REMARKS BY PRESIDENT TRUMP IN MEETING WITH SURVIVORS OF RELIGIOUS PERSECUTION

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 17, 2019 REMARKS BY PRESIDENT TRUMP IN MEETING WITH SURVIVORS OF RELIGIOUS PERSECUTION Oval Office   4:22 P.M. EDT THE PRESIDENT:  Good afternoon.  We’ll be leaving for North Carolina in a short while.  I think some of you will be outside.  Tremendous crowds in North Carolina.  Tremendous crowds everywhere. But we have a very important group of people standing alongside of me.  I’m honored to welcome Pastor Andrew Brunson and other survivors of religious persecution to the White House. We’re grateful to be joined by Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom Sam Brownback -- a former governor, as you know; as well as Pastor Paula White -- a tremendous religious leader and a friend of the White House, a friend of the presidency, and a friend of the President. With us today are men and women of many different religious traditions from many different countries.  But what you have in common is each of you has suffered tremendously for your faith.  You’ve endured harassment, threats, attacks, trials, imprisonment, and torture.  I got to know many of you and helped you get some -- get some of you out of the difficult situation that you were in.  I’m very proud of you in the way you’ve reacted to a different life.  It is a tremendous thing. Your families are very proud, and our country is very proud, and your countries are very proud -- for those of you that aren’t from the United States.  Each of you has now become a witness to the importance of advancing religious liberty all around the world.  It’s about religious liberty. Last year, my administration hosted the world’s first-ever meeting of foreign ministers devoted solely to the subject of international religious freedom.  I want to thank all of you for joining us as we host this meeting for the second year in a row.  A lot of individual breakout meetings are being had, and we’re getting a lot of ideas as to how we can help. In America, we’ve always understood that our rights come from God, not from government.  In our Bill of Rights, the first liberty is religious liberty.  Each of us has the right to follow the dictates of our conscience and the demands of our religious conviction.  We know that if people are not free to practice their faith, then all of the freedoms are at risk and, frankly, freedoms don’t mean very much. That’s why Americans will never tire in our effort to defend and promote religious freedom.  I don’t think any President has taken it as seriously as me.  To me, it’s very important.  It’s vital.  It’s really vital. And I just want to thank everybody very much for being with us today.  You’ve been through a lot.  And I think I can say it for everyone here: You’ve been through a lot -- more than most people could ever endure.  And I want to congratulate you because that’s what you need, is congratulations.  It’s really an honor to be with you, and I will stand side by side with you forever. If I could ask Ambassador Brownback to say a few words, please. AMBASSADOR BROWNBACK:  Yes.  Thanks, Mr. President. THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you. AMBASSADOR BROWNBACK:  Appreciate it.  Thank you and your administration for your leadership on this.  Last year was the first; this year is the largest meeting ever held in the world on religious freedom -- just on this, devoted to this topic.  And with you here today, we have a Nobel Peace Prize winner, Nadia Murad, who was taken by ISIS and made into a -- well, horrible situation that she’s in.  But she’s been an outstanding advocate. And then we have helped -- this government has -- in rebuilding Northern Iraq, the Yazidi and the Christian area. THE PRESIDENT:  That’s right. AMBASSADOR BROWNBACK:  Of course, Andrew Brunson and I both -- neither of us would be here if it wasn’t for you.  And, Andrew, you busted out of a Turkish prison.  This gentleman was at Christchurch in the shootings at the mosque that took place that was there. THE PRESIDENT:  Wow. AMBASSADOR BROWNBACK:  And you have, really, people -- well, Mariam Ibraheem is here.  Was in a Sudanese jail while she was pregnant and had a death penalty for her.  But people advocated for her around the world, and she and her child are alive today.  And that’s just a few. THE PRESIDENT:  We got you out.  That’s good.  That’s great. AMBASSADOR BROWNBACK:  That’s just a few. THE PRESIDENT:  You’re feeling good?  Everything fine? MS. IBRAHEEM:  I’m feeling very well. THE PRESIDENT:  Good. MS. IBRAHEEM:  My children are very well. THE PRESIDENT:  Okay.  Congratulations. MS. IBRAHEEM:  Thank you. AMBASSADOR BROWNBACK:  Reverend Samson was going to make a comment for the group.  He’s from Burma.  He’s Kachin Christian, and they have suffered greatly there as well, and we’ve worked a lot with them. Reverend Samson, you want to tell, briefly, your story? REVEREND SAMSON:  Yes.  Yes.  I’m (inaudible) from Baptist Convention from Northern Burma.  And then, as Christians in Myanmar, we are very been oppressed and tortured by the Myanmar military government.  So -- and then we don’t have chance, many, for religious freedom.  And also, ethnic armed groups fight against to the central military government.  So, please, American government focus on ethnic people and the ethnic leader to get general democracy and federalism.  It is very important for your (inaudible) and for your (inaudible). And then thank you very much for your sanction yesterday.  It was very helpful. THE PRESIDENT:  Yes.  Yes.  We did something.  Thank you.  Appreciate it very much.  Thank you very much. Ambassador, so which is more important?  You were the governor of a great state -- a very, very top state, in my opinion.  And you’re doing, now, something for religious liberty and freedom.  Which is tougher and which is more important to you? AMBASSADOR BROWNBACK:  I think of all the jobs I’ve had -- I’ve been a congressman, a senator, a governor -- this is the most important because it’s about billions of people. THE PRESIDENT:  It's really something. AMBASSADOR BROWNBACK:  These folks here represent the faiths of billions of people around the world.  And the United States is the main country -- not the only; and many other allies are coming along -- but we’re the main country to stand up and fight for their religious freedom.  And we’re not picking a winner or loser.  We’re just saying, look, you’ve got -- governments have to protect this right.  And that’s why, to me, this job and what this administration is doing to protect it affects billions of people.  And I’m -- I think it’s incredible.  It’s an incredible opportunity. THE PRESIDENT:  So when you say other countries are coming along -- and some aren’t coming along, I assume.  Right? AMBASSADOR BROWNBACK:  Yes. THE PRESIDENT:  Some are not doing much.  Who are the good ones?  I won’t talk about the bad ones because I know who the bad ones are.  Who are the good ones? AMBASSADOR BROWNBACK:  You know, the British have been great.  They’ve been putting out some reports lately on the persecution of people of faith, and they’ve stepped up more aggressively.  UAE -- United Arab Emirates -- hosted the first-ever papal visit on the Arabian Peninsula in the history of mankind. THE PRESIDENT:  That’s great. AMBASSADOR BROWNBACK:  And they’ve been -- they’ve been stepping up and doing -- doing a lot -- a lot more. THE PRESIDENT:  That's good. AMBASSADOR BROWNBACK:  So, several -- the Europeans have been; the South Americans are starting to step up more so.  We need more. THE PRESIDENT:  You’re doing a great job.  Thank you very much. AMBASSADOR BROWNBACK:  Thank you. THE PRESIDENT:  Paula White?  Could you say a few words, Paula, please? MS. WHITE:  Yes, sir. MS. LHAMO:  Sorry, it's just -- I'm from Tibet.  It’s my dream to visit -- this opportunity to visit the President (inaudible).  Tibetan need -- (inaudible) Tibetan need (inaudible) support, please.  We need support (inaudible) His Holiness -- THE PRESIDENT:  Support, yeah. MS. LHAMO:  Yeah.  His Holiness Dalai Lama (inaudible) come back in Tibet.  My English is not good, but -- THE PRESIDENT:  No, it’s fine. MS. LHAMO:  Thank you so much for this opportunity to gather and share the story.  Thank you. THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you very much. MS. LHAMO:  Thank you so much. THE PRESIDENT:  Please say hello.  Please say hello.  Okay? MS. LHAMO:  Thank you. THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you very much.  I appreciate it.  And your English is actually very good. MS. LHAMO:  Thank you. THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you. MS. ZHANG:  I’m a Falun Gong practitioner.  My husband, now, is still in prison. THE PRESIDENT:  Your husband is in prison. MS. ZHANG:  Yeah.  And the forced organ harvesting still exists.  So we should take action.  Just the (inaudible), it doesn’t work.  So how to -- how to do this action in the communist -- Chinese communist regime. THE PRESIDENT:  And where is this, now?  Where?  Where is your husband a prisoner? MS. ZHANG:  Now my husband in Jiangsu -- Jiangsu -- Province of Jiangsu and Suzhou prison.  And, you know, 2018 -- last year -- yeah, last year -- one of our practitioners, after three years in prison, he was released home.  And in just one day, he died.  And before that, he (inaudible) a large amount of blood. As you know, you are -- THE PRESIDENT:  He -- did you say he died? MS. ZHANG:  Yeah, he died -- another Falun practitioner, where he is still also in the Suzhou prison. So, as you know, I know your one young man from the North Korea come back to U.S. and, several days after he returned, and he died.  And you know the regime, what they do.  So what should we take to act? THE PRESIDENT:  Yes.  I understand. MS. ZHANG:  Yeah.  Yeah, yeah. THE PRESIDENT:  I appreciate it. MS. ZHANG:  Thank you.  Thank you. THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you very much. MS. ZHANG:  Thank you. THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you very much.  Thank you.  You take care of yourself. Paula? MS. WHITE:  Mr. President, it’s such an honor.  And I just have to say, on behalf of you and your courageous leadership -- I have watched, from day one and even before you took this office, you be a relentless fighter for people of all faiths and religious liberty. We see it on stateside -- from you saying we can say “Merry Christmas” again; to the DOJ passing laws that no other administration could pass to give high holy days to all religions to be able to take off of work and to honor that; to, as the Ambassador said, this is the second but the largest in the world gathering for religious liberty freedom. You have taken a bold, courageous stand that many governments have (inaudible).  You have over 16 countries represented here.  You have approximately 27 people.  But I was in the room yesterday with thousands, and we had thousands that could not get in. THE PRESIDENT:  I heard that was incredible. MS. WHITE:  So we thank you, President, for being the leader -- the courageous leader to stand up not only in our nation, but countries all around, for all faith, of all people that we should have the practice and the right to practice our religion. Thank you, sir. THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you.  And I did hear that they had thousands of people that couldn’t get in yesterday. MS. WHITE:  From all over the world. THE PRESIDENT:  That’s incredible.  Wow.  I’m sure we’ll get a much bigger room, I guess, or a tent or something. AMBASSADOR BROWNBACK:  Or something like that. MR. AHMED:  May I say a few words? THE PRESIDENT:  Yes, please. MR. AHMED:  Mr. President, thank you from New Zealand. THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you very much. MR. AHMED:  Thank you for your leadership, standing up for humanity, standing up for religious groups and their rights.  And thank you -- thank you for supporting us in the 15 March tragedy in Christchurch.  And God bless you.  And God bless the United States. THE PRESIDENT:  Well, thank you very much.  And you went through a lot.  I know all about what happened, and that was a terrible situation.  Thank you very much for being here.  Thank you very much.  Appreciate it. MR. TASEER:  Mr. President, I’m from Pakistan. THE PRESIDENT:  Yes, please. MR. TASEER:  And you are meeting our prime minister -- THE PRESIDENT:  That’s true. MR. TASEER:  -- in three days.  I would be very grateful if you would raise with him the issue of persecuted Christians in Pakistan -- the blasphemy law and people who are suffering under this law. THE PRESIDENT:  I’ll do that.  He’s coming in next week, on Tuesday. MS. SAHA:  Sir, thank you.  Sir, I am from Bangladesh.  And here is 37 million, the Hindu, Buddhist, and Christianity (inaudible).  Please help us, the Bangladesh people.  We want to stay in our country. THE PRESIDENT:  Bangladesh. MS. SAHA:  Yeah.  Still, there is 18 million minority people.  My request is: Please help us.  We don’t want to leave our country.  Just help, Mr. President. I have lost my home.  They burned my home.  They’ve taken my land.  But no adjustment has taken place. THE PRESIDENT:  Who took the land?  Who took the home and the land? MS. SAHA:  The Muslim fundamentalist group.  And they are -- always they are getting the political shelter.  Always. AMBASSADOR BROWNBACK:  I know the President has to get on.  So I want to -- THE PRESIDENT:  I don’t mind.  We can take a couple more. AMBASSADOR BROWNBACK:  Can you?  Okay, good. THE PRESIDENT:  The helicopter -- has it landed?  The helicopter -- have we landed out there yet?  Huh? AIDE:  No, sir. THE PRESIDENT:  No?  Come on. MS. ILHAM:  Mr. President, one to three million Uyghur population are locked up in concentration camps in China, including my father, who is now serving a life sentence.  I haven’t seen him since 2013. THE PRESIDENT:  Where is that?  Where is that in China? MS. ILHAM:  That’s in west part of China.  The region -- in Chinese, it’s called “Xinjiang.”  We call it “Uyghur region.”  So far, we had -- THE PRESIDENT:  How long?  How long has your father been gone? MS. ILHAM:  He has been in jail for five years, and we don’t know how long he will still be in there. THE PRESIDENT:  Do you have any communication with him? MS. ILHAM:  I haven’t heard about him since 2017, because that’s when the concentration camps started.  Anyone who goes to ask about anybody’s family members’ news will never make their way back to their own homes. THE PRESIDENT:  That’s tough stuff. Go ahead please. MR. ULLAH:  Good afternoon, Mr. President.  I am a Rohingya from (inaudible).  So most of the (inaudible) Rohingya refugees are waiting to go to -- go back home as quickly as possible.  So what is the plan to help us?  So thank you very much.      THE PRESIDENT:  And where is that, exactly?  Where?      MR. ULLAH:  Bangladesh refugee camp.      AMBASSADOR BROWNBACK:  That is right next to Burma.      THE PRESIDENT:  I see.      AMBASSADOR BROWNBACK:  The Rohingya have been run out.       THE PRESIDENT:  Okay.  Thank you.  Appreciate it. Yes, please.      REVEREND BARROSO: President, I am Pastor Mario from Cuba.      THE PRESIDENT:  Yes.      REVEREND BARROSO:  A blessing.  One Pastor, Ramón Rigal, and his wife are imprisoned in Cuba.  Please pray for them and help the people in Cuba.  Five pastors, the (inaudible) invite for this event in Cuba are not here because the government in Cuba no permission for today here.      I am here because I am refugee in United States.  Thank you for your hospitality for me.      THE PRESIDENT:  How has it been in Cuba without Castro?  There’s still a Castro there, but you have a new leader.  How has that been?  Any different?      REVEREND BARROSO:  No, it’s not real.  Castro continuing the power because Castro is the first secretary to the party -- the communist party.  And the new President is not really.  Castro is the real leader (inaudible).      THE PRESIDENT:  I see.  All right.  Thank you.  Thank you.      Yes, please.  Go ahead. MS. BITRUS:  Thank you, Mr. President --      THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you very much.  Thank you.      MS. BITRUS:  -- for the opportunity to see you. I am Esther, from Nigeria.  I do three years in (inaudible).  I escaped from Boko Haram.  So thank you for (inaudible).      THE PRESIDENT:  It's tough stuff, right?      MS. BITRUS:  Yes.      THE PRESIDENT:  That’s a tough one.  Thank you.      MS. BITRUS:  Thank you.          MR. JU:  (Inaudible.)      THE PRESIDENT:  Yes.  Please.  Go ahead.      MR. JU:  Mr. President, thank you very much for your (inaudible).      THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you.  Thank you.      MR. JU:  I'm Ilyong from North Korea.  And first, I want to say thank you.  And then my aunt -- a lot of my aunt family, (inaudible), Kim Chul, Kim (inaudible), Kim Jong (inaudible), all of them, they are in political prison camp --      THE PRESIDENT:  Where?      MR. JU:  In -- I don’t know where is; they just took it at the dawn.  And just because aunt's father-in-law was a Christian and my cousin's whole family (inaudible) executed because of their (inaudible).      But even though the persecution of Kim (inaudible), the North Korean citizens, they are trying to -- they are -- they want (inaudible) and they want to worshipping now.  And they are worshipping in underground churches right now.  And even though a few weeks ago we had a message from North Korean underground churches and they sent a photo of the wood and they are three of them gathered there and they were praying for South Korea.  So those kind of things are happening in North Korea.      THE PRESIDENT:  I’ll bring them up.      MR. JU:  So, yeah.      THE PRESIDENT:  I'm understanding exactly what you’re saying.  I’ll bring it up. Yes, please.      MS. MURAD:  So I’m --      AMBASSADOR BROWNBACK:  Nadia is a Nobel Peace Prize winner.      MS. MURAD:  I’m from Iraq and I cannot see my family.  They are in (inaudible), because when ISIS attack us, no one protect us.  After 2003, we started to disappear from our area, from our homeland.  And then when ISIS attack us in 2014, they killed six of my brother.  They killed my mom.  They took me to captivity with my (inaudible) sister-in-law, with all my sister and my nieces.      And today we have 3,000 Yazidi women and children in captivity.  So although they said ISIS is defeated, but where is those 3,000 Yazidi?      And our home is destroyed.  We come to here, we go to Europe, we go to Arab country that ISIS did this.  Everyone saw that.  And we -- I appreciate Vice --      THE PRESIDENT:  And you were captured?          MS. MURAD:  Yes.  Vice President -- he help us a lot, but now today, you can’t solve our problem.  Now there is no ISIS, but we cannot go back because Kurdish government and the Iraqi government, they are fighting each other who will control my area. And we cannot go back, if we cannot protect our dignity, our family.  But we get a lot of support from President Macron.  He push -- he put a lot of pressure in Iraqi and Kurdistan government to help minorities.  The Yazidis will stay in their home, but we still continue to emigrate to find a safe place to live.  I hope you can call or anything to Iraqi and Kurdistan government to --      THE PRESIDENT:  But ISIS is gone?      MS. MURAD:  But, if I can --      THE PRESIDENT:  And now it’s Kurdish and --      MS. MURAD:  And Iraqi.  Iraqi government.  If I cannot go to my home and live in a safe place and get my -- like, my dignity back, this is not about ISIS, it’s about (inaudible).  My people cannot go back.  We are not million of people; we are only half million people.  And after 2014, about 95 years -- 95,000 years, Yazidi, they immigrate to Germany through a very dangerous way.  Not because we want to be a refugee, but we cannot find a safe place to live.  All this happened to me.  They killed my mom, my six brother.  They left behind --      THE PRESIDENT:  Where are they now?      MS. MURAD:  They killed them.  They are in the mass graves in Sinjar.  And I’m still fighting just to live in safe.  Please do something.  And it’s not about one family --      THE PRESIDENT:  I know the area very well, you’re talking about.  It's a tough -- yeah.      MS. MURAD:  It’s about half million.  It’s about the whole community.      THE PRESIDENT:  Okay.  Well, we’ll continue very strong.      MS. MURAD:  Thank you so much.      THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you.  And you had the Nobel Prize?      MS. MURAD:  Yeah.      THE PRESIDENT:  That’s incredible.  They gave it to you for what reason?  They can explain.      MS. MURAD:  For what reason?  For that -- after all this happen to me, I can -- I make it clear to everyone that ISIS raped thousands of Yazidi women.  This one was first time the woman from Iraq, she gave out and spoke about it happen.      THE PRESIDENT:  Oh really?  Is that right?      MS. MURAD:  And it’s --      THE PRESIDENT:  It’s the first time?      MS. MURAD:  First time.  And it’s --      THE PRESIDENT:  So you escaped.      MS. MURAD:  I escaped, but I don’t -- I don’t have my freedom yet because --      THE PRESIDENT:  I understand.      MS. MURAD:  -- you didn’t see any ISIS (inaudible).  It (inaudible).  ISIS are -- we don’t know if they killed everyone, if they are in jail, but we know we have 3,000 Yazidi women and children, including my niece, my nephew, my sister-in-law.  Three years ago, she call us.  She said, “I am in Syria.”  And now, we didn’t know anything about her.      THE PRESIDENT:  Let me look.  We’re going to look, okay?  Thank you very much.      MS. MURAD:  Thank you so much.      THE PRESIDENT:  Yes, ma'am.  Go ahead.  Thank you.      MS. WEISS:  I am a survivor of the Holocaust, of a different era of persecution.  And I have great sympathy and empathy with these people; that I’m very sorry to realize that things have not changed and persecution continues.      AMBASSADOR BROWNBACK:  That’s why we’re putting such an emphasis on it, Mr. President, because there just is a lot of work to do in the world.  But -- and we’re going to -- obviously, we’ve got a lot yet to do.  But we’re pushing the effort.  We’re going to be announcing additional measures -- the Secretary of State is -- tomorrow.      THE PRESIDENT:  Good.      AMBASSADOR BROWNBACK:  He’s giving a big speech.  The Vice President is giving a speech tomorrow about measures.  And we’re going to keep leading this charge.      THE PRESIDENT:  Well, thank you very much.  The world is a -- the world is a tough place.     Yes, please.  Go ahead.      MS. BERHANE:  My name is Helen.  I’m from Eritrea.  I’m a gospel singer.  So I have been, for 32 months, in a metal shipping container because of my faith.  But the reason I am here -- all our pastors, they are still in prison in Eritrea, including the patron (inaudible).  So that is my message.  I am a voice for those voiceless.      THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you very much.  Appreciate it.      MS. BERHANE:  Thank you.  We pray for you.      THE PRESIDENT:  In a shipping container.      MS. BERHANE:  Metal shipping container for 32 months.      THE PRESIDENT:  Thirty-two.  Thirty-two months.      Please.      MR. SHAKOOR:  (As interpreted.)  I am from the Ahmadiyya Muslim community of Pakistan.  In 1974, we were declared non-Muslims.  Our houses and shops were looted, set on fire.  I relocated.  I was a salesman and then I was imprisoned for five years for selling books and fined.  I’ve been released after three years. We are peaceful.  I can call myself a Muslim in the United States of America, but not in Pakistan -- otherwise I’ll be punished.  We have never retaliated, and left everything to God. AMBASSADOR BROWNBACK:  I know you need to get on. MS. WHITE:  Thank you all. MR. SHAKOOR:  (As interpreted.)  God bless you and give you a long life. THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you very much. So, you see, the world is a tough place.  And we’re making strides.  We’ve made some very good strides.  Andrew is a case in point -- Pastor Brunson, wherever you may be.  And so I appreciate it. How has everything been for you since you got out? PASTOR BRUNSON:  Very well.  I want to tell you, an Iranian woman told me today that your fighting for me -- the most powerful person in the world fighting for someone who is not known at all -- was an inspiration to many people.  It gave hope to many people around the world, and also many young Iranians. So thank you for that. THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you, Andrew.  I appreciate it very much. MS. BET-TAMRAZ:  Mr. President, I’m Iranian. THE PRESIDENT:  Yes. MS. BET-TAMRAZ:  I’m a Christian minority from Iran.  My family are being persecuted in Iran.  The Iranian people are with you.  The majority of Iranian people -- THE PRESIDENT:  What is happening?  Explain what is happening in Iran.      MS. BET-TAMRAZ:  My parents are pastors.  They’re Christian pastors.      THE PRESIDENT:  Right.      MS. BET-TAMRAZ:  They’ve been arrested -- all my family: my father, my mother, and my brother.  They are free on bail, awaiting the trial.  Long sentences.  My father was sentenced to 10 years in prison, my mother 5 years.  We still don’t know about my brother.      We would appreciate if you mention my family, but also Christian persecution in Iran and in holding a negotiation with (inaudible) in Iran.      THE PRESIDENT:  They were in jail for what reason?  Because they're pastors?      MS. BET-TAMRAZ:  Christian pastors preaching the Gospel.      THE PRESIDENT:  Incredible.  I will.      MS. BET-TAMRAZ:  Thank you very much.      THE PRESIDENT:  I’m going to get the information.  I will.      MS. BET-TAMRAZ:  Thank you.      PASTOR GA:  Vietnam.      THE PRESIDENT:  Yes?      PASTOR GA:  (Inaudible) no freedom religion.  I want to, President, have Vietnam have --      THE PRESIDENT:  Vietnam?      PASTOR GA:  -- freedom --      THE PRESIDENT:  Vietnam?      PASTOR GA:  Vietnam have freedom religion.  Vietnam need to (inaudible).  I thank you.      THE PRESIDENT:  I appreciate that.  I think I understood everything.      PASTOR GA:  Thank you.      THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you very much everybody.  Thank you.      Q    Mr. President, Congressman Green introduced articles of impeachment against you for your conduct.  Any comment on the articles of impeachment, Mr. President?  Do you regret your tweets that have now triggered these articles of impeachment against you?      THE PRESIDENT:  I know nothing about that.      Thank you.  Thank you very much.                                                  END                 4:46 P.M. EDT

1600 Daily The White House • July 17, 2019 American Workers Have Waited Long Enough

The White House • July 17, 2019 American workers have waited long enough  “NAFTA’s shortcomings were evident when signed,” then-Sen. Barack Obama said on the campaign trail in 2008. “We must now amend the agreement to fix them.” He didn’t. Instead, Washington continued its long tradition of paying lip service to American workers—and then turning around and standing up for global capital instead. President Donald J. Trump kept his promise. Now it’s time for Congress to keep theirs. Last November, President Trump joined our North American allies in signing the new U.S.–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA), a trade deal that modernizes NAFTA while securing stronger protections for American labor. Last month, Mexico’s legislature became the first to overwhelmingly pass the new deal into law. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau traveled to Washington the very next day, urging Democrat leaders in Congress to join President Trump in making USMCA a reality. American workers have waited long enough for Washington to fix NAFTA. “That outdated trade deal has hurt middle-class Americans, stifled innovation and left entire communities shuttered as jobs and opportunity have moved south of the border,” Vice President Mike Pence wrote in The Washington Post over the weekend. USMCA guarantees the strongest labor protections of any U.S. trade agreement. It ensures fair wages in all three countries and gives Mexican workers real collective bargaining rights—a move that finally puts American unions on a level playing field. The new deal also eliminates the NAFTA loophole that allows foreign car companies to buy auto parts from China or Europe, assemble them in Mexico, and then sell those vehicles duty-free in the United States. With USMCA, “we will require at least 75 percent of a car to be built with parts genuinely made in North America for it to be sold duty-free,” the Vice President writes. “And for the first time ever, we will require at least 40 percent of a duty-free car to be made by workers earning at least an average of $16 an hour.” In addition to factory workers, USMCA will boost America’s farmers, ranchers, energy producers, digital and technology workers, and other middle-class families. “For years, members of Congress have demanded a replacement for NAFTA. Now they finally have the best replacement that they could ever even imagine,” President Trump told workers in Wisconsin last Friday. “So on behalf of our nation’s loyal, hardworking citizens, I’m calling on Congress to pass USMCA and send it to my desk immediately for signature. We shouldn’t be playing around.” Vice President Pence: Congress must pass the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement. Rep. Ron Estes (R-KS): On the USMCA, Pelosi can't take yes for an answer Video of the day: One ‘Squad’ Under God Photo of the Day Official White House Photo by Shealah Craighead President Donald J. Trump walks along the West Wing Colonnade Tuesday evening as he returns to the Residence of the White House | July 16, 2019

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 17, 2019

Statement by the Press Secretary   Unfortunately, Turkey’s decision to purchase Russian S-400 air defense systems renders its continued involvement with the F-35 impossible. The F-35 cannot coexist with a Russian intelligence collection platform that will be used to learn about its advanced capabilities. The United States has been actively working with Turkey to provide air defense solutions to meet its legitimate air defense needs, and this Administration has made multiple offers to move Turkey to the front of the line to receive the U.S. PATRIOT air defense system. Turkey has been a longstanding and trusted partner and NATO Ally for over 65 years, but accepting the S-400 undermines the commitments all NATO Allies made to each other to move away from Russian systems. This will have detrimental impacts on Turkish interoperability with the Alliance. The United States still greatly values our strategic relationship with Turkey. As NATO Allies, our relationship is multi-layered, and not solely focused on the F-35. Our military-to-military relationship is strong, and we will continue to cooperate with Turkey extensively, mindful of constraints due to the presence of the S-400 system in Turkey.

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 17, 2019 President Donald J. Trump Approves Texas Disaster Declaration Today, President Donald J. Trump declared that a major disaster exists in the State of Texas and ordered Federal assistance to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe storms and flooding that occurred from June 24 to June 25, 2019. The President's action makes Federal funding for Individual Assistance available to affected individuals in the counties of Cameron, Hidalgo, and Willacy. Individual Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster. Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide. Pete Gaynor, Acting Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Department of Homeland Security, named Sandra L. Eslinger 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 damage assessments. Residents and business owners who sustained losses in the designated counties can begin applying for assistance by registering online at http://www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired.  The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION MEDIA SHOULD CONTACT:  FEMA NEWS DESK AT (202) 646-3272 OR FEMA-NEWS-DESK@FEMA.DHS.GOV

WHITE HOUSE NOMINATIONS SENT TO THE SENATE

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 17, 2019 NOMINATIONS SENT TO THE SENATE:      Charlotte A. Burrows, of the District of Columbia, to be a Member of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission for a term expiring July 1, 2023, vice Chai Rachel Feldblum, term expired.      Carmen G. Cantor, of Puerto Rico, a Career Member of the Senior Executive Service, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Federated States of Micronesia.      Michael George DeSombre, of Illinois, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Kingdom of Thailand.      Sung Y. Kim, of California, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Career Minister, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Indonesia.      Aurelia Skipwith, of Indiana, to be Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, vice Daniel M. Ashe, resigned.      Keith E. Sonderling, of Florida, to be a Member of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission for a term expiring July 1, 2024, vice Charlotte A. Burrows, term expired.      Robert L. Sumwalt III, of South Carolina, to be Chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board for a term of three years. (Reappointment)

DEATH OF JOHN PAUL STEVENS - A PROCLAMATION BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 17, 2019 DEATH OF JOHN PAUL STEVENS - - - - - - - BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA A PROCLAMATION        As a mark of respect for the memory and longstanding service of John Paul Stevens, retired Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, I hereby order, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, that on the day of his interment, the flag of the United States shall be flown at half‑staff at the White House and upon 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 until sunset on such day.  I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same period at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.      IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this seventeenth day of July, in the year of our Lord two thousand nineteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-fourth.                                 DONALD J. TRUMP

West Wing Reads President Trump's Asylum Action Will Help Ease the Border Crisis

President Trump's Asylum Action Will Help Ease the Border Crisis “This week, the Trump administration continued its efforts to bring order to the southern border by imposing new rules on the asylum-seeking process. This is what was needed,” the Washington Examiner editorial board writes. Under the new rule, an alien who enters or attempts to enter the United States across the southern border, but who passed through other countries on the way without applying for protections from persecution or torture, will be ineligible for asylum in America. Our asylum laws were “not supposed to be an invitation to unlimited economic migration. But that is how the law is currently functioning, with Central Americans making their way here by the tens of thousands every month. They have learned exactly how to push the system's buttons in order to secure long-term permission to be inside the U.S., and this is why detention centers near the border are overflowing.” Meanwhile, Democrats in Congress have “shown no sense of urgency to fix the problem.” Click here to read more. “If the USMCA were brought to the floor of the House for a vote, it would pass overwhelmingly. Yet, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) continues to slow-walk the ratification process. She can’t take yes for an answer because too many in her party only want to say no,” Rep. Ron Estes (R-KS) writes in The Hill. “The sad reality is too many in Pelosi’s party would gladly hand America a loss if it means denying President Trump a win.” “Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) scolded a Google executive Tuesday, saying that Congress’ patience with Google’s monopoly is running thin, and that it’s ‘time for accountability,’” Sean Moran reports for Breitbart. “Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) asked Google vice president of government affairs and public policy Karan Bhatia if he would submit to an independent, third-party audit of its content moderation practices, to which Bhatia said no.” “NAFTA, which was approved and has been in place since 1994, was written before many of the digital technologies that drive our 21st century global economy, such as cloud computing and online commerce, even existed,” business leader James Brett writes in the New Hampshire Business Review. “Fortunately, our leaders in Congress have the opportunity to take an important step to bolster U.S. exports and drive continued economic growth by approving the new US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).”

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 16, 2019 Statement by the Press Secretary   The President and the First Lady offer their deepest condolences to the family and friends of Retired Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens, who passed away this evening. A decorated World War II Naval Officer, Justice Stevens was known for his humility, legal acumen, and affection for his beloved Chicago Cubs. His work over the course of nearly 35 years on the Supreme Court will continue to shape the legal framework of our Nation for years to come. His passion for the law and for our country will not soon be forgotten.

The GoldFish Report No. 374 - Red and White Dragon Interview: Global Currency Reset

The GoldFish Report

Published on Jul 17, 2019
The GoldFish Report No 374 YouTube Video Link
The GoldFish Report No 374 BitChute Video Link

On The GoldFish Report No 374, Louisa and co-host Steve welcomes returning guests The Ambassador from the red Dragon Family and White Dragon Society's Benjamin Fulford to discuss the status of the Global Currency Reset and what factors and players are stalling its completion, including many Geopolitical issues that function into this equation. To subscribe to Benjamin's weekly Geopolitical reports, please visit his website at : https://benjaminfulford.net The Red Dragon Ambassador's website is at www.globalmissionofpeace.com. Also, Louisa announces The GoldFish report Road to the White House Fund Drive and encourages viewers who wish to see The GoldFish Social Media reporting from The White House. To contribute please visit these links to pay pal or Patreon on our website at www.thegoldfishreport.com. There will be Iive streams and special interviews from the White House from the Alternative media, finally!! Only the viewers can make this happen since this is a commercial-free, viewer supported social media channel. To receive our Reports you can subscribe to our BITCHUTE Channel at https://www.bitchute.com/profile/qrAL... and to become a Patron of The GoldFish Report you can go to our Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/user?u=10007100 . You can also subscribe to our "NEW" YouTube channel at, and https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCO-A..., follow us on Twitter at @ReportGoldfish, www.thegoldfishreport.wordpress.com you can also follow us and like us on our 24/7 research news page at www.facebook.com/thegoldfishreport and to help support these and other programs please visit www.thegoldfishreport.com to make a donation. Thank you for your support and Thank you for viewing. To View The GoldFish Report's POTUS Reports, you can visit our BitCHute page or view the unlisted report on YouTube from our POTUS Report page on our website at www.thegoldfishreport.com The GoldFish Report Archives can be found on our new Vimeo Video on Demand channel here: https://vimeo.com/ondemand/thegoldfis.... DISCLAIMER The following videos were created for educational purposes only. The content of this material strictly for research purposes, and readily available to the general public via the Internet. Viewing of the GoldFish Reports acknowledges that senders and recipients hereby agree to this disclaimer, thus releasing the source author from any and all personal liability. Also, individuals who alter or deviate from this source material, may be exposing themselves to the full extent of law. THE OPINIONS AND HYPOTHESES OF OUR GUESTS AND GUEST CO-HOSTS DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE VIEWS OF THE GOLDFISH REPORT POTUS UPDATE. AN OPINION AND HYPOTHESIS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITH NEWLY PRESENTED RESEARCH AND EVIDENCE. THE GOLDFISH REPORT POTUS REPORT IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR INFORMATION THAT MAY BE UNKNOWINGLY INACCURATE, ALTHOUGH WE DO OUR BEST TO PRESENT FACTS, OUR GOAL IS TO HAVE THE CONVERSATION ABOUT DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVES OF WORLD EVENTS AND HOW THOSE MAKING THE DECISIONS MAY IMPACT OUR LIVES. VIEWER DISCERNMENT IS ADVISED. Copyright 2019 The GoldFish Report. All rights Reserved.