Statement from First Lady Melania Trump’s Visit to Ford’s Theatre

Office of the First Lady FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 2, 2019

Statement from First Lady Melania Trump’s Visit to Ford’s Theatre   First Lady Melania Trump joined the President in attending Ford’s Theatre tonight for their annual gala in tribute to former President Abraham Lincoln.  Mrs. Trump is an Honorary Chair of the Ford’s Theatre Gala and this is the third year that the Administration has hosted Ford’s Theatre for a pre-gala reception at the White House. “We had a lovely evening at Ford’s Theatre,” said First Lady Melania Trump.  “Congratulations to this year’s recipients of the Lincoln Medal.  The President and I thank each of you for the powerful impact your work has on so many of us.  Thank you to Ford’s Theatre Society for welcoming us and for your continued dedication to the arts – they are a vital part of our society.”

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 2, 2019 REMARKS BY PRESIDENT TRUMP AT FORD’S THEATRE GALA PERFORMANCE Ford's Theatre Washington, D.C.   6:56 P.M. EDT      THE PRESIDENT:  Well, thank you very much.  What a place.  You look right there and that says it all.  That's history at its highest.      Thank you very much for what you've done.  So many of you have been so helpful.  And I see Congress, I see Senate, I see congressmen.  They hate each other during the day, but tonight they love each other.  (Laughter and applause.)      It's my pleasure to be with you once again at Ford's Theatre -- the annual gala.  Please join me in thanking all of the wonderful performers who have made this an unforgettable evening.  Great talent.  Thank you very much.  (Applause.)      So tonight we come together to celebrate American life, history, culture, and the eternal legacy of President Abraham Lincoln.      I want to thank all of the chairs of the gala, including your honorary co-chair, America's beloved First Lady.  Oh, I'd love to have her poll numbers.  (Applause.)  How do I get her poll numbers, Kevin, John?  (Applause.)  And they do love you.      We're honored to be joined by many members of my Cabinet -- thank you very much; and members of Congress.  Many friends and distinguished guests -- very distinguished, as a matter of fact.  A special thanks to our host and my good friend for a long time, Larry Gatlin, and his brothers, as well as the chair of Ford's Theatre Board of Trustees, Phebe.  Thank you very much.  What a job.  What a job.  Thank you.  (Applause.)      And finally to Paul Tetreault -- and the way you ran those stairs, Paul.  I was going to do it but I didn't want to take a chance.  (Laughter.)  And the entire staff of Ford’s Theatre, thank you very much for everything you've done.  This is an event that we hope to be here -- what do you figure? -- another six times, right?  (Laughter.)  Six times, at least.  At least.  (Applause.)  Because we do want to preserve this heritage and this center’s treasured legacy.        I also want to congratulate tonight’s Lincoln Medal Recipients: a man I have a lot of respect for, General Colin Powell, and his wife Alma.  And maybe even more respect for you, Alma.  (Applause.)  Great job.  Great job.  Thank you and thank you for your service to our nation.  You have been outstanding.  Two people to really look up to.  Congratulations.  Congratulations.  (Applause.)      And congratulations as well to somebody I used to watch a lot, Mark Russell, who has been a devoted performer at Ford’s Theatre for many, many years.  Mark, congratulations.  Congratulations to him.  (Applause.)        For decades, families from all around the world and all around the country have come to this very treasured place to gain a glimpse into President Lincoln’s life, and, in so doing, into one of the most vital chapters and probably one of the most interesting chapters in American history.      During our nation’s greatest trial, President Lincoln stood for truth and freedom and human equality.  As President Lincoln’s friend, the renowned abolitionist Fredrick Douglass, said: “Abraham Lincoln was called upon to decide the fate of the Republic."  So true.  "He did not hesitate, he did not doubt, he did not falter…his faith was strong” and his unwavering in patriotism, like nobody else.  And he had great patriotism for this country and for countrymen.  That's a -- was quite a legacy, and quite a statement from another great man.        The patriotism of President Lincoln has lived on in every subsequent generation that has risen to the call of destiny and the demands of duty.  This week, we are commemorating another moment when our nation and the entire world was tested at the highest level: the 75th anniversary of D-Day.        Right after this event, Melania and I will board Air Force One and travel to the United Kingdom, and then to Normandy, France.  On that precious soil, we will honor the more than 150,000 Allied troops who landed on D-Day, and the millions more who fought in the Second World War.        As one people, America came together to pledge our resolve to protect the sacred rights and freedoms that these immortal patriots gave their very lives to secure.  We will never forget America’s heroes -- never, ever, ever.        Our duty, and the duty of every patriot, is to pass on the inheritance of liberty and justice that is the cherished birthright of all Americans.      Thank you again to Ford’s Theatre and everyone here tonight.  God bless you.  And God bless America.  Thank you very much for being here.  Thank you.  (Applause.)  Thank you.  Thank you.  Thank you.                               END                 7:01 P.M. EDT

Presidential Message on National Cancer Survivors Day, 2019

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 2, 2019 Presidential Message on National Cancer Survivors Day, 2019   On National Cancer Survivors Day, we honor the remarkable Americans who have survived cancer.  As we continue working toward a cure for this horrible disease, we are encouraged and inspired by the courageous spirit of survivors throughout our Nation and around the world. The more than 32 million cancer survivors worldwide—including nearly 17 million in the United States—stand as a testament to the outstanding work of our Nation’s dedicated healthcare professionals and researchers to improve the prevention and treatment of all cancers.  Because of their tireless efforts, deaths from cancer continue to decline for both men and women. With more than 15,000 children and adolescents diagnosed with pediatric cancer each year, we must continue our efforts to increase the survival rate for these brave young people and to give them hope for a better quality of life post-cancer.  Last year, I signed into law the Childhood Cancer Survivorship, Treatment, Access, and Research (“STAR”) Act of 2018, to help give our Nation’s children, adolescents, and young adults with cancer every advantage possible as they battle the disease.  This legislation will advance critical research on childhood cancers and effective treatments, better identify and track pediatric cancer rates, and support survivors. Additionally, as I announced in my 2019 State of the Union address, I am working with Congress to invest $500 million over the next decade to give our Nation’s researchers and doctors expanded opportunities to comprehend fully the unique causes and the best cures for childhood cancer. As we observe this National Cancer Survivors Day, we recognize the incredible strength and resolve of the millions of Americans who have overcome tremendous challenges while facing cancer.  Melania and I continue to keep all those living with this disease in our hearts and prayers.

Presidential Message in Commemoration of the 40th Anniversary of Pope John Paul II’s First Pilgrimage to Poland

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 2, 2019 Presidential Message in Commemoration of the 40th Anniversary of Pope John Paul II’s First Pilgrimage to Poland On this day, we commemorate the 40th anniversary of St. Pope John Paul II’s historic celebration of the Mass on June 2, 1979, in Warsaw, the opening of a nine-day visit to Poland that changed the course of history.  As we remember the long struggle of the Polish people against communism, we also acknowledge that millions of people now live in freedom because of St. Pope John Paul II and his extraordinary life as a follower of Jesus Christ and a champion for human dignity and religious liberty. In his homily forty years ago, St. Pope John Paul II delivered a powerful message of hope to the crowd gathered in Warsaw, to all of Poland, and to the world.  His words stood tall against the repressive forces of communism throughout Poland and the rest of Europe.  He inspired courage in the hearts of millions of men and women to seek a better, freer life. Today, we celebrate this historic moment and reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that freedom always prevails.  The United States and our allies stand united against the shackles of communism and as a beacon of liberty and prosperity throughout the world. Melania joins me in remembering St. Pope John Paul II, whose poignant address stirred the soul of the Polish people and eventually helped tear down the Iron Curtain of communism in Europe.  May we continue to be strengthened by his words and his call to God’s abundant compassion, strength, and glory.

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 2, 2019 President Donald J. Trump Approves Oklahoma Disaster Declaration   Yesterday, President Donald J. Trump declared that a major disaster exists in the State of Oklahoma and ordered Federal assistance to supplement State, tribal, and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, and flooding beginning on May 7, 2019, and continuing. The President's action makes Federal funding available to affected individuals in the counties of Muskogee, Tulsa, and Wagoner. 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 also is available to State, tribal, and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for debris removal and emergency protective measures, including direct Federal assistance, in the counties of Muskogee, Tulsa, and Wagoner. Emergency protective measures, limited to direct federal assistance, will be provided in the counties of Haskell, Kay, Le Flore, Noble, Osage, Pawnee, and Sequoyah. 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 Gerard M. Stolar as the Federal Coordinating Officer for Federal recovery operations in the affected areas. Damage assessments are continuing in other areas, and more counties and additional forms of assistance may be designated after the assessments are fully completed. 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 THE FEMA NEWS DESK AT (202) 646-3272 OR FEMA-NEWS-DESK@FEMA.DHS.GOV.

HONORING THE VICTIMS OF THE TRAGEDY IN VIRGINIA BEACH, VIRGINIA - A PROCLAMATION BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 1, 2019

HONORING THE VICTIMS OF THE TRAGEDY IN VIRGINIA BEACH, VIRGINIA - - - - - - - BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA A PROCLAMATION    Our Nation grieves with those affected by the tragic shooting at the Virginia Beach Municipal Center in Virginia Beach, Virginia.  Americans unite in praying for God to comfort the injured and heal the wounded.  May God be with the victims and bring aid and comfort to their families and friends.  As a mark of solemn respect for the victims of the terrible act of violence perpetrated on May 31, 2019, by the authority vested in me as President of the United States by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, I hereby order that 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, June 4, 2019.  I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same length of time 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 first day of June, in the year of our Lord two thousand nineteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred forty-third. ​​​​​​DONALD J. TRUMP

Resolute Reads REAL NEWS PRESIDENT TRUMP DOESN'T WANT YOU TO MISS

REAL NEWS PRESIDENT TRUMP DOESN'T WANT YOU TO MISS

Trump Shakes ‘Every Single Hand’ of US Air Force Graduates While Praising Their ‘Noble Road of Service’ -Independent Journal Review “The president showered the U.S. Air Force Academy’s graduating class with praise and encouragement as they are ‘ready to fly, fight, and win,’” Madison Summers reports. “During the ceremony, Trump announced that he would shake ‘every single hand’ of the nearly [1,000] graduates as they walk across the stage.”  Watch: President Trump delivers 2019 Air Force Academy commencement speech Over 1,000 Illegal Immigrants Apprehended in El Paso Sector, Largest Group Ever at Single Time -Fox News “More than 1,000 illegal immigrants were apprehended by U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents near the U.S.-Mexico border early Wednesday—the largest ever group of migrants ever apprehended at a single time,” John Roberts and Travis Fedschun report. “The fact is that [the Rio Grande Valley] is receiving caravan-equivalent numbers every seven days,” Sector Chief Patrol Agent Rodolfo Karisch said. Why Trump’s Tariffs on Mexico are Needed to Cut Illegal Immigration -Fox News “President Trump sent a message of strength and leadership Thursday night when he announced he will impose escalating tariffs on Mexico in a bold move to halt the flow of illegal immigrants and protect our national security,” National Border Patrol Council President Brandon Judd writes. “The congressional inaction we are now witnessing is made worse by Mexico’s refusal to enforce its own immigration laws, which are actually much stronger than our own.” Democrats Should Forget Impeachment and Turn the Page -CNN “It would be divisive for the nation and a boon to our global competitors if Democrats choose to hobble our national agenda with superfluous, partisan impeachment,” Carrie Sheffield writes. “Clearly, Mueller is moving on and it's time for us to move on as a country, too . . . By a nearly 20-point margin, the American people do not want impeachment, according to polling by the Washington Post and ABC News.” My Fellow Democrats Are Skeptical About the USMCA. They Shouldn't Be -Fortune “Congress will soon vote on the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), a landmark trade pact finalized by all three nations last November,” former Democratic Governor of Washington Gary Locke writes. USMCA is a “historic win for workers,” Locke says. “It would guarantee fairer pay through wage requirements, ensure safe working environments, and strengthen workers’ rights to unionize for better benefits.” Trump Trip to Japan Will Benefit US and Our Allies -Fox News “President Trump’s just-concluded visit to Japan was more than ceremonial,” Brett Velicovich writes. “By strengthening our relationship with steadfast allies such as Japan, the president has placed America in an even better position to pacify the North Korean regime and bring an end to one of the biggest global security challenges of the century.”  First Lady Melania Trump in Japan President Trump Puts US Service Members in Spotlight During Memorial Day Address -Stars and Stripes “President Donald Trump spoke Tuesday to 1,000 sailors and Marines and a few servicemembers from other branches aboard the [USS Wasp], which was moored at Yokosuka Naval Base” in Japan, Seth Robson reports. “The president also surprised an enlisted sailor and Marine by calling them onto a stage and inviting them to say a few words of their own.”  Watch: President Trump and the First Lady visit Japan A Tariff Issue on Which Free and Fair Traders Can Agree -The Wall Street Journal “American exporters face systematically higher tariffs in the markets of more than 100 U.S. trading partners,” White House Director of Trade and Manufacturing Policy Peter Navarro writes. “Whether you’re a pure free trader or a fair, reciprocal and balanced trader like the president, if you live in a relatively low-tariff country like the U.S., you should oppose an international trading system that helps institutionalize nonreciprocal tariffs.”

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 1, 2019 Statement from the President   As we celebrate LGBT Pride Month and recognize the outstanding contributions that LGBT people have made to our great Nation, let us also stand in solidarity with the many LGBT people who live in dozens of countries worldwide that punish, imprison, or even execute individuals on the basis of their sexual orientation. My Administration has launched a global campaign to decriminalize homosexuality and invites all nations to join us in this effort!

White House Photos of the Week Friday, May 24, 2019- May 31, 2019

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 31, 2019 Photos of the Week Friday, May 24, 2019 President Donald J. Trump greets service members at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska Friday, May 24, 2019, during a refueling stop en route to Tokyo, Japan. (Official White House Photo by Shealah Craighead)       Saturday, May 25, 2019 Vice President Mike Pence congratulates a graduate during the West Point graduation ceremony Saturday, May 25, 2019, at the United States Military Academy Michie Stadium in West Point, N.Y. (Official White House Photo by D. Myles Cullen)       Sunday, May 26, 2019 President Donald J. Trump greets the Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe Sunday, May 26, 2019, at the Mobara Country Club in Chiba, Japan. (Official White House Photo by Shealah Craighead)       First Lady Melania Trump and Mrs. Akie Abe, wife of the Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe, tour the teamLab Borderless Exhibit Sunday, May 26, 2019, at the Mori Building Digital Art Museum in Tokyo. (Official White House Photo by Andrea Hanks)       President Donald J. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump join the Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe and his wife, Mrs. Akie Abe, for dinner at Inakaya restaurant Sunday, May 26, 2019, in Tokyo. (Official White House Photo by Andrea Hanks)       President Donald J. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, joined by the Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe and his wife, Mrs. Akie Abe, watch a sumo tournament Sunday, May 26, 2019, at the Ryōgoku Kokugikan Stadium in Tokyo. (Official White House Photo by Shealah Craighead)       President Donald J. Trump presents the President’s Cup trophy to wrestler Asanoyama during a sumo tournament Sunday, May 27, 2019, at the Ryōgoku Kokugikan Stadium in Tokyo. (Official White House Photo by Andrea Hanks)       Monday, May 27, 2019 President Donald J. Trump walks with Emperor Naruhito of Japan during a state call to the Imperial Palace Monday, May 27, 2019, in Tokyo. (Official White House Photo by Shealah Craighead)       First Lady Melania Trump and Mrs. Akie Abe, the wife of the Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe, walk together as they are photographed by members of the press Monday, May 27, 2019, at Akasaka Palace in Tokyo. (Official White House Photo by Andrea Hanks)       First Lady Melania Trump meets with Empress Masako of Japan during a state call to the Imperial Palace Monday, May 27, 2019, in Tokyo. (Official White House Photo by Andrea Hanks)       President Donald J. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, joined by the Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe and his wife, Mrs. Akie Abe, listen to family members of people abducted by North Korea Monday, May 27, 2019, at Akasaka Palace in Tokyo. (Official White House Photo by Andrea Hanks)       President Donald J. Trump participates in a press conference with the Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe Monday, May 27, 2019, at Akasaka Palace in Tokyo. (Official White House Photo by Andrea Hanks)       Emperor Naruhito of Japan listens as President Donald J. Trump delivers remarks during the state banquet at the Imperial Palace Monday, May 27, 2019, in Tokyo. (Official White House Photo by Shealah Craighead)       Vice President Mike Pence places a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier during a Memorial Day ceremony Monday, May 27, 2019, at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va. (Official White House Photo by D. Myles Cullen)       Vice President Mike Pence and Second Lady Karen Pence place roses on gravesites during a Memorial Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery Monday, May 27, 2019, in Arlington, Va. (Official White House Photo by D. Myles Cullen)       Tuesday, May 28, 2019 President Donald J. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump meet with Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako of Japan during a farewell call Tuesday, May 28, 2019, at the Palace Hotel Tokyo. (Official White House Photo by Andrea Hanks)       President Donald J. Trump, joined by First Lady Melania Trump, salutes as they are welcomed aboard USS WASP Tuesday, May 28, 2019, in Yokosuka, Japan. (Official White House Photo by Andrea Hanks)       President Donald J. Trump delivers remarks during a Memorial Day address to the service members aboard USS WASP Tuesday, May 28, 2019, in Yokosuka, Japan. (Official White House Photo by Andrea Hanks)       President Donald J. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump pose for a photo with service members during a visit aboard USS WASP Tuesday, May 28, 2019, in Yokosuka, Japan. (Official White House Photo by Andrea Hanks)       Wednesday, May 29, 2019 President Donald J. Trump and Vice President Mike Pence participate in the ceremonial swearing-in of Kimberly A. Reed, the President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Export-Import Bank of the United States Wednesday, May 29, 2019 in the Oval Office of the White House. (Official White House Photo by Joyce N. Boghosian)       Thursday, May 30, 2019 President Donald J. Trump salutes as he arrives at the 2019 United States Air Force Academy graduation ceremony Thursday, May 30, 2019, at the United States Air Force Academy’s Falcon Stadium in Colorado Springs, Colo. (Official White House Photo by Shealah Craighead)       President Donald J. Trump congratulates cadets during the 2019 United States Air Force Academy graduation ceremony Thursday, May 30, 2019, at the United States Air Force Academy’s Falcon Stadium in Colorado Springs, Colo. (Official White House Photo by Shealah Craighead)       United States Air Force cadets toss their covers in the air as the Thunderbirds fly overhead during the 2019 United States Air Force Academy graduation ceremony Thursday, May 30, 2019, at the United States Air Force Academy’s Falcon Stadium in Colorado Springs, Colo. (Official White House Photo by Shealah Craighead)       Vice President Mike Pence and Second Lady Karen Pence pose for a photo with children of United States Embassy staff Thursday, May 30, 2019, at the United States Embassy in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. (Official White House Photo by D. Myles Cullen)       Vice President Mike Pence participates in a bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau Thursday, May 30, 2019, at Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. (Official White House Photo by D. Myles Cullen)       Second Lady Karen Pence highlights the importance of beekeeping in Canada and across the world while touring the Gees Bees Honey Company's farm with owners Matt and Marianne Gee Thursday, May 30, 2019, in Gloucester, Ontario, Canada. (Official White House Photo by Amy Rossetti)       Friday, May 31, 2019 President Donald J. Trump welcomes a Gold Star family to the Blue Room of the White House Friday, May 31, 2019, prior to attending a reception to honor Gold Star families in the East Room. (Official White House Photo by Joyce N. Boghosian)