Secretary Steven Mnuchin on G20

December 3, 2018

At the White  House this morning Treasure Secretary Steven Mnuchin answered reporters questions regarding the recent G20 meetings in Argentina. Mnuchin  stated, “There a lot of work to be done but one specific area is a significant increase in Industrial Products. There is a specific understanding to turn the agreement the two presidents have made into a real agreement over the 90 days. Some issues will be phased in over the 90 days and some issues may need more detailed work. This is the first time there is a commitment from China that the agreement will include specific dates, specific targets, specific action. This is not going to be just kicking the can down the road.”

Secretary Mnuchin also said there they were specific discussions about tariffs  but wouldn’t comment on those specifics at this time.  “ There were very, very specific items. We have been working on this over the past hear and a half and this is the first time where they exchanged specifics and structural it es. President Xi laid out out for President Trump exactly what they are prepared to do on these issues, issues covering everything from purchasing work goods, protecting intellectual property, protecting US technology, but part of the discussion was making sure they don’t depreciate the currency to harm the US workers and US companies. They were very detailed discussions and the dinner between President Trump and President Xi  was for over three hours".

In response to a question about what impact Americans will immediately feel from this, how confident they are about China keeping their word and whether they expect more volitility Secretary Mnuchin responded, “In the very short term there will be visible changes in agriculture, you are going to see very specific changes right away. In taking President Xi at his word in his commitment to President Trump, they have to deliver on this.  President Trump has been very clear that he expects to move forward with their agreement and he reserves the ability to do additional tariffs if we are not successful".

In terms of the ‘chemistry’ between the two leaders Mnuchin stated, “There were major structural issues discussed. President Trump talked about creating real change in willingness to address issues and I think President Xi and President Trump developed  a relationship and recognize the two largest economies and understand their responsibilities”.

Secretary Mnuchin also mentioned there were specific discussions about North Korea and mentioned that Secretary of State Pompeo is doing a great job coming out of those meetings in China. He also commented that cyber issues was another topic discussed and that there is a real commitment across the board on this issue. When a reporter asked Mnuchin whether he could guarantee that China is no longer spying on us, Mnuchin had this to say, “ I  can assure you that we are going to work with intelligence, Department of Homeland Security has certain specific responsibilities, I have certain specific financial responsibilities and that we have tools to know what’s gong on and what's not going on. We are going to protect US companies and make sure they (China) lives up to their agreements, its very important to the President. They have rules and regulations that need to be changed, that was very important to President Trump".

Secretary Mnuchin also commented that this was the third major meeting between them and that President Trump extended an invitation to President Xi for a US visit and President  Xi also extended an invitation to President Trump for a China visit.

Lastly, when asked about whether the tariffs end up being paid by the taxpayer or government Secretary Mnuchin replied,” The U.S. Treasury does take in the tariffs , we are collecting tariffs”, but likened it to a real estate transaction ,” Its like real estate commissions, sometimes they are paid by the buyer and sometimes by the seller. Some of these are absorbed by the foreign producers, some are passed on to to US companies,  but of course.”

Story by Louisa @ The Goldfish Report

ANNOUNCING THE DEATH OF GEORGE HERBERT WALKER BUSH- A Presidential Proclamation

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 1, 2018

ANNOUNCING THE DEATH OF GEORGE HERBERT WALKER BUSH - - - - - - - BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA A PROCLAMATION   TO THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES: It is my sorrowful duty to announce officially the death of George Herbert Walker Bush, the forty-first President of the United States, on November 30, 2018. President Bush led a great American life, one that combined and personified two of our Nation's greatest virtues:  an entrepreneurial spirit and a commitment to public service.  Our country will greatly miss his inspiring example. On the day he turned 18, 6 months after the attack on Pearl Harbor, George H.W. Bush volunteered for combat duty in the Second World War.  The youngest aviator in United States naval history at the time, he flew 58 combat missions, including one in which, after taking enemy fire, he parachuted from his burning plane into the Pacific Ocean.  After the war, he returned home and started a business.  In his words, "the big thing" he learned from this endeavor was "the satisfaction of creating jobs." The same unselfish spirit that motivated his business pursuits later inspired him to resume the public service he began as a young man.  First, as a member of Congress, then as Ambassador to the United Nations, Chief of the United States Liaison Office in China, Director of Central Intelligence, Vice President, and finally President of the United States, George H.W. Bush guided our Nation through the Cold War, to its peaceful and victorious end, and into the decades of prosperity that have followed.  Through sound judgment, practical wisdom, and steady leadership, President Bush made safer the second half of a tumultuous and dangerous century. Even with all he accomplished in service to our Nation, President Bush remained humble.  He never believed that government -- even when under his own leadership -- could be the source of our Nation's strength or its greatness.  America, he rightly told us, is illuminated by "a thousand points of light," "ethnic, religious, social, business, labor union, neighborhood, regional and other organizations, all of them varied, voluntary and unique" in which Americans serve Americans to build and maintain the greatest Nation on the face of the Earth.  President Bush recognized that these communities of people are the true source of America's strength and vitality. It is with great sadness that we mark the passing of one of America's greatest points of light, the death of President George H.W. Bush. NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, in honor and tribute to the memory of President George H.W. Bush, and as an expression of public sorrow, do hereby direct that the flag of the United States be displayed at half-staff at the White House and on all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions for a period of 30 days from the day of his death.  I also direct that, for the same length of time, the representatives of the United States in foreign countries shall make similar arrangements for the display of the flag at half‑staff over their embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.      I hereby order that suitable honors be rendered by units of the Armed Forces under orders of the Secretary of Defense.      I do further appoint December 5, 2018, as a National Day of Mourning throughout the United States.  I call on the American people to assemble on that day in their respective places of worship, there to pay homage to the memory of President George H.W. Bush.  I invite the people of the world who share our grief to join us in this solemn observance.      IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of December, in the year of our Lord two thousand eighteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-third.                               DONALD J. TRUMP

Statement from President Donald J. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump on the Passing of Former President George H.W. Bush

December 1, 2018

Statement from President Donald J. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump on the Passing of Former President George H.W. Bush

 
Melania and I join with a grieving Nation to mourn the loss of former President George H.W. Bush, who passed away last night.

Through his essential authenticity, disarming wit, and unwavering commitment to faith, family, and country, President Bush inspired generations of his fellow Americans to public service—to be, in his words, “a thousand points of light” illuminating the greatness, hope, and opportunity of America to the world.

President Bush always found a way to set the bar higher.  As a young man, he captained the Yale baseball team, and then went on to serve as the youngest aviator in the United States Navy during the Second World War.  Later in life, he rose to the pinnacle of American politics as a Congressman from Texas, envoy to China, Director of Central Intelligence, Vice President of eight years to President Ronald Reagan, and finally President of the United States.

With sound judgement, common sense, and unflappable leadership, President Bush guided our Nation, and the world, to a peaceful and victorious conclusion of the Cold War.  As President, he set the stage for the decades of prosperity that have followed.  And through all that he accomplished, he remained humble, following the quiet call to service that gave him a clear sense of direction.

Along with his full life of service to country, we will remember President Bush for his devotion to family—especially the love of his life, Barbara.  His example lives on, and will continue to stir future Americans to pursue a greater cause.  Our hearts ache with his loss, and we, with the American people, send our prayers to the entire Bush family, as we honor the life and legacy of 41.

President Donald J. Trump Approves Alaska Emergency Declaration

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 30, 2018

President Donald J. Trump Approves Alaska Emergency Declaration                                                                                                                      Today, President Donald J. Trump declared that an emergency exists in the State of Alaska and ordered Federal assistance to supplement State, Tribal, and local response efforts due to the emergency conditions in the areas affected by an earthquake on November 30, 2018. The President’s action authorizes the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to coordinate all disaster relief efforts which have the purpose of alleviating the hardship and suffering caused by the emergency on the local population, and to provide appropriate assistance for required emergency measures, authorized under title V of the Stafford Act, to save lives and to protect property and public health and safety, and to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe. Specifically, FEMA is authorized to identify, mobilize, and provide, at its discretion, equipment and resources necessary to alleviate the emergency’s impacts.  Emergency protective measures, limited to direct Federal assistance, will be provided at 75 percent Federal funding in Anchorage Municipality, Kenai Peninsula Borough, and Matanuska-Susitna Borough. Brock Long, Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Department of Homeland Security, named Willie G. Nunn as the Federal Coordinating Officer for Federal recovery operations in the affected areas.

National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, 2018- A Presidential Proclamation

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 30, 2018 National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, 2018 - - - - - - - By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation        During National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, we recommit ourselves to the fight against impaired driving.  Every day, lives are needlessly lost and irreparably altered by collisions involving drugs or alcohol.  These horrible tragedies are avoidable, and each of us must make responsible decisions to prevent them and keep our communities safe.      Operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, illicit drugs, or certain medications can have devastating consequences.  In 2017, more than 10,000 people died in alcohol-related crashes in the United States, accounting for 29 percent of all traffic fatalities.  Drunk or drugged drivers experience diminished judgment and decreased motor coordination and reaction time, putting at grave risk passengers, pedestrians, and other drivers.      My Administration is committed to raising public awareness about the dangers of impaired driving, and to supporting innovative ways of reducing related fatalities.  This month in particular, we recognize the public safety professionals and law enforcement officers who work to protect our communities by removing dangerously impaired drivers from the road.  We also express our great appreciation for the emergency responders across America who save lives through rescue operations on our roads on a daily basis.  We continue our efforts to eliminate outdated regulations that unnecessarily hamper the ability of American companies to help reduce instances of impaired driving through innovations such as ride hailing services and Advanced Vehicle Technology.  Additionally, we are providing treatment for those suffering from alcohol and substance abuse, improving data collection and toxicology practices, and ensuring that our law enforcement professionals receive vital resources to help prevent impaired driving and to respond to the tragedies it causes.      Every American can take a few simple steps to make our roads safer.  We hope every driver commits to making responsible and safe decisions when driving, including driving sober, finding a designated driver, and keeping loved ones from getting behind the wheel while impaired.  By educating our communities on the importance of driving sober, we can help avoid loss of life, debilitating injuries, and unbearable heartache.  We must act to protect our loved ones and eliminate fatalities that prevent our fellow Americans from enjoying full and happy lives.      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 December 2018 as National Impaired Driving Prevention Month.  I urge all Americans to make responsible decisions and take appropriate measures to prevent impaired driving.      IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of November, in the year of our Lord two thousand eighteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-third.                               DONALD J. TRUMP

REMARKS BY PRESIDENT TRUMP AND PRIME MINISTER MORRISON OF AUSTRALIA BEFORE PULL-ASIDE MEETING

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 30, 2018

REMARKS BY PRESIDENT TRUMP AND PRIME MINISTER MORRISON OF AUSTRALIA BEFORE PULL-ASIDE MEETING Centro Costa Salguero Buenos Aires, Argentina   3:08 P.M. AST      PRESIDENT TRUMP:  Thank you very much, everybody.  It’s an honor to be with the Prime Minister of Australia, Prime Minister Morrison.  And we’ve just gotten to know each other, and so far, so good, I have to tell you.  I think it’s going to be a great relationship.  And we certainly anticipate having a fantastic relationship -- always -- with Australia.      I know you’ve done a fantastic job in a very short period of time.  You’ve done a lot of the things that they’ve wanted over there and that’s why you’re sitting right here.  And so I congratulate you. But it’s an honor, and we will be with Australia and you all the way.      PRIME MINISTER MORRISON:  Well, thank you.  Thank you very much, Mr. President.  Australia and the United States have always been the greatest of friends -- not just in periods of strategic cooperation, but economically.  And the people-to-people relationships -- well, there’s none better.      PRESIDENT TRUMP:  Thank you very much, everybody.  Thank you.  Appreciate it.      Q    Mr. President, will you be exchanging pleasantries with Putin?  Will you be exchanging pleasantries with Putin?      PRESIDENT TRUMP:  I don’t know.  Not particularly.  I don’t know.                              END                3:10 P.M. AST

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 30, 2018 PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP IS PROMOTING REGIONAL PROSPERITY AND SECURITY   “My Administration is dedicated to securing human rights in Cuba and Venezuela, and strengthening our cultural and philosophical ties with all our Latin American partners.” – President Donald J. Trump   PARTNERING TO PROMOTE REGIONAL PROSPERITY: President Donald J. Trump is using the G20 Summit to work with partners to promote economic prosperity for the Americas. The Administration is working through the “Americas Crece” initiative to expand exports, enhance energy and infrastructure security, and increase investment throughout the region.  President Trump continues to work to secure free and fair trade with America’s allies and improve access to regional markets in Latin America. Recently, it was announced that the Argentine market has been reopened to American beef. This followed a deal announced last year to open Argentina to American pork. This week on the sidelines of the G20, the United States signed a framework to strengthen infrastructure and energy cooperation with Argentina for years to come. The Overseas Private Investment Corporation also signed letters of interest for six projects in Argentina that are expected to attract more than $3 billion in investment. These projects are in key areas, including energy production, transportation infrastructure, and pipeline construction. Expanding commercial relations with our neighbors is a key part of the Administration’s effort to push back against unfair trade and investment practices and to protect the economic security of the region.   Increased United States investment in Argentina and the region will improve our partners’ resiliency against predatory lending. DEFENDING DEMOCRATIC VALUES: President Trump is standing up to authoritarian regimes across the region. President Trump is challenging autocratic regimes in the region that refuse to respect their people’s call for democracy. In Venezuela, the Trump Administration has imposed sanctions against the corrupt Maduro regime and its enablers. The Trump Administration has imposed sanctions on Cuban military and intelligence services for their continued actions to undermine democracy. This week, the President signed an Executive Order imposing sanctions on Nicaraguan officials for their dismantling of democratic institutions and human rights abuses. This Order will enable the Administration to target members and associates of the regime for its indiscriminate human rights abuses and rampant corruption.  ENHANCING REGIONAL SECURITY: The Trump Administration is working with allies to enhance regional security.  President Trump is working closely with allies in the region to combat transnational criminal networks and terrorist organizations. The Trump Administration has partnered with Argentina to push for greater law enforcement cooperation to help combat organized crime and terrorism. Together, the United States and its partners are working to decrease the illicit flows of drugs, cash, and weapons and to combat human smuggling.

REMARKS BY PRESIDENT TRUMP, PRIME MINISTER ABE OF JAPAN, AND PRIME MINISTER MODI OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDIA BEFORE TRILATERAL MEETING

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 30, 2018   REMARKS BY PRESIDENT TRUMP, PRIME MINISTER ABE OF JAPAN, AND PRIME MINISTER MODI OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDIA BEFORE TRILATERAL MEETING Centro Costa Salguero Buenos Aires, Argentina   2:39 P.M. AST      PRESIDENT TRUMP:  Thank you very much.  It's a great honor to be with Prime Minister Modi of India, and, as you know, Prime Minister Abe of Japan.  And we just had a great meeting, and we're having now what we call a "trilat."      The relationships between our three countries is extremely -- extremely good, extremely strong.  I think, with India, maybe stronger than ever.  And with Japan, I think, stronger than ever.  We're doing very well together.  We're doing a lot of trade together.  We're doing a lot of defense together, a lot of military purchases.      And we're going to now have a little discussion between the three of us.  So thank you very much.      Mr. Prime Minister.      PRIME MINISTER MODI:  (As interpreted.)  I feel this is a very good occasion for our three countries -- countries which have shared values, democratic values -- Japan, America, and India together.  We will be playing a big role together for world peace, prosperity, and stability.      I'm also happy that both the countries are our strategic partners.  Both of them are very good friends.  And the three countries together -- it is a matter of good fortune that we will work together. When you look at the acronym of our three countries -- Japan, America, and India -- it is "JAI," which, in Hindi or in India, in general, is for "success."  In a way, this "JAI" -- "success," this message -- is a good message that goes out.  It's a good beginning. And together, as I said earlier, we'll be playing a very big role to work together for world peace, prosperity, and stability.     PRIME MINISTER ABE:  (As interpreted.)  I am very delighted to hold the first-ever Japan-U.S.-India trilateral summit meeting today.  Japan, the U.S., and India share fundamental values and strategic interests.  And I certainly hope to further reinforce our trilateral partnership and to continuing our close cooperation toward realizing a free and open Indo-Pacific. By having three of us working together, we'll bring more prosperity and more stability in the region, as well as globally. PRESIDENT TRUMP:  Thank you very much. Q    Mr. President, what did you discuss with MBS? PRESIDENT TRUMP:  We had no discussion.  We had no discussion.  We might, but had none. Thank you very much everybody.                         END                2:43 P.M. AST

REMARKS BY PRESIDENT TRUMP AND PRIME MINISTER ABE OF JAPAN BEFORE BILATERAL MEETING

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 30, 2018 REMARKS BY PRESIDENT TRUMP AND PRIME MINISTER ABE OF JAPAN BEFORE BILATERAL MEETING Centro Costa Salguero Buenos Aires, Argentina   1:50 P.M. AST PRESIDENT TRUMP:  So it's a great honor to be with my friend, Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan, who has just had a very big success in his election.  He won by a massive amount.  And I'm not surprised at all. I just want to say that we have many things that we'll be talking about, in particular protection, military-type.  Also trade -- we're doing a lot of business with Japan and trade.  The deficit is coming down.  It's a massive deficit between the -- between Japan and the United States, and it's coming down.  Japan is buying large amounts of our fighter jets, our F-35s and others, and we appreciate it very much.  But they are really working with me on trying to balance our deficit, because we do have a deficit that is pretty substantial with Japan.  We hope that we're going to be balancing it very quickly. Just in finishing, we're two countries that are doing very well in many different ways.  Our military working together, having to do with North Korea and other factors, really has been very strong.  Our partnership has been quite extraordinary, and we will be together for a long time. I think probably there's no time in our history where we're closer.  And I'll be going to a tremendous event in Japan; I was very honored to be invited.  Your Emperor.      PRIME MINISTER ABE:  (As interpreted.)  So once again, from the outset, I would like congratulate you on your historic victory in the midterm election in the United States. And, as of now, as you rightly mentioned, the alliance between Japan and the United States has become more robust than ever.  And also this mere fact that we are having another round of summit meeting on the margins of this G20 Summit is actually the symbol of the robustness of our alliance.      So every time, when we see each other, we always have a very candid discussion.  And today, I look forward to having another candid discussion with you on the regional affairs, including North Korea, as well as Japan and U.S. economic relations, of course including our trade relations and other important topics.      PRESIDENT TRUMP:  Thank you very much, Shinzo.  Thank you.     Thank you all very much.  Appreciate it.  Thank you.      Q    Mr. President, why cancel the Putin summit?          PRESIDENT TRUMP:  Thank you very much. Ukraine.  Purely and simply -- Ukraine.  We don't like what happened.  We're not happy about it; nobody is.  And hopefully they'll be able to settle it out soon because we look forward to meeting with President Putin.  But on the basis of what took place with respect to the ships and the sailors, that was the sole reason.      Thank you very much everybody.      Q    Mr. President, will you be talking about China?      PRESIDENT TRUMP:  We'll be meeting with China, as you know.  Yes.  We'll be meeting tomorrow, and we've already spoken.  And we're working very hard.  If we could make a deal, that would be good.  I think they want to, and I think we'd like to.  And we'll see.      But we'll be meeting with President Xi in a little while, but in -- for the most part, tomorrow, I would say, would be our big meeting.  But, in the meantime, people are working, our staff is working, and we have a lot of very talented people working.  Larry Kudlow's representatives are dealing with them on a constant basis.      There's some good signs.  We'll see what happens.  Thank you.  Thank you.  Good question.      Thank you very much everybody.  Thank you.                                END                 1:56 P.M. AST

President Donald J. Trump Approves Disaster Declaration for the Tohono O’odham Nation

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 30, 2018

President Donald J. Trump Approves Disaster Declaration for the Tohono O’odham Nation Today, President Donald J. Trump declared that a major disaster exists for Tohono O’odham Nation and ordered Federal aid to supplement the Tribe’s efforts in the areas affected by severe storms and flooding from October 1 to October 3, 2018. Federal funding is available to the Tohono O’odham Nation and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe storms and flooding. Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures for the Tohono O’odham Nation. Brock Long, Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Department of Homeland Security, named Mark Wingate 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 Tribe and warranted by the results of further damage assessments. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION MEDIA SHOULD CONTACT:  FEMA NEWS DESK AT (202) 646-3272 OR FEMA-NEWS-DESK@FEMA.DHS.GOV

World AIDS Day, 2018 Presidential Proclamation

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 30, 2018 World AIDS Day, 2018 - - - - - - - By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation        For more than three decades, our Nation and the world have confronted the challenges posed by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).  Today, thanks to lifesaving medications, an HIV/AIDS diagnosis does not have to be a death sentence.  On World AIDS Day, we remember the 35 million lives that have sadly been cut short by this terrible disease, and we renew our pledge to stand with those living with it until it is eliminated from our communities.      Medical advancements and procedures have transformed HIV from a disease that meant nearly certain death into a generally manageable, chronic condition.  Antiretroviral drugs and therapies help control the virus so that people with HIV can experience healthy and productive lives with reduced risk of transmitting it to others.  With these long‑sought solutions now at our disposal, we have the ability to help alleviate the pain and needless suffering of our fellow Americans living with HIV, their family and friends, and the millions of others around the world living with this disease.      Our efforts to connect those affected by this disease with high‑quality healthcare are dramatically improving many lives.  The 2017 National HIV/AIDS Strategy (NHAS) progress report indicates a significant increase of Americans living with HIV.  These people are now able to suppress the virus with medication.  But we cannot rest on this progress.  In recent years, opioids and other injected drugs have caused HIV outbreaks in communities rarely affected before the outbreak of the epidemic.  We must continue to work to eliminate the stigma that surrounds HIV so that no one is afraid to learn their HIV status, treat their condition if HIV infected, and prevent infection if they are at risk.      My Administration remains steadfastly focused on achieving the NHAS goals for 2020.  These goals are within our reach, but achieving them will require continued coordinated work with local and State governments, faith‑based and charitable organizations, and many others.  One such critical component of our domestic public health response is the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program.  Working with cities, counties, States, and local community-based programs, this program provides a comprehensive system of HIV care, lifesaving medications, and essential support services to more than half a million low‑income people in the United States each year.      We also remain committed to collaborating with both national and international stakeholders through the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).  For 15 years, PEPFAR has devoted American resources to critical HIV prevention, treatment, and care to some of the world's most vulnerable populations, helping to save more than 17 million lives.  PEPFAR has continued to support a rapid acceleration of HIV prevention by using data to increase program performance, mobilize domestic resources, and support local partners for sustainable implementation.  Through this program, we are supporting lifesaving HIV treatment for more than 14 million people and have enabled more than 2 million babies of HIV‑infected mothers to be born HIV-free.      With American leadership, the HIV/AIDS pandemic has shifted from crisis toward control.  Hope and life are prospering where death and despair once prevailed.  A generation that could have been lost is instead thriving and building a brighter future.  For the first time in modern history, we have the ability to sustainably control an epidemic, despite the absence of a vaccine or cure, and create a future of flourishing, stable communities in the United States and around the globe.      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 laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim December 1, 2018, as World AIDS Day.  I urge the Governors of the States and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, officials of the other territories subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, and American people to join me in appropriate activities to remember those who have lost their lives to AIDS and to provide support and compassion to those living with HIV.      IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of November, in the year of our Lord two thousand eighteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-third.                              DONALD J. TRUMP

Statement of Support: H.R. 1677 – Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act of 2018

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 30, 2018

Statement of Support: H.R. 1677 – Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act of 2018 The Administration strongly supports the passage of H.R. 1677, the “Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act of 2018.”  The bill would add to a robust set of tools at the Administration’s disposal to help bring to an end the heartbreaking ongoing tragedy in Syria and to hold Syrian officials accountable for the slaughter of civilians and other atrocities.  This bill will help provide additional leverage to achieve the United States government’s objectives to de-escalate the military conflict and support the United Nations-led peace process and a transition to a government in Syria that honors the will of the Syrian people, respects the rule of law and human rights, and peacefully co-exists with its neighbors in the region. At its core, the bill provides additional tools designed to deny the Assad regime and its proxies access to the international financial system and to block the financial and other support that fuels the murder of innocent Syrians.  In addition, it would facilitate the continued use of economic sanctions and visa restrictions to hold accountable members of the Assad regime who are responsible for or complicit in the serious human rights abuses and war crimes committed against innocent Syrians.  As the President has said, every solution to the humanitarian crisis in Syria must also include a strategy to address the brutal regime that has fueled and financed it: the corrupt dictatorship in Iran. The Administration remains committed to our objectives in Syria of liberating remaining territory from ISIS control, enabling the safe delivery of humanitarian aid, de-escalating the violence, deterring the Assad regime’s further use of chemical weapons, and advancing the United Nations-led political resolution track called for in United Nations Security Council Resolution 2254.  The President has made clear that United States partners and allies must share the burden in achieving these aims.  The Administration would interpret the bill consistent with these objectives, which are in the national security interest of the United States.  The Administration would also interpret the bill consistent with the protections provided under the American Servicemembers’ Protection Act of 2002.