Presidential Message on Kwanzaa, 2020

 

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 26, 2020

Presidential Message on Kwanzaa, 2020 The First Lady and I send our best wishes to all those observing Kwanzaa.   For many, today marks the first day in a weeklong celebration of African culture and heritage.  As families, friends, and communities light the Kinara over the next 7 days, our Nation honors the indelible contributions of African Americans to the strength and vitality of the United States.   During this time, we send season’s greetings to those celebrating and pray for the health, happiness, and unity of all Americans in the New Year.

Presidential Message on Christmas, 2020

 

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 25, 2020 Presidential Message on Christmas, 2020 The First Lady and I send our warmest wishes to all Americans as we celebrate Christmas.  While our gatherings might look different than in years past, this Christmas, like every Christmas, is an opportunity for us to celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, and show our heartfelt gratitude for the abundant blessings God has bestowed upon our lives and country. In this season of peace, we cherish the warmth, generosity, and faith that breathe life into our holiday gatherings.  The love we share with our family and friends fills our hearts with joy, just as the story of Christ’s birth inspires people all over the world.  This year, we come together as proud Americans—grateful for our sacred right to worship freely and to openly profess our trust in the enduring light and promise of the coming of God. To military families who are unable to celebrate Christmas together this year, our Nation humbly thanks you for your service and sacrifice.  We are forever indebted to those who courageously serve our country in uniform—and those who walk alongside them.  We also thank our Nation’s first responders, law enforcement officers, and frontline medical professionals who work tirelessly to serve and protect our communities.  Your daily contributions are an example of the selfless love of God and remind us of the noble principles we strive to live by, especially during this special time of year. To all Americans, and to all our friends around the globe celebrating today, we wish you a very merry Christmas and a peaceful and prosperous New Year.

Merry Christmas from President Donald J. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump

 

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 24, 2020 Merry Christmas from President Donald J. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump President Donald J. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump pose for their official Christmas portrait on the Grand Staircase Thursday, Dec. 10, 2020, in the Grand Foyer of the White House. (Official White House Photo by Andrea Hanks)

Merry Christmas from President Trump and the First Lady

 

The White House • December 24, 2020 WATCH: Merry Christmas from President Trump and the First Lady President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump wish all Americans a Merry Christmas and a wonderful holiday season. Despite the challenges posed by this year's global pandemic, the American people continue to display incredible courage and patriotism. The bond that unites us as citizens is stronger than any adversity we face. As of this month, doses from two new Coronavirus vaccines are now being administered to Americans across the country. This remarkable achievement is a testament to the strength and ingenuity that defines the American spirit.   "We are grateful for all of the scientists, researchers, manufacturing workers, and service members who have worked tirelessly to make this breakthrough possible," President Trump said. "It is truly a Christmas miracle."   The President and First Lady thank our first responders, law enforcement officers, doctors, nurses, and many others who made sacrifices this year to keep Americans safe. “Through this great challenge, we have been inspired by the kindness and courage of citizens across this country,” the First Lady said.    On behalf of the entire First Family, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

 

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 23, 2020

STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT         Today, I have signed into law S. 1014, the "Route 66 Centennial Commission Act" (the "Act").  The Act provides for a Commission made up of individuals appointed by the President, in certain cases based on the recommendations of Members of Congress, with responsibility to conduct a study on ways to honor the centennial anniversary of Route 66 and to provide recommendations exclusively to the Congress.  To avoid concerns regarding the separation of powers, my Administration will consider this Commission to be located in the legislative branch.  I also expect that the General Services Administration (GSA) will be able to fulfill the intent of section 7(d) that the GSA provide to the Commission, on request and on a reimbursable basis, the administrative support services necessary for the Commission to carry out the Act.  Consistent with the separation of powers, however, a directive from a legislative branch entity cannot be understood as binding on an executive branch entity like the GSA.                                 DONALD J. TRUMP   THE WHITE HOUSE,     December 23, 2020.

 

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 23, 2020 STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT       Today, I have signed into law S. 2981, the "National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps Amendments Act of 2020" (the "Act"), which will provide helpful changes to the governance of the NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps.  I note that section 207 of the Act purports to authorize NOAA officers to communicate directly with the Congress, free from supervision within the executive branch and free from consequence in the event they make unauthorized disclosures, such as classified or confidential information related to an ongoing investigation.  Consistent with the understanding long expressed by Presidents in signing similar legislation into law, provisions of this nature cannot detract from my constitutional authority to supervise, control, and correct NOAA officers' communications with the Congress related to their official duties, including in cases where such communications reveal sensitive information protected by executive privilege.  I anticipate that when supervising officials decide that they must defer, limit, or preclude the disclosure of sensitive information by a NOAA officer, they will contact the appropriate congressional committees promptly to begin the accommodation process that has traditionally been followed with respect to disclosure of sensitive information.                         DONALD J. TRUMP   THE WHITE HOUSE,      December 23, 2020.

Bill Announcement

 

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 23, 2020 On Wednesday, December 23, 2020, the President signed into law: H.R. 3465, the “Fallen Journalist Memorial Act, which authorizes the Fallen Journalist Memorial Foundation to establish a commemorative work in the District of Columbia to commemorate America's commitment to a free press by honoring journalist who sacrificed their lives to that cause; H.R. 4761, the “DHS Opioid Detection Resilience Act of 2019,” which requires U.S. Customs and Border Protection to implement a strategy to ensure that chemical screening devices at ports of entry are able to identify illicit narcotics at specified purity levels; S. 199, the “Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Reservation Restoration Act,” which directs the Secretary of Agriculture to transfer to the Secretary of the Interior certain Federal land to be held in trust for the benefit of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe; S. 1014, the “Route 66 Centennial Commission Act,” which creates a Route 66 Centennial Commission to study and make recommendations regarding activities the Federal government may carry out to commemorate Route 66 on its centennial anniversary in 2026; S. 2258, the “Criminal Antitrust Anti-Retaliation Act of 2019,” which prohibits employers from retaliating against certain employees who report criminal antitrust violations to a supervisor or the Federal Government; S. 2904, the “Identifying Outputs of Generative Adversarial Networks Act or the IOGAN Act,” which requires the National Science Foundation and the National Institute of Standards and Technology to support research on generative adversarial networks that are designed to produce deepfakes, which are videos, audio files, or photos that have manipulated or synthesized content; and S. 2981, the “National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps Amendments Act of 2020,” which amends provisions related to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Commissioned Officer Corps; authorizes NOAA to enter into noncompetitive co-location agreements for real property with certain entities; and reforms NOAA's procedures for addressing instances of alleged sexual misconduct.

Presidential Veto Message to the House of Representatives for H.R. 6395

 

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 23, 2020 TO THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES:        I am returning, without my approval, H.R. 6395, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (the "Act").  My Administration recognizes the importance of the Act to our national security.  Unfortunately, the Act fails to include critical national security measures, includes provisions that fail to respect our veterans and our military's history, and contradicts efforts by my Administration to put America first in our national security and foreign policy actions.  It is a "gift" to China and Russia.      No one has worked harder, or approved more money for the military, than I have -- over $2 trillion.  During my 4 years, with the support of many others, we have almost entirely rebuilt the United States military, which was totally depleted when I took office.  Your failure to terminate the very dangerous national security risk of Section 230 will make our intelligence virtually impossible to conduct without everyone knowing what we are doing at every step.      The Act fails even to make any meaningful changes to Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, despite bipartisan calls for repealing that provision.  Section 230 facilitates the spread of foreign disinformation online, which is a serious threat to our national security and election integrity.  It must be repealed.      Additionally, the Act includes language that would require the renaming of certain military installations.  Over the course of United States history, these locations have taken on significance to the American story and those who have helped write it that far transcends their namesakes.  My Administration respects the legacy of the millions of American servicemen and women who have served with honor at these military bases, and who, from these locations, have fought, bled, and died for their country.  From these facilities, we have won two World Wars.  I have been clear in my opposition to politically motivated attempts like this to wash away history and to dishonor the immense progress our country has fought for in realizing our founding principles.        The Act also restricts the President's ability to preserve our Nation's security by arbitrarily limiting the amount of military construction funds that can be used to respond to a national emergency.  In a time when adversaries have the means to directly attack the homeland, the President must be able to safeguard the American people without having to wait for congressional authorization.  The Act also contains an amendment that would slow down the rollout of nationwide 5G, especially in rural areas.      Numerous provisions of the Act directly contradict my Administration's foreign policy, particularly my efforts to bring our troops home.  I oppose endless wars, as does the American public.  Over bipartisan objections, however, this Act purports to restrict the President's ability to withdraw troops from Afghanistan, Germany, and South Korea.  Not only is this bad policy, but it is unconstitutional.  Article II of the Constitution makes the President the Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy of the United States and vests in him the executive power.  Therefore, the decision regarding how many troops to deploy and where, including in Afghanistan, Germany, and South Korea, rests with him.  The Congress may not arrogate this authority to itself directly or indirectly as purported spending restrictions.       For all of these reasons, I cannot support this bill.  My Administration has taken strong actions to help keep our Nation safe and support our service members.  I will not approve this bill, which would put the interests of the Washington, D.C. establishment over those of the American people.  It is my duty to return H.R. 6395 to the House of Representatives without my approval.                                 DONALD J. TRUMP   THE WHITE HOUSE,     December 23, 2020.

Bill Announcement

 

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 22, 2020 On Tuesday, December 22, 2020, the President signed into law: H.R. 1830, the “National Purple Heart Hall of Honor Commemorative Coin Act,” which requires the Department of the Treasury to mint and issue coins in commemoration of the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor; H.R. 3349, the “Republic of Texas Legation Memorial Act,” which authorizes the Daughters of the Republic of Texas to establish the Republic of Texas Legation Memorial as a commemorative work in the District of Columbia; S. 134, the “Combat Online Predators Act,” which increases the maximum prison term for a stalking offense if the victim is under 18 years of age; S. 578, the “The ALS Disability Insurance Act of 2019, which eliminates the five-month waiting period to receive Old Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance benefits for individuals diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS); S. 1153, the “Stop Student Debt Relief Scams Act of 2019, which establishes penalties for individuals who obtain unauthorized access of certain student loan information and to expand the existing requirements for student loan exit counseling; and S. 3703, the “Promoting Alzheimer's Awareness to Prevent Elder Abuse Act,” which requires the Justice Department to update certain best practices and training materials to address victims and witnesses who have Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.

 

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 22, 2020 Statement from the Press Secretary Regarding Executive Grants of Clemency   Today, President Donald J. Trump granted Full Pardons to 15 individuals and commuted part or all of the sentences of an additional 5 individuals.   Alfonso Costa — President Trump granted a full pardon to Alfonso Costa, a dentist from Pittsburgh.  Dr. Costa’s request for clemency was supported by Dr. Ben Carson and Jerome Bettis, as well as by numerous business associates, patients, and community leaders from Pittsburgh.  Dr. Costa pled guilty to one count of health care fraud related to false billing, took full responsibility for his conduct, served two years of probation, and paid nearly $300,000 in fines and restitution.  He has devoted much of his adult life to service to his community, including serving on the board of the Pittsburgh Opera, and doing significant service for children and the underprivileged.     Alfred Lee Crum — President Trump granted Alfred Lee Crum a full pardon.  Mr. Crum, who is now 89, pled guilty in 1952—when he was 19 years old—to helping his wife’s uncle illegally distill moonshine in Oklahoma.  Mr. Crum served three years of probation, and paid a $250 fine.  Mr. Crum has maintained a clean record and a strong marriage for nearly 70 years, attended the same church for 60 years, raised four children, and regularly participated in charity fundraising events.  Former Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein and the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Oklahoma Brian Kuester supported Mr. Crum’s request for a pardon.   Crystal Munoz — Today, President Trump commuted Crystal Munoz’s remaining term of supervised release, having previously commuted her sentence of incarceration after she had served 12 years in prison.  Alice Johnson, the Texas A&M Criminal Defense Clinic, and the Clemency for All Non-Violent Drug Offenders Foundation are among the many who supported clemency for Ms. Munoz.  Former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi supports the President’s further act of clemency today. Ms. Munoz was convicted of conspiracy to distribute marijuana based on her role in a marijuana smuggling ring.  During her time in prison, she mentored people working to better their lives, volunteered with a hospice program, and demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to rehabilitation.   Tynice Nichole Hall — President Trump has commuted the remainder of Tynice Nichole Hall’s term of supervised release.  He previously commuted her term of incarceration after she had served nearly 14 years of an 18-year sentence for allowing her apartment to be used to distribute drugs.  Alice Johnson, The Clemency for All Non-Violent Drug Offenders Foundation, and The Ladies of Hope Ministries are among the many who supported clemency for Ms. Hall. Former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi supports the President’s further act of clemency today. While in prison, Ms. Hall completed a number of job-training programs and apprenticeships, as well as coursework towards a college degree.  In addition, Ms. Hall taught prison educational programs to other inmates.  She has accepted responsibility for her past behavior and has worked hard to rehabilitate herself.    Judith Negron — President Trump has today commuted the remainder of Judith Negron’s term of supervised release.  He previously commuted her term of incarceration after she had served 8 years of her sentence.  Alice Johnson, the Clemency for All Non-Violent Drug Offenders Foundation, Change.org, and the Warden at Aliceville Federal Correctional Institution have all supported clemency for Ms. Negron.  Former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi supports the President’s further act of clemency today. Ms. Negron is a wife and mother who was sentenced to 35 years for her role as a minority-owner of a healthcare company engaged in a scheme to defraud the Federal Government.  During her incarceration, Ms. Negron dedicated her time to improving her life as well as the lives of her fellow inmates.  She completed hundreds of hours of educational programs, served as a tutor, and mentored other inmates.  Her acts of selflessness won her the praise of her prison warden.   Steve Stockman — Today, President Trump commuted the remaining prison sentence of Steve Stockman.  Former Representatives Bob McEwen and Bob Barr, along with James Dobson and L. Brent Bozell are among the many public figures who have called for Mr. Stockman’s release from incarceration on humanitarian and compassionate grounds.  Mr. Stockman is 64 and has underlying pre-existing health conditions that place his health at greater risk during the COVID epidemic, and he has already contracted COVID while in prison.  Mr. Stockman, who was twice a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Texas’s 9th congressional district from 1995 to 1997 and Texas’s 36th congressional district from 2013 to 2015, was convicted in 2018 of misuse of charitable funds.  Mr. Stockman has served more than two years of his ten-year sentence and will remain subject to a period of supervised release and an order requiring that he pay more than $1,000,000 in restitution.        Duncan Hunter – At the request of many Members of Congress, President Trump granted a full pardon to Duncan Hunter.  His pardon is also supported by former Commissioner of the Federal Election Commission Bradley Smith. Mr. Hunter has dedicated much of his adult life to public service.  Mr. Hunter represented California’s 50th Congressional District from 2013 to 2020.  Prior to his time in Congress, Mr. Hunter was an officer in the United States Marine Corps.  Inspired to enlist after the September 11, 2001 attacks, Mr. Hunter saw combat in both Iraq and Afghanistan.   In 2019, Mr. Hunter pled guilty to one count of misusing campaign funds, an offense that could have been handled as a civil case via the Federal Election Commission, according to former FEC Commissioner Bradley Smith.  He was sentenced to 11 months’ imprisonment set to begin in January 2021.   Chris Collins – Today, President Trump granted a full pardon to Chris Collins, at the request of many Members of Congress. Mr. Collins served in Congress for nearly seven years, representing the people of Western New York from 2013 to 2019.  Mr. Collins spent his early career as a successful businessman and entrepreneur, before devoting his life to public service.  In 2007, Mr. Collins was elected County Executive for Erie County, New York, a position he held for one four-year term, and in 2012 the people of New York’s 27th congressional district elected Mr. Collins to the U.S. House of Representatives.  He was subsequently re-elected to this seat three times.  During his tenure in Congress, Mr. Collins was known for his particular focus on the wellbeing of small businesses, agriculture, and sciences.  In 2019, Mr. Collins pled guilty to the charges of conspiring to commit securities fraud and making false statements to the FBI.  Mr. Collins is currently serving his 26-month sentence.   Ignacio Ramos and Jose Compean – Today, President Trump granted full pardons to Ignacio Ramos and Jose Compean. These former Border Patrol Agents have been supported by one hundred members of Congress, including Rep. Louie Gohmert, Rep. Steve King, Rep. Ted Poe, Rep. Paul Gosar, Rep. Brian Babin, as well as the U.S. Border Control Foundation and the Conservative Legal Defense and Education Fund. Mr. Ramos participates in numerous community activities and charities, and Mr. Compean is active in his local church. Both men served as Border Patrol Agents and put themselves in harm’s way to help secure our southern border with Mexico.  On one such occasion in 2005, they stopped an illegal alien trafficking 700 pounds of marijuana. When the illegal alien—who was thought to be armed—resisted arrest, Mr. Ramos shot the suspect, who fled back across the border.  For this, Mr. Ramos and Mr. Compean were charged and convicted of assault, using a firearm during a crime of violence, and deprivation of civil rights.  After they were sentenced to 11 and 12 years imprisonment, respectively, their case gained widespread attention. One hundred members of Congress, as well as the organizations above, supported Mr. Ramos’ and Mr. Compean’s release from prison. The Senate Judiciary Committee held hearings on the excessive sentence imposed on the former agents. And President George W. Bush ultimately commuted these sentences with strong bipartisan support.   George Papadopoulos – Today, President Trump granted a full pardon to George Papadopoulos.  Mr. Papadopoulos was charged with a process-related crime, one count of making false statements, in connection with Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation into possible Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election.  Notably, Mueller stated in his report that he found no evidence of collusion in connection with Russia’s attempts to interfere in the election.  Nonetheless, the Special Counsel’s team still charged Mr. Papadopoulos with this process-related crime.  At the time that Mr. Papadopoulos allegedly made the false statements, he was not represented by counsel, and, after he was arrested, Mr. Papadopoulos gave additional information on his prior statements to the Special Counsel. Today’s pardon helps correct the wrong that Mueller’s team inflicted on so many people.   Alex van der Zwaan – Today, President Trump granted a full pardon to Alex van der Zwaan.  His pardon is supported by former Rep. Trey Gowdy. Mr. van der Zwaan was charged with a process-related crime, one count of making false statements, in connection with Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation. None of his underlying conduct was alleged to have been unlawful, nor did prosecutors note any prior criminal history. Mr. van der Zwaan is a Dutch national who voluntarily returned to the United States to correct his statements and surrendered his passport upon entry.   Nicholas Slatten, Paul Slough, Evan Liberty, and Dustin Heard – Today, President Trump granted full pardons to Nicholas Slatten, Paul Slough, Evan Liberty, and Dustin Heard.  The pardon of these four veterans is broadly supported by the public, including Pete Hegseth, and elected officials such as Rep. Louie Gohmert, Rep. Paul Gosar, Rep. Ralph Norman, Rep. Bill Flores, Rep. Brian Babin, Rep. Michael Burgess, Rep. Daniel Webster, Rep. Steve King, and Rep. Ted Yoho. Mr. Slatten, Mr. Slough, Mr. Liberty, and Mr. Heard have a long history of service to the Nation.  Mr. Slatten was inspired to serve his country after the attacks of September 11, 2001, and served two tours in Iraq with the 82nd Airborne Division.  Mr. Slough served in the United States Army and deployed to Iraq with his National Guard unit.  Mr. Liberty served in the United States Marine Corps and protected United States Embassies abroad.  Mr. Heard served in the United States Marine Corps during Operation Iraqi Freedom. These veterans were working in Iraq in 2007 as security contractors responsible for securing the safety of United States personnel. When the convoy attempted to establish a blockade outside the “Green Zone,” the situation turned violent, which resulted in the unfortunate deaths and injuries of Iraqi civilians. Initial charges against the men were dismissed, but they were eventually tried and convicted on charges ranging from first degree murder to voluntary manslaughter. On appeal, the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that additional evidence should have been presented at Mr. Slatten’s trial. Further, prosecutors recently disclosed—more than 10 years after the incident—that the lead Iraqi investigator, who prosecutors relied heavily on to verify that there were no insurgent victims and to collect evidence, may have had ties to insurgent groups himself.   Weldon Angelos – Today, President Trump granted a full pardon to Weldon Angelos.  Mr. Angelos’ pardon is supported by Senator Mike Lee, Senator Rand Paul, Alice Johnson, former U.S. Attorney Brett Tolman, and others. Mr. Angelos is an active criminal justice reform advocate and champion of giving second chances. Because of mandatory minimums, Mr. Angelos was sentenced in 2002 to 55 years’ imprisonment for selling marijuana and carrying a handgun in the course of dealing.  The presiding judge called this excessive sentence “unjust and cruel and even irrational.”  Mr. Angelos was eventually released by judicial order after serving 13 years in prison, and committed to changing the world for the better through criminal justice reform advocacy. His story has been cited as an inspiration for sentencing reform, including the First Step Act, and he participated in a Prison Reform Summit at the White House in 2018.  In his own words, Mr. Angelos wants “to become whole again and put the bad choices in the past and continue changing the world for the better.”   Philip Lyman – Today, President Trump granted a full pardon to Philip Lyman.  Mr. Lyman’s pardon is supported by Senator Mike Lee, Former Rep. Jason Chaffetz, and other notable members of the Utah community. Mr. Lyman is known to be a man of integrity and character who was serving as a county commissioner in Utah when he was subjected to selective prosecution for protesting the Bureau of Land Management’s closure of the Recapture Canyon to ATV riders.  He had no other criminal history, but he was arrested and sentenced to 10 days in prison and nearly $96,000 in restitution.    Otis Gordon – Today, President Trump granted a full pardon to Otis Gordon.  Mr. Gordon’s pardon is supported by Senator Tim Scott.  Mr. Gordon has become a Pastor at Life Changer’s International Ministries since his conviction for possession with intent to distribute. In 2015, in the wake of the shooting at a Bible study in Charleston, South Carolina, Mr. Gordon led a prayer session at the United States Capitol. Mr. Gordon mentors at-risk youths in his community.  Senator Tim Scott describes Mr. Gordon as “a model citizen” since his release and “focused on helping young men avoid the same traps he once fell in.”   Philip Esformes – Today, President Trump commuted the term of imprisonment of Philip Esformes, while leaving the remaining aspects of his sentence, including supervised release and restitution, intact.  This commutation is supported by former Attorneys General Edwin Meese and Michael Mukasey, as well as former Deputy Attorney General Larry Thompson.  In addition, former Attorneys General Edwin Meese, John Ashcroft, and Alberto Gonzalez, as well as other notable legal figures such as Ken Starr, have filed in support of his appeal challenging his conviction on the basis of prosecutorial misconduct related to violating attorney-client privilege. While in prison, Mr. Esformes, who is 52, has been devoted to prayer and repentance and is in declining health.

Proclamation to Take Certain Actions Under the African Growth and Opportunity Act and for Other Purposes

 

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 22, 2020 TO TAKE CERTAIN ACTIONS UNDER THE AFRICAN GROWTH AND OPPORTUNITY ACT AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES   - - - - - - -   BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA   A PROCLAMATION        1.  In Proclamation 8618 of December 21, 2010, the President determined that the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) was not making continual progress in meeting the requirements described in section 506A(a)(1) of the Trade Act of 1974, as amended (the "Trade Act"), as added by section 111(a) of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (the "AGOA")(title I of Public Law 106–200, 114 Stat. 251, 257-58 (19 U.S.C. 2466a(a)(1))).  Thus, pursuant to section 506A(a)(3) of the Trade Act (19 U.S.C. 2466a(a)(3)), the President terminated the designation of the DRC as a beneficiary sub-Saharan African country for purposes of section 506A(a)(1) of the Trade Act.      2.  Section 506A(a)(1) of the Trade Act authorizes the President to designate a country listed in section 107 of the AGOA (19 U.S.C. 3706) as a "beneficiary sub-Saharan African country" if the President determines that the country meets the eligibility requirements set forth in section 104 of the AGOA (19 U.S.C. 3703), as well as the eligibility criteria set forth in section 502 of the Trade Act (19 U.S.C. 2462).      3.  Pursuant to section 506A(a)(1) of the Trade Act, based on actions that the Government of the DRC has taken, I have determined that the DRC meets the eligibility requirements set forth in section 104 of the AGOA and the eligibility criteria set forth in section 502 of the Trade Act, and I have determined to designate the DRC as a beneficiary sub-Saharan African country.      4.  Section 112(c) of the AGOA, as amended in section 6002 of the Africa Investment Incentive Act of 2006 (division D of title VI of Public Law 109–432, 120 Stat. 2922, 3190–93 (19 U.S.C. 3721(c))), provides special rules for certain apparel articles imported from "lesser developed beneficiary sub-Saharan African countries."      5.  I have also determined that the DRC satisfies the criterion for treatment as a "lesser developed beneficiary sub‑Saharan African country" under section 112(c) of the AGOA.      6.  On April 22, 1985, the United States and Israel entered into the Agreement on the Establishment of a Free Trade Area between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of Israel (the "USIFTA"), which the Congress approved in section 3 of the United States–Israel Free Trade Area Implementation Act of 1985 (the "USIFTA Act") (Public Law 99-47, 99 Stat. 82 (19 U.S.C. 2112 note)).      7.  Section 4(b) of the USIFTA Act provides that, whenever the President determines that it is necessary to maintain the general level of reciprocal and mutually advantageous concessions with respect to Israel provided for by the USIFTA, the President may proclaim such withdrawal, suspension, modification, or continuance of any duty, or such continuance of existing duty-free or excise treatment, or such additional duties, as the President determines to be required or appropriate to carry out the USIFTA.      8.  In order to maintain the general level of reciprocal and mutually advantageous concessions with respect to agricultural trade with Israel, on July 27, 2004, the United States entered into an agreement with Israel concerning certain aspects of trade in agricultural products during the period January 1, 2004, through December 31, 2008 (the "2004 Agreement").      9.  In Proclamation 7826 of October 4, 2004, consistent with the 2004 Agreement, the President determined, pursuant to section 4(b) of the USIFTA Act, that, in order to maintain the general level of reciprocal and mutually advantageous concessions with respect to Israel provided for by the USIFTA, it was necessary to provide duty-free access into the United States through December 31, 2008, for specified quantities of certain agricultural products of Israel.      10.  Each year from 2008 through 2019, the United States and Israel entered into agreements to extend the period that the 2004 Agreement was in force for 1-year periods to allow additional time for the two governments to conclude an agreement to replace the 2004 Agreement.      11.  To carry out the extension agreements, the President in Proclamation 8334 of December 31, 2008; Proclamation 8467 of December 23, 2009; Proclamation 8618 of December 21, 2010; Proclamation 8770 of December 29, 2011; Proclamation 8921 of December 20, 2012; Proclamation 9072 of December 23, 2013; Proclamation 9223 of December 23, 2014; Proclamation 9383 of December 21, 2015; Proclamation 9555 of December 15, 2016; Proclamation 9687 of December 22, 2017; Proclamation 9834 of December 21, 2018; and Proclamation 9974 of December 26, 2019, modified the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States ("HTS") to provide duty-free access into the United States for specified quantities of certain agricultural products of Israel, each time for an additional 1-year period.      12.  On December 3, 2020, the United States entered into an agreement with Israel to extend the period that the 2004 Agreement is in force through December 31, 2021, and to allow for further negotiations on an agreement to replace the 2004 Agreement.      13.  Pursuant to section 4(b) of the USIFTA Act, I have determined that it is necessary, in order to maintain the general level of reciprocal and mutually advantageous concessions with respect to Israel provided for by the USIFTA, to provide duty-free access into the United States through the close of December 31, 2021, for specified quantities of certain agricultural products of Israel, as provided in Annex I of this proclamation.      14.  Section 604 of the Trade Act (19 U.S.C. 2483) authorizes the President to embody in the HTS the substance of the relevant provisions of that Act, and of other Acts affecting import treatment, and actions thereunder, including removal, modification, continuance, or imposition of any rate of duty or other import restriction.       15.  The Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act, as amended (the "CBERA"), (title II of Public Law 98-67, 97 Stat. 384 (19 U.S.C. 2701 et seq.)), instituted a duty preference program that applies to a product of a Caribbean Basin country that has been designated by the President as a beneficiary country.  On October 10, 2020, the President signed into law the Extension of the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act (Public Law 116-164, 134 Stat. 758), which extends certain preferential tariff treatment accorded under the CBERA to September 30, 2030.  I have determined, pursuant to section 604 of the Trade Act, that it is necessary to modify the HTS to reflect the extension of the CBERA.       16.  On August 21, 2020, in accordance with section 103(a)(2) of the Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities and Accountability Act of 2015 (the "Trade Priorities Act") (title I of Public Law 114-26, 129 Stat. 319, 333 (19 U.S.C. 4202(a)(2))), I notified the Congress that I intended to enter into an agreement regarding tariff barriers with the European Union under section 103(a) of the Trade Priorities Act.  On November 20, 2020, the United States entered into such an agreement with the European Union.       17.  Section 103(a)(1) of the Trade Priorities Act authorizes the President to proclaim such modification of any existing duty as the President determines to be required or appropriate to carry out a trade agreement entered into under section 103(a).  The President generally may proclaim such modification provided that the modification does not reduce the rate of duty to a rate that is less than 50 percent of the rate of such duty that applied on June 29, 2015; does not reduce the rate of duty below that applicable under the Uruguay Round Agreements or a successor agreement on any import-sensitive agricultural product; and does not increase the rate of duty above the rate of such duty that applied on June 29, 2015.         18.  Pursuant to section 103(a) of the Trade Priorities Act, I have determined that it is required and appropriate to modify existing duties with respect to certain goods to carry out the agreement regarding tariff barriers with the European Union for such time as the European Union carries out the agreement.      NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, acting under the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including section 506A(a)(1) and section 604 of the Trade Act; sections 111(a) and 112(c) of the AGOA; section 6002 of the Africa Investment Incentive Act of 2006; section 4(b) of the USIFTA Act; and section 103(a) of the Trade Priorities Act, do proclaim that:      (1)  The DRC is designated as a beneficiary sub‑Saharan African country for purposes of section 506A of the Trade Act.      (2)  In order to reflect this designation in the HTS, general note 16(a) to the HTS is modified by inserting in alphabetical sequence in the list of beneficiary sub-Saharan African countries "Democratic Republic of the Congo".      (3)  For purposes of section 112(c) of the AGOA, the DRC is a lesser developed beneficiary sub-Saharan African country.      (4)  In order to provide the tariff treatment intended under section 112(c) of the AGOA, note 2(d) to subchapter XIX of chapter 98 of the HTS is modified by inserting in alphabetical sequence in the list of lesser developed beneficiary sub-Saharan African countries "Democratic Republic of the Congo".      (5)  The modifications to the HTS set forth in paragraphs (1) through (4) of this proclamation shall be effective with respect to articles that are entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after January 1, 2021.      (6)  In order to implement United States tariff commitments under the 2004 Agreement through December 31, 2021, the HTS is modified as provided in Annex I of this proclamation.      (7)  The modifications to the HTS set forth in Annex I of this proclamation shall be effective with respect to eligible agricultural products of Israel that are entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after January 1, 2021.        (8)  The provisions of subchapter VIII of chapter 99 of the HTS, as modified by Annex I of this proclamation, shall continue in effect through December 31, 2021.      (9)  In order to reflect in the HTS the provisions of the extension of the CBERA, general note 17(f)(i) is modified by deleting "September 30, 2020" and inserting, in lieu thereof, "September 30, 2030".      (10)  In order to modify duties on certain goods to carry out the agreement regarding tariff barriers with the European Union, the HTS is modified as set forth in Annex II to this proclamation.      (11)  The modifications to the HTS set forth in Annex II to this proclamation shall enter into effect on the dates indicated in Annex II and remain in effect until the date on which the European Union ceases to carry out the agreement, as determined by the United States Trade Representative (USTR) in a notice published in the Federal Register.  The HTS shall be modified to revert to the duty rate in effect on July 31, 2020, for each subheading identified in Annex II, effective on that date as determined by the USTR.  The USTR shall publish notice of such a determination in the Federal Register.      IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-second day of December, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-fifth.                                 DONALD J. TRUMP

Memorandum on the Attorney General's Authority to Use Classified Information in Connection with Review of Intelligence Activities

 

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 22, 2020 December 18, 2020   MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY OF STATE                THE SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY                THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE                 THE ATTORNEY GENERAL                THE SECRETARY OF ENERGY                THE SECRETARY OF HOMELAND SECURITY                THE DIRECTOR OF NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE                THE DIRECTOR OF THE CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE                AGENCY               SUBJECT:    Attorney General's Authority to Use Classified Information in Connection with Review of Intelligence Activities Relating to the 2016 Presidential Campaigns By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, I hereby direct the following:       Section 1.  Authority of the Attorney General.  The Attorney General is currently conducting a review of intelligence activities relating to the campaigns in the 2016 Presidential election and certain related matters.  On May 13, 2019, the Attorney General directed John Durham to conduct that review, which subsequently developed into a criminal investigation.  On October 19, 2020, the Attorney General appointed Mr. Durham to conduct that investigation pursuant to the powers and independence afforded by the Special Counsel regulations of the Department of Justice.     In a memorandum of May 23, 2019, I directed the heads of elements of the intelligence community, as defined in 50 U.S.C. 3003(4), and the heads of each department or agency that includes an element of the intelligence community, to assist the Attorney General in connection with that review, and authorized the Attorney General to declassify, downgrade, or direct the declassification or downgrading of information or intelligence that relates to his review.  In addition, the Attorney General is authorized to use classified information as he deems necessary in connection with his review, including in a grand jury or other proceeding.        Sec. 2.  General Provisions.  (a)  Nothing in this memorandum shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:           (i)   the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or          (ii)  the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.     (b)  This memorandum shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.     (c)  The authority in this memorandum shall terminate upon the conclusion of the Special Counsel's investigation, unless expressly extended by the President.  In addition, the authority of the Attorney General under the May 23, 2019, memorandum is hereby extended to terminate only upon the conclusion of the Special Counsel's investigation, unless expressly extended by the President.       (d)  This memorandum is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.                         DONALD J. TRUMP

President Donald J. Trump Announces Intent to Appoint Individuals to Key Administration Posts

 

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 22, 2020 President Donald J. Trump Announces Intent to Appoint Individuals to Key Administration Posts   Today, President Donald J. Trump announced his intent to appoint the following individuals to key positions in his Administration:   Pam Bondi, of Florida, to be a Member of the Board of Trustees of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.   Edward McMullen, Jr., of South Carolina, to be a Member of the Board of Trustees of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.   Paolo Zampolli, of New York, to be a Member of the Board of Trustees of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.   Hope Charlotte Hicks, of Connecticut, to be a Member of the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board.   Derek S. Lyons, of Texas, to be a Member of the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board.   Amy Hanson Swonger, of North Carolina, to be a Member of the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board.   Richard Grenell, of California, to be a Member of the United States Holocaust Memorial Council.   Martin Oliner, of New York, to be a Member of the United States Holocaust Memorial Council.   Susan Levine, of Arizona, to be a Member of the United States Holocaust Memorial Council.   Tim Pataki, of Maryland, to be a Member of the Board of Trustees of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in the Smithsonian Institution.   Stephanie Grisham, of Arizona, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the National Board for Education Sciences.   Jeremy Carl, of Montana, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the National Board for Education Sciences.   Russell Vought, of Virginia, to be a Member of the Board of Visitors to the United States Naval Academy.   Alexander B. Gray, of Florida, to be a Member of the Board of Visitors to the Coast Guard Academy.   Francis John Brooke, Jr., of Virginia, to be a Member of the Board of Visitors to the United States Merchant Marine Academy.   Steven W. Spandle, of New Jersey, to be a Member of the Commission on Fine Arts.   Chas Fagan, of North Carolina, to be a Member of the Commission on Fine Arts.   Rodney Mims Cook, Jr., of Georgia, to be a Member of the Commission on Fine Arts.   Perry Guillot, of New York, to be a Member of the Commission on Fine Arts.   Ezra Cohen, of the District of Columbia, to be a Member and Chairperson of the Public Interest Declassification Board.   Julie Strauss, of Virginia, to be a Member of the President’s Advisory 1776 Commission.   Peter Lamelas, MD, of Florida, to be a Member of the Medal of Valor Review Board.   Gregory Smith, of Utah, to be the United States Commissioner of the Upper Colorado River Commission.   Buffie Anderson, of Texas, to be a Member of the President’s Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities.   Kurt A. Kondrich, of Pennsylvania, to be a Member of the President’s Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities.   Kristin Yodock, of California, to be a Member of the President’s Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities.   Marcus David Bachmann, of Minnesota, to be a Member of the President’s Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities.   Norma Thompson, of Connecticut, to be a Member of the National Museum and Library Services Board.   Jennie Stapp, of Montana, to be a Member of the National Museum and Library Services Board.   Guy Pinkman, of Nebraska, to be a Member of the Advisory Committee to the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation.   Lynn Franzoi, of California, to be a Member of the Advisory Committee to the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation.   Preston Crabill, of Michigan, to be a Member of the Advisory Committee to the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation.   Sheriff Grady Judd, of Florida, to be a Member of the Coordinating Council on Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention.   Michael J. Gableman, of Wisconsin, to be a Member of the Coordinating Council on Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention.   Von L. Best, of Texas, to be a Member of the Coordinating Council on Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention.   Rachel Fulton Brown, of Illinois, to be a Member of the Cultural Property Advisory Committee.   Jenni Sue Jessen, of Colorado, to be a Member of the United States Advisory Council on Human Trafficking.   Kwami P. Adoboe-Herrera, of Ohio, to be a Member of the United States Advisory Council on Human Trafficking.   Katherine McGibbon, of Texas, to be a Member of the United States Advisory Council on Human Trafficking.   Ethan Baker, of Michigan, to be a Commissioner of the United States Section on the Great Lakes Fishery Commission.   Carrie Castille, of Louisiana, to be Director of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture.   Juan Carlos Benítez, of Guam, to be a Member of the President’s Export Council.

Bill Announcement

 

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 21, 2020

On Monday, December 21, 2020, the President signed into law:         H.R. 2246, which designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 201 West Cherokee Street in Brookhaven, Mississippi, as the Deputy Donald William Durr, Corporal Zach Moak, and Patrolman James White Memorial Post Office Building;   H.R. 2454, which designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 123 East Sharpfish Street in Rosebud, South Dakota, as the Ben Reifel Post Office Building;   H.R. 2969, which designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1401 1st Street North in Winter Haven, Florida, as the Althea Margaret Daily Mills Post Office Building;   H.R. 3005, which designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 13308 Midland Road in Poway, California, as the Ray Chavez Post Office Building;   H.R. 3275, which designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 340 Wetmore Avenue in Grand River, Ohio, as the Lance Corporal Andy "Ace" Nowacki Post Office;   H.R. 3680, which designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 415 North Main Street in Henning, Tennessee, as the Paula Croom Robinson and Judy Spray Memorial Post Office Building;   H.R. 3847, which designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 117 West Poythress Street in Hopewell, Virginia, as the Reverend Curtis West Harris Post Office Building;   H.R. 3870, which designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 511 West 165th Street in New York, New York, as the Normandia Maldonado Post Office Building;   H.R. 4034, which designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 602 Pacific Avenue in Bremerton, Washington, as the John Henry Turpin Post Office Building;   H.R. 4200, which designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 321 South 1st Street in Montrose, Colorado, as the Sergeant David Kinterknecht Post Office;   H.R. 4279, which designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 445 Main Street in Laceyville, Pennsylvania, as the Melinda Gene Piccotti Post Office;   H.R. 4672, which designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 21701 Stevens Creek Boulevard in Cupertino, California, as the Petty Officer 2nd Class (SEAL) Matthew G. Axelson Post Office Building;   H.R. 4725, which designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 8585 Criterion Drive in Colorado Springs, Colorado, as the Chaplain (Capt.) Dale Goetz Memorial Post Office Building;   H.R. 4785, which designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1305 U.S. Highway 90 West in Castroville, Texas, as the Lance Corporal Rhonald Dain Rairdan Post Office;   H.R. 4875, which designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 2201 E. Maple Street in North Canton, Ohio, as the Lance Cpl. Stacy "Annie" Dryden Post Office;   H.R. 4971, which designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 15 East Market Street in Leesburg, Virginia, as the Norman Duncan Post Office Building;   H.R. 5317, which designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 315 Addicks Howell Road in Houston, Texas, as the Deputy Sandeep Singh Dhaliwal Post Office Building;   H.R. 5954, which designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 108 West Maple Street in Holly, Michigan, as the Holly Veterans Memorial Post Office; and   S. 4902, which designate the United States courthouse located at 351 South West Temple in Salt Lake City, Utah, as the Orrin G. Hatch United States Courthouse.