approximately.  And they're doing it now.  And we very much appreciate that Mexico is doing that.  It's going to have a big impact.  It's already had a big impact.      So, with that, I thank you very much.  And we're going to get on with our discussions.  Thank you. This is the new -- (A model plane is presented on the table.)     Q    Mr. President, how will you respond? Q    On Iran, sir --      PRESIDENT TRUMP:  I was going to say this is the new Air Force One, which we ordered, which they've been trying to order for a lot of years.  We were able to shave $1.5 billion off the price.  When I got here, they were going to spend a lot more money than we spent.  And I would say the plane basically is an upgrade over that model.  We actually are getting things that they didn't get.  We're saving about $1.5 billion.  So it's going to be terrific.  It's under construction, right now, by Boeing.      Go ahead.  Question?      Q    Mr. President, how will you respond to Iran?      PRESIDENT TRUMP:  Iran made a big mistake.  This drone was in international waters, clearly.  We have it all documented.  It's documented scientifically, not just words.  And they made a very bad mistake.  Okay?      Q    How will you respond, Mr. President?  How will you respond?      PRESIDENT TRUMP:  You'll find out.      Q    Does that mean you're planning to do something?      PRESIDENT TRUMP:  You'll find out.  You'll find out.  I mean, obviously -- obviously -- obviously, you know, we're not going to be talking too much about it.  You're going to find out.  They made a very big mistake.      Q    Mr. President, what are your concerns about China and the Canadians who are detained, sir?      PRESIDENT TRUMP:  No concerns.  We'll be discussing that.  It'll be one of the issues that I think we'll be discussing right now with Justin.      Q    Mr. President, the Fed made no change to the interest rate.      PRESIDENT TRUMP:  Say it?      Q    The Fed made no change to the interest rate yesterday.      PRESIDENT TRUMP:  Well, I guess they indicated they're going to be lower.  He should’ve done sooner, but what are you going do?  Can't win them all.  He should've have done it sooner, but you can't win it all.  And, eventually, he'll do what's right, perhaps.  Let's see what he does.      Q    Do you intend to bring (inaudible)?      PRIME MINISTER TRUDEAU:  Obviously, we're very concerned about the escalation by Iran recently.  We have significant presence in the area, including leading on the NATO mission in Baghdad, in Iraq.      We look forward to discussing with our closest ally -- their perspectives on this -- and how we can move forward as an international community.      Q    Will you help Justin Trudeau get a meeting with Xi Jinping at the G20 next week to talk about the detained Canadians?      PRESIDENT TRUMP:  Well, I don’t know that he's trying to meet.  Are you trying to get a meeting?      PRIME MINISTER TRUDEAU:  We've got a lot of things to discuss.      Q    He wants one, but Xi won't meet with him.      PRESIDENT TRUMP:  Well, otherwise, I'll represent him well, I will tell you.  We have a meeting set up with President Xi, and it's obviously on the big transaction that we're talking about and negotiating.  Our people are actually speaking now, and we'll see what happens with that.  But anything I can do to help Canada, I will be doing.      Q    Are you planning to bring it up with President Xi when you meet with him?      PRESIDENT TRUMP:  Excuse me?      Q    Are you planning to bring it up with President Xi when you meet with him?      PRESIDENT TRUMP:  I would.  At Justin's request, I will absolutely bring that up.      Q    When the USMCA is ratified, sir, will that be the end of tariffs?      PRESIDENT TRUMP:  Don’t say "when."      Q    When it is ratified.  "If" it is ratified.      PRESIDENT TRUMP:  Don’t say "when," because, so far, I have to get the Democrats to approve it.  So, I like your positive thinking.  But if -- and the "if" is really subject to the Democrats.  Let's see what happens. But I really believe that Nancy Pelosi and the House will approve it.  I think the Senate will approve it rapidly.  It's going to be very bipartisan.  It's great for the farmers, manufacturers.  It's really great for everybody.  And unions.  It's great for unions.  I mean, we have tremendous union support too.  It's a tremendous -- it really is; it shows a partnership between three countries. And it's sort of three countries -- in a trade sense, we're competing with the European Union.  We're competing with China.  It gives us a bigger dialogue.  It gives us a much bigger platform.  It's really good for all three.  It's something that's very popular.  I hope, politically, they can do what they have to do.      Now, a day after the election, it would win with tremendous support.  But we have an election coming up.  But I think Nancy Pelosi is going to do the right thing.      Q    And will that be the end of tariffs on Canada and Mexico?      PRESIDENT TRUMP:  Well, we'll see.  I mean, you know, they have to do what they have to do.  We understand that.  We can't have big, tremendous shipments of certain products.  So we understand that very well.      PRIME MINISTER TRUDEAU:  We were very pleased with the lifting of the tariffs on steel and aluminum.      PRESIDENT TRUMP:  They've been lifted, as you know, and there won't be, hopefully, transshipping.  If there's transshipping, I'll call Justin and I'm sure he'll take care of it.  And if he doesn’t take -- I'll probably call him a second time.  And if he doesn’t, then we'll have to talk, right?      PRIME MINISTER TRUDEAU:  We're going to be fine.      PRESIDENT TRUMP:  But I think that that situation is very well taken care of.  Very important for both countries and for all three countries: the farmers.  Very, very important.  More so in that case, from us and Canada.  But the farmers are really happy with it.  The manufacturers are very happy.  Mexico is thrilled.  You saw the vote.  It was a very lopsided -- in a positive way -- vote.  A great vote.  And I think it's going to be something very special.      Again, it's the largest trade deal, by far, ever entered into.  And we're very close to having it finalized.  This means a lot of jobs for our country; a lot of wealth for all three countries.  And we're really competing against the world.  You know, we're not competing with each other so much.  This brings us into a position where we're not competing with each other; we're competing against the world.  And that's what we're doing.      We're competing against big sections of the world, including Asia and including other areas.  And I think it's going to be very special.  I think it's going to end up being a very important deal, but the biggest ever made.      Q    Will you invite the Toronto Raptors to the White House, sir?      PRESIDENT TRUMP:  Say it?      Q    Will you invite the Toronto Raptors to the White House?  I'm from the Toronto Star.  I have to ask.      PRESIDENT TRUMP:  Well, we thought about that.  That's an interesting question.  They played phenomenal basketball.  I watched a little bit of it.  They were really terrific.  Congratulations, by the way.  That was a great job by a great team.  So we'll think about that.  If they'd like to do it, we'll think about that. We have a lot of other folks coming.  And the presidential medal -- I just spoke to him -- we're going to be presenting the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Roger Penske.  Roger Penske is a great gentleman who has won 18 Indianapolis 500s.  He's won -- just won Daytona.  He won Daytona.  He won Indianapolis.  He won probably more than anybody in the history of racing.  I can’t imagine anybody even being close. But Roger Penske is going to be getting the Medal of Freedom, and he’s very thrilled to be getting it.  And that’ll be announced over the next little while, but, I guess, actually, I’m announcing it pretty much now.  But they’ll be -- (laughter) -- they’ll be putting something out.  They’ll be putting something out in a little while. He’s very deserving.  He’s a great gentleman.  I’ve known him a long time.  And a very brilliant guy.  When you think of all the countries that want to win Indianapolis and Daytona, and they fight and they spend -- even Canada; they spend a lot of money and they -- And, you know, when a man wins Indianapolis, when he wins it 18 times -- and he just won the Daytona.  And he won many things over the course of years, and he’s become a very successful man. We talked about electric cars today.  I think nobody knows more about that subject, in terms of common sense, than Roger Penske.  So Roger Penske will be getting and receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Q    Mr. President, you said Iran is a “different country.”  Do you still hold that opinion? PRESIDENT TRUMP:  Oh, absolutely.  When I came here, Iran was in 14 to 18 different sites of confliction.  They were extremely hostile.  They were hostile when they signed the deal.  They were screaming, “Death to America.”  And I think, probably, Iran made a mistake.  I would imagine it was a general or somebody that made a mistake in shooting that drone down. And, fortunately, that drone was unarmed.  It was not -- there was no man in it, and there was no -- it was just -- it was over international waters; clearly over international waters.  But we didn’t have a man or woman in the drone.  We had nobody in the drone.  It would have made a big difference, let me tell you.  It would have made a big, big difference. But I have a feeling -- I may be wrong and I may right, but I’m right a lot.  I have a feeling that it was a mistake made by somebody that shouldn’t have been doing what they did.  I think they made a mistake.  And I’m not just talking the country made a mistake.  I think that somebody under the command of that country made a big mistake. Q    Are you still open to talking to Iran’s leadership? PRESIDENT TRUMP:  Let’s just see what happens.  You just -- let’s see what happens.  It’s all going to work out. Q    (Inaudible) to strike the drone? PRESIDENT TRUMP:  Say it?      Q    Are you saying you think it wasn’t intentional to strike the drone?      PRESIDENT TRUMP:  I don’t know.  I find it hard to believe it was intentional, if you want to know the truth.  I think that it could have been somebody who was loose and stupid that did it.  But we’ll be able to report back, and you’ll understand exactly what happened.  But it was a very foolish move, that I can tell you.      Q    Do you feel like there are members of your administration who are trying to push you into conflict with Iran?      PRESIDENT TRUMP:  No, not at all.  Not at all.  In fact, in many cases, it’s the opposite.      But I will say -- look, I said I want to get out of these endless wars.  I campaigned on that: I want to get out.  We’ve been in Afghanistan for 19 years.  As you know, we’ve reduced very substantially in Afghanistan. We beat the caliphate.  We took back 100 percent of the caliphate.  When it was 99 percent, Justin, I said, “We’re going to get out.  We’re going to start peeling back.”  And everybody went crazy because it was 99.  So I said, “All right.  So we’ll finish it up.”  So we got 100 percent, and we’re pulling that back, out of Syria.  We’re pulling a lot of people back. But this is something -- this is a new wrinkle.  This is a new fly in the ointment, what happened shooting down the drone.  And this country will not stand for it, that I can tell you. Thank you very much. Q    (Inaudible.) PRESIDENT TRUMP:  I can't hear you. Q    (Inaudible) Hicks testifying yesterday?      PRESIDENT TRUMP:  No, she was terrific.  I heard she was terrific.  Really great.  She's a great -- she's a great person, and I heard she was terrific yesterday.      Thank you very much.                                        END                 12:25 P.M. EDT

PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP IS STRENGTHENING OUR VITAL ECONOMIC TIES AND CLOSE ALLIANCE WITH CANADA

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 20, 2019

PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP IS STRENGTHENING OUR VITAL ECONOMIC TIES AND CLOSE ALLIANCE WITH CANADA “America is deeply fortunate to have a neighbor like Canada. We have before us the opportunity to build even more bridges, and bridges of cooperation and bridges of commerce.” – President Donald J. Trump CLOSE FRIENDS AND ALLIES: The United States and Canada are enduring allies bound by history, shared values, and an unparalleled partnership.    Today, President Trump is meeting with Prime Minister Trudeau of Canada to build upon the deep partnership and cooperation between our two nations. The United States and Canada share the longest international border in the world, maintaining a vital flow of goods, services, and people between our two countries. The United States and Canada have deep economic ties and a vital trading relationship that will only grow stronger under the new United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Canada is a critical partner in advancing democracy, security, and prosperity in the Western Hemisphere and across the globe. STRENGTHENING VITAL ECONOMIC TIES: The United States and Canada are expanding our strong economic ties and promoting prosperity in both our countries through USMCA. The United States and Canada enjoy the world’s largest and most comprehensive trade and investment relationship, supporting millions of jobs in our two countries. United States goods and services trade with Canada totaled more than $700 billion in 2018. Canada was the United States’ largest goods export market in 2018 and the largest foreign trading partner for 33 states. The United States and Canada had more than $844 billion invested in one another’s economies as of 2017. Our two countries’ deep economic ties will only become stronger under the new USMCA, which will be the largest trade agreement in history. USMCA contains the strongest and most comprehensive labor and environmental chapters of any trade agreement ever negotiated. The agreement is a huge win for American auto workers, as it will generate $34 billion in new investments and 76,000 new jobs in the auto industry across the United States. The agreement will incentivize the use of high-wage labor in auto manufacturing. Thanks to USMCA, American farmers and ranchers will have access to an expanded, fairer market to export their goods. STANDING TOGETHER FOR DEMOCRACY AND SECURITY: The United States and Canada are key allies in supporting security, democracy, and the rule of law. Canada is a critical partner in advancing security and democracy throughout the world and our troops have fought side by side on numerous occasions. Our defense arrangements with Canada are more extensive than with any other country. Our two nations uphold and defend security through the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Together, we are working to defend human rights in the Western Hemisphere by standing up to the corrupt regimes in Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Cuba. The United States and Canada are working together to achieve the denuclearization of North Korea.

West Wing Reads Mexico Becomes First Country to Approve USMCA

Mexico Becomes First Country to Approve USMCA “Mexico’s Senate voted overwhelmingly in favor of approving the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement on trade, a deal that would replace the North American Free Trade Agreement,” Zachary Halaschak reports in the Washington Examiner. “The measure passed with a 114-4 vote, bringing the agreement one step closer to fruition . . . Canada has already introduced legislation through its parliament to ratify the agreement and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is expected to lobby Democrats to support the USMCA during his visit to Washington, D.C., this week.” Click here to read more. “Last month, 144,000 people were arrested at our southern border. Many of these people were not trying to escape the Border Patrol, but were turning themselves in. Why? Because our asylum process is laughably easy to take advantage of,” Rep. Dan Crenshaw (R-TX) writes in Fox News. “House Democrats remain silent on the issue, leaving Americans with only one impression: that they don’t actually want the asylum crisis to be solved; that they don’t want illegal immigration to end; that they don’t want to improve the conditions migrants are held in.” “Breaking the law must have consequences,” writes National Border Patrol Council President Brandon Judd in Fox News. Our immigration laws are no exception—and whenever they’ve gone unenforced, criminals have historically exploited the loopholes. Consider this example: “In the Border Patrol’s Tucson Sector during the early 2000s, the United States Attorney's office implemented a [500 lb.] ‘threshold’ on the prosecution of marijuana smugglers,” Judd writes. So what did the smugglers do? “Oftentimes the loads would be exactly 499 pounds.” “There’s too much at stake for our farmers to let this opportunity pass by. USMCA will expand economic opportunity in the heartland,” Rep. Darin LaHood (R-IL) writes in the Washington Examiner. “However, as things stand, USMCA is being held hostage by career politicians in Washington who are hell-bent on preventing President Trump from getting a win. A delay in approval of this agreement will hit the wallets of family farms in Illinois and across the country.” “President Trump values his opinion, just as President Ronald Reagan did throughout the 1980s. On Wednesday, Art Laffer, 78, received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, at the White House,” Fox Business reports. “A champion of low taxes and tax cuts, he has earned a reputation that has made him one of America’s most noted economic advisers to several U.S. presidents.”