Thursday, December 12, 2019

PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP IS COMMITTED TO SUPPORTING WORKING FAMILIES

Office of the Press Secretary

PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP IS COMMITTED TO SUPPORTING WORKING FAMILIES

 “My administration will also continue to advocate for policies that support working families, including making child care more affordable and accessible.” – President Donald J. Trump

 

SUPPORTING WORKING FAMILIES: President Trump has made expanding access to child care and paid family leave a priority of his Administration.

  • The Administration is laying out principles for common sense, innovative child care policy reforms and practices that increase access to quality care, choice, and flexibility for America’s working parents.
  • Last year, President Trump signed legislation securing a historic level of funding for the Child Care and Development Block Grant.
    • This funding helps low-income families access quality child care programs.
  • During his first State of the Union Address, the President called on Congress to pass a nationwide paid family leave plan.
  • President Trump became the first President to include paid family leave in his budget and has included paid family leave in all of his budgets since taking office.
  • President Trump’s tax reforms provided a new tax credit to incentivize businesses to offer paid family leave to their employees.
  • The Administration worked with Congress to secure paid parental leave for all Federal employees in the 2019 National Defense Authorization Act.
    • The Administration’s efforts, spearheaded by Advisor to the President Ivanka Trump, ensure the Government is leading by example.
LIFTING UP FAMILIES: President Trump’s pro-growth policies are helping families across the country to prosper.
  • President Trump’s pro-growth policies have ignited an economic resurgence, leading to more opportunity and bigger paychecks for workers and their families.
  • President Trump’s historic Tax Cuts and Jobs Act cut taxes for American families and implemented reforms to help families get ahead.
    • The President’s historic tax reforms doubled the child tax credit benefitting nearly 40 million American families with an average of over $2,200 dollars in 2019.
    • The President’s legislation created a new $500 tax credit for dependents age 17 or older.  
    • Millions of workers gained bonuses, wage increases, and increased benefits for their families following the signing of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
  • In 2018 alone, nearly 300,000 American families were lifted out of poverty.
    • Over 600,000 children being raised by single mothers were lifted out of poverty in 2018.
ECONOMIC EXCELLENCE: The booming economy and strong labor market are allowing Americans of all backgrounds to find work and succeed.
  • Under President Trump, there are more Americans working than ever before, wages are rising, and unemployment is plummeting.
  • More than 7 million jobs have been created since President Trump’s election.
  • The unemployment rate has dropped to 3.5%, matching its lowest point in half a century.
  • African-American, Hispanic-American, and Asian-American unemployment have all reached record lows under President Trump.
  • Since President Trump’s election, 2.1 million prime-age workers have joined the labor force.

West Wing Reads White House Hosting Childcare, Family Leave Summit With Ivanka Trump

West Wing Reads

White House Hosting Childcare, Family Leave Summit With Ivanka Trump


“The White House is hosting a summit on childcare and family leave Thursday in Washington, part of a push that administration officials say could help move forward legislation improving access to assistance for working parents,” Justin Sink and Josh Wingrove report for Bloomberg.

Advisor to the President Ivanka Trump is working “to spark a bipartisan effort to address childcare. The administration is also asking lawmakers to reauthorize and overhaul a block-grant program that provides childcare subsidies to low-income working families.”

Click here to read more.
“Americans are fair minded. They deserve the truth and can spot it when given even half a chance. If Tuesday’s Quinnipiac poll is any indicator, many Americans recognize that the path to impeachment was paved with lies . . . Apparently, voters understand that the articles — abuse of power and obstruction of Congress — establish nothing impeachable and allege no crime,” Rep. Doug Collins (R-GA) writes in USA Today.
“As the poison of anti-Semitism spreads with dangerous violence throughout Europe, the Middle East, and even here at home — most recently in a horrific attack on Tuesday in Jersey City — President Trump is taking meaningful action to crush this evil.” Yesterday, the President signed an executive order to combat the rise of anti-Semitism across America’s college campuses, Senior Advisor to the President Jared Kushner writes in The New York Times
“‘The activities we found here don’t vindicate anybody who touched this,’ Justice Department Inspector General Michael Horowitz testified Wednesday — as direct a slap at former FBI chief Jim Comey as you could ask for,” the New York Post editorial board writes. 
“Take it from a committed leftist. Writing this week in Vox, Ian Millhiser takes absolutely no pleasure in acknowledging the strength of Trump judicial picks.” The Senate just confirmed President Trump’s 50th addition to the federal appellate courts—a record for this early in a term, James Freeman writes in The Wall Street Journal

REMARKS BY PRESIDENT TRUMP AT A HANUKKAH RECEPTION East Room December 11, 2019

Office of the Press Secretary
REMARKS BY PRESIDENT TRUMP
AT A HANUKKAH RECEPTION

East Room
 December 11, 2019

8:32 P.M. EST

     THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you very much everybody.  Wow, what a crowd.  You know, I did this a little while ago with a very similar group of people.  Some are here for the second time -- Ron -- but that’s good.  That means you love Israel and you love everything we’re doing.  And I’m very honored to have you all here.  Thank you very much.

     And I want to thank our great First Lady.  She’s done the most incredible Christmas decorations.  (Applause.)  And we’re excited to welcome so many friends to the White House as we wish you all a very Happy Hanukkah.  (Applause.)

     We’re delighted to be joined by our great Vice President, Mike Pence.  (Applause.)  And, Mike -- where is Mike?  Thank you, Mike.  And we’re thrilled --

     AUDIENCE MEMBER:  We love you!

     THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you.  I love you too.  Thank you.  And I love Ivanka.

     AUDIENCE MEMBER:  We love Melania!

     THE PRESIDENT:  And I love Jared.

     AUDIENCE MEMBER:  We love Melania!

     THE PRESIDENT:  And I love our First Lady.  (Applause.)  And our three great grandchildren are with us as well as Jared’s incredible parents, sisters, family.  And where is Charlie?  Where is the great Charlie?  Come on up here, Charlie.  Come on up.  Both of you, come on up.  (Applause.)  Come on up.  Great people.  Tremendous people.  Great, great businessman.  Very successful.  And he loves -- come on.  Come on, Seryl.  He loves -- he loves our country and he loves Israel.  (Applause.)

     I’m truly grateful to have the Jewish faith woven so deeply into my family.

     I also want to recognize Secretary Steven Mnuchin.  Steven?  Where’s Steven?  (Applause.)

     Secretary Dave Bernhardt.  Where is David?  David is the largest landlord in the country by a factor of about 50.  By a -- when we think we big landlords, he controls half of the United States, actually.  Secretary of the Interior.  So, David, thank you very much for being here.  Come on up, David.  Steven, come on up.  Come on up.  (Applause.)      

     Special Envoy Elan Carr.  Thank you, Elan.  (Applause.)  Thank you.  Great job.  Great job.  Along with Representatives David Kustoff, Michael McCaul, and Lee Zeldin.  Come on up, fellas.  Come on up.  (Applause.)  What a job they have done.  What a job.  They’re warriors.

     Thanks as well to Sheldon and Miriam Adelson for the incredible love and affection.  (Applause.)  We are forever grateful to all that you do to strengthen the unbreakable bond between the United States and Israel.  Sheldon, Miriam, thank you very much.  Thank you.  You are great people.  (Applause.)  Incredible.  And he’s got no cash problem -- that, I can tell you.  (Laughter.)  He’s a fantastic man, a great visionary.  He always wants to have a longer lease, a longer everything.  I say, “Sheldon, it can be less than 50 years, okay?  That’s okay.”  Sheldon, thank you.  So great.  (Applause.)

     I also want to extend my appreciation to Israelis' Ambassador -- Israel’s Ambassador to the United States, Ron Dermer.  (Applause.)  And Ron has been an incredible, tireless fighter for Israel and happens to love the United States very much.

     And, Jason, thank you very much for being here.  Your family -- I’ve watched them grow.  Jason was with me for how many years?  Twenty-three years with me and then came down here, and he’s working on some tremendous things like peace in the Middle East.  And thank you very much.  And the family looks so beautiful.  Thank you.  (Applause.)  Jason Greenblatt.
    
     Here for this special occasion are two faith leaders who have tirelessly served our country.  Thank you, Rabbi Moshe Margareten.  Where is Rabbi?  Where are you, Rabbi?  (Applause.)

     AUDIENCE MEMBER:  Behind you!

     AUDIENCE MEMBER:  He’s behind you.

     THE PRESIDENT:  Oh, hi, Rabbi.  (Laughter.)

     And Rabbi Zvi Boyarsky.  Thank you, Rabbi.  Thank you.  (Applause.)

     This evening, we come together to commemorate the remarkable story of Hanukkah.  More than 2,000 years ago, an oppressive dictator defied [defiled] the Holy Temple and persecuted the Jewish people.  But a group of brave Jewish warriors rose up, defeated a powerful army, and reclaimed their glorious destiny.

     As the Jewish patriots searched for oil to rededicate the Temple, they only found enough to light the menorah for one day.  They needed a little help from Sheldon, I think, right?  (Laughter.)  Sheldon would have found a lot of oil immediately.

     However, that small batch of oil kept the flame burning for eight days, an eternal reminder of the Jewish people’s resilience, endurance, and faith.  And that’s so true.

     Across the centuries, the Jewish people have endured violence and oppression beyond measure.  But no cruelty can overcome the might of your spirit, and no destruction can crush the eternal strength of your resolve.  And that is so true.

     This evening -- (applause) -- that’s true.  Go ahead.  Let’s give you a hand on that.  Wow.  (Applause.)  It’s true. 

     And we have a man that I have, by the way, great respect: Mark Levin.  Where is Mark Levin?  (Applause.)  What a show.  Where is Mark?  Where is Mark?  He’s over here.  Lee, send him up here, will you, please?  Mark, come on up.  Come on up here.  Mark -- the great Mark Levin.  What a show.  You know he had a very successful radio show.  Who knew that face was going to work so well on television?  (Laughter.)  Number-one show.

     Come on, Mark, wherever you may be.  Where are you?  I saw him.  Is that Mark?  Come on, Mark.  Get your way up.  (Applause.)  Make a path.  Like we used to say in the military, “Make a path."  "Make a path.”  What a great guy.  What a great show.

     So who thought this guy was going to be a television star?  Right?  (Laughter.)  Hot as can be on radio.  All of a sudden, he tries the television thing -- the number-one show.  Mark, I don’t know how -- come on.  Both of you come up here.  (Applause.)  Come on.  Come on up, Mark.  Yeah, come on, on the dais.  See?  He hasn’t gotten used to being a star yet.  (Laughter.)  He’s so big.  Right, Mark?  Come on over.  And, by the way -- come here.  Get over here.  Say a couple of words.  Come on.  (Applause.)

     MR. LEVIN:  It’s an honor to be here with the first Jewish President of the United States.  (Laughter and applause.)  And if he isn’t, he should be.  (Laughter.)

     I want to thank you.  I want to thank you for everything you have done for the Jewish people.  (Applause.)  I want to thank you for everything you've done for the Jewish people’s ancestral homeland.  (Applause.)  You are going to be remembered there for a thousand years.  And I want to thank you for what you’ve done for the United States of America.  (Applause.)  And I want you to know that we will not leave our general on the battlefield without our support, period.  (Applause.)  God bless you. 

     THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you, Mark.           

     MR. LEVIN:  Thank you.

     THE PRESIDENT:  Fantastic guy.  Thank you, Mark.

     So, this evening, we are profoundly honored to be joined by Leonard Gordon.  Leonard is a Holocaust survivor who endured the depths of evil in the Nazi genocide that murdered 6 million Jewish men, women, and children.

     In 1944, he was imprisoned in a concentration camp when he heard the Allied victory in Normandy.  That was a big, big day.  It was then that he knew the Allies would defeat the Nazi regime.  He held on to that hope until he was liberated by the American soldiers.

     Soon, Leonard came to America, got married, and helped build submarines for the United States Navy.  And, today, Leonard is 94 and he doesn’t look a day over 90 -- I’m telling you.  (Laughter.)  I’m only kidding, Leonard.  And, Leonard, you lift up our entire nation.

     My administration stands in unwavering solidarity with the Jewish people, Leonard.  Where is Leonard?  Where is Leonard?  Where are you, Leonard?  You’re a good-looking man.  Wow.  (Applause.)  You’re looking good.

     Well, we -- we do; we stand in absolute joy of you, Leonard.  And what you’ve done is fantastic.  And where the Jewish people are cherished and, really, our great friends and our allies.  And we want to thank you for being with us.  And keep -- keep living well.  Okay, Leonard?  Keep living well.  Great job.

     Two years ago, I recognized the true capital of Israel, and we proudly opened the American Embassy in Jerusalem.  Right?  (Applause.)

     And then I called up your great ambassador, David Friedman, and I said, “David, give me a little one minute or less lesson on the Golan Heights.”  And he said, “What are you thinking about?”  I said, “Well, I’m thinking about doing sovereignty by Israel over the Golan Heights.  Give me a little about it.”  We talked about the safety, the security.  I think he told me everything he knew.  It took a little more than a minute.  And I said, “Let’s do it.”  So we got the Golan Heights -- sovereignty over the Golan Heights.  (Applause.)

     And then I asked Charlie Kushner.  I said, “Charlie, let me ask you, what’s bigger for the Jewish people: Giving the embassy to Jerusalem -- it becomes the capital of Israel.  What’s bigger?  That, or the Golan Heights?”  He said, “Neither.”  I said, “What does that mean?”  He said, “The biggest thing of all is what you did by ending the Iran nuclear catastrophe.”  (Applause.)  I think that’s true.  I think that’s true.

     So we did that.  And then earlier today, we took another historic action to defend the Jewish people.  (Applause.)  And a few hours ago, I signed a groundbreaking executive order to combat anti-Semitic prejudice.  (Applause.)

     And, you know, our politicians have been trying to get this through Congress.  For a long time they’ve been talking about it.  And, finally, they had a watered-down version of it, and it didn’t get through.  So I authorized a very strong version of it, because I deal with myself.  (Laughter.)  And Jared was so helpful.  And we got something done that’s much more powerful, much stronger, and I can sign it myself.  And we’re very happy with it.  And here it is.  (Applause.)  Here it is.  (Applause.) 

     So we figured we got to get it done.  You know, I learned a lot from Mark.  That was good.  Right, Mark?  He said, “Just do it yourself.  It’s a lot easier.”  It’s true.  (Laughter.)

But my executive order prohibits federal funding to any college or university that spreads, promotes, tolerates, or supports anything having to do with anti-Semitism.  (Applause.)

     We’re delivering a powerful message to American academia.  Not all of it is very good.  Some of it's wonderful, but not all of it.   And it seems to be going in the wrong direction.  Although I will tell you, a lot of strides have been made over the last year.  There’s a lot of enthusiasm for what we believe, what we think.

     But they got out of control.  I said, “If you want to receive federal dollars, you must reject anti-Semitism.”  (Applause.)  And if they don’t, they don’t get hundreds of millions of dollars.  You have to see the money that we pour into these colleges and then they do what they were doing.  So we will not permit anti-Jewish bigotry on our college campuses.  And if they want to do that, it’s going to be extremely costly.  It will be amazing how quickly they stop.  (Applause.)

     My administration also forcefully condemns the so-called Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement -- the BDS.  (Applause.)  My administration will not stand for these malicious attacks upon the State of Israel.  Discrimination against members of Jewish faith and the Jewish faith, it has to be confronted at every turn.  And we will confront it at every turn.  There is no tolerance for hate.

     In the wake of yesterday’s horrible shooting at the New Jersey Kosher Supermarket, and the sinister attack on the Tree of Life Synagogue in Poway -- you know, the Poway Synagogue; that was so terrible -- we pledge to be vigilant, determined, and united in defense of Jewish Americans.  That’s what we’re doing.  (Applause.)  This should have taken place a long time ago.

     So this evening, we give thanks to the Jewish community for its irreplaceable contributions to science, art, music, medicine, culture, philanthropy, public policy, and every other aspect of our national life.  Incredible job.  Incredible people.

     Last year, Rabbi Moshe and Rabbi Zvi helped lead thousands of Jewish Americans in urging congressmen, judges, prosecutors, and Jewish communities to support the FIRST STEP Act.  (Applause.)

     That’s -- you know what that is?  Criminal justice reform.  (Applause.)  I don’t know why they called it the FIRST STEP Act, because everyone knows it as criminal justice reform, which they were unable to get.

     Jared Kushner got involved.  Ivanka got involved.  I liked a lot what I saw.  A lot of the most conservative people in Congress, Mark, got involved: Ted Cruz and Mike Lee and many others.  Many others.  Chuck Grassley.  And we have it at both sides -- liberal, conservative.  It was a really an amazing thing.  It was an amazing thing how it came together.     
    
     Rabbi Moshe and Rabbi Zvi, we salute your leadership, and we thank you very much for the job you did.  And you helped us greatly.

     This evening, we once again show our appreciation to the Jewish-American community for the immeasurable ways you strengthen and inspire our nation.  We stand in awe of your extraordinary contributions to our county and to humanity.

     And now I invite Rabbi Zvi to say a few words before Rabbi Moshe lights the menorah.  Thank you all.  And may you all have a truly blessed Hanukkah and a fantastic year.  Thank you all very much.  (Applause.)

     Please.  Please.

     RABBI ZVI:  Thank you.  Beautiful remarks.  Beautiful.

     AUDIENCE MEMBER:  Four more years!

     AUDIENCE MEMBER:  Four more years!  (Applause.)

     AUDIENCE:  Four more years!  Four more years!  Four more years!

     THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you very much.  Please.

RABBI ZVI:  Thank you.  Mr. President and Madam First Lady, thank you for hosting this stunning pre-Hanukkah party.  It's truly an honor to be here.  And God bless you for today's signing of the executive order combatting anti-Semitism.  (Applause.)

     Let us begin with a short prayer in memory of the victims of yesterday's horrendous shooting in Jersey City.  Let us say, together: Sh'ma Yisrael Adonai Eloheinu Adonai Eḥad.

     The Hanukkah lights are symbolic of the flame of Godliness, the essential goodness embedded within each human being.

     Mr. President, back in the '70s, the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, called to nurture this goodness and allow its free expression also among those incarcerated in our prison system.

There's an essential human dignity in the ability to produce and accomplish, to emulate our Creator.  The Rebbe taught there's a basic divinity in the freedom to soar, to transform, to bring good to the world without confinement or constraint.  The Rebbe advocated that, through good behavior and participating in educational programs, by demonstrating remorse and a will to lead a life of honesty and integrity, prisoners should be able to earn a reduced sentence and the ability to contribute goodness maximally to the world.

     Mr. President, through the monumental FIRST STEP Act, you have helped countless worthy individuals reach their potential and share their unique divine light with the world -- a long, elusive goal.  But thank God, and I with a (inaudible) thank you to Jared and his relentless team, this administration got it done.  (Applause.)

     Mr. President, in a recent speech, you said, "My vow from the beginning has been to stand up for those who have been forgotten, neglected, overlooked, and ignored.  My goal is to give a voice to the voiceless."  With God's help, you have delivered, big time, just as you promised.  (Applause.)

     To Uzel Rubashkin, who spent much of his childhood praying that every knock on the door was his father's miraculous return, and to so many children like him, you have been God's angel and the answer to their heartfelt prayers.  This includes Stet Frazier and his family.  After serving 25 years for a first-time non-violent offense, Stet learned that he was due for immediate release under the FIRST STEP Act.  Inspiringly, Stet actually petitioned the court, and successfully so, to remain in prison for another 10 days so that he could finish teaching a self-help course for his fellow man.

     In the company of his eight overjoyed children, Stet now continues to spread a message of hope and personal accountability at schools throughout North Carolina's Mitchell County.

     Mr. President, by championing reform and by using your executive powers for clemency, you have highlighted your innate belief in the human capacity for change and redemption.  (Applause.)

     So on behalf of Aleph's founder and chairman, Rabbi Sholom Lipskar, and on behalf of Gary Apfel, who is here with us today and who altruistically and successfully worked tirelessly on this and other vital efforts, and especially on behalf of the countless Americans who were given a new lease on life, thank you, thank you, thank you.  (Applause.)  We are deeply grateful for this miracle and blessing.

     Mr. President, with your permission, I'd like to salute Attorney General Barr, an inspiring beacon of light in the war to dispel the darkest of anti-Semitism, as well as the entire DOJ and BOP for their remarkable work in ensuring that the human soul is treated with dignity and can shine, even in limited environments.

     Rabbi Moshe Margareten, founder of Tzedek Association, will momentarily prepare us for Hanukkah by demonstrating how the menorah will be kindled on the holiday.  Since 2009, he spearheaded the effort to introduce effective prisoner reform through mobilizing community leaders and laymen around the country to meet the members of Congress and garner support from more than 150 former prosecutors and judges.  These tremendous efforts ultimately came to fruition with the FIRST STEP Act.

     Mr. President and Madam First Lady, may God Almighty shower its blessings upon you.  And through our collective increase in acts of goodness and kindness, may we soon merit a world filled with everlasting peace and light with the final redemption.

     God bless you and God bless America.  (Applause.)

     (Rabbi Moshe Margareten lights the menorah.)  (Applause.)

     THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you very much, everybody.  Thank you.  Have a great Hanukkah.  Thank you very much.  (Applause.)
 
                               END            8:53 P.M. EST 

President Trump Announces Presidential Delegation to the Kingdom of Belgium and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg to Attend the World War II Battle of the Bulge 75th Anniversary Commemoration Events

Office of the Press Secretary
President Trump Announces Presidential Delegation to the Kingdom of Belgium and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg to Attend the World War II Battle of the Bulge 75th Anniversary Commemoration Events 
President Donald J. Trump today announced the designation of a Presidential Delegation to the Kingdom of Belgium and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg to the World War II Battle of the Bulge 75th Anniversary Commemoration Events on December 16, 2019.

The Honorable Dr. Mark T. Esper, Secretary of Defense, will lead the delegation.

Members of the Presidential Delegation:

The Honorable J. Randolph Evans, United States Ambassador to the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg

The Honorable Ronald J. Gidwitz, United States Ambassador to the Kingdom of Belgium

General Mark A. Milley, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

The Honorable Kay Bailey Hutchison, United States Permanent Representative to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization

Mr. David J. Urban, Chairman of the American Battle Monuments Commission

REMARKS BY PRESIDENT TRUMP AT A HANUKKAH RECEPTION AND SIGNING OF AN EXECUTIVE ORDER COMBATING ANTI-SEMITISM

Office of the Press Secretary
REMARKS BY PRESIDENT TRUMP
AT A HANUKKAH RECEPTION
AND SIGNING OF AN EXECUTIVE ORDER COMBATING ANTI-SEMITISM

East Room

 
4:26 P.M. EST

THE PRESIDENT:  Well, thank you very much.  Thank you, everybody.  And a friend of mine, Tim Scott, from South Carolina -- a senator -- where are you, Tim?  You're -- there he is.  And I said, "You know what, Tim?  You have a big vote coming up.  I think you want to go back to the Senate."  So I will tell you, without, Tim, this wouldn’t have happened.  Tim Scott, thank you very much.  We love you.  Go back to the Senate and vote.  (Laughs.)  (Applause.)  Thanks, Tim.

Melania and I are delighted to welcome so many friends and families to this incredible house, the White House, to celebrate this, really, sacred season and a very special time.  To everyone here today: Happy Hanukkah.  (Applause.) 

We're delighted to be joined by Vice President Mike Pence and his incredible wife Karen.  (Applause.)  And if you'd both come up.  Mike?  Wherever you may be.  Come on up, Karen.  Please, come up.

Also, as you know, Ivanka and Jared have worked very, very hard in this whole -- (applause) -- endeavor and many other endeavors, I will tell you.  They're doing an incredible job, and I'm very proud that the Jewish faith is a cherished part of our family.  Very proud of it.  (Applause.)

I'd like to recognize Secretary Steven Mnuchin; Secretary Betsy DeVos; Deputy Attorney General Jeff Rosen -- hi, Jeff; as well as Senators Tim Scott, who just left, and he's a fantastic guy, and James Lankford.  Where's James?  Where is James?  James come up here, will you please, James?  Did he have to go for the vote too?  All right, tell him we mentioned his name.  A lot of these people are voting on some very important things right now.  I'm saying, "You know what?  Get out and vote," right?

And we have Representatives Doug Collins, Josh Gottheimer, David Kustoff, Elaine Luria, Max Rose, and Lee Zeldin, all here.  Where are they?  (Applause.)  Raise your hands.  Are you here?  Come on up, if you want, fellas.  Even the Democrat can come up.  What the hell.  (Laughter.)  Come on up.  Come on up.  What a job they're doing.  Come on up.  Nice to see you all.  Hi.  Good.  Hi, Doug.  That's great.  Hi, Lee.  Good job, Lee.  Wow.  What a lawyer.  I'd hire you anytime, Lee.

I also want to bring a friend of mine up.  He's a tremendous success in so many other businesses, but they only know him because he signs Tom Brady's check every week.  (Laughter.)  And he's a really -- he's a champ, he's a winner.  His wife, Myra, passed away a longer time ago than we think, Bob.  That was a big -- that was a big, tough time for you, and for me too, and for Melania.  I just want to tell you, you've been a special friend of Israel.  Nobody closer to Israel than Bob Kraft.

So, Bob, please come up.  Please come up.  (Applause.)

And, as usual, his team is mired in first place.  Have you ever been in second place?  Not too often.  You know what I'd like you to do, Bob, while you're here -- because we could all learn from Bob; he's a champ, he's a winner -- if you could say a few words about Israel.  Please. 

MR. KRAFT:  Thank you.  (Applause.)  Well, thank you, Mr. President.  I'm honored to be here at this time, at this event, because this is really a bipartisan issue.  And I know previous administrations had tried to do something in this area.  And we know that college campuses are a place where you bridge-build and you include people and have education, and not be something that is exclusive and drives people away and generates hatred.

So, I'm so proud that, at this time, we're doing something that is so bipartisan.  And my wife, a blessed memory, would be smiling now because she loved America first, and Israel, and wanted to build bridges between the two places and have tikkun olam.  And I think this, more than anything, is going to help do that.  So thank you very much.  (Applause.)

THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you, Bob.  Thank you.  Thank you very much, Bob.

I also want to extend my appreciation to Israel's Ambassador, a man who's become a friend of mine, and terrific guy: Ron Dermer.  Where’s Ron?  (Applause.)  Thank you, Ron, very much.

As we gather this afternoon, our thoughts turn to the grieving families in New Jersey.  Yesterday, two wicked murderers opened fire at a kosher supermarket and killed four innocent souls, including a brave police officer who faced down the shooter and very bravely faced the shooter down.

With one heart, America weeps for the lives lost.  With one voice, we vow to crush the monstrous evil of anti-Semitism whenever and wherever it appears.  And we’re working very hard on that.  (Applause.)  And I can tell you that -- that we have a lot of people in government working very, very hard on that, and we appreciate their work.  It’s not easy.

Joining us on stage for this event are two great Jewish-American patriots: Army veteran Oscar Stewart and Border Patrol Agent Jonathan Morales.  (Applause.)  As many of you remember, both of these heroes were at the Chabad of Poway Synagogue when a killer opened fire.

And, by the way, Robert Jeffress, I see you right here.  And what a tremendous faith leader you are and a tremendous man you are.  Pastor, thank you for being here so much, also.  We appreciate it.  We have so many people and so many great faith leaders here, and I want to thank you all for being here.  It’s fantastic.  This is a great, great day.  (Applause.)  We appreciate it very much, Robert.  Thank you very much.

They raced towards the gunfire and saved countless American lives.  Oscar and Jonathan, thank you both for responding to the worst evil with the best of American valor.

This afternoon, we celebrate the miracle of Hanukkah.  More than 2,000 years ago, a ruthless tyrant persecuted the Jewish people and desecrated the Temple of Jerusalem.  But a group of Jewish patriots defeated a powerful army, rededicated the temple, and won back their right to worship God in freedom.

Recently, I received a remarkable letter from a 12-year-old boy named Austin Polonsky, from San Francisco, California. In the letter, Austin summed up the meaning of Hanukkah.  He said, “On Hanukkah…it is a tradition to light the menorah and place it by the window.  We do this to exemplify how we are not afraid to show who we are or what we believe in.”

In Austin’s letter, we [he] asked if he could celebrate Hanukkah with my family at the White House.  And this year, we are thrilled to let you know that Austin is with us today.  Where is Austin?  Where is Austin?  (Applause.)  Come on up here, Austin.  Come on up here, Austin.  Good-looking guy.  Good.  Come on, Austin.  Don’t be shy.  It’s only Bob Kraft.  (Laughter.)

You want to say a few words?  Huh?

MR. POLONSKY:  Uh, sure.

THE PRESIDENT:  Do you want to say -- come on, Austin.  Come on, Austin.  Let’s get with it, Austin.

MR. POLONSKY:  Thank you for having me at the White House today.  It was very unexpected.  My mom pulled me out of school when the White House called, and I was in the middle of lunch.  (Laughter.)  Probably one of the first times I was ever speechless.  (Laughter.)  Yeah.  Thank you for having me here.

THE PRESIDENT:  Go ahead.  You can -- (laughter and applause.)  That’s -- that’s a good -- good job, Austin.  (Applause.)  Come here.  Thank you, Austin.  Great job.  Thank you.

He didn’t know he was going to do that.  You did a good job, huh? -- (laughter) -- considering we got you by surprise a little bit, right?  Thank you.  Stay with the First Lady.  (Laughter.)

Do you know Bob Kraft and everybody onstage, right?

MR. KRAFT:  A Trump yarmulke.

THE PRESIDENT:  Is that a Trump yarmulke?  Oh, it’s a Trump yarmulke.  Wow, I like that.  (Laughter.)  Can I have that, Austin?  I want that.

Across our country, Jewish Americans strengthen, sustain, and inspire our nation.  As President, I will always celebrate and honor the Jewish people, and I will always stand with our treasured friend and ally, the State of Israel -- that, I can tell you.  (Applause.)

So, two years ago, I recognized the true capital of Israel, and we opened the American Embassy in Jerusalem.  (Applause.)  And we got it built.  They were thinking anywhere, for one billion to two billion dollars.  I did it for $350,000.  You know that.  (Applause.)  We got a building that was in beautiful shape, in the best location -- best location there is.  And we got it done.  We got it done.  We had it opened in four months, and it’s right now opened.

And, I don’t know, maybe someday they’ll build a more expensive version of it, but it can’t get much better.  Right, Robert?  I think -- and Ron can tell you, it can't get much better than what we have.  We have the best location.  They were going out.  They wanted me to sign an order for anywhere from $1 billion to $2 billion, and they were going to look for a piece of land, but they said land in Jerusalem is very rare and very expensive.  I said, "Do you think we have a piece?"

And David Friedman, our great ambassador, did a fantastic job.  (Applause.)  You did a fantastic job.  I said, "David, they want to spend $2 billion."  I said, "Go check it out.  Let me see.  Call me back."  And he said, "Sir, I think we can do it for about $250,000, maybe $300,000."  So we'll save $1 billion.  And we have a better location than any location we could have gotten, Ron, right?

And it's been open now for a long time.  So, it was great.  And we used all Jerusalem stone.  Friends of mine like Jerusalem stone.  Over here, it costs a fortune.  Over there, it wasn't so expensive.  (Laughter.)

I've also recognized Israel’s sovereignty over the Golan Heights.  That was another big one.  (Applause.)  And I said to Bob, "So…" -- Bob Kraft -- I said, "So what was bigger, Bob?  What we did for Israel in terms of Jerusalem and moving the embassy to Jerusalem, becoming the capital of Israel?  Or the Golan Heights, which you've been looking to do?"  For 52 years, they've been having meetings on the Golan Heights.  Nothing happened until I came along.

I said, "Bob Kraft, which is bigger?  Which is more important to the Jewish people?"  He said, "Neither."  I said, "What does that mean?"  He said, "What you did by terminating the Iran nuclear deal is bigger than both."  (Applause.)  I think that's true.  (Applause.)  I think that's true, Jeff.  You know?  Could be true.  I said, "I sort of agree with that."

But today, we're taking another historic action.  In just a few moments, I'll sign an executive order to combat anti-Semitism.  This action makes clear -- (applause) -- that Title 6 of the Civil Rights Act -- which prohibits the federal funding of universities and other institutions that engage in discrimination -- applies to institutions that traffic in anti-Semitic hate.  (Applause.)

So this is a very powerful document that we're signing today.  And it's been a very big story over the last number of days, when they heard.  As you know, they had almost universal support in Congress, and yet they didn't get it done.  And this has gone on for years and years.  They've almost had universal support, but there was always a roadblock.

But this year, there's no roadblock because I'm doing it myself.  It's much easier.  (Applause.)  And we have support from many in Congress.  This is our message to universities: If you want to accept the tremendous amount of federal dollars that you get every year, you must reject anti-Semitism.  It's very simple.  (Applause.)

My administration will never tolerate the suppression, persecution, or silencing of the Jewish people.  We have also taken a firm stand against the so-called Divestment and Sanctions movement, or BDS.  You know that very well.  (Applause.)

And, I have to tell you, Jared Kushner and Ivanka, they've been talking to me about this for three years now, maybe longer than that.  But I go back about three years where it's something that I could do about it, you know.  In this position, we can do things about it.  Before that, not -- not quite as much.  I'd be just like you: successful, doing nicely, but not for this.  But they've been talking -- from the beginning of the administration, they've been bringing this up.  And we forcefully condemn this anti-Semitic campaign against the State of Israel and its citizens.

We are profoundly honored to be joined this afternoon by Rosalee Glass, a survivor of the Nazi Holocaust, the darkest chapter of human history.  After the war, Rosalee came to America and started a drapery manufacturing business.  Now she has written a book, starred in an award-winning film, and is going strong at the age of 102.  (Applause.)  Where is Rosalee?  Where is -- hi.  You're looking good.  Thank you, Rosalee.  Thank you for being here.  It's an honor.  And you do -- you really fill our hearts with open joy, Rosalee.  So many people.  And we know of your story.

In honor of Rosalee and the millions of Jews who suffered unthinkable persecution, we renew our pledge now and always: Never again.  Never again.  (Applause.) 

Today, we thank God for the Jewish people, whose love and loyalty, brilliance and bravery, resilience and resolve, spirit and strength bless America and the world.

Before I sign the executive order, I'd like to ask Oscar to say a few words, and Jonathan will light the menorah.  Thank you all very much.  Thank you.

Oscar, please.  (Applause.)  Thank you, Oscar.

MR. STEWART:  Thank you, Mr. President.  Oh, boy, this is a great moment.

So what I want to say is: In Scripture, it teaches us that when the Jewish armies went to fight and to conquer the land of Israel from the Canaanites, it says the generals would speak to their men and say, "Leave, if you're afraid."  I always wondered why it says this -- that if you're afraid, to leave -- because God was fighting for them.  So I came up with some of my own: It's because you had no faith in God.

Well, today I stand with a group of people who have tremendous faith in God.  And we are all of different faiths and we're all here with one -- with one thing in mind, and that is to end hate.  And I am so proud to be standing here the day that this was signed.  This is a momentous moment in my life.

And I want to thank the President and the First Lady for everything that they've done for Israel, but more important for what they've done for America.  (Applause.)  America is a nation of many, many people, and we need to remember whatever God you pray to, whatever religion you practice, we are all Americans and we need to love each other, and that will conquer hate.  (Applause.)

Once again, thank you very much, Mr. President.  I'm deeply honored.

THE PRESIDENT:  Fantastic job.  Thank you very much.  I appreciate it.

And, by the way, I see Alan Dershowitz.  Come on up here for a second, Alan.  Wow.  (Applause.)

And I'd like to ask my friends, the pastors, to come up here.  You know, Robert -- and I have to say this to the other pastors, some of whom have been very kind -- all of them have been very kind: We've never had such evangelical Christian support.

Jeff, come on up.  Jeff.  Come on up here, Jeff.  (Applause.)  You're the one that’s doing such a good job legally to make sure all of this happens.  But Robert Jeffress -- I didn’t know him, but he -- I watched him.  And I'd watch him on different shows, and I'd say, "I like that guy.  Man, he talks really great about me.  And I like people that talk well about me."  (Laughter.)

And he was saying, "You know, he may not be the greatest Christian I've ever seen.  He may not know the Bible quite as well as the rest of us.  In fact, he may not know it very well at all."  (Laughter.)  "But that guy is a real leader.  And he's going to a job."  And I appreciated that statement.  I don’t know if I should have, but I did.  (Laughter.)  And I think we have led because I think we've made more progress toward faith leaders.  We got rid of the Johnson Amendment, which was a disaster.

So I'd like to ask if -- Robert, if you could say a couple of words, and if I could also ask Alan Dershowitz to say, and then we're going to sign a very important document.  Okay?  Robert, please.  (Applause.)  Thank you.

PASTOR JEFFRESS:  It is true, I believe President Trump is the most pro-faith President in history -- (applause) -- when you look at what he has done for people of all faiths.
And, Mr. President, you know, Jewish and Christian believers alike believe what God said to Abraham in Genesis 12 -- that God would bless those who bless Israel and He would curse those who curse Israel.

And I want to thank you, Mr. President, for being the kind of President who has the courage to stand up and be, when it comes to Israel, on the right side of history.  But most importantly, you're on the right side of God.  And that's why you are not going to fail, and we're going to stand behind you 100 percent.  (Applause.)  Thank you, Mr. President.  Thank you, Jared.

MR. DERSHOWITZ:  Great.  For 65 of my 81 years I have spent at universities all over the country and all over the world, there is no more important event in those 65 years to turn universities away from being bastions of hatred and discrimination than this executive order being signed today.  (Applause.)  It is a game changer.  It will go down in history as one of the most important events in the 2,000-year battle against anti-Semitism.

Thank you, Mr. President.  You did a great, great job.  The people who helped you do this did a great, great job.  And you will be remembered by history for all time for having signed this very important order.  Thank you.  (Applause.)

THE PRESIDENT:  Okay, should we do it?

AUDIENCE:  Yeah!

(The executive order is signed.)  (Applause.)

MR. KUSHNER:  I just want to thank President Trump for all of his leadership on behalf of America.  What we’ve seen the President accomplish over the last three years have been extraordinary.

When President Trump decided to run, there were a lot of people who weren’t sure what somebody who had never done anything in politics before would do.  And I would say that all of our expectations have been greatly exceeded.  (Applause.)

The plans that the team has put in place under the President’s leadership have produced economic miracles for this country.  And I am confident that the best is to come.  But what I believe is even more important is the President’s commitment to keeping all Americans safe, to keeping America free, to keeping America respectful of people of all faiths and religions.  And the work that the President has done to ensure that is something that will have an impact for generations to come.

So I just want to thank you for your amazing leadership and for all that you do to protect so many people.

THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you very much.  

MR. KUSHNER:  Thank you.

THE PRESIDENT:  And we’ll light the menorah.  (Applause.)  Will you do that?

MR. KUSHNER:  I think Jonathan is going to do that.

THE PRESIDENT:  How about that?  We’ll light the menorah.  Please.

MR. KUSHNER:  Jonathan.  I think you’re going to light --

THE PRESIDENT:  Go ahead, Jonathan.

(Border Patrol Agent Jonathan Morales lights the menorah.)

THE PRESIDENT:  So, everyone, thank you very much.  Again, Happy Hanukkah.  This has been a great day.  Thank you very much.  (Applause.)  Thank you.  Thank you very much.

                                   END                4:49 P.M. EST


  

TEXT OF A LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT TO THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AND THE PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE OF THE SENATE

Office of the Press Secretary
TEXT OF A LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
TO THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
AND THE PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE OF THE SENATE


December 11, 2019




Dear Madam Speaker: (Dear Mr. President:)

I am providing this supplemental consolidated report, prepared by my Administration and consistent with the War Powers Resolution (Public Law 93-148), as part of my efforts to keep the Congress informed about deployments of United States Armed Forces equipped for combat.

MILITARY OPERATIONS IN SUPPORT OF UNITED STATES COUNTERTERRORISM EFFORTS

In furtherance of counterterrorism efforts, the United States continues to work with partners around the globe, with a particular focus on the United States Central and Africa Commands' areas of responsibility.  In this context, the United States has deployed forces to conduct counterterrorism operations and to advise, assist, and accompany security forces of select foreign partners on counterterrorism operations.  In the majority of these locations, the mission of the United States military personnel is to facilitate counterterrorism operations of foreign partner forces and does not include routine engagement in combat.  In many of these locations, the security environment is such that United States military personnel may be required to defend themselves against sporadic terrorist threats or attacks, and United States military personnel deploy with weapons and other appropriate equipment for their force protection.  Specific information about counterterrorism deployments to select countries is provided below, and a classified annex to this report provides further information.

Military Operations against al-Qa'ida, the Taliban, and Associated Forces and in Support of Related United States Counterterrorism Objectives

Since October 7, 2001, United States Armed Forces, including Special Operations Forces, have conducted counterterrorism combat operations against al-Qa'ida, the Taliban, and associated forces.  Since August 2014, these operations have targeted the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), also known as the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), which was formerly known as al-Qa'ida in Iraq.  In support of these and other overseas operations, the United States has deployed combat-equipped forces to several locations in the United States Central, European, Africa, Southern, and Indo-Pacific Commands' areas of responsibility.  Such operations and deployments have been reported previously, consistent with Public Law 107-40, Public Law 107-243, the War Powers Resolution, and other statutes.  These ongoing operations, which the United States has carried out with the assistance of numerous international partners, have been successful in seriously degrading ISIS capabilities in Syria and Iraq.  If necessary, in response to terrorist threats, I will direct additional measures to protect the people and interests of the United States.  It is not possible to know at this time the precise scope or the duration of the deployments of United States Armed Forces that are or will be necessary to counter terrorist threats to the United States.

Afghanistan.  United States Armed Forces remain in Afghanistan for the purposes of stopping the reemergence of safe havens that enable terrorists to threaten the United States, supporting the Afghan government and the Afghan military as they confront the Taliban in the field, and creating conditions for a political process to achieve lasting peace.  United States forces in Afghanistan are training, advising, and assisting Afghan forces; conducting and supporting counterterrorism operations against al‑Qa'ida and against ISIS; and taking appropriate measures against those who provide direct support to al-Qa'ida, threaten United States and coalition forces in Afghanistan, or threaten the viability of the Afghan government or the ability of the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces to achieve campaign success.  The United States remains in an armed conflict, including in Afghanistan and against the Taliban, and active hostilities remain ongoing.

Iraq and Syria.  As part of a comprehensive strategy to defeat ISIS, United States Armed Forces are conducting a systematic campaign of airstrikes and other necessary operations against ISIS forces in Iraq and Syria and against al-Qa'ida in Syria.  With the territorial defeat of ISIS, I have ordered the majority of United States Armed Forces to withdraw from Syria.  A small presence of United States Armed Forces will remain in strategically significant locations in Syria to conduct operations and secure critical petroleum infrastructure, in partnership with indigenous ground forces, against continuing terrorist threats emanating from Syria.  United States Armed Forces in Iraq continue to advise, coordinate with, and provide support to select elements of the Iraqi security forces, including Iraqi Kurdish security forces.  Support to Iraqi security forces includes training, equipment, communications support, and intelligence support.  United States Armed Forces also provide limited support to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization mission in Iraq.  Actions in Iraq are being undertaken in coordination with the Government of Iraq, the Kurdistan Regional Government, and in conjunction with coalition partners.   

Arabian Peninsula Region.  A small number of United States military personnel are deployed to Yemen to conduct operations against al-Qa'ida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) and ISIS.  The United States military continues to work closely with the Republic of Yemen Government (ROYG) and regional partner forces to degrade the terrorist threat posed by those groups.  Since the last periodic update report, United States military forces conducted one airstrike against AQAP operatives and facilities in Yemen. 

United States Armed Forces, in a non-combat role, have also continued to provide military advice and limited information, logistics, and other support to regional forces combatting the Houthis in Yemen.  Such support does not involve United States Armed Forces in hostilities with the Houthis for the purposes of the War Powers Resolution.

As I reported on June 11, 2019, and on November 19, 2019, United States Armed Forces are deployed to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to protect United States forces and interests in the region against hostile action by Iran or supporting groups.  These forces, operating in coordination with the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, provide air and missile defense capabilities and support the operation of United States fighter aircraft.  The total number of United States forces in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is approximately 3,000.  

Jordan.  At the request of the Government of Jordan, approximately 2,800 United States military personnel are deployed to Jordan to support Defeat-ISIS operations, to enhance Jordan's security, and to promote regional stability.

Lebanon.  At the request of the Government of Lebanon, approximately 60 United States military personnel are deployed to Lebanon to enhance the government's counterterrorism capabilities and to support the counterterrorism operations of Lebanese security forces.

Turkey.  United States Armed Forces remain deployed to Turkey, at the Turkish government's request, to support Defeat-ISIS operations and to enhance Turkey's security.

East Africa Region.  In Somalia, United States Armed Forces continue to counter the terrorist threat posed by ISIS and al‑Shabaab, an associated force of al-Qa'ida.  Since the last periodic report, United States forces have conducted a number of airstrikes against ISIS and al-Shabaab.  United States military personnel also advise, assist, and accompany regional forces, including Somali and African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) forces, during counterterrorism operations.  Additional United States Armed Forces are deployed to Kenya to support counterterrorism operations in East Africa.  United States military personnel continue to partner with the Government of Djibouti, which has permitted use of Djiboutian territory for basing of United States Armed Forces.  United States military personnel remain deployed to Djibouti, including for purposes of staging for counterterrorism and counter-piracy operations in the vicinity of the Horn of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, and to provide contingency support for embassy security augmentation in East Africa, as required.

Libya.  Since the last periodic update report, United States Armed Forces have conducted a number of airstrikes against ISIS terrorists in Libya.  These airstrikes were conducted in coordination with the Libyan Government of National Accord.

Lake Chad Basin and Sahel Region.  United States military personnel in the Lake Chad Basin and Sahel Region continue to conduct airborne intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations and to provide support to African and European partners conducting counterterrorism operations in the region, including by advising, assisting, and accompanying these partner forces.  Approximately 800 United States military personnel remain deployed to Niger.  United States military personnel are also deployed to Cameroon, Chad, and Nigeria to support counterterrorism operations.

Cuba.  United States Armed Forces continue to conduct humane and secure detention operations for detainees held at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, under the authority provided by the 2001 Authorization for the Use of Military Force (Public Law 107-40), as informed by the law of war.  There are 40 such detainees as of the date of this report.

Philippines.  United States Armed Forces deployed to the Philippines are providing support to the counterterrorism operations of the armed forces of the Philippines.

MILITARY OPERATIONS IN EGYPT

Approximately 455 United States military personnel are assigned to or supporting the United States contingent of the Multinational Force and Observers, which have been present in Egypt since 1981.

UNITED STATES AND NORTH ATLANTIC TREATY ORGANIZATION OPERATIONS IN KOSOVO

The United States continues to contribute forces to the Kosovo Force (KFOR), led by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization in cooperation with local authorities, bilateral partners, and international institutions, to deter renewed hostilities in Kosovo.  Approximately 600 United States military personnel are among KFOR's approximately 4,000 personnel.

I have directed the participation of United States Armed Forces in all of the above-described operations pursuant to my constitutional and statutory authority as Commander in Chief and as Chief Executive (including the authority to carry out Public Law 107-40, Public Law 107-243, and other statutes), as well as my constitutional and statutory authority to conduct the foreign relations of the United States.  Officials of my Administration and I communicate regularly with congressional leadership and other Members of Congress with regard to these deployments, and we will continue to do so.

 
                             Sincerely,



                             DONALD J. TRUMP

1600 Daily The White House • December 11, 2019 Quote of the Day: The Hoax that Started it All

1600 Daily
The White House • December 11, 2019

Quote of the day: The hoax that started it all


Moment by moment, the truth about corruption in Washington is coming out.

In a Senate hearing today, Michael Horowitz—Inspector General of the Justice Department—delivered a scathing blow to the narrative pushed by Democrats and their media allies about the FBI’s surveillance of the Trump campaign during the 2016 election.

The Beltway media’s initial reaction to the report was predictable. Pundits cherry picked the parts they liked, while ignoring 17 separate falsehoods and omissions found across three surveillance applications used to justify the FBI monitoring a former Trump campaign adviser.

Fortunately, the truth often finds a way of coming to light. In today’s hearing, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) asked the tough, obvious questions that most reporters didn’t.

"Former FBI Director James Comey said this week that your report vindicates him. Is that a fair assessment?" Sen. Graham asked Horowitz.

His reply: “I think the activities we found here don't vindicate anybody who touched this.”

Rolling Stone: Horowitz report shows “years of breathless headlines were wrong.”

More: CNN grilled for refusing to cover opening statements in Horowitz testimony

A huge win for peace through strength!


Americans finally got some good news from Congress this week. In addition to an upcoming vote on USMCA, legislators have agreed to terms for the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which will fund our great American military.

All of President Trump’s top priorities were agreed to in the final deal, including:
  • The biggest pay raise for our troops in a decade
     
  • More funding to restore our military preparedness
     
  • More resources to secure our border
     
  • Paid parental leave to take care of our military families
     
  • Establishing the cutting-edge United States Space Force
     
After far too much obstruction from Congress this year, President Trump wants to close out 2019 with huge wins for working Americans. That includes this historic deal to fully fund our troops. Congress shouldn’t wait any longer to send it to his desk.

Something to share: President Trump is ready to sign the NDAA!

WATCH: The Swamp can’t take credit for President Trump’s work


Decades ago, as a private citizen, President Trump saw that Americans were being treated unfairly by NAFTA. So he ran for office—and won—on a promise to replace it.

Now, right on cue, Democrat career politicians are trying to claim credit for President Trump’s work. The reality is that he negotiated a new deal, the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA), and then House Democrats let it languish in Congress for more than a year. Finally, under pressure, Speaker Nancy Pelosi has at last agreed to bring the new deal to a vote.

That’s great news for American workers, and it should’ve happened long ago. After years of broken promises by Washington to fix NAFTA, it took President Trump to get it done.

Watch: Promises Made, Promises Kept!

Photo of the Day

Official White House Photo by Joyce N. Boghosian
President Donald J. Trump talks to members of the press on the South Lawn of the White House | December 10, 2019