REMARKS BY PRESIDENT TRUMP AT THE OPPORTUNITY ZONE CONFERENCE WITH STATE, LOCAL, TRIBAL, AND COMMUNITY LEADERS

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 17, 2019 REMARKS BY PRESIDENT TRUMP AT THE OPPORTUNITY ZONE CONFERENCE WITH STATE, LOCAL, TRIBAL, AND COMMUNITY LEADERS Eisenhower Executive Office Building South Court Auditorium   2:15 P.M. EDT          THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you very much.  Please, sit down.  Please.  It's a great honor.  I want to thank Larry.  He's been fantastic.  We've had a lot of good luck together over the years, and he's been -- really, he stepped up to the plate.  And we're zooming and our country is doing well. We're the hottest economy in the world.  We're, by far, the biggest economy in the world.  We weren't when I first came.  It was heading in the wrong direction and now we're in the right direction. Our trade deal with China is moving along and it's moving along nicely.  And we're asking for a lot of things.  And I have a feeling we'll be successful, and it'll be good for both countries.  But that's moving along quite well.  You'll be hearing about it very, very shortly. Today, we are proud to be joined by state and local leaders from both parties, including mayors and county commissioners -- people I know very well, in some cases.  In some cases -- I hate to say it; probably shouldn't admit it -- people I've dealt with in my pre-life.  (Laughter.)  And there are a lot of professionals, I will tell you.  I know very well what you do and there's great professionals.  Not easy.  Economic development offers -- officers and tribal leaders and entrepreneurs and faith leaders. Paula White, thank you very much.  You've been so helpful.  Thank you, Paula.  Pastor Paula.  She's fantastic. Thank you all for pouring your heart and your soul into rebuilding our communities and restoring hope in every part of our great land.  It's what's happening. We're here to celebrate Opportunity Zones.  And who would have thought this was going to be so successful?  Who would have thought?  When we first proposed the idea, they said, "Well things like this have been talked about but it never happened."  But the numbers are incredible -- what's happened in a very short period of time.  It's really a crucial part of our new tax law to help low-income Americans. As you know, this vital provision gives businesses a massive incentive to invest and create jobs in our nation’s most underserved communities. I want to thank Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Secretary Ben Carson, who were right here.  And they are.  (Laughter.)  They're waving to me through the door.  (Laughter.)  And that's okay.  Just stay there, fellas.  They've already heard from me.  (Laughter and applause.)  And they're doing a great job, those two.  And for their tireless work on behalf of nearly 35 million Americans living in Opportunity Zones.  Tremendous community. Since we passed our historic tax cuts and reforms just over one year ago, wages are rising fast, and they're rising most quickly for the lowest-income Americans.  You know, you keep hearing about "for the wealthy."  It's not the wealthy.  It's for -- frankly, if you look at it, blue-collar workers, lower-income people are rising the fastest. African American unemployment, Hispanic American unemployment, Asian American unemployment have reached the lowest levels in the history of our country.  (Applause.)  That's great.  Right? New jobless claims are the lowest in 50 years.  Private employers have added an average of more than 6,500 jobs every single day.  Think of that.  It's amazing.  (Applause.) And something I'm very proud of and worked very hard with Jared and everybody on was judicial reform.  And to give inmates a second chance at life, we passed the bipartisan criminal justice reform.  So many things have happened since that's happened.  (Applause.) And very interestingly, one of the things that we've done that has helped this so much -- prisoners coming out, people don't want to hire them -- they just don't want to hire them.  It's got something -- a stigma.  Call it whatever you want.  They weren't being hired.  This is for -- I would say, since our founding, very hard for prisoners.  This is the best they've ever done, by far. They're coming out and they're having not only job offers, but they're having choice.  And employers are coming back, and we sample them -- I know some -- and they are so thrilled with what they're getting.  And I can't say in every case, because that's not the case no matter who you hire.  But they are thrilled. I had one gentleman tell me -- a man I know; a businessman -- he said, "I've hired some people coming out of prison.  I never thought I'd be doing it.  I'm doing it, and they're some of the best employees I have."      And that was done because the economy is so strong.  Because, frankly, they're having a hard time getting people.  And now they're taking people that they wouldn't have liked and they would have never taken, and they're putting them in and they're finding them to be phenomenal.      So it's never happened before like it's happening now.  People coming out of prison are getting a second and, in some cases, a third chance. I've also signed the single-largest bill to combat the opioid crisis to help free Americans from the scourge of addiction.  There's never been anything like it.  Over the last 10 years, what's going on is incredible.  And we're stopping them much more so at the border.  We will -- as soon as the wall is built, it will have a tremendous impact. And Border Patrol has been incredible.  Kevin is doing a great job.  We have an amazing group of people along the -- on the border, and Homeland Security, generally.  ICE has been incredible, what they're doing.  They're taking MS-13 out by the thousands, who came into our country.  The gangs, rough people --  they're getting them out.  So, ICE has been unbelievable.  And law enforcement, generally, has been just unbelievable, the job.  You know, our numbers are way down, meaning, in a positive way.  Crime is down very substantially from even a year ago. And we want all Americans to share in our great economic renewal.  That's why governors in all 50 states and the territories have designated 8,700 neighborhoods as Opportunity Zones.  Hard to believe: 8,700. Household income in these communities is 37 percent less than the median income in a state as a whole.  So it's 37 percent down, and we're catching them fast. In order to revitalize these areas, we've lowered the capital gains tax for long-term investment in Opportunity Zones all the way down to a very big, fat, beautiful number of zero.  (Applause.)  Zero.  That's why they're looking and they're saying, "No, I don't want to go there.  Maybe I don’t love the location.  I don't want to go."  And then they hear about the zero, and they'll say, "I think I'm going to go there."  (Laughter.)  And then they start liking the location, right?  Our great football player.  You are some player, huh?  I'll never fight you, I promise.  That'll never happen.  Great player.  Scott. Our goal is to rebuild homes, schools, businesses, and communities that need it the most.  And we have just -- I don't know, we've hit something that's very unusual.  This is a very surprising thing to everybody -- even to me, to a certain extent.  You know, you do things.  Nobody thought it was going to catch on like it's caught on. So, here with us today is the Mayor of Vicksburg, Mississippi, George Flaggs, who over the last year has worked with private investors to save and create more jobs in his city.  Where's George?  George, stand up.  Please, George.  (Applause.)  Thank you very much.  Thank you, George.  Mayor Flaggs, I want to thank you for your tremendous partnership.  You've really helped inspire us, I must say.  And you have done an incredible job.  And it wasn't easy.  It wasn’t easy all the way. And I'd like to ask, if I could -- and I'll get you up a second time, because I'd like to ask Mayor Flaggs to come up and say a few words about what this has meant.  And he really has been; he's been a great leader.  And we appreciate your knowledge, giving us some of that knowledge.  Please, Mayor Flaggs.  (Applause.) MAYOR FLAGGS:  Thank you very much.  Mr. President, thanks for the honor to be here this day.  And I will say first that I think we was the first Opportunity Zone that was created as a result of your tax cut and your -- the other opportunities.      But let me just say this: As a mayor of a city and former legislator for 25 years, I’ve never seen any piece of legislation that allows more collaboration between federal, state, and local government. And just to tell you what we was able to do: In Vicksburg, we have created -- 54 percent of our new jobs and the new jobs in the state of Mississippi was created in Vicksburg, Mississippi, because of the economic opportunity we share here today. But the other thing is that -- I will never forget.  It was a plant that was built in 1889, and we was able to save that plant because technology had just worked its way out.  But it’s now called the Vicksburg Forest Products because of the fact we was able to go come to the White House and the state government and local government, and collaborate -- use these Opportunity Zones, check all the boxes, and be able to put money in ourselves.  The City of Vicksburg -- 24,000 people, rural as you get.  But, at the same time, we was able to save 125 jobs for the city of Vicksburg.  And let me tell you, that’s bread on the table.  That’s meat in somebody’s kitchen.  (Applause.)  And so we was able to do that. So, Mr. President, we thank you.  (Applause.) THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you very much, Mayor.  Fantastic job.  Fantastic job.  Thank you, Mayor. Across the country, our tax cuts have kicked off a race to invest in Opportunity Zones beyond anything that anybody in this room even thought.  In counties with heavy concentration of Opportunity Zones, wages have risen by now -- it seems that we were talking about 8 percent, but it looks like it’s going to be a much higher number than that. Property sale prices in Opportunity Zones, if you have a home, have already skyrocketed by more than 20 percent.  Secretary Mnuchin estimates that private businesses will invest $100 billion in Opportunity Zones, and that’s going to be in a fairly short period of time. To further support these communities, I recently established the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council, chaired by Secretary Carson -- who, by the way, is doing a fantastic job at HUD.  He's really doing a fantastic job at HUD.  (Applause.)  Its mission is to marshal 16 federal agencies and coordinate dozens of existing federal programs to provide maximum support to Opportunity Zones. And here with us today is a man who I knew through watching him on television, and he was a great football player.  He’s a businessman, he’s a former state legislator, and retired from the NFL after about 10 or 12 years or something.  Huh? PARTICIPANT:  Nine years. THE PRESIDENT:  Nine years.  That’s not bad.  Nine years.  Not bad.  That’s a long time in the NFL. Scott Turner -- a special man and a man who is really out there.  He’s working 25 hours a day.  He’s doing an incredible job.  Everybody loves him and they respect him.  They respect him a lot.  Come on up, Scott.  Come on up.  (Applause.) MR. TURNER:  Well, good afternoon.  Thank you, Mr. President.  I appreciate your vision and your leadership on this.  And I just -- a couple quick things I want to say.  You know, I have a lot of joy in my heart and a lot resolve in my spirit.  Joy because, as I look out on the room, what a great representation of our country, of the true heart of America and the culture of America.  And that brings me great joy. I'm humbled to be here not because of the position, but because of the mission, because of the purpose that's been set forth by the President and our great team here. And I have a lot resolve because this is a big job.  There's a lot of work to do.  As you can see, we're all here.  There's big ways --  big things to do, but I know that if we set our face like flint, we can do it.  And together we can do it.  This is the greatest team.  I've been able to play on a lot of teams -- San Diego, Washington, Denver -- but this is the greatest team because we have the opportunity to make a generational impact, us together. See, revitalization doesn’t have a color.  It doesn’t have a party.  Revitalization starts in the heart of every man.  (Applause.) And I'll say that because, if we focus on the true mission and the people -- the grandmothers, the grandfathers; the next generation coming out through us; the kids that are truant and now they're working; the single mothers who now have a job -- to restore dignity and hope in their family and in the community, that’s why I'm here.  And I believe that’s why you're here.  So, Mr. President, thank you.  I'm ready.  I'm ready to go get it.  And I know you are.  So God bless you.  Thank you very much.  (Applause.) THE PRESIDENT:  That was great.  Wow.  (Laughter.)  You've done that before, haven’t you?  Huh?  (Laughter.)  That’s pretty -- you might be better at that than football, I think.  (Laughter.)  I hope.  Right?  I hope.  I think you will. This new council will streamline existing programs to invest in economic development, workforce training, entrepreneurship, and safety in Opportunity Zones. For example, the Department of Labor will target Opportunity Zones for prison reentry employment.  The Department of Housing and Urban Development is launching a new pilot program to support additional low-income housing in these areas.  And the Department of Justice will strengthen its comprehensive effort to address youth violence and crime. We're giving a very special jolt to making sure these areas are safe.  And that’s having already a very big effect and it's very important. Our message to distressed American communities is clear: Your government is 100 percent committed to bringing jobs and safety and opportunity back to where you live.  And in many cases, this is where you want to live.  You want to be there.  Some people were forced out by bad conditions and crime, and you're now able to stay.  And you'll stay in the area.  You know the people.  You love the people.  You're with your family.  It's, all of a sudden, getting much safer.  And a lot of things are happening.  Tremendous things are happening. Today, we're grateful to be joined by Neli Vazquez Rowland.  More than 20 years ago, she and her husband started a project called A Safe Haven, which provides people in crisis with housing and drug treatment, workforce training and jobs.  Neli has helped more than 100,000 men and women overcome poverty and achieve a better life.  It's a very inspirational story. Neli, please come up and tell us more about the work that you've done with respect to the Opportunity Zones.  Thank you, Neli.  Hi.  (Applause.) Thank you. MS. VAZQUEZ ROWLAND:  Wow.  What an amazing day.  My husband and I founded A Safe Haven 25 years ago with this day in mind.  I grew up in a poverty-stricken community, and my husband came home from the military, and both of us had encountered challenges in our lives. And we are grateful that we had the opportunity to get access to good education and to get access to careers and finance, but it was never lost on us how lucky we were to get access to those types of opportunities.  So we decided that, after 13 years in financing, we wanted to give back.  We wanted to make a difference. So we started looking at the issues of poverty and specifically looking at the issues of substance abuse.  And when we did our research, we realized, back in 1994, that the system was broken.  People that were in crisis and ended up in the system we found out had no way out, and we knew that we had to do something about it.  We had the financial wherewithal, thank God, and we had the knowledge and the ability to build something. And we took the risk, and we decided to start investing in Opportunity Zones, in areas that had distressed properties and abandoned buildings.  And then we started renovating them, and we started furnishing them.  And we started letting people in crisis live there for free, as long as they followed the rules. And what happened was transformative.  As we started to bring people in, we noticed that they started to get their lives back on track.  They started to get the treatment, the education, the job training that they'd been needing.  And at the end of the day, as the President mentioned, no one would hire them.  So what we did is we started businesses. So, today, we have a landscaping company.  For those of you that have come to Chicago, you might recognize those beautiful medians on Michigan Avenue.  We employ hundreds of people doing those jobs.  We also have a catering business and we have a staffing business.  And you're right: The employers are calling us.  We cannot fill those jobs fast enough. So we're grateful to be here today, Mr. President, and to thank you for everything you have done, between the opiate epidemic, the criminal justice reform, and now the Opportunity Zones.  Our work at A Safe Haven has just begun.  Thank you.  (Applause.) THE PRESIDENT:  Great.  Thank you.  Thank you very much.  That’s exciting.  Real entrepreneur too. At the heart of Opportunity Zones is a belief that every American community is worth cherishing, protecting, and renewing.  From rural towns to inner cities, we want to build new schools and factories, new roads and bridges, new hospitals and parks.  And that’s what's happening all over.  We want to see loving homes, safe neighborhoods, and a gleaming Main Street.  And above all, we want every family to have the opportunity to live their great American Dream. To every state, tribal, and community leader with us today -- and we have a lot of them -- thank you again for your commitment to restoring prosperity, patriotism, and pride across our beautiful nation.  God bless you all.  And God bless America.      Thank you all very much.  (Applause.)  Thank you.  Thank you.  Thank you, everybody.                                           END                 2:34 P.M. EDT

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 17, 2019 PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP IS TAKING A STAND FOR DEMOCRACY AND HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE WESTERN HEMISPHERE   “When Venezuela is free, and Cuba is free, and Nicaragua is free, this will become the first free hemisphere in all of human history” – President Donald J. Trump   HOLDING THE CUBAN DICTATORSHIP ACCOUNTABLE: President Donald J. Trump is holding the Cuban regime accountable for its repression of the Cuban people. President Trump is enabling Americans to file lawsuits against persons and entities that traffic in property confiscated by the Cuban regime. This marks the first time that these kind of claims have been available for Americans under the Helms-Burton Act. Pursuant to Helms-Burton, the Administration is ensuring that anyone who has trafficked in property confiscated by Cuba from an American is not issued a visa to the United States.  The Administration is adding five entities owned by the Cuban military to its restricted list, which now has over 215 entities, prohibiting Americans from transacting with them. The Administration will be placing a cap on remittances to Cuba, prohibiting dollar transactions through third-party financial institutions, and restricting non-family travel. President Trump is continuing his efforts to hold the Cuban regime accountable for its abuses and to reverse previous policies that enriched the regime. The President announced a policy in 2017 aimed at diverting economic activity away from the Cuban military, enhancing travel restrictions, and reaffirming the embargo. STANDING WITH THE PEOPLE OF VENEZUELA: President Trump is standing with the Venezuelan people and has imposed tough sanctions targeting the corrupt, former regime.  President Trump has issued multiple executive orders imposing sanctions to pressure the illegitimate former dictator Nicolas Maduro to accept a peaceful democratic transition. These actions have targeted Maduro and his corrupt cronies for undermining Venezuela’s democracy and looting Venezuela’s resources. The United States has designated over 150 individuals and entities connected to Venezuela for sanctions, cutting off a significant stream of resources to the Maduro regime Among these entities are the state oil company PdVSA and the Central Bank. President Trump was the first head of state to officially recognize Juan Guaido as the Interim President of Venezuela. Leaders from over 50 nations have since joined him. The United States has provided hundreds of tons of humanitarian aid for the Venezuelan people, who have suffered horribly under Maduro. PROMOTING DEMOCRACY IN NICARAGUA: President Trump is committed to restoring liberty, democracy, and the rule of law in Nicaragua.  President Trump has targeted the Ortega regime and its supporters in Nicaragua who have engaged in corruption, human rights abuses, and the dismantling of democratic institutions. President Trump has sanctioned the Ortega regime’s financial resources, including BANCORP which acts as a slush fund for the Ortega regime. The Administration imposed sanctions on Laureano Ortega, the son of President Ortega, who has used the investment promotion agency ProNicaragua to corruptly enrich the regime. The President signed the Nicaragua Human Rights and Anticorruption Act in December 2018, targeting Nicaraguan officials associated with human rights violations. President Trump has called for early, free and fair elections for the Nicaraguan people. ###

West Wing Reads Strong Jobs Market Spurs Bigger Salary Offers

Strong Jobs Market Spurs Bigger Salary Offers “Americans still think plenty of jobs are available and companies are offering better pay as they compete for a shrinking pool of available labor, new study by the New York Federal Reserve shows,” Jeffry Bartash reports in MarketWatch. “The Fed study is the latest proof the jobs market continues to sizzle. The rate of layoffs each week — known as jobless claims — fell below 200,000 earlier this month for the first time since 1969. The economy also added almost 200,000 new jobs in March after a feeble 33,000 gain in February, keeping the unemployment rate at 3.8%.” Click here to read more. “President Obama used to stir Americans with his powerful calls for national unity. It looks like he has, after all these years, finally forged agreement among leaders in both parties that his health care law made things worse and should be replaced. Bipartisanship blooms in Washington,” Scott Jennings writes in the Courier-Journal. “Voters in both parties know they were duped by Obama’s health care promises. Private insurance customers saw their premiums and deductibles jump to pay for someone else’s health care, but not their own.” “How’s this for unexpected irony: As New York pols move to choke their own economy by nixing new natural-gas supplies, President Trump is racing to the rescue,” the New York Post editorial board writes. “Trump last week signed two executive orders to help ease the way for new oil and gas pipelines and other energy projects. One, seemingly aimed squarely at New York, requires the Environmental Protection Agency to look for ways to make it harder for states to use the Clean Water Act to block pipelines”—a common tactic of Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D-NY), the editors add.   “An Arizona mayor on Tuesday declared an emergency in the city he represents due to what he said was the strain caused by the incoming flow of migrants,” Elizabeth Zwirz reports for Fox News. “Yuma Mayor Douglas Nicholls shared the news on Facebook, explaining that he ‘proclaimed a local emergency’ in the city ‘due to the migrant family releases overwhelming the local shelter system.’”

Presidential Veto Message to the Senate to Accompany S.J. Res. 7

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 16, 2019

TO THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES:       I am returning herewith without my approval S.J. Res. 7, a joint resolution that purports to direct the President to remove United States Armed Forces from hostilities in or affecting the Republic of Yemen, with certain exceptions.  This resolution is an unnecessary, dangerous attempt to weaken my constitutional authorities, endangering the lives of American citizens and brave service members, both today and in the future.     This joint resolution is unnecessary because, apart from counterterrorism operations against al-Qa'ida in the Arabian Peninsula and ISIS, the United States is not engaged in hostilities in or affecting Yemen.  For example, there are no United States military personnel in Yemen commanding, participating in, or accompanying military forces of the Saudi‑led coalition against the Houthis in hostilities in or affecting Yemen.     Since 2015, the United States has provided limited support to member countries of the Saudi-led coalition, including intelligence sharing, logistics support, and, until recently, in-flight refueling of non-United States aircraft.  All of this support is consistent with applicable Arms Export Control Act authorities, statutory authorities that permit the Department of Defense to provide logistics support to foreign countries, and the President's constitutional power as Commander in Chief.  None of this support has introduced United States military personnel into hostilities.     We are providing this support for many reasons.  First and foremost, it is our duty to protect the safety of the more than 80,000 Americans who reside in certain coalition countries that have been subject to Houthi attacks from Yemen.  Houthis, supported by Iran, have used missiles, armed drones, and explosive boats to attack civilian and military targets in those coalition countries, including areas frequented by American citizens, such as the airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.  In addition, the conflict in Yemen represents a "cheap" and inexpensive way for Iran to cause trouble for the United States and for our ally, Saudi Arabia.     S.J. Res. 7 is also dangerous.  The Congress should not seek to prohibit certain tactical operations, such as in-flight refueling, or require military engagements to adhere to arbitrary timelines.  Doing so would interfere with the President's constitutional authority as Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, and could endanger our service members by impairing their ability to efficiently and effectively conduct military engagements and to withdraw in an orderly manner at the appropriate time.     The joint resolution would also harm the foreign policy of the United States.  Its efforts to curtail certain forms of military support would harm our bilateral relationships, negatively affect our ongoing efforts to prevent civilian casualties and prevent the spread of terrorist organizations such as al-Qa'ida in the Arabian Peninsula and ISIS, and embolden Iran's malign activities in Yemen.     We cannot end the conflict in Yemen through political documents like S.J. Res. 7.  Peace in Yemen requires a negotiated settlement.  Unfortunately, inaction by the Senate has left vacant key diplomatic positions, impeding our ability to engage regional partners in support of the United Nations-led peace process.  To help end the conflict, promote humanitarian and commercial access, prevent civilian casualties, enhance efforts to recover American hostages in Yemen, and defeat terrorists that seek to harm the United States, the Senate must act to confirm my nominees for many critical foreign policy positions.     I agree with the Congress about the need to address our engagements in foreign wars.  As I said in my State of the Union address in February, great nations do not fight endless wars.  My Administration is currently accelerating negotiations to end our military engagement in Afghanistan and drawing down troops in Syria, where we recently succeeded in eliminating 100 percent of the ISIS caliphate.  Congressional engagement in those endeavors would be far more productive than expending time and effort trying to enact this unnecessary and dangerous resolution that interferes with our foreign policy with respect to Yemen.     For these reasons, it is my duty to return S.J. Res. 7 to the Senate without my approval.                                 DONALD J. TRUMP THE WHITE HOUSE,     April 16, 2019.

1600 Daily The White House • April 16, 2019 First Lady Melania Trump and Second Lady Karen Pence honor our Armed Forces

The White House • April 16, 2019 First Lady Melania Trump and Second Lady Karen Pence honor our Armed Forces  Yesterday morning, First Lady Melania Trump and Second Lady Karen Pence traveled to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, to meet with members of our incredible United States Armed Forces and their families. “Our nation’s military service members and their families deserve our care and respect,” the Second Lady said before the trip. “I am always honored to have the opportunity to spend time with those who serve and work tirelessly to protect our freedoms.”    Watch: The First Lady and Second Lady meet with families of Fort Bragg   Upon arrival, Mrs. Trump and Mrs. Pence were greeted by several Generals and their spouses, including Commanding General Michael Garrett of the U.S. Army Forces Command and his wife. From there, Mrs. Trump and Mrs. Pence had an opportunity to witness elite capability demonstrations from members of the Army Special Operations. The behind-the-scenes visit was “incredibly impactful,” the First Lady said. “The United States Military is a national treasure . . . Thank you to Fort Bragg for welcoming us and letting us inside this tight-knit and admirable community of true heroes.” In honor of April as the Month of the Military Child, Mrs. Trump and Mrs. Pence also visited a student assembly at Albritton Middle School on Fort Bragg. After the school’s chorus performed a welcoming song, the First Lady and Second Lady took questions from the student body. In photos: The First Lady and Second Lady visit Fort Bragg More: Mrs. Trump and Mrs. Pence honor service members and their families Notre Dame: A symbol of faith around the world For nearly 1,000 years, the Cathedral of Notre Dame has stood as a spiritual home for millions. Yesterday, Americans joined the French in watching with shock and sadness as a devastating fire caused significant damage to this architectural masterpiece. On behalf of the American people, President Donald J. Trump offered his sincere condolences this morning to President Emmanuel Macron of France. Members of the Trump Administration joined the President in offering heartfelt thanks to the first responders and unity with the people of Paris. Vice President Mike Pence called the Notre Dame “an iconic symbol of faith to people all over the world,” adding that “it is heartbreaking to see a house of God in flames.” France remains the oldest ally of the United States. On September 12, 2001, the Notre Dame’s bells rang in solemn recognition of the previous day’s unprecedented attacks on American soil. We will never forget. Soon those bells will ring again—and America will do everything it can to help France restore this irreplaceable symbol of hope. Read Press Secretary Sarah Sanders’ full statement on the Notre Dame fire Video of the day: The 2019 Spring Garden Tours Spring has sprung at the White House, and the general public was invited over the weekend to take in the beautiful gardens of our South Grounds! Photo of the Day Official White House Photo by Shealah Craighead President Donald J. Trump participates in a roundtable on the economy and tax reform at Nuss Truck & Equipment in Burnsville, Minnesota | April 15, 2019

Bill Announcement

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 16, 2019 On Tuesday, April 16, 2019, the President signed into law: H.R. 2030, the "Colorado River Drought Contingency Plan Authorization Act", which directs the Secretary of the Interior to execute and carry out agreements concerning Colorado River Drought Contingency Management and Operations; and S. 725, which changes the address of the postal facility designated in honor of Captain Humayun Khan.

Statement by the Press Secretary on the Cathedral of Notre Dame de Paris

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 16, 2019

Statement by the Press Secretary on the Cathedral of Notre Dame de Paris   This morning, President Donald J. Trump, on behalf of the American people, offered his condolences to President Emmanuel Macron of France for the devastation caused by the fire at the Cathedral of Notre Dame de Paris.  The United States stands with French citizens, the city of Paris, and the millions of visitors from around the world who have sought solace in that iconic structure.  The Cathedral has served as a spiritual home for almost a millennium, and we are saddened to witness the damage to this architectural masterpiece.  Notre Dame will continue to serve as a symbol of France, including its freedom of religion and democracy.  France is the oldest ally of the United States, and we remember with grateful hearts the tolling of Notre Dame’s bells on September 12, 2001, in solemn recognition of the tragic September 11th attacks on American soil.  Those bells will sound again.  We stand with France today and offer our assistance in the rehabilitation of this irreplaceable symbol of Western civilization.  Vive la France!

West Wing Reads The Tax Cut that Keeps on Giving

The Tax Cut that Keeps on Giving “Another Tax Day is behind us, but negative media coverage of President Trump’s signature tax-cut legislation continues,” former Heritage Foundation President and founder Ed Feulner writes in The Washington Times.  “Many reporters and pundits didn’t even wait until the tax cut was signed into law in December 2017 to begin mischaracterizing it,” he writes. “Never mind that the real-world experience of most Americans in the wake of these articles contradicted these gloom-and-doom predictions . . . Unemployment is way down, with jobless claims at their lowest since 1969, thanks in large part to the tax cut. There’s something you don’t hear on CNN and other media outlets.” Click here to read more. “As we pass the 100-day mark of Democratic control of the House of Representatives in the 116th Congress, now is a good opportunity to examine what the American people have to show for it. On issue after issue, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s Democratic majority has chosen a path of partisanship, rather than problem-solving,” Rep. Tim Walberg (R-MI) writes in The Daily Signal. “From ignoring the humanitarian crisis at the border to championing an impeachment resolution, it has been one exercise in out-of-touch politics after another.” “It is high time that Democrat leaders, secure in their walled estates and derisive of the president’s efforts to restore order along our southern border, share the responsibility of supporting and caring for the crowds of undocumented people overwhelming our facilities in Texas, New Mexico and elsewhere,” Liz Peek writes in Fox News. “For months Democrats have denied the emergency at our border, denounced the president for politicizing a ‘manufactured crisis’ and dismissed border patrol professionals who advocate for barriers that might help control the surge. They have steadfastly refused to pass any measures that might alleviate the problem.” “Visiting Africa to promote female economic development, Ivanka Trump on Monday sought to spotlight laws and customs that hold women on the continent back, from restrictions on property ownership to gender-based violence,” Catherine Lucey reports in The Associated Press. Ms. Trump is on a four-day trip to promote W-GDP, a White House global women’s empowerment initiative. “We can and we must address these barriers to women’s equality and countries’ prosperity,” Ms. Trump said.

A Proclamation By the President of the United States of America - Education and Sharing Day, U.S.A., 2019

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 16, 2019 Education and Sharing Day, U.S.A., 2019 - - - - - - - By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation        A strong republic requires a people abounding in knowledge, which forges the character of the citizenry and its chosen representatives.  Through study of the thoughts and discoveries of others, citizens enhance their shared understanding of who they are and who they want to be.  Education and Sharing Day affords an important opportunity to reaffirm our belief that educational freedom is essential to our society and to the growth of individuals.      On this day, we recognize Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, the Lubavitcher Rebbe, whose very name signifies a spirit of comfort and compassion and a commitment to the betterment of America and the world.  In the face of unspeakable tragedy, Rabbi Schneerson championed the teaching of principles of scholarship, justice, charity, and unity, launching an international movement that continues to contribute to the progress of humanity.  The Rebbe believed that education is not only about the transmission of knowledge but that it is also integral to the formation of character.  He sought to expand freedom in education while finding common ground with those of differing beliefs and backgrounds.  His unfailing example offered those around him an opportunity to deepen their understanding of the inherent connections between knowledge, character, and freedom.      We must encourage institutions of higher learning to resist calls to stifle the open debate that is crucial to fostering freedom and social understanding.  Genuine education depends on the free sharing of thought.  That is why I recently signed an Executive Order to improve free inquiry, transparency, and accountability at colleges and universities.      Today, we honor the Rebbe's legacy by recommitting ourselves to embracing lifelong learning, defending freedom of expression, and upholding virtue.  As Americans, let us strive to listen to each other's perspectives, learn from one another's experiences, and gain a deeper appreciation for the exchange of competing views to develop our character as citizens of a great republic.      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 16, 2019, as "Education and Sharing Day, U.S.A."  I call upon government officials, educators, volunteers, and all the people of the United States to observe this day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.      IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fifteenth day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand nineteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-third.                               DONALD J. TRUMP    ###

ESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP’S HISTORIC TAX CUTS ARE DELIVERING REAL SAVINGS AND CREATING MORE OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL AMERICANS

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 15, 2019 PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP’S HISTORIC TAX CUTS ARE DELIVERING REAL SAVINGS AND CREATING MORE OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL AMERICANS “There has never been a better time to start living the American Dream.” – President Donald J. Trump  PROVIDING A HELPING HAND TO MIDDLE-INCOME FAMILIES: President Trump’s tax cuts are providing a boost to middle-income families. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) cut taxes for the middle class and boosted the Child Tax Credit to provide a helping hand to American families.     The TCJA included $5.5 trillion in gross tax cuts, nearly 60 percent of which goes to families. The TCJA will provide more than $2,000 in tax cuts in 2018 for an average family of four with an income of $75,000. The TCJA nearly doubled the standard deduction, allowing middle-income families to exempt more of their income from taxes.    The TCJA doubled the Child Tax Credit from $1,000 to $2,000 per child and made the credit available to more middle-income families. The new law also increases the refundable portion of the credit. Families can now use 529 Savings Accounts to pay for qualified elementary and secondary education expenses, helping to increase their options for their children’s education. To ensure families get the help they deserve, the TCJA preserved provisions such as the child and dependent care credit, the adoption tax credit, retirement savings tax benefits, and more.  Families facing costly medical bills benefited from the expanded medical expense deduction.  At least 100 utility companies across the country announced plans to cut rates in response to the tax cuts.    PUTTING MORE MONEY IN WORKERS’ POCKETS: The TCJA has led to higher wages, increased benefits, big bonuses, and new employment opportunities for workers.   More than 6 million workers received pay raises, bonuses, or increased retirement contributions thanks to the President’s tax cuts.  More than 4 million workers received direct bonuses. Nearly 200 companies announced wage increases due to the TCJA, including Walmart, the largest private employer in the Nation.   In addition to keeping more of their hard earned money thanks to the tax cuts, workers are seeing their wages rise. Year-over-year nominal wage growth has now been at or above 3 percent for 8 straight months.     Low-income workers are seeing their wages rise faster than anyone else. Businesses are creating more and more jobs, generating record numbers of employment opportunities for workers and driving unemployment down to historic lows.    More than 3 million jobs have been created since President Trump signed the TCJA into law. There were a record high 7.6 million job openings available to workers in November 2018 and openings continue to far exceed the number of job seekers. For the first time in recorded history, there have been more job openings than unemployed workers for 12 straight months.  The unemployment rate has been at or below 4 percent for the past 13 months, the longest such streak in nearly five decades. The unemployment rates for Hispanic-Americans, African-Americans, and Asian-Americans all fell to their lowest rates on record. The unemployment rate for women dropped to a near 65 year low last year.  LAUNCHING A BUSINESS BOOM: America is open for business again thanks to President Trump’s historic tax cuts.  The tax cuts have reignited America’s economic engine, generating 3 percent real gross domestic product (GDP) growth through the four quarters of 2018. Real GDP grew by 3 percent from the fourth quarter of 2017 to the fourth quarter of 2018, the fastest such growth in a calendar year since 2005. The TCJA leveled the playing field for American businesses by lowering the statutory corporate tax rate from one of the highest in the developed world.  Businesses poured investment back into the United States following the tax cuts, repatriating more than half a trillion dollars held overseas in 2018 alone. The TCJA allowed businesses to immediately and fully deduct the cost of new capital investments, enabling them to invest more in their own operations.  The tax cuts and capital investment deduction have been a boost for America’s manufacturers, leading to record high manufacturer optimism in 2018. The TCJA provided much needed tax relief for America’s small businesses by letting certain pass through entities deduct 20 percent of their qualified business income.   As a result, small business optimism skyrocketed to a record high last year according to a survey by the National Federation of Independent Business.  LIFTING UP FORGOTTEN COMMUNITIES: The TCJA created Opportunity Zones to bring investment and opportunity to communities that have been left behind.   Opportunity Zones utilize tax incentives to spur investment in low-income communities.   Those who invest in Opportunity Zones through qualified funds will be able to defer taxation on their capital gains, with the benefits increasing over time. This structure will help promote the long-term investments these communities need. These incentives are an incredible vehicle to help foster economic revitalization and job growth in struggling communities. More than 8,700 communities across the country have been designated as opportunity zones and will see new investment and growth as a result. Nearly 35 million Americans live in communities designated as Opportunity Zones.  These communities have an average poverty rate of over 32 percent and an unemployment rate 1.6 times higher than average.  Opportunity Zones are anticipated to generate $100 billion in private capital investment.