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May 31, 2018

Kim Kardashian West Visits President Trump at White House

Kim Kardashian West Visits President Trump at White House about the case of Alice Marie Johnson.

Kim Kardashian talks about her meeting with President Trump, says "The President seems to have a passion" for prison reform..

Kim Kardashian West met with President Trump at the White House Wednesday about sentencing and prison reform, Mr. Trump confirmed in a tweet Wednesday night. The White House had offered few details about her visit.

"Great meeting with @KimKardashian today, talked about prison reform and sentencing," Mr. Trump tweeted.

Kim was advocating for a pardon for Alice Marie Johnson, a great-grandmother serving a life sentence for a nonviolent drug offense. Johnson has spent more than two decades in prison. Vanity Fair first reported the Kardashian sister would be visiting Washington and meeting with White House officials.

A member of Johnson's legal team told CBS News White House reporter Jacqueline Alemany the meeting between the president and Kardashian was very "positive," but the president did not make a decision during the meeting about whether or not he will move forward with a pardon.

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May 30, 2018

America Voted for Donald Trump for President and Will Again!

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May 29, 2018

President Trump the First President to TRULY Serve the People

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May 28, 2018

President Trump lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington Cemetery on Memorial Day 2018

Amazing ceremony this morning. President Trump lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington Cemetery on Memorial Day 2018.

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On this Memorial Day, take a moment to remember the dogs who gave their lives in service to our country

On this Memorial Day, take a moment to remember the dogs who gave their lives in service to our country. Our amazing military pups are out there protecting our men and women in the military every day

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A US Marine salutes as participants in the Rolling Thunder annual motorcycle rally ride in Washington, D.C

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May 25, 2018

Press Sec. Sarah Sanders and Sly Stallone at White House

Sarah Sanders Press Sec. and Sly Stallone. From Sarah.......“It ain't how hard you hit; it's about how hard you can get hit, and keep moving forward,” -Rocky Balboa Thank you @TheSlyStallone!!!

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President Donald J. Trump Delivered an Awesome Commencement address to the U.S. Naval Academy’s 2018 graduating class in Annapolis, Maryland

"There is no hill our Marines can’t take and there is no stronghold the SEALs can’t breach. There is no sea the Navy can’t brave…together there is nothing that Americans can’t do."~President Trump at the United States Naval Academy Graduation and Commissioning Ceremony.this morning.

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May 24, 2018

National Memorial Day concert to remember the Battle of Khe Sanh and honor Vietnam Veterans

In January 1968, 50 years ago, a truce was called in the middle of the Vietnam War in honor of the Lunar New Year, or Tet. In spite of the agreement, the North Vietnamese Army and Viet Cong troops launched a surprise, full-scale offensive on cities across South Vietnam.

One of these targets was the remote Marine base at Khe Sanh in the Quảng Trị Province, where 40,000 enemy troops faced up against only 2,500 Marines.

Among those fighting at Khe Sanh was the 1st Battalion 9th Marines, also referred to as “The Walking Dead” battalion due to having the highest casualty rate in Marine Corps history. Of the nearly 3,000 Marines who served with the 1/9 in Vietnam, more than 25 percent would be killed in action. One young squad leader, Sgt. Bill Rider, survived, but the memories of those he lost in Khe Sanh have haunted him for decades. It wasn’t until 1999 that he was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress and began to find healing.

Inspired by his journey, Rider founded the American Combat Veterans of War (ACVOW) in 2001 with the mission to help those Veterans who have experienced the trauma of war.

For his service in Vietnam, Bill Rider was awarded the Purple Heart, Presidential Unit Citation and Naval Commendation with a Bronze “V” for valor, among other commendations, and was nominated for the Silver Star.

Rider’s story will be told by Academy award-nominated actor Graham Greene of Dances with Wolves fame during PBS’ National Memorial Day Concert in a segment remembering the Battle of Khe Sanh and honoring Vietnam Veterans.

The concert will air live on your local PBS station Sunday, May 27, 2018, from 8 to 9:30 p.m.

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May 20, 2018

Flying over the Statue of Liberty in Marine One with President Trump

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May 19, 2018

From Marine ONE, Central Park, NYC

From Marine One with President Trump......Central Park, NYC

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May 18, 2018

President Donald Trump Defunds Planned Parenthood, Will Cut Almost $60 Million in Taxpayer Funding ~ GOOD!

President Donald Trump Defunds Planned Parenthood, Will Cut Almost $60 Million in Taxpayer Funding

Life News

The Trump administration is announcing new regulations today to partially defund Planned Parenthood and other abortion businesses of tens of millions of tax dollars. This is the second time Trump has taken steps to revoke taxpayer funding for the nation’s biggest abortion business — after yanking taxpayer from from International Planned Parenthood during his first week in office.

The United States spends about $260 million in Title X funds annually for family planning for low-income individuals, and Planned Parenthood is a huge recipient of those funds, as much as $50-$60 million annually.

But under the proposed “Protect Life Rule,” Planned Parenthood and other abortion businesses would not receive any of those tax dollars unless they completely separate their abortion business from their taxpayer-funded services, The Washington Examiner reports. That would mean housing their family planning services elsewhere — potentially in separate buildings and coordinated by separate staff and organizations from its abortion enterprise.

“This proposal does not necessarily defund Planned Parenthood, as long as they’re willing to disentangle taxpayer funds from abortion as a method of family planning, which is required by the Title X law,” a Trump administration official said. “Any grantees that perform, support, or refer for abortion have a choice – disentangle themselves from abortion or fund their activities with privately raised funds.”

Of course, Planned Parenthood is unwilling to do so. Abortion is its primary focus, and it already is threatening a lawsuit to stop the defunding. However, the proposal is modeled after similar Reagan administration rules that the U.S. Supreme Court upheld in Rust v. Sullivan in 1991.

Planned Parenthood Vice President Dawn Laguens quickly slammed the proposal with an absurd claim that her abortion chain is the only place women can go for basic health care.

“This is an attempt to take away women’s basic rights, period,” Laguens said. “Under this rule, people will not get the healthcare they need. They won’t get birth control, cancer screenings, STD testing, and treatment, or even general women’s health exams.”

SIGN THE PETITION! Congress Must De-Fund Planned Parenthood Immediately

Susan B. Anthony List President Marjorie Dannenfelser refuted this by pointing to the growing number of community and rural health centers that far outnumber Planned Parenthood facilities.

“We thank President Trump for taking action to disentangle taxpayers from the abortion business,” Dannenfelser said. “Planned Parenthood, the nation’s largest abortion business, is responsible for more than 300,000 abortions a year and has been receiving $50-60 million in Title X taxpayer funds annually. The Protect Life Rule doesn’t cut a single dime from family planning. It instead directs tax dollars to Title X centers that do not promote or perform abortions …”

Here’s more from the Washington Examiner:

The proposal, which is being filed with the Office of Management and Budget, is based off a policy from when Ronald Reagan was president. An administration official denied that the proposal would contain a “gag rule” preventing doctors from counseling women about abortion, as several news reports have stated, though acknowledged that the rule would no longer contain a mandate that clinics must counsel and refer for abortion. …

The Department of Health and Human Services said that the proposal was being filed in order to “ensure compliance” with laws that prohibit federal funds from going toward abortions. The amount the federal government spends on family planning services, including birth control, STD testing, and cancer screenings, will not be cut. The program covers 4 million low-income people.

Students for Life of America President Kristan Hawkins praised the proposed rules.

“You can really see how insidiously entangled the abortion industry is in our government run healthcare programs when abortion allies in Congress get apoplectic because family planning programs don’t require a sales pitch to end the lives of family members,” Hawkins said. “The Trump Administration has every right to require that Title X programs focus on healthcare, not abortion …”

The proposal comes amid strong pleas from grassroots Americans and members of Congress to defund the abortion giant Planned Parenthood. In April, 154 U.S. House members sent a letter to HHS Secretary Alex Azar asking for a rule to prohibit tax dollars from being use to promote abortions.

Title X funds are supposed to be used to help low-income women and men receive birth control, cancer screenings and other health care services. While the tax money cannot be used to pay for abortions, it indirectly funds Planned Parenthood’s vast abortion business.

The Trump administration has cut several other streams of funding to Planned Parenthood as well. Soon after Trump took office, he signed the Mexico City Policy to prevent the funding of groups that promote or perform abortions overseas. This includes the International Planned Parenthood Federation, which received tax dollars under the Obama administration.

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President Donald J. Trump with U.S. Air Force SSGT Charles Edwards of Mary Esther, FL, and CAPT Mark Kobelja, Director of WRNMMC at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center

From President Trump:

It was my great honor to visit with our HEROES last night at Walter Reed Medical Center. There is nobody like them!

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May 17, 2018

Senate Intel Committee endorses CIA Dir. nominee Gina Haspel to get full Senate vote

The Senate Intelligence Committee on Wednesday recommended Gina Haspel be confirmed as CIA director, and now the full Senate will later vote on her nomination.

President Trump nominated Haspel to the post, and her confirmation process has been under intense scrutiny.

The CIA’s post-9/11 enhanced interrogation program that Haspel was involved with, as well as torture methods and waterboarding, have been contentious topics generally split along party lines. But some Democrats announced their support of Haspel on Tuesday, which indicated she would garner the Senate’s approval and be named CIA director.

The committee on Wednesday voted 10 to 5 to recommend Haspel to the full Senate. Of the 100 U.S. Senators, 51 are Republicans and 49 are Democrats; while two Republicans said they would not vote for Haspel, five Democrats have indicated they would support her nomination.

Haspel spent 33 years in the Central Intelligence Agnency, and if confirmed, she would become the agency’s first female leader.

Haspel, 61, is the acting CIA director, and she has yet to be confirmed by Congress after facing backlash from politicians over her intelligence career.

She ran a black-site prison in Thailand where a high-level terrorist was detained and tortured in 2002.

Mohammed was captured in March 2003 and was kept at CIA prisons in Afghanistan and Poland. He was tortured by the CIA, including being waterboarded.

Haspel has pledged not to implement an interrogation program of that kind again.

“Having served in that tumultuous time, I can offer you my personal commitment, clearly and without reservation, that under my leadership CIA will not restart such a detention and interrogation program,” she said.

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May 16, 2018

Beautiful First Lady Melania Thanks Hospital

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May 15, 2018

President Trump and VP Pence Thank Our Awesome Law Enforcement

Beautiful day at our nation’s Capitol to celebrate some of America’s greatest heroes. Thank you to the great men and women of law enforcement around the country.

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May 14, 2018

Statement from the Communications Director about First Lady Melania Trump

This morning, First Lady Melania Trump underwent an embolization procedure to treat a benign kidney condition. The procedure was successful and there were no complications. Mrs. Trump is at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and will likely remain there for the duration of the week. The First Lady looks forward to a full recovery so she can continue her work on behalf of children everywhere.

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US Embassy in Jerusalem thank you President Trump

Vice President Mike Pence
It was in Jerusalem that King David consecrated the capital of the Kingdom of Israel. Since its rebirth, the modern State of Israel has called Jerusalem the seat of its government. President Trump & the American people acknowledge this historic truth w the opening of the US Embassy.

President Donald J. Trump Keeps His Promise To Open U.S. Embassy In Jerusalem, Israel

FULFILLING A PROMISE: President Trump kept his promise by recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and opening the U.S. Embassy there.

On December 6, 2017, President Trump kept his promise, announcing that the United States would begin recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and officially open our Embassy there.

Congress urged the President to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel with the bipartisan 1995 Jerusalem Embassy Act – a call unanimously reaffirmed by the Senate in 2017.

After decades of past Presidents committing to move the Embassy to Jerusalem on the campaign trail, only to renege on those promises while in office, President Trump has fulfilled his promise to support one of America’s strongest allies.

More than two decades of waivers delaying the Embassy move brought us no closer to a lasting peace agreement between Israel and the Palestinians.

President Trump has made clear that old challenges demand new approaches, and that he will keep his word to the American people.

On May 14, 2018, the United States officially opened our Embassy in Jerusalem, Israel, 70 years to the day that President Truman recognized Israel as an independent country, making the United States the first nation to do so.

President Trump has recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and advanced peace between Israelis and Palestinians.

Announcing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital is simply a recognition of reality.

Israel is a sovereign nation and, like every other sovereign nation, has the right to choose its own capital. Yet for 70 years we neglected to extend this basic courtesy to Israel that we extend to other countries.

Jerusalem is the seat of the modern Israeli government. It is the home of the Israeli Parliament and the Israeli Supreme Court. It is the location of the official residence of the Prime Minister and President, as well as the headquarters of many government ministries.

STRIVING FOR PEACE: The Trump Administration continues to work to achieve a comprehensive peace agreement between the Israelis and the Palestinians.

The Trump Administration remains committed to achieving a lasting and comprehensive peace agreement.

Recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital is a necessary condition for peace between Israelis and Palestinians.

President Trump has been clear that his recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel does not mean the United States has taken a position on final status negotiations.

The Trump Administration believes that such decisions should be worked between Israelis and Palestinians.

The Trump Administration supports the status quo at Jerusalem’s holy sites.

FULFILLING PROMISES QUICKLY AND EFFICIENTLY: After announcing the United States’ recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, President Trump quickly and efficiently opened the Embassy in Israel at a low cost to taxpayers.

President Trump opened the Embassy in Jerusalem in just six months, compared to the seven to ten years expected to build an entirely new and secure permanent embassy.

Initial modifications allowing the Embassy to open on May 14, 2018, cost just $400,000.

United States diplomatic staff in Israel has worked around the clock to ensure the Embassy was ready to open by May 14, 2018.

The Trump Administration has begun updating all Federal Government maps to reflect Jerusalem’s status as Israel’s capital under American policy.

To celebrate the opening of the United States’ new Embassy in Jerusalem, the Trump Administration sent a high-level delegation, led by Deputy Secretary of State John Sullivan and including Secretary of the Treasury Steven Mnuchin, Senior Advisor Jared Kushner, Senior Advisor Ivanka Trump, and Special Representative for International Negotiations Jason Greenblatt.

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May 13, 2018

Ivanka Trump in Israel for Opening of New US Embassy in Jerusalem

Ivanka Trump
‏
May 12

I am honored to join the delegation representing @POTUS, his Admin & the American people at this momentous ceremony commemorating the opening of our new US Embassy in Jerusalem, Israel. We will pray for the boundless potential of the US-Israel alliance & we will pray for peace.

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May 12, 2018

Israel considers naming new Jerusalem train station after President Donald Trump

Israel Transportation Minister Yisrael Katz announced Wednesday his plans to name a new train station near the Western Wall after President Donald Trump

“The Kotel [Western Wall] is the holiest place to the Jewish people, and I have decided to name the train station leading to it after US President Donald Trump, in recognition of his brave and historic decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital,” Katz said, according to Ynetnews in Israel, referring to Trump’s recent decision to move the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.
What’s the story?

If the railway project is approved and built, it would be a two-mile extension of the soon-to-be-opened high-speed railway that runs between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, the Jewish Press reported. It would include two underground train stations including the City Center station and the Donald John Trump, Western Wall station near the Cardo in the Old City’s Jewish Quarter.

The high-speed railway project connecting the two cities has faced numerous delays and has been under construction since 2001.
What’s the approval process for the project?

The new project Tuesday received preliminary approval Tuesday, according to the Jerusalem Post.

“This project is now awaiting a discussion in the National Infrastructures Planning Committee,” Transportation Ministry spokesman Avner Ovadia told the Post. “When it is discussed there, it means that it receives priority in its advancement and in carrying out the project.”

It could take up to a year for final approval and at least four or five years to construct, barring any delays, Ovadia said.

The high-speed railway project connecting the two cities has faced numerous delays and has been under construction since 2001.

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May 11, 2018

3:00 A.M. and President Trump is working for America

3:00 AM was the time the calls were coming in for Hillary Clinton to respond to the real time ongoing attack on Benghazi. She, in a drunken stupor, rolled over and went back to sleep

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May 10, 2018

Pres. Trump, First Lady Melania, VP Pence, Second Lady Karen meet three released prisoners from N.Korea

Pres. Trump, First Lady Melania, VP Pence, Second Lady Karen meet three released prisoners from N.Korea

Trump and Melania give them heroes' welcome as they land back at U.S. Air Force base

Kim Jong-un released Kim Dong-chul, Kim Hak-song and Tony Kim – who were greeted as heroes in the U.S.
Trump and Melania personally met with them after their plane from Pyongyang arrived at 2:00 a.m.
President said: 'These are great people. Frankly, we didn't think this was going to happen, but it did'
Trump aims to sit down with North Korean dictator in late May or early June and thanked him personally.

Donald Trump welcomed three Americans imprisoned in North Korea back to the U.S. in the wee hours of Thursday morning, and said words most observers thought no American president would ever utter: 'We want to thank Kim Jong Un.'

The president and his wife Melania arrived at Joint Base Andrews outside Washington at 2:00 a.m. to greet Kim Dong Chul, Kim Hak Song and Tony Kim, and called them 'incredible people.'

In extraordinary scenes, Trump and the first lady clapped and cheered as the men walked down the steps with their arms in the air and giving triumphant 'V' signs signifying both peace and victory.

Their first steps back on American soil came hours earlier, in Alaska, when the plane carrying them home stopped to refuel.

On the tarmac in suburban Maryland, Trump said: 'These are great people. Frankly, we didn't think this was going to happen, but it did. It was important to get these people out. This is a special night for these three really great people.'

Trump also thanked Kim Jong-un for freeing 'the folks early.' calling it 'a wonderful thing' and adding he believes the North Korean despot 'really wants to do something' and bring the hermit kingdom 'into the real world.'

He said: 'We're starting off on a new footing. I really think we have a very good chance of doing something very meaningful, and if anybody would've said that five years ago, 10 years ago, even a year ago, you would've said, 'That's not possible.'

'My proudest achievement will be when we denuclearize that entire [Korean] peninsula,' he added.

The freed trio were joined by a translator who relayed their sentiment that being home felt 'like a dream' and that the men were 'very, very happy' to be freed. They later gave President Trump a round of applause.

Kim Dong-chul, speaking about his time in North Korea, said: 'We were treated in many different ways. For me, I had to do a lot of labor. But when I got sick, I was also treated by them.'

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These Two Wounded Warriors’ Reactions to Trump Ending the Iran Deal Will Give You CHILLS

J.R. Salzman and Robert Bartlett are two veterans who were both severely wounded in the line of fire in the Middle East, and both men had a touching message for President Trump’s decision to end the Iran Deal.

Robert Bartlett, who was severely injured by a roadside Iranian-made bomb while in Iraq, saluted Trump and said: “Thank you, Mr. President, I really appreciate it.”

These Two Wounded Warriors’ Reactions to Trump Ending the Iran Deal Will Give You CHILLS
These Two Wounded Warriors’ Reactions to Trump Ending the Iran Deal Will Give You CHILLS
Breaking News By Eren Moreno May 9, 2018
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Robert Bartlett, who was severely injured by a roadside Iranian-made bomb while in Iraq, saluted Trump and said: “Thank you, Mr. President, I really appreciate it.”

J.R. Salzman was wounded by an Iranian IED while he was on deployment in Baghdad, and he had a message both for President Trump and the Obama administration.

J.R. Salzman @jrsalzman

Hi @brhodes. This is my humvee from Iraq. It was blown up by an Iranian EFP that amputated my right arm and destroyed my left hand. You gave them billions and removed sanctions despite knowing they were killing Americans. That is your legacy. You have blood on your hands.
1:31 PM - May 8, 2018

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May 09, 2018

3 US captives held in North Korea on way home with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo

3 captives, 2 men held in North Korea since 2017 and 1 since 2015, are on the way home with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. The breakthrough comes just before a historic meeting between President Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

From PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP....... from his twitter account............

Donald J. Trump

‏@realDonaldTrump

3 hours ago

Secretary Pompeo and his “guests” will be landing at Andrews Air Force Base at 2:00 A.M. in the morning. I will be there to greet them. Very exciting!

And this one...............................

Donald J. Trump

‏ @realDonaldTrump

3 hours ago

I am pleased to inform you that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is in the air and on his way back from North Korea with the 3 wonderful gentlemen that everyone is looking so forward to meeting. They seem to be in good health. Also, good meeting with Kim Jong Un. Date & Place set.

Statement from Vice President Mike Pence on the Release of Three Americans

Thanks to President Trump’s tough minded diplomacy, three Americans held hostage in North Korea are coming home. While our administration is encouraged that North Korea freed these innocent hostages, we will not let off the pressure until we achieve full denuclearization. Our Secretary of State Mike Pompeo did a remarkable job overseeing the release of Kim Dong Chul, Tony Kim, and Kim Hak Song – and to them I say: safe travels and welcome home. This is a proud and memorable moment for America.

Chrissie aka Wild Thing's comment...............

Fantastic! This would never have happened under the horrible Obama.

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Marines and a Dog Days of Summer

Dog Days of Summer

Wild Thing's comments........

I love these great videos from our troops.

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Awesome Defense Secretary Jim Mad Dog Mattis’ Origins of his Call Sign

Defense Secretary Jim Mad Dog Mattis’ Origins of his Call Sign

Wild Thing's comment............

Love Mad Dog he is the BEST!

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May 08, 2018

President Donald J. Trump is Ending United States Participation in an Unacceptable Iran Deal

President Trump announced that he will reinstate the 'highest level' of sanctions on Iran, withdrawing from the nuclear deal and sending a warning to any country helping Iran procure nuclear power.

President Donald J. Trump is Ending United States Participation in an Unacceptable Iran Deal

The Iran Deal was one of the worst and most one-sided transactions the United States has ever entered into.

President Donald J. Trump

PROTECTING AMERICA FROM A BAD DEAL: President Donald J. Trump is terminating the United States’ participation in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) with Iran and re-imposing sanctions lifted under the deal.

President Trump is terminating United States participation in the JCPOA, as it failed to protect America’s national security interests.

The JCPOA enriched the Iranian regime and enabled its malign behavior, while at best delaying its ability to pursue nuclear weapons and allowing it to preserve nuclear research and development.

The President has directed his Administration to immediately begin the process of re-imposing sanctions related to the JCPOA.

The re-imposed sanctions will target critical sectors of Iran’s economy, such as its energy, petrochemical, and financial sectors.

Those doing business in Iran will be provided a period of time to allow them to wind down operations in or business involving Iran.

Those who fail to wind down such activities with Iran by the end of the period will risk severe consequences.

United States withdrawal from the JCPOA will pressure the Iranian regime to alter its course of malign activities and ensure that Iranian bad acts are no longer rewarded. As a result, both Iran and its regional proxies will be put on notice. As importantly, this step will help ensure global funds stop flowing towards illicit terrorist and nuclear activities.

IRAN’S BAD FAITH AND BAD ACTIONS: Iran negotiated the JCPOA in bad faith, and the deal gave the Iranian regime too much in exchange for too little.

Intelligence recently released by Israel provides compelling details about Iran’s past secret efforts to develop nuclear weapons, which it lied about for years.

The intelligence further demonstrates that the Iranian regime did not come clean about its nuclear weapons activity, and that it entered the JCPOA in bad faith.

The JCPOA failed to deal with the threat of Iran’s missile program and did not include a strong enough mechanism for inspections and verification.

The JCPOA foolishly gave the Iranian regime a windfall of cash and access to the international financial system for trade and investment.

Instead of using the money from the JCPOA to support the Iranian people at home, the regime has instead funded a military buildup and continues to fund its terrorist proxies, such as Hizballah and Hamas.

Iran violated the laws and regulations of European countries to counterfeit the currency of its neighbor, Yemen, to support the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Quds Force’s destabilizing activities.

ADDRESSING IRANIAN AGGRESSION: President Trump is committed to ensuring Iran has no possible path to a nuclear weapon and is addressing the threats posed by the regime’s malign activities.

President Trump will work to assemble a broad coalition of nations to deny Iran all paths to a nuclear weapon and to counter the totality of the regime’s malign activities.

Nations must work together to halt the Iranian regime’s destabilizing drive for regional hegemony.

In Syria, the Iranian regime supports the Assad regime and is complicit in Assad’s atrocities against the Syrian people.

In Yemen, the regime has escalated the conflict and used the Houthis as a proxy to attack other nations.

In Iraq, Iran’s IRGC sponsors Shia militant groups and terrorists.

In Lebanon, the Iranian regime enables Hizballah to play a highly destabilizing role and to build an arsenal of weapons that threatens the region.

The Administration’s actions are directed against the malign behavior of the Iranian regime, not against the Iranian people, who are the regime’s longest-suffering victims.

President Trump is making clear that, in addition to never developing a nuclear weapon, the Iranian regime must:

Never have an ICBM, cease developing any nuclear-capable missiles, and stop proliferating ballistic missiles to others.

Cease its support for terrorists, extremists, and regional proxies, such as Hizballah, Hamas, the Taliban, and al-Qa’ida.

End its publicly declared quest to destroy Israel.

Stop its threats to freedom of navigation, especially in the Persian Gulf and Red Sea.

Cease escalating the Yemen conflict and destabilizing the region by proliferating weapons to the Houthis.

End its cyber-attacks against the United States and our allies, including Israel.

Stop its grievous human rights abuses, shown most recently in the regime’s crackdown against widespread protests by Iranian citizens.

Stop its unjust detention of foreigners, including United States citizens.

Wild Thing's comment..............

Another promise kept by President Trump. Grand slam by Trump.The message President Trump sent is America matters.This decision more than anything, restores American leadership. We’re no longer leading from behind.

I love my President. I got teary this time. He has brought America’s standing back.

President Trump brilliantly and concisely laid out the case against Iran. He properly killed the horrible deal. And, significantly, he imposed maximum sanctions, leaving Iran no breathing room and no negotiating options for modifying the deal.

This is a REAL President. Thank you God!!!

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President Donald J. Trump Proclaims May 7, 2018, as Be Best Day

On Be Best Day, we encourage and promote the well-being of children everywhere. In an increasingly complex and inter‑connected world, nothing is more important than raising the next generation of Americans to be healthy, happy, productive, and morally responsible adults. This begins with educating our children about the many critical issues they must confront in our modern world that affect their ability to lead balanced and fulfilled lives.

Our Nation’s children deserve certain knowledge that they are safe to grow, learn, and make mistakes. Adults must provide them with the tools they need to make positive contributions in their schools, with their friends, and in their communities.

From every corner of our great country, we hear inspiring stories of Americans rising up to meet the challenges of our time, many of which have an especially pronounced effect on our children. On the inaugural Be Best Day, we highlight two of these challenges: negative social media behavior and the opioid crisis.

Children who spend large amounts of time on social media are more likely to report mental health issues than those who spend time on non-screen activities. Technology, of course, plays a critical role in the economic and social development of our country. We must, however, recognize that it can also be used to harm. Be Best Day reminds us to emphasize the importance of using technology in positive ways.

Additionally, opioid dependence, addiction, and abuse are at a point of crisis in America today. We all share a moral imperative to confront this crisis, and to help those families and children affected by it. Be Best Day affords an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of healthy children and pregnancies, including the risks neonatal abstinence syndrome poses to the long-term health of children.

Today, on Be Best Day, let us commit ourselves to the critical task of building a better future for our children. We redouble our efforts to promote well-being and acts of encouragement, kindness, and respect. We highlight the importance of responsible use of social media; and we confront the crisis of opioid misuse that is robbing so many of our children of their potential.

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 May 7, 2018, as Be Best Day. I encourage Americans to take time to understand the many issues children face on a daily basis — both through personal interactions and through social media. I encourage parents to better understand the harmful effects of drug misuse on our youth, and also to find opportunities to support and celebrate our children. I encourage adults and parents to talk to children, and to get involved in programs that help educate our youth on the unique challenges related to growing up in today’s world.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this seventh day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand eighteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-second.

DONALD J. TRUMP

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Remarks by the First Lady at the Launch of the “Be Best” Initiative

It also encourages parents to discuss the importance of being safe & responsible online with their kids.

White House

MRS. TRUMP: Thank you. Good afternoon. Welcome to the White House. As a mother and as First Lady, it concerns me that in today’s fast-paced and ever-connected world, children can be less prepared to express or manage their emotions and oftentimes turn to forums of destructive or addictive behavior, such as bullying, drug addiction or even suicide.

I feel strongly that, as adults, we can and should be best at educating our children about the importance of a healthy and balanced life.

So today, I’m very excited to announce BE BEST, an awareness campaign dedicated to the most valuable and fragile among us –-our children. (Applause.)

There is one goal to BE BEST — and that is to educate children about the many issues they are facing today. If we truly listen to what our kids have to say, whether it be their concerns or ideas, adults can provide them the support and tools they need to grow up to be happy and productive adults who contribute positively to society and their global communities.

At the same time, children deserve every opportunity to enjoy their innocence. Every child should know it is safe to make mistakes and that there are supportive adults and friends nearby to catch them if they fall. We also need to be mindful that they should learn to trust in themselves and their own emotions.

I believe our responsibility lies in the critical time before a child reaches adulthood. Let us teach children the importance of all aspects of their wellbeing, which includes social, emotional, and physical health.

There are too many critical issues facing children today, so the three main pillars of BE BEST will include wellbeing, social media use, and opioid abuse.

Together, I believe we should strive to provide kids with the tools they need to cultivate their social and emotional health.

We can and should teach children the importance of social and self-awareness, positive relationship skills, and responsible decision-making.

Once a child understands these vital skills, they will be able to communicate openly with one another and instill positive feelings of mutual respect, compassion, and self-esteem.

Let us teach our children the difference between right and wrong, and encourage them to be best in their individual paths in life.

Take, for example, Christian Bucks, a young man from York, Pennsylvania who is here with us today. When he was in second grade, Christian introduced the “Buddy Bench” at his elementary school to address loneliness and help other kids build new friendships. The Buddy Bench allows classmates to connect during recess and helps ensure that no student feels lonely. If a child sits on the bench, it signals other students to come over and ask them to play.

Christian’s school and community embraced the Buddy Bench, and today, at least one can be found in all 50 states.

Thank you, Christian, for your commitment to kindness. You should be very proud of your work, which is — I know has helped countless children. (Applause.) Please, stand up. Bravo.

I’d also like to talk about Orchard Lake Middle School in West Bloomfield Township, Michigan. I visited the school in October as part of National Bullying Prevention Month to speak to its students about the importance of being kind.

While I was there, I visited their Viking Huddle Class, which focuses on social emotional learning and teaches lessons about respecting others, inclusion, and being kind.

While I was there, I visited their Viking Huddle class, which focuses on social-emotional learning and teaches lessons about respecting others, inclusion, and being kind. As part of BE BEST, I plan to highlight ideas and programs such as Buddy Bench and the Viking Huddle class, with the hope that other schools or community groups will be inspired to replace [replicate] their efforts and take steps to improve the wellbeing of our children. We have invited some of the Viking Huddle class here today.

Thank you all for being and taking time here with us in the White House. (Applause.)

As we all know, social media can be both positively and negatively affect on our children. But too often, it is used in negative ways. When children learn positive online behaviors early-on, social media can be used in productive ways and can affect positive change.

I do believe that children should be both seen and heard, and it is our responsibility as adults to educate and remind them that when they are using their voices, whether verbally or online, they must choose their words wisely and speak with respect and compassion.

As an example, Kalani Goldberg, an 8th grade student from Arizona posted a video to her social media account to share the challenges she faced from bullies. In the video she said, “Every day, you are hurting me. Every day, you are hurting each other. So please stop. Stop hurting me.”

Kalani and her family have joined us here today, and I am happy to report that since posting her video, many have watched it and, most importantly, people have reached out to offer support and kindness. Thank you, Kalani, for being brave enough to share your story, and also for using your experience to bring positive change. Please stand up, Kalani. (Applause.)

I first learned about the real consequences of our nation’s opioid epidemic during my husband’s campaign. Since then, I have met with and learned from many people who have been affected by this true crisis. In October, I travelled to West Virginia to tour Lily’s Place, the nation’s first nonprofit infant recovery center.

Lily’s Place puts a priority on the whole family so that infants born dependent on drugs are given the best opportunity to thrive. They have been successful in this endeavor because parents are also given the support and tools needed to recover and succeed. Lily’s Place is a testament to the extraordinary work that everyday people can do when they put their mind to it.

I will use BE BEST to bring attention to programs such as these in order to encourage conversation and replication.

In February, I went to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital in Ohio and a panel of doctors briefed me on the devastating effects that opioids are having, but also their important research on neonatal abstinence syndrome.

I am pleased to say that representatives from both Lily’s Place and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital are here today. Thank you. (Applause.) Thank you for being here, and thank you for your heroic work on behalf of children.

I want to thank the many people I have met with and learned from over the past year while researching these vital topics on behalf of children.

This includes the Cabinet Secretaries who have joined us here today, as well as representatives from Microsoft, Google, Facebook, Twitter, Snap, Amazon, National Safety Council, and so many more.

I would like to thank the President, the Vice President, Karen Pence, and other members of the administration, as well as the members of Congress who are here today. I am honored to have you all with me, and I look forward to working together on the behalf of children in the coming years.

In my time as First Lady of the United States, I will make every effort to be best at championing the many successful well-being programs in existence today that teach the tools and skills for emotional, social, and physical well-being.

I will also work to shine a spotlight on the people, organizations, and programs across the country that are helping children overcome the many issues they’re facing as they grow up.

I will continue speaking with leaders in the technology industry about children’s online habits and raising awareness around the importance of positive behaviors. I will continue to work with those who are fighting drug addiction.

And most importantly, I will continue to travel and speak to children directly about both their victories and difficult realities they face.

My hope is that together, we can be best at helping children and families find effective ways to educate themselves and support each other.

I am asking you all to join me in providing support and guidance to our children so that we can make a real difference. How we raise and educate our children on a variety of topics will provide the blueprint for the next generation.

Together, let’s encourage children to dream big, think big, and do all they can to be best in everything that they do.

Thank you all for being here today. God bless you, your families, our children, and God bless the United States of America. (Applause.)

And now, it is my pleasure to call my husband to the stage to sign a proclamation calling today, May 7, BE BEST Day.

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May 05, 2018

President Trump Thanks Law Enforcement Officers from the Palm Beach County

Thank you to the incredible Law Enforcement Officers from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office.
- President Donald Trump

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May 04, 2018

South Korea president says Trump deserves Nobel Peace Prize

SEOUL (Reuters) - South Korean President Moon Jae-in said U.S. President Donald Trump deserves a Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to end the standoff with North Korea over its nuclear weapons program, a South Korean official said on Monday.

“President Trump should win the Nobel Peace Prize. What we need is only peace,” Moon told a meeting of senior secretaries, according to a presidential Blue House official who briefed media.

Moon and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Friday pledged at a summit to end hostilities between their countries and work toward the “complete denuclearization” of the Korean peninsula.

Trump is preparing for his own summit with Kim, which he said would take place in the next three to four weeks.

The Trump administration has led a global effort to impose ever stricter sanctions on North Korea and the U.S. president exchanged bellicose threats with Kim in the past year over North Korea’s development of nuclear missiles capable of reaching the United States.

In January, Moon said Trump “deserves big credit for bringing about the inter-Korean talks. It could be a resulting work of the U.S.-led sanctions and pressure”.

Trump’s predecessor, Barack Obama, won the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize just months into his presidency, an award many thought was premature, given that he had little to show for his peace efforts beyond rhetoric.

Even Obama said he was surprised and by the time he collected the prize in Oslo at the end of that year, he had ordered the tripling of U.S. troops in Afghanistan.

As well as Obama, three U.S. presidents have won the Nobel Peace Prize: Theodore Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson, and Jimmy Carter

Moon’s Nobel Prize comment came in response to a congratulatory message from Lee Hee-ho, the widow of late South Korean President Kim Dae-jung, in which she said Moon deserved to win the prize, the Blue House official said.

Moon responded by saying Trump should get it.

Trump on Monday suggested his planned meeting with Kim take place at the Peace House on the border between North and South Korea.

The upcoming Trump-Kim meeting was the main subject of a private walk and chat that Kim and Moon had during their meeting at the border, the official said.

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Sunday that Trump would maintain a “pressure campaign” of harsh sanctions on North Korea until Kim scraps his nuclear weapon program.

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Jobless claims running at lowest levels in 45 years

Jobless claims ran at historic lows to end April, a great sign for the economy.

After hitting the lowest level since 1969 the week before, new claims for unemployment benefits rose just 2,000 to 211,000 in the last week of the month, the Department of Labor reported Thursday morning. That number was well below the 224,000 that forecasters had expected.

The past two weeks' very low readings drove the monthly average for claims down to 221,500. That's the lowest since early 1973.

Then, during Richard Nixon's presidency, the labor force was about half the size it is today.

Low new claims mean that few people are getting laid off, and consequently that net job creation is high.

Also, the total number of people claiming unemployment benefits dropped to generational lows in April. Altogether, 1.76 million people received benefits during the third week of the month, the lowest such mark in 44 years. Benefits are available for up to 26 weeks in most states.

The report is a good sign for Friday's jobs report for the month of April. Before Thursday's report on claims, investors expected a strong showing for the April jobs report, with around 190,000 new jobs.

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With Pompeo in Charge, Watch the State Department Get its Swagger Back

“Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is on a mission to help the State Department ‘get its swagger back,’” Jackie Gingrich Cushman writes in Townhall. She explains that Secretary Pompeo’s leadership style “is direct and engaging and appears committed to bringing real change to the State Department.”

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is on a mission to help the State Department "get its swagger back." Its charge is "to be professional, to deliver diplomacy, American diplomacy around the world," Pompeo told European allies at NATO headquarters last week in Brussels. His personal charge is "to build that esprit and get the team on the field so that we can effectuate American diplomacy."

Pompeo comes to the job well prepared. He graduated first in his class at West Point, served in the Army and earned a law degree from Harvard University. He served three terms as congressman from the 4th District of Kansas before becoming director of the CIA. He is direct and engaging and appears committed to bringing real change to the State Department.

His first week in office has set the pace and allows us a view into his perspective. Since being sworn in last Thursday, Pompeo has traveled not only to Brussels, but to Riyadh, Tel Aviv and Amman. He made many public appearances, answered numerous reporters' questions and referred often to his mission.

On May 1, Pompeo addressed the State Department employees for the first time as Secretary of State. In his public remarks this past week, he has clearly articulated that his goal is for the State Department "to deliver President Trump and America's foreign policy around the world, to be the diplomatic face that achieves the outcomes that America so desperately needs to achieve in the world."

While in Brussels, Pompeo laid out the U.S. perspective and resolve regarding NATO. "This alliance has been an essential pillar of American security interests for decades," he said. "Some of our strongest bilateral partnerships are encompassed within this alliance, and I made it clear today that the United States is eager to continue to lead here in NATO."

Pompeo clarified Trump's support for Article 5, under which the alliance's members consider an attack on one country as an attack on all of them. "Our commitment...to the collective defense under Article 5 of the Washington Treaty remains ironclad...Threats to our common security come from many sources and we must address them all to keep people safe around the world."

Pompeo also said that other NATO members should increase defense spending and burden sharing. Regarding Russia, Pompeo stated that "The United States has made abundantly clear that NATO should not return to business as usual with Russia until Moscow shows a clear change in its actions and complies with international law." Pompeo also articulated that terrorism had to be defeated jointly.

In Riyadh, Pompeo said Iran is "the greatest sponsor of terrorism in the world, and we are determined to make sure it never possesses a nuclear weapon."

While in Jordan, Pompeo stated "we do believe the Israelis have the right to defend themselves, and we're fully supportive of that." He also noted that "we remain deeply concerned about Iran's dangerous escalation of threats to Israel and the region and Iran's ambition to dominate the Middle East remain."

Pompeo recognized "President Trump's maximum pressure campaign and the work that has been done all around the world to apply pressure to North Korea. We are encouraged by President Moon and Leader Kim Jong-un's stated goal of complete denuclearization." He reinforced that "our objective remains unchanged. We're committed to permanent, verifiable, irreversible dismantling of North Koreans' weapons of mass destruction programs without delay."

Pompeo referred several times during his trip to choices that all countries have, along with the consequences of their choices. "We would love nothing more than them [Russia] to rejoin, right, the democratic world and behave in ways that they're not doing today. So very much prepared to have that dialogue; it's their choice if they want to be part of that or not."

For North Korea, "Kim Jong-un's going to have to make a decision," said Pompeo. "He's going to have to make a big decision. Does he want the pressure campaign to continue? ...Or is he looking for something big and bold and different, something that hasn't happened before?"

Pompeo also understands that "the United States diplomatic corps needs to be in every corner, every stretch of the world, executing missions on behalf of this country."

While Pompeo has yet to clearly lay out the tactics that will be needed for the State Department to get its "swagger back" he has made great strides in a week.

But, by clearly articulating the president's foreign policy, providing clear choices to other nations, and reaffirming the importance and reach of American diplomacy, with a focus on execution and outcomes. Pompeo has made a real start.

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President Trump Signs Order to Protect Religious Freedom, Establishes New White House Faith Initiative

“During the annual National Day of Prayer commemoration at the White House on Thursday, President Trump signed the latest executive order of his presidency, to establish a faith-based office, the White House Faith and Opportunity Initiative,” Emily Tillett reports for CBS News.

“Prayer has always been at the center of the American life. America is a nation of believers, and together we are strengthened by the power of prayer,” President Trump said at the Rose Garden ceremony.

In the Washington Examiner, Paul Bedard writes that “top White House advisor Jared Kushner this week helped to tighten evangelical community ties to President Trump, this time over sentencing and prison reform.” Bedard reports that evangelicals have said that the “White House has kept the door open to them.”

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May 03, 2018

President Trump Calls the U.S.-France Relationship ‘Unbreakable.’ History Shows He’s Right

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President Trump Calls the U.S.-France Relationship ‘Unbreakable.’ History Shows He’s Right.

merica’s relationship with France predates our founding as a country. From the days of Benjamin Franklin and General Marquis de Lafayette to the modern day with Presidents Donald J. Trump and Emmanuel Macron, U.S. and French leaders have long shared common values on a range of economic and security-related issues.

President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump welcome the French President and his wife, Mrs. Brigitte Macron, to the White House on April 24. The occasion marks the first official State Visit under the Trump Administration, as well as the first State Visit from France since President Francois Hollande came to Washington in 2014.

The two couples will meet for a scenic tour of the monuments in our Nation’s capital Monday evening before the official visit begins. They will then travel to the home of President George Washington in Mount Vernon, Virginia, for a private dinner before participating in the State Arrival Ceremony on the White House South Lawn Tuesday morning.

French settlers came to the American continent as early as the 1500s. When the American colonists were fighting for independence, France supported our Revolutionary War with military and economic aid from 1775 to 1781. French leaders also formally recognized our new Nation as early as 1778.

Some of America’s most prominent Founding Fathers—Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson—served as U.S. diplomats to France. French style was incorporated throughout early American art and architecture, including at the White House. While refurbishing the structure after the fire of 1814, President James Monroe ordered a suite of French furniture for what is now the Blue Room. And one of America’s icons, the Statue of Liberty, was a gift from France in 1886.

Much of our Nation’s modern-day relationship with France dates to World War II, including the post-war institutions that underpinned both the Western order and our ideological confrontation with communism. France and America were two of the original five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council. The countries are party to several of the same multilateral groups, including the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), G-7, and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.

The two countries also enjoy a strong trade relationship: France is America’s third-largest trade partner in Europe. When President Trump met with President Macron in Paris last year, the two leaders agreed to pursue a trading environment that was free and fair for workers in both countries.

“Both President Macron and I understand our responsibility to prioritize the interests of our countries and, at the same time, to be respectful of the world in which we live,” President Trump said. “The friendship between our two nations—and ourselves, I might add—is unbreakable.”

President Trump’s remarks came as he enjoyed the hospitality of President and Mrs. Macron in France for Bastille Day. Now, President Trump and the First Lady have an opportunity to welcome the Macrons to Washington and strengthen this enduring bond even further.

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