1600 Daily The White House • April 10, 2020 We are Beating this Virus. Keep up the Fight!

The White House • April 10, 2020

We are beating this virus. Keep up the fight! Thanks to the selflessness and patriotism of Americans who have rallied behind President Trump’s Coronavirus Guidelines, we are slowing the spread of disease and saving many, many lives. The President’s guidelines called for 30 days of mitigation efforts, which continue through the end of April. According to health experts, these actions are paying off.   “What we have been doing has been working,” Dr. Anthony Fauci said this week. “So the call that I say every time I get to this podium is, ‘Just keep it up,’ because this is going to get us out of it. This is our best and only great public health tool.” When more people protect themselves and stay healthy, more space frees up in our hospitals to treat the sick. When more people socially distance themselves and follow President Trump’s guidelines, more time is bought to develop safe, effective treatments. Keep up the fight! The more we all do now, the sooner we’ll beat this invisible enemy.   Our best weapon: Stay 6 feet away from the nearest person    Avoid large groups: Anyone can become a carrier of disease    Take care of yourself: Get enough sleep, exercise, and call a friend     Vice President Pence: Americans’ diligence is paying off! President Trump participates in Easter blessing On Good Friday, Christians around the world pause to remember Jesus’ suffering and death upon the Cross. On Sunday, they’ll celebrate his glorious Resurrection. As America battles the deadly Coronavirus, there are some changes this year to the way we must honor this holy occasion.  President Trump: Americans believe in the power of prayer “Though we will not be able to gather together with one another as we normally would on Easter, we can use this sacred time to focus on prayer, reflection, and growing in our personal relationship with God,” President Trump said from the Oval Office. “I ask all Americans to pray that God will heal our nation; to bring comfort to those who are grieving; to give strength to the doctors, nurses, and healthcare workers; to restore health to the sick; and to renew the hope in every person who is suffering.” Watch Bishop Harry Jackson deliver the Easter blessing. Photo of the Day President Trump, joined by Vice President Pence, listens as Bishop Harry Jackson offers an Easter blessing | April 10, 2020

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

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 10, 2020 President Donald J. Trump Announces Intent to Appoint the Following Individuals to Key Administration Posts   Today, President Donald J. Trump announced his intent to appoint the following individuals to key positions in his Administration: Sean Doocey, of Massachusetts, to be the Representative of the United States of America on the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization, Department of State. Mr. Doocey most recently served as the Assistant to the President and Director of the Office of Presidential Personnel at the White House.  As the President’s chief advisor on personnel, he met regularly with the President and Cabinet Members to recommend individuals to fill the Executive Branch’s senior most leadership roles, including those at the Department of Transportation, Department of Homeland Security, Federal Aviation Administration, Transportation Security Administration, and the National Transportation Safety Board.  Mr. Doocey joined the Trump Administration as the Deputy Director of Presidential Personnel after having served on the Presidential Transition Team.  Before this, he worked for a national security consulting firm.  He began his career in the administration of President George W. Bush as a Staff Assistant at the White House.  He is a graduate of the College of the Holy Cross. Marshall Billingslea, of Virginia, to be the Special Presidential Envoy for Arms Control, Department of State. Mr. Billingslea is currently the Assistant Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorist Financing. A former Managing Director at Deloitte, he also served at the Department of Defense as Deputy Under Secretary of the Navy, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Special Operations/Low Intensity Conflict, and Deputy Assistant Secretary for Negotiations Policy.  He was Assistant Secretary General for Defense Investment at the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, and was also a senior professional staff member for national security affairs on the United States Senate Committee on Foreign Relations. Mr. Billingslea received the Secretary of Defense Medal for Outstanding Public Service, the Cross of Merit of the Minister of Defence of the Czech Republic, and the Order of the Cross of Terra Mariana of Estonia, among other awards.  Mr. Billingslea earned a B.A. from Dartmouth College and an M.A. from The Fletcher School, Tufts University. Admiral Thomas Fargo, USN, Retired, of Hawaii, to be a Member of the Board of Directors for the Presidio Trust for a term expiring May 4, 2021.

REMARKS BY PRESIDENT TRUMP AT EASTER BLESSING WITH BISHOP HARRY JACKSON

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 10, 2020 REMARKS BY PRESIDENT TRUMP AT EASTER BLESSING WITH BISHOP HARRY JACKSON Oval Office   12:09 P.M. EDT THE PRESIDENT:  Well, thank you very much.  On this Good Friday, Christians from all around the world remember the suffering and death upon the cross of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  At Easter Sunday, we will celebrate his glorious resurrection. At this holy time, our nation is engaged in a battle like never before -- the invisible enemy.  Our brave doctors, nurses, and responders -- first responders, responders of all -- are fighting to save lives.  Our workers are racing to deliver critical medical supplies.  Our best scientists are working around the clock to develop lifesaving therapeutics, and I think they’re doing really well in doing so.  Our people are making tremendous sacrifices to end this pandemic. Though we will not be able to gather together with one another as we normally would on Easter, we can use this sacred time to focus on prayer, reflection, and growing in our personal relationship with God.  So important. I ask all Americans to pray that God will heal our nation; to bring comfort to those who are grieving; to give strength to the doctors, nurses, and healthcare workers; to restore health to the sick; and to renew the hope in every person who is suffering.  Our nation will come through like never before. I thank the many families who have prayed for me and for my family.  And your prayers are felt, and I am forever grateful. I’d like to thank our great Vice President and his wonderful wife, who we all know very well, Karen, for the incredible job they do and for their service not only to the country but for their service to God.     Almost 3,000 years ago, the Prophet Isaiah wrote these words: “Darkness covers the Earth…but the Lord rises upon you, and His glory appears over you…For the Lord will be your everlasting light.” As our nation battles the invisible enemy, we reaffirm that Americans believe in the power of prayer.  We give thanks for the majesty of creation and for the gift of eternal life.  And we place our trust in the hands of Almighty God. I’d like to just wish everybody a very Happy Easter.  We’re going to be celebrating that very, very special day, and it’s going to be, hopefully, a very good weekend and a very productive weekend. And I want to thank everybody in our country and beyond for all they’ve had to put up with.  One hundred and eighty-four countries, as of this morning, are fighting this enemy and we pray for them all.  With that, I'd like to introduce Bishop Harry Jackson from Maryland, a highly respected gentleman who is a member of our faith and a person that we have tremendous respect for. Bishop, please.  Thank you. BISHOP JACKSON:  Thank you, Mr. President.  First of all, let me say thank you for the job you're doing -- you and the Vice President -- to protect our nation.  And you've included the churches in the relief efforts.  Many churches would’ve had to close down -- THE PRESIDENT:  Yes. BISHOP JACKSON:  -- had it not been for your insightful leadership.  So thank you both very much. THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you, Bishop. BISHOP JACKSON:  Good Friday, as we prepare to pray, is one of the darkest days in the Christian faith in that Christ stood in substitution for our sin.  But the resurrection is our victory.  But it parallels with the Passover. I'm going to read two verses and pray out of them about what we want to have happen.  We want this plague to pass over.  We want everyone in America to be safe. Psalm 105 says: He brought them out without -- with gold -- silver and gold, and there was none feeble among His tribes. Verse 39 goes on to say: He spread a cloud for covering, and fire to give light in the night. Let us pray: Lord, let the death angel pass over.  Let there be a mitigation of this plague, this disease.  Let medical science come forth. Lord, let us come out with a thriving economy.  That silver and gold spoken of in that passage, let it be our portion. And then, God, as we face other challenges in the future, Lord covers with a cloud by day and a fire by night. But in this great land that was set up to glorify your name, we want to break, we come against the spirit of division. Lord, let e pluribus unum be a reality in us.  Let there be a uniting of America.  Heal the divide between race, class, and gender. Once again, give this great man, our President, and give the Vice President wisdom beyond their natural limitations.  Give them insights so they can cover us, lead us, and bless us. We bless them and America in Jesus's name. Be encouraged.  Hope is on the way.  Amen. THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you, Bishop.  That’s beautiful. BISHOP JACKSON:  Thank you, my friend. THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you very much.  That was a great honor, and thank you. And thank you all.  And have a great Good Friday, and we're going to see you in a little while.  And also, if I don’t see you, have a great Easter.  Thank you very much.  Thank you. Q    Mr. President, what's your message to churches?  Should pastors have Easter services? THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you very much. Q    Can we ask you that at the briefing perhaps? THE PRESIDENT:  Yeah. Q    Okay.  Thank you.  Happy Easter. THE PRESIDENT:  You too.  Happy Easter, everybody.                                         END                 12:15 P.M. EDT

Mental Health Conference Call

April 9, 2020

Per the WH:
 
Today, President Donald J. Trump, Vice President Mike Pence, First Lady Melania Trump, and Second Lady Karen Pence spoke by telephone with hundreds of American mental health professionals, leaders, and advocates to discuss the effects COVID-19 is having on the American people.  Today’s COVID-19 call was the first to bring these four influential leaders together on one issue.  The President recognized that a great number of Americans are enduring hardships – including loneliness from social distancing, despair from being out of work, anxiety from the danger of the virus, and grief from the loss of a loved one.  President Trump thanked the doctors, counselors, and many other mental health professionals on the call for providing vital mental health services during this time through tele-health.  The mental health professionals thanked President Trump for his attention to mental health during this challenging time, including $425 million for mental health and substance abuse services included in the CARES Act, expansion of tele-Mental Health services, and increased capacity of the Disaster Distress Hotline.  President Trump remains committed to providing Americans with vital mental health resources and services and to continuing the Administration’s efforts to combat drug demand and the opioid crisis.
 
The following individuals participated:
 
The White House
President Donald J. Trump
Vice President Mike Pence
First Lady Melania Trump
Second Lady Karen Pence
Kellyanne Conway, Assistant to the President and Senior Counselor
Joe Grogan, Assistant to the President and Director of Domestic Policy
Jim Carroll, Director, White House Office of National Drug Control Policy
Tim Pataki, Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of the Office of Public Liaison
 
Trump Administration
Secretary Alex Azar, Department of Health and Human Services
Secretary Robert Wilkie, Department of Veterans Affairs
Dr. Elinore McCance-Katz, Assistant Secretary for Substance Abuse and Mental Health (SAMHSA)
 
External Participants
400 executives and leaders from mental health advocacy, policy, and provider organizations nationwide

Amid a pandemic, Voice of America Spends Your Money to Promote Foreign Propaganda

The White House • April 9, 2020 Voice of America spends your money to speak for authoritarian regimes Voice of America is a global news network funded by American taxpayers. It spends about $200 million each year on its mission to “tell America’s story” and “present the policies of the United States clearly and effectively” to people around the globe. Today, however, VOA too often speaks for America’s adversaries—not its citizens. The Coronavirus pandemic is no exception. Secrecy from the Communist Party of China allowed the deadly virus to spread across the world. Journalists should report the facts, but VOA has instead amplified Beijing’s propaganda. This week, VOA called China’s Wuhan lockdown a successful “model” copied by much of the world—and then tweeted out video of the Communist government’s celebratory light show marking the quarantine’s alleged end. Even worse, while much of the U.S. media takes its lead from China, VOA went one step further: It created graphics with Communist government statistics to compare China’s Coronavirus death toll to America’s. As intelligence experts point out, there is simply no way to verify the accuracy of China’s numbers. The Coronavirus story is just one example of this pattern. Last year, VOA helped highlight the Twitter feed of Iran Foreign Minister Javad Zarif while he was issuing threats against the U.S. and sharing Russian anti-U.S. propaganda videos. “VOA will represent America,” its guiding Charter reads. And for years after its founding during World War II, VOA served that mission by promoting freedom and democracy across the world for audiences who longed for both. Today, VOA is promoting propaganda instead—and your tax dollars are paying for it.  WATCH: The First Lady’s message to frontline responders The biggest heroes during our national Coronavirus response are America’s healthcare workers and frontline responders. First Lady Melania Trump recorded a video message thanking them this week on behalf of a grateful nation. “The President and I appreciate all that you are doing to keep the people of our country healthy and safe,” Mrs. Trump said. “In the most difficult of times, the United States never fails to rise to the occasion with both unity and strength.” “It is because of you, that the people of America are receiving the care and treatment they need.” President Trump is fighting to make sure these workers have the support they need, as well. The CARES Act, which he signed into law last month, provides $100 billion for hospitals and healthcare providers. FEMA and its partners, meanwhile, continue to work with states to distribute ventilators and other equipment across the country. Photo of the Day Multiple colored tulips border the Rose Garden of the White House | April 8, 2020

West Wing Reads Democrats Opt for Blackmail Over Small-Business Money—and the Media Covers for Them

Democrats Opt for Blackmail Over Small-Business Money—and the Media Covers for Them “What a deal for Democrats: They get to hold the economy for ransom, and the media blithely cover for them,” the New York Post editorial board writes. “On Thursday, Senate Democrats nixed a simple but urgent request to boost cash in the emergency small business loan program Congress set up this month from $350 billion to $600 billion.” “Everything is an opportunity,” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said, previewing Democrats’ plan to use the small business money as leverage for other items on their agenda. Click here to read more. “Frequently lost in the current debate surrounding hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine — should these drugs be used as treatments for the coronavirus? — is the fundamental principle of giving hope to individuals with life-threatening diseases. The emergency use authorization granted by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for these two drugs provides one such avenue to give patients hope, as does key legislation signed into law two years ago by President Donald Trump,” Mary Vought writes for Fox News. “This is fast becoming my favorite genre of journalism: A major news outlet will at first report accurately on a breaking news event, but then amend its own headline later in such a way as to make sure it does not a) reflect well on Republicans or b) reflect poorly on Democrats,” Becket Adams writes in the Washington Examiner. “We shouldn’t replicate what happened after the H1N1 health crisis by depleting our stockpile and failing to replenish items that were removed and used in the treatment of patients. President Trump, Vice President Mike Pence and their team will not repeat the mistake of the previous administration,” Rep. Andy Biggs (R-AZ) writes for Fox News.

President Donald J. Trump Approves Alaska and Idaho Disaster Declarations

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 9, 2020 President Donald J. Trump Approves Alaska Disaster Declaration  Today, President Donald J. Trump declared that a major disaster exists in the State of Alaska and ordered Federal assistance to supplement State, tribal, and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic beginning on January 20, 2020, and continuing. Federal funding is available to State, tribal, and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations for emergency protective measures, including direct Federal assistance, for all areas in the State of Alaska impacted by COVID-19. Pete Gaynor, Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Department of Homeland Security, named Michael F. O’Hare as the Federal Coordinating Officer for Federal recovery operations in the affected areas. Additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the State and warranted by the results of further assessments. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION MEDIA SHOULD CONTACT THE FEMA NEWS DESK AT (202) 646-3272 OR FEMA-NEWS-DESK@FEMA.DHS.GOV. Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 9, 2020 President Donald J. Trump Approves Idaho Disaster Declaration Today, President Donald J. Trump declared that a major disaster exists in the State of Idaho and ordered Federal assistance to supplement State, tribal, and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic beginning on January 20, 2020, and continuing. The President’s action makes Federal funding available to State, tribal, and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations for emergency protective measures, including direct Federal assistance, for all areas in the State of Idaho impacted by COVID-19. Pete Gaynor, Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Department of Homeland Security, named Michael F. O’Hare as the Federal Coordinating Officer for Federal recovery operations in the affected areas. Additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the State and warranted by the results of further assessments. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION MEDIA SHOULD CONTACT THE FEMA NEWS DESK AT (202) 646-3272 OR FEMA-NEWS-DESK@FEMA.DHS.GOV.

President Donald J. Trump Announces Intent to Nominate and Appoint the Following Individuals to Key Administration Posts

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 9, 2020 President Donald J. Trump Announces Intent to Nominate and Appoint the Following Individuals to Key Administration Posts   Today, President Donald J. Trump announced his intent to nominate the following individuals to key positions in his Administration: Michele A. Pearce, of Virginia, to be General Counsel of the Department of the Army. Ms. Pearce currently serves as the Principal Deputy General Counsel of the United States Army. Previously, Ms. Pearce served as the Department of Defense Deputy General Counsel for Legislation.  She has served in multiple senior roles, including as Senior Defense Advisor to United States Senator Susan Collins, and on the United States House Armed Services Committee as the Staff Lead and Counsel of the Subcommittee on Readiness, Staff Lead of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, and Counsel of the Military Personnel Subcommittee. During her twenty three years of Federal service, Ms. Pearce also served as a judge advocate in the United States Air Force and as the Chief Clerk for the Chief Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces.  Additionally, she served on the Board of Trustees of the Judge Advocate General’s School Foundation and the Board of Directors of the Nevada Rape Crisis Center.

Readout of First Lady Melania Trump’s Call with Mrs. Akie Abe of Japan

Office of the First Lady FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 9, 2020

Readout of First Lady Melania Trump’s Call with Mrs. Akie Abe of Japan   Last night, First Lady Melania Trump spoke with Mrs. Akie Abe of Japan. Mrs. Trump expressed her condolences for those who have lost their lives to the coronavirus in Japan.  She also reaffirmed her appreciation for the high level of collaboration between the United States and Japan as both nations stand together during this global pandemic. Mrs. Trump expressed optimism that the spirit of unity will help carry both nations through this difficult period.  Mrs. Trump and Mrs. Abe agreed to remain in contact as both nations continue fighting to defeat the coronavirus pandemic.

Readout of First Lady Melania Trump’s Call with Mrs. Laura Mattarella of the Italian Republic

Office of the First Lady FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 8, 2020

Readout of First Lady Melania Trump’s Call with Mrs. Laura Mattarella of the Italian Republic   Today, First Lady Melania Trump spoke with Mrs. Laura Mattarella of the Italian Republic.  Mrs. Trump gave her heartfelt condolences for the many Italians who have lost their lives to the coronavirus. She also expressed optimism and hope that the positive trend would continue in Italy and stressed that the American people stand with our allay, including providing $100 million in assistance with hope that in coming weeks we can defeat the pandemic.

Proclamation on National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day, 2020

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 8, 2020 NATIONAL FORMER PRISONER OF WAR RECOGNITION DAY, 2020 - - - - - - - BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA A PROCLAMATION        Since our founding, brave men and women who have selflessly answered the call of duty to defend our precious liberty have shaped the fabric of our Nation.  In the course of fighting for our freedom and security, many of these heroes have been captured and often subjected to shocking conditions and unimaginable torture.  On National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day, we honor the more than 500,000 American warriors captured while protecting our way of life.  We pay tribute to these patriots for their unwavering and unrelenting spirit.      In every major conflict in our Nation's history, American prisoners of war (POWs) have stared down our enemies, knowing at any moment their captors might torture them yet again or even kill them.  These patriots, however, knew that they were fighting for something much larger than individual survival.  They persevered for the sake of their fellow POWs, comrades in arms, families, and country.      Later this year, we will commemorate the 75th anniversary of the conclusion of World War II.  Over the course of the war, nearly 94,000 American troops in the European Theater and an additional 27,000 in the Pacific Theater were captured and held as POWs.  Subjected to starvation, lack of medical care, and unimaginable suffering, these Americans endured hell on Earth.  The POWs who returned home were forever changed.  Many bore the seen and unseen scars and wounds of war, having experienced the worst of humanity.      Though we can never fully understand the depth of their brutal imprisonment and mistreatment, as Americans, it is our duty to ensure all former POWs receive the love, care, compassion, appreciation, and support they deserve.  It is our national obligation to remain mindful of the tremendous sacrifices they, their family members, and their loved ones endured over months and years of uncertainty, worry, and heartache.  May the stories of these warriors inspire us to live each day with fierce conviction, indomitable will, and everlasting pride for our country.      NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim April 9, 2020, as National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day.  I call upon Americans to observe this day by honoring the service and sacrifice of all former prisoners of war and to express our Nation's eternal gratitude for their sacrifice.  I also call upon Federal, State, and local government officials and organizations to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.      IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eighth day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-fourth.                               DONALD J. TRUMP