Karoline Leavitt: 'Iran leadership is wiped out'

[0:00] good afternoon everybody good to see all of you thanks for coming today as always [0:06] we're going to start with some scheduling announcements this evening president trump [0:10] will deliver remarks at union station for a political dinner tomorrow morning the president [0:15] will host the second cabinet meeting of the year in the 11th cabinet meeting of his second term [0:21] and later tomorrow afternoon the president will host a greek independence day celebration in the [0:26] east room on friday the president will celebrate national agriculture day alongside nearly 1 000 [0:33] farmers who are coming in from across the country for the first event of the season on the south [0:38] lawn so pray for good weather to highlight the president's successful policies in support of [0:43] america's farmers including efforts to lower input costs open new trade markets bolster the farm [0:50] safety net double the death tax exemption end taxes on rural property loan interest and create [0:56] rural opportunity zones also i'm pleased to announce that president trump's meeting and [1:02] long-awaited meeting with president xi in china will now take place in beijing on may 14th and [1:08] 15th first lady melania and president trump will also host president xi and madame pang [1:14] for a reciprocal visit in washington d.c at a later date to be announced this year turning to [1:21] the ongoing military operations in iran the united states military continues to decimate [1:27] terrorist iranian regime's offensive and defensive capabilities just over three weeks in it's [1:33] abundantly clear that operation epic fury has been a resounding military triumph more than nine [1:39] thousand enemy targets have been struck to date compared to the start of the operation [1:44] iran's ballistic missile attacks and drone attacks are down by roughly 90 percent the united states [1:51] is also annihilating the iranian regime's navy we have destroyed more than 140 of the [1:57] their naval vessels including almost 50 mine layers this is the largest elimination of a [2:02] navy over a three-week period since world war ii again let me reiterate this is the largest [2:09] elimination of a navy on the face of the planet in a three-week period since world war ii we are [2:15] systematically dismantling iran's defense industrial base which will prevent future threats [2:20] to the region our military also remains laser focused on eliminating the regime's threat to the [2:26] free flow of energy and energy resources to the region and to the region and to the region's [2:27] energy through the strait of her moose over the weekend we dropped several 5 000 pound bombs on an [2:33] underground facility used to store equipment including anti-ship cruise missiles and mobile [2:38] missile launchers positioned along the coastline of the strait our military efforts grow more [2:44] successful with each passing day steadily degrading iran's ability to terrorize merchant ships [2:49] for all of these reasons we are very close to meeting the core objectives of operation epic [2:55] fury and this military mission continues to be a major challenge for the iranian military [2:57] the iranian military is a dangerous weapon they have an unparalleled presence within their [3:00] territory the iranians are a very powerful force that they will use unabated from the [3:04] outset president trump and the department of war estimated it would take approximately four to six [3:09] weeks to achieve this critical mission twenty five days in the greatest military the world has ever [3:14] known is ahead of schedule and performing exceptionally day by day the iranian regime [3:19] is being crippled and their ability to threaten the united states and our allies is being [3:24] have been crushed to an even greater degree [3:26] than they were in Operation Midnight Hammer in June 2025. [3:31] That's why you're beginning to see the regime [3:33] look for an exit ramp. [3:35] They recognize they are being crushed. [3:37] Their ability to attack American and ally forces, [3:39] as well as their ability to defend their own territory, [3:42] is dwindling literally hour by hour. [3:46] Following President Trump's powerful threat [3:48] on Saturday evening, it was made clear to the United States [3:50] that Iran wanted to talk. [3:52] President Trump is willing to listen. [3:54] As President Trump announced on Monday, [3:56] the United States has been engaged [3:58] over the last three days in productive conversations, [4:01] which led the President to temporarily instruct [4:03] the Department of War to postpone planned strikes [4:06] against Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure only. [4:10] The remaining elements of the Iranian regime [4:12] have another opportunity to cooperate with President Trump, [4:16] permanently abandon their nuclear ambitions, [4:18] and cease actively threatening America and our allies. [4:22] But the President has said [4:22] the President's preference is always peace. [4:24] There does not need to be any more death and destruction. [4:27] But if Iran fails to accept the reality of the current moment, [4:31] if they fail to understand that they have been defeated [4:33] militarily and will continue to be, [4:36] President Trump will ensure they are hit harder [4:38] than they have ever been hit before. [4:41] President Trump does not bluff, [4:42] and he is prepared to unleash hell. [4:45] Iran should not miscalculate again. [4:47] Their last miscalculation cost them their senior leadership, [4:51] their Navy, their Air Force, [4:52] and their air defense system. [4:54] Any violence beyond this point will be because [4:56] the Iranian regime refused to understand [4:58] they have already been defeated [5:00] and refused to come to a deal. [5:02] Here at home, we are now on day 40 [5:05] of the Democrats' shutdown [5:06] of the Department of Homeland Security. [5:08] Democrats in Congress are forcing American travelers [5:11] to wait in hours-long lines at airports across the country, [5:15] robbing TSA officers and other federal workers [5:18] of their hard-earned paychecks [5:19] that they use to feed their families, [5:21] and causing billions of dollars to be wasted. [5:22] A father of three recently told CBS News [5:28] that he felt he had no other choice [5:30] but to quit his job as a TSA officer [5:32] and find other work as the Democrats' shutdown [5:35] of DHS continues. [5:36] This is the quote from the father, [5:38] and I encourage everyone to listen. [5:41] I think the hardest thing is seeing the struggle [5:43] that my wife was going through and not being, [5:45] not trying to bring more stress to her, [5:47] the father of three said, but seeing her cry every night, [5:51] how am I going to feed my family? [5:52] How am I going to survive? [5:55] For the Democrats in Congress, [5:56] the cruelty of this shutdown is the point. [5:59] Nearly 500 TSA officers have quit [6:02] since the Democrat shutdown began. [6:04] President Trump, to alleviate this pressure, [6:07] made the decision to send some of our amazing ICE agents [6:10] to help alleviate that stress [6:11] and address the long wait times. [6:13] And for all of the critics of this solution a few days ago [6:16] when it was proposed by the president, [6:18] it is yielding results. [6:19] Wait times have improved since ICE arrived, [6:22] and they are doing everything in their power [6:24] to help their fellow federal service members. [6:26] But it's important to take a step back and remember [6:28] why is this even happening in the first place? [6:32] For nearly six weeks, Democrats in Congress have kept DHS [6:35] shut down because they care more about illegal aliens [6:39] than American citizens. [6:40] You have Democrat elected representatives in states [6:43] across the country who are willing to inflict massive pain [6:46] on their own constituents to fight for illegal aliens [6:49] who broke our nation's laws to come here. [6:52] In recent days, we saw the deadly consequence [6:55] of this deranged policy of Democrat open borders [6:57] in an illegal alien-first agenda. [7:00] A beautiful 18-year-old girl, Sheridan Gorman, [7:03] she was shot and killed in Chicago last Thursday morning [7:06] while walking in a park with friends. [7:09] The suspect in custody for murdering her [7:11] is a Venezuelan illegal alien who was caught [7:14] and released at the border by the Biden administration [7:18] in May of 2023. [7:19] Why would the Biden administration catch [7:22] and release a Venezuelan illegal alien [7:24] that is not happening anymore under this president? [7:27] But there are still tens of thousands, [7:29] if not millions, of these illegal aliens in our country [7:33] who seek to do harm to innocent Americans [7:35] like this beautiful young woman whose family [7:37] will now never be the same because of her death. [7:40] To make matters even worse, this monster was also released [7:43] from local custody again after a shoplifting arrest [7:47] where in the sanctuary city of Chicago in June of 2023. [7:52] Again, another innocent American citizen [7:55] had her life stolen from her because Democrats embrace [7:58] reckless open border policies and reckless sanctuary city [8:02] policies which put criminals back into American communities. [8:07] How many more Americans have to die [8:09] before the Democrats end this madness? [8:11] President Trump's position is very clear. [8:14] He wants the federal government opened, [8:16] he wants the Department of Homeland Security funded, [8:18] and he wants the Democrat shutdown to end immediately. [8:22] The president will also continue to call on Democrat leaders [8:25] in sanctuary cities and states like J.B. Pritzker, [8:28] where this young beautiful girl was murdered, [8:31] to cooperate with ICE and stop releasing illegal alien criminals [8:35] into American neighborhoods. [8:37] It is for the safety of every American citizen, [8:39] including all of the people in this room. [8:41] With that, I will take your questions. [8:43] And here in our new media seat today, we have Gabe Fleischer. [8:46] Thanks, Caroline. [8:47] Thanks, Gabe, for being here. [8:48] Thank you. I have two questions for you. [8:50] First, if the war on Iran continues, [8:52] if the views pass this current round of peace talks, [8:54] with thousands of troops on their way to the Middle East, [8:57] is there a point, either a number of ground troops [8:59] or a number of days, [9:01] at which the president will consider seeking authorization? [9:04] Well, as you know right now, [9:05] that formal authorization from Congress is not necessary [9:08] because we're currently in major combat operations in Iran. [9:12] The Department of War and the president, as I said, [9:15] estimated about a four- to six-week timeline [9:17] for the full completion of these military combat operations. [9:20] We're, again, on day 25 today. [9:22] And as a courtesy, nevertheless, [9:25] the administration did notify Congress, the Gang of Eight, [9:27] ahead of the launch of the operation 25 days ago. [9:31] And we've also had our top national security officials [9:33] go to Capitol Hill to brief lawmakers, again, [9:36] out of courtesy and out of respect for them. [9:38] So, at this moment, it's unnecessary. [9:40] But, of course, the president and this administration [9:42] will always abide by the law. [9:44] Gabe. Do you want to have a follow-up? [9:46] Sure. Go ahead. [9:46] Second question. [9:47] In my reporting, I speak a lot to young voters, [9:49] many of whom voted for President Trump for the first time in 2024. [9:53] You know, hoping to have no more wars and to have lower prices. [9:56] Now, with the war taking place and with gas prices going up, [9:59] curious what President Trump's message would be to those voters [10:01] who kind of swung into his coalition in 2024 [10:04] but maybe don't feel the administration is going [10:05] as they had expected. [10:06] President Trump is doing this for you. [10:08] He's doing this for young people [10:09] so that we are no longer threatened [10:11] by a rogue terrorist regime in the Middle East [10:13] that seeks to kill the brave men and women [10:16] who serve in our country in the Middle East, [10:18] many of them young people themselves, [10:20] young men and women who serve this country honorably in uniform [10:23] and have been threatened, killed, and maimed [10:25] by the rogue Iranian terrorist regime for 47 years. [10:28] President Trump finally had the courage to step up [10:31] and do what's right by our national security, [10:33] our homeland security. [10:34] As for the temporary short-term fluctuation in gas prices, [10:38] the President has said once these combat operations are over, [10:42] this administration is going to continue [10:44] to unleash American energy dominance. [10:46] We're continuing to do that every day, [10:48] and we're going to see prices at the pump go back down, [10:50] just as we have over the past year, [10:53] because of this President. [10:54] And don't think for one second [10:56] if that the Democrats had their way. [10:59] Gas prices would be, as they were [11:01] under the previous administration, [11:02] the Biden administration, record highs. [11:04] This President is keeping them as low as he can [11:07] during this short-term combat operation, [11:09] and they're going to go right back down when this is over. [11:11] Gabe. [11:12] The Press Thank you, Caroline. [11:13] Just within the past few hours, [11:14] Iranian state TV has said that Iran has rejected [11:18] the U.S.'s 15-point plan to end the war. [11:21] What's the White House's response [11:23] to that, and have these talks hit a dead end? [11:26] Ms. They have not. [11:27] Talks continue. [11:28] They are productive, as the President said on Monday, [11:30] and they continue to be. [11:32] However, I saw a 15-point plan that was floated in the media. [11:37] I would caution reporters in this room [11:39] from reporting about speculative points [11:41] or speculative plans from anonymous sources. [11:44] The White House never confirmed that full plan. [11:46] There are elements of truth to it, [11:48] but some of the stories I read were not entirely factual. [11:51] So I am not going [11:52] to negotiate on behalf of the President here at the podium. [11:55] What I will tell you is these talks are ongoing. [11:58] We're not going to get into the nitty-gritty details [12:00] that have been exchanged between the United States [12:03] and Iran at this time. [12:04] The Press Well, yesterday, [12:04] the President mentioned a very big present [12:06] that the Iranians had given the U.S. [12:09] He wouldn't go into detail, but was it that ship [12:11] that was carrying two million barrels of oil [12:13] that made it through the state of Hormuz? [12:15] Ms. I'll let the President speak on that [12:16] at the appropriate time. [12:17] The Press Okay. [12:18] And then finally, Caroline, today, [12:20] Iraq's government reportedly is planning [12:22] a larger protest with the U.S., [12:24] according to The Wall Street Journal. [12:26] There was an attack in Iraq that hit a military clinic, [12:30] killing seven soldiers, reportedly. [12:32] What's the U.S.'s response to that? [12:34] Was the U.S. responsible for that attack? [12:36] Ms. I'll have to check in with the Pentagon on that, [12:38] and we'll get you an answer. [12:40] The Press Okay. [12:41] The Press Okay, Caroline, two, if I may. [12:42] Speaker Johnson today described the conflict as wrapping up, [12:45] but the 82nd Airborne Division, [12:47] they're typically deployed at the beginning of conflicts. [12:50] So does the White House consider this conflict as wrapping up? [12:53] Or is it changing shape? [12:55] Ms. As I said at the beginning of my remarks, [12:57] we are meeting our goals of Operation Epic Fury expeditiously. [13:02] The President likes to maintain options at his disposal. [13:06] It's the Pentagon's job to provide those options [13:09] to the Commander-in-Chief. [13:10] For any specifics on troop deployments, though, [13:12] I would point you to the Pentagon. [13:13] The Press Thank you. [13:14] And today, Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner [13:17] reiterated threats to potentially arrest ICE agents [13:21] that were sent in to assist [13:23] with these historical events. [13:23] He said, quote, [13:24] the President cannot pardon you. [13:25] Does the President see in Krasner's comments? [13:26] Does he have any response? [13:27] Ms. The President cannot pardon you for what? [13:28] He's talking to the ICE agents who are handing out water bottles [13:29] and are helping people move through lines at airports. [13:30] It's a disgraceful comment. [13:31] The men and women of ICE are great people. [13:32] I would encourage this lawmaker, [13:33] whose name I don't know and don't care to know, [13:34] to actually sit down and speak with the ICE agents [13:35] who are on the ground doing this important work, [13:36] not just in our nation's airports, [13:37] but, again, in other parts of the world. [13:38] And I think that's what we need to do. [13:39] I think that's what we need to do. [13:40] And I think that's what we need to do. [13:41] And I think that's what we need to do. [13:42] I think that's what we need to do. [13:43] And I think that's what we need to do. [13:44] And I think that's what we need to do. [13:45] And Andrea, thank you. [13:46] Thank you, Ms. Galei. [13:47] The Press [13:54] The Press [14:13] that the President postponed his original trip to China [14:17] because of the war. [14:18] Should we infer that the war will be wound down [14:20] and concluded by the time of that May 15th, 14th visit? [14:24] Ms. Again, as I've said, we've always estimated [14:27] approximately four to six weeks, [14:29] so you can do the math on that, Mario. [14:31] But we do look forward, I know the President looks forward [14:33] to going to China on May 14th and 15th. [14:35] And, of course, as always, we'll provide additional [14:38] logistical details to all of you in the media for that trip, [14:40] who I know look forward to coming with us as well. [14:42] One follow-up. [14:43] Was that a precondition? [14:44] Did the two leaders speak about the conclusion of the war? [14:47] Was that a precondition for them [14:48] to have this rescheduled meeting? [14:50] Ms. No, there was a discussion [14:51] about the rescheduling of the meeting [14:53] between the President and President Xi. [14:55] President Xi understood that it's very important [14:57] for the President to be here [14:59] throughout these combat operations right now. [15:01] He understood, obviously, the request to postpone [15:05] and accepted it, which is why we have new dates on the books, [15:07] and I'm happy to announce those to you today. [15:09] Jennifer. [15:10] On the negotiations with Iran, [15:12] are there still face-to-face talks planned, [15:15] perhaps in Pakistan? [15:17] And who do you think would probably be going? [15:19] Ms. Again, I've seen a lot of speculation [15:22] and reporting about potential talks [15:24] that could happen later this week. [15:27] Nothing should be deemed official [15:29] until it is announced formally by the White House. [15:31] I would not get ahead of our skis [15:33] on reporting about any talks this week [15:35] and until you hear directly from us. [15:37] Does the President think that all of the allies [15:40] will go along with whatever the U.S. concludes, [15:43] these Iranians? [15:44] Are you expecting that Israel and all the other allies [15:46] will follow whatever agreement is made? [15:49] Ms. I think the President has shown [15:51] that he is absolutely the leader of the free world, [15:54] the head of the most powerful military in the world. [15:57] And in various examples, [16:00] the 12-day war between Iran and Israel, [16:02] the ceasefire between Israel and Gaza, [16:04] the President has shown a very unique skill [16:07] at getting our allies to get on board [16:09] with what's in the best interest of the United States, [16:11] but also the world in cases [16:12] of foreign policy like this. [16:14] Ed. [16:15] Thanks, Carolyn. [16:16] So is there a timeframe [16:18] as to when the first oil tanker [16:20] can go through the Strait of Hormuz freely? [16:23] Ms. It's a very good question, Ed. [16:25] I don't have a specific timeline for you today, [16:27] but it's obviously something [16:28] the administration is working towards [16:30] as quickly as we can. [16:31] And with respect to oil, as you know, [16:33] the administration has taken a number of actions [16:36] to stabilize the markets. [16:37] We directed the U.S. DFC [16:40] to offer reasonably priced oil, [16:42] including political risk insurance [16:43] for takers through the Strait. [16:45] We issued that temporary waiver [16:46] to allow countries [16:47] to purchase sanctioned Russian oil [16:49] to alleviate global pressures. [16:51] We're working with the IEA [16:52] to coordinate the release [16:53] of another 400 million barrels. [16:55] We issued that 60-day Jones Day Act waiver. [16:59] And then just today, [17:00] EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, [17:02] if you missed it, [17:03] in consultation with the Department of Energy, [17:05] announced a temporary emergency fuel waiver [17:08] to allow nationwide sales of E15, [17:10] gasoline blended [17:11] with 15 percent ethanol, [17:13] to remove all federal impediments [17:15] to selling E10, gasoline, across the country. [17:18] The emergency fuel waiver [17:19] will temporarily waive [17:20] the summer low volatility requirements [17:22] and blending limitations for gasoline [17:24] to provide additional flexibility [17:25] to the fuel marketplace. [17:27] So as far as tankers through the Strait, [17:29] something we're tracking very closely, [17:30] but obviously the administration [17:31] is coming up with creative new solutions [17:33] by the day [17:34] to keep the price of oil stable, [17:35] something the President wants to see. [17:37] And I know Secretary Besant, [17:38] Secretary Wright, Secretary Burgum, [17:40] EPA Administrator Zeldin [17:41] are all working together closely [17:42] to find ways to do that. [17:43] The Press [17:44] The President gave that five-day timeline [17:45] for pause in operations. [17:46] Would a tanker going through the Strait of Hormuz [17:47] be one of the conditions [17:48] that he would extend that? [17:49] That's only something [17:50] the President of the United States can answer. [17:51] I won't get ahead of him. [17:52] How about on TSA? [17:53] Can I ask you about the TSA lines? [17:54] Sure. [17:55] Are the TSA lines, [17:56] we've all seen the video of that [17:57] from various airports. [17:58] Is that going to be what ends [17:59] the stalemate in Congress? [18:00] Well, look, [18:01] it's the Democrats [18:02] who have led [18:03] the TSA lines [18:04] to the point [18:05] where they're saying, [18:06] you know, [18:07] we're going to do this [18:09] and we're going to do this. [18:10] But look, [18:11] it's the Democrats [18:12] who have led [18:13] to this stalemate [18:14] over the past six weeks. [18:15] The President [18:16] and the Republicans' position [18:17] has been very clear. [18:18] Fund the Department [18:19] of Homeland Security. [18:20] And we have attempted [18:21] in good faith [18:22] numerous times, [18:23] both the President himself [18:24] and lawmakers [18:25] on the Republican side [18:26] on Capitol Hill, [18:27] to go to the Democrats [18:28] with reasonable offers, [18:29] with real solutions. [18:30] They'll ask for something. [18:31] We'll give them that concession. [18:32] And then they say, [18:33] oh, wait, [18:34] that's not enough, actually. [18:35] So I think [18:36] that's why I said earlier, [18:37] the cruelty is the point. [18:38] They want this chaos. [18:39] They want to distract, [18:40] I think, [18:41] from the success [18:42] of our military overseas [18:43] right now, [18:44] totally obliterating [18:45] the Iranian regime. [18:46] And it's very unfortunate [18:47] because there's only, [18:48] the only people [18:49] that are suffering from this [18:50] are the American people. [18:51] And I hear [18:52] that Democrats [18:53] might be flying [18:54] out of town tomorrow. [18:55] How convenient [18:56] and lovely of them [18:57] that they get to go [18:58] to the airport [18:59] and that they'll get [19:00] to go home [19:01] to their families [19:02] when you have families, [19:03] TSA workers [19:04] who are suffering. [19:05] You have people [19:06] across the country [19:07] who are missing flights [19:08] for funerals [19:09] on Capitol Hill. [19:10] Mary in the back. [19:11] Glad to see [19:12] you have a seat now. [19:13] I do. [19:14] Thank you. [19:15] Is the White House [19:16] satisfied with Republican [19:17] leadership's efforts [19:18] on the Save America Act? [19:19] I think the President [19:20] has made it very clear [19:21] he wants everyone [19:22] on Capitol Hill [19:23] to move [19:24] as quickly [19:25] as possible [19:26] to get the Save America Act [19:27] passed. [19:28] And he wants to see [19:29] that legislation [19:30] on his desk [19:31] as soon as Republicans [19:32] and Democrats [19:33] can move [19:34] to pass it. [19:35] But are there any [19:36] lawmakers in Congress [19:37] that the President [19:38] is frustrated with [19:39] and feels [19:40] could be doing [19:41] a better job? [19:42] I think the President [19:43] wants to see everybody [19:44] on Capitol Hill [19:45] move faster [19:46] all the time. [19:47] That he wants everyone [19:48] in this town [19:49] to work at Trump speed [19:50] like we do here [19:51] at the White House. [19:53] We'll go to Karen. [19:54] Questions on Lebanon [19:55] if I can. [19:56] Is the U.S. [19:57] providing support [19:58] at this point [19:59] for Israel's [20:00] ongoing offensive [20:01] in Lebanon? [20:02] And is the President [20:03] concerned that right now [20:04] there are more than [20:05] a million people [20:06] who've been displaced [20:07] and potentially could be [20:08] for a significant [20:09] amount of time? [20:10] That's the first question. [20:11] To the second question, [20:12] of course that's something [20:13] that would concern [20:14] the President. [20:15] I think that's why [20:16] he's again quickly moving [20:17] to eliminate the threat [20:18] of the Iranian regime [20:19] in the Middle East [20:20] including weakening [20:21] their proxies [20:22] like Hezbollah [20:23] who have terrorized [20:24] Lebanon for far too long. [20:25] And I know that [20:26] the President wants [20:27] to see this again [20:28] move as quickly [20:29] as possible [20:30] as we can [20:31] over the course [20:32] of the next couple [20:33] of weeks here. [20:34] The Press [20:35] The Press [20:36] If these negotiations [20:38] are not successful [20:39] is the only option [20:40] to open [20:41] to reopen [20:42] the Strait [20:43] in boots on the ground [20:44] given that all [20:45] of our allies [20:46] have essentially said [20:47] that they are unable [20:48] or unwilling to help? [20:49] Look, [20:50] that's a hypothetical [20:51] question. [20:52] It's a hypothetical [20:53] question. [20:54] It's also a decision [20:55] that would have to be made [20:56] by the Commander-in-Chief [20:57] and I'm not going [20:58] to get ahead of him. [20:59] In addition to that, [21:00] when it comes to [21:01] the Vice President, [21:02] J.D. Vance, [21:03] what has changed [21:04] that has made him [21:05] more of an active participant [21:06] in these negotiations [21:07] with Iran? [21:08] I don't think [21:09] anything has changed. [21:10] The Vice President [21:11] has been a key member, [21:12] the President's [21:13] right-hand man [21:14] and a key member [21:15] of the President's [21:16] National Security Team. [21:17] He's been part [21:18] of these discussions [21:19] throughout this entire [21:20] course of the administration [21:21] with respect, [21:22] again, [21:23] to the 12-day war [21:24] that the President [21:25] and his National Security [21:26] Team negotiated [21:27] a solution to. [21:28] With respect [21:29] to the ceasefire [21:30] between Israel [21:31] and Gaza [21:32] and the release [21:33] of the hostages, [21:34] which there was [21:35] a lot of criticism [21:36] that couldn't get done [21:37] and it did. [21:38] The Vice President [21:39] has been by the President's side [21:40] for a long time [21:41] and I think [21:42] that's something [21:43] that the President [21:44] has realized [21:45] is just completely false. [21:46] I see him in the room. [21:47] Again, [21:48] the President seeks [21:49] his counsel [21:50] on all matters, [21:51] both foreign and domestic. [21:52] Can you just tell us [21:53] who exactly [21:54] the U.S. [21:55] is negotiating with [21:56] in Iran [21:57] and why the U.S. [21:58] and this administration [21:59] trusts that person? [22:00] Again, [22:01] as I said [22:02] to Gabe's question [22:03] earlier, [22:04] we're not going [22:05] to get into the details [22:06] of these negotiations [22:07] and conversations [22:08] that continue [22:09] to take place. [22:10] When we were negotiating [22:11] the ceasefire [22:12] between Israel [22:13] and Gaza, [22:14] gave you the same answer [22:15] throughout the 12-day war [22:16] between Iran [22:17] and Israel, [22:18] gave you the same answer [22:19] with respect [22:20] to many of the other [22:21] global conflicts [22:22] that this administration [22:23] has negotiated solutions to. [22:24] President Trump [22:25] is going to give [22:26] his diplomats [22:27] the freedom [22:28] that they need [22:29] to have these sensitive [22:30] diplomatic discussions [22:31] without negotiating [22:32] and litigating them [22:33] through the news media. [22:34] Fran. [22:35] Just to follow up though, [22:36] because you said [22:37] that some [22:38] of the information [22:39] earlier about [22:40] the 15-point plan [22:41] is inaccurate, [22:42] can you say [22:43] what is accurate [22:44] with respect [22:45] to ballistic missiles, [22:46] the nuclear ambitions [22:47] and the Strait of Hormuz, [22:48] which are things [22:49] that the President [22:50] has laid out [22:51] that he wants to see [22:52] a couple times in the past? [22:53] Look, [22:54] if you've heard it [22:55] from the President [22:56] of the United States, [22:57] obviously it's true. [22:58] As well as the objectives [22:59] of Operation Epic Fury, [23:00] we've said repeatedly, [23:01] I've said them [23:02] from this podium, [23:03] the Pentagon [23:04] has reiterated them, [23:05] that's why we've taken [23:06] military action [23:07] to achieve them. [23:08] But this full [23:09] 15-point plan [23:10] that's been floating around [23:11] in many of your outlets, [23:12] there's a lot [23:13] of misinformation [23:14] to that as well. [23:15] And again, [23:16] I would caution you [23:17] from taking things [23:18] from anonymous sources [23:19] rather than verifying them [23:20] directly with the White House. [23:21] Christian. [23:22] Thanks, Caroline. [23:23] Two on Iran. [23:24] First, [23:25] would the President [23:26] consider loosening [23:27] asylum restrictions [23:29] for Iranians [23:30] trying to flee [23:31] the country right now? [23:32] Again, [23:33] that's a question [23:34] for the President. [23:35] I won't get ahead of him on that. [23:36] I haven't talked to him [23:37] about that. [23:38] I think that [23:39] the President [23:40] has been very clear [23:41] at the top [23:42] that Iran [23:44] would be hit [23:45] harder than they have been [23:46] to this point [23:47] if they don't recognize [23:48] the fact that they're [23:49] losing this war. [23:50] Could those strikes happen [23:51] before this five-day [23:52] negotiating window closes [23:53] if the President [23:54] doesn't think [23:55] they're negotiating [23:56] in good faith? [23:57] You're asking me [23:58] to tell you [23:59] if the Commander-in-Chief [24:00] would authorize [24:01] very strong strikes [24:02] against the Iranian regime. [24:03] That's not something [24:04] I would ever reveal [24:05] from this podium, [24:06] true or not. [24:07] Phil. [24:08] Thank you, Caroline. [24:09] I just want to [24:10] ask you [24:11] about the criticism [24:12] of the administration [24:13] from past allies [24:14] like Joe Kent [24:15] who have said [24:16] that the President's [24:17] red line shifted [24:18] from Iran [24:19] cannot obtain [24:20] a nuclear weapon [24:21] to Iran [24:22] cannot pursue [24:23] nuclear enrichment. [24:24] What is the administration's [24:25] response [24:26] to that criticism? [24:27] I think the President [24:28] and I [24:29] have both [24:30] strongly responded [24:31] to the criticism [24:32] by Mr. Kent [24:33] who unfortunately [24:34] resigned [24:35] in disgrace [24:36] and accused [24:37] the President [24:38] of basically [24:39] being manipulated [24:40] by foreign countries [24:41] and foreign manipulation [24:42] which is a ridiculous [24:43] and laughable assertion. [24:44] So his accusations [24:45] have zero credibility [24:46] as far as this White House [24:47] is concerned. [24:48] The question [24:49] of the red line [24:50] shifting from [24:51] no nuclear weapon [24:52] to no nuclear enrichment, [24:53] is there any substance [24:55] to that argument? [24:56] I think the President [24:57] has been quite clear [24:58] in what he wants to see [24:59] from the Iranian regime [25:00] which is why [25:01] he chose to launch [25:02] Operation Epic Fury [25:03] in the first place. [25:04] Reagan. [25:05] Thank you, Caroline. [25:06] I have a question [25:07] for you on the SAVE Act [25:08] and the DHS shutdown. [25:10] Sure. [25:11] First, Senator Mike Lee. [25:12] The SAVE America Act. [25:13] SAVE America Act. [25:14] The President corrected me [25:15] yesterday. [25:16] It was my fault. [25:17] Senator Mike Lee [25:18] said it's essentially [25:19] impossible to pass [25:20] the SAVE America Act [25:21] through reconciliation. [25:22] What's your reaction [25:23] to that? [25:24] Is the President worried [25:25] that that strategy [25:26] might fail? [25:27] I think he's willing [25:28] to try all strategies. [25:29] I spoke with him [25:30] about this yesterday [25:31] and he said [25:32] if we can make it work [25:33] through reconciliation [25:34] let's absolutely do that. [25:35] These again [25:36] are common sense policies [25:37] that are backed [25:38] by the vast majority [25:39] of voters across [25:40] this country. [25:41] The only people [25:42] in this country [25:43] who don't support them [25:44] are politicians [25:45] on Capitol Hill [25:46] and you all [25:47] should ask them [25:48] why they don't want [25:49] voter ID, [25:50] why they don't want [25:51] proof of citizenship [25:52] to vote in our [25:53] nation's elections. [25:54] Again, these are [25:55] common sense proposals [25:56] that are wildly popular [25:57] and the President [25:58] is willing to use [25:59] any means necessary [26:00] to get this legislation [26:01] passed and onto his desk. [26:02] And then on the DHS shutdown, [26:03] do you expect deportations [26:04] to decrease [26:05] while ICE [26:06] is in the airports [26:07] and what are the tradeoffs [26:08] in these airports right now? [26:09] Well, to address [26:10] this obviously [26:11] short-term problem [26:12] and the chaos [26:13] that has been sowed [26:14] by these Democrats [26:15] on Capitol Hill [26:16] to address the lines [26:17] and to get Americans [26:18] traveling [26:19] and get them [26:20] to where they need to be. [26:21] So the President [26:22] I think this was [26:23] a creative solution [26:24] again that was criticized [26:25] but we have seen [26:26] wait times decrease [26:27] not as much [26:28] as we'd like [26:29] hopefully they will [26:30] continue to [26:31] but at major airports [26:32] over the course [26:33] of the last few days [26:34] as ICE has been facilitating [26:35] with travelers [26:36] in these airports. [26:37] Thank you. [26:38] Thank you, Caroline. [26:39] Thank you, Caroline. [26:40] On March 6th [26:41] the President said [26:42] in the interview [26:43] with Reuters [26:44] that the U.S. [26:45] should have a role [26:46] in choosing Iran's [26:47] next leadership. [26:48] Now that we're almost [26:49] four weeks into the operation [26:50] is that still [26:51] the President's assessment [26:52] of where it should go? [26:53] As I've said repeatedly [26:54] I think the President [26:55] obviously believes [26:56] the United States [26:57] wants to have someone [26:58] in leadership [26:59] position [27:00] in the Iranian regime [27:01] that will be [27:02] much more favorable [27:03] that will be willing [27:04] to work with [27:05] the United States [27:06] that will no longer [27:07] chant death [27:08] in America. [27:09] These would obviously [27:10] be good common sense [27:11] things for the United States [27:12] and for our allies [27:13] and I think that's [27:14] what the President [27:15] meant when he spoke [27:16] with Reuters that day. [27:17] Go ahead. [27:18] The President [27:19] yesterday said [27:20] that he had achieved [27:21] regime change [27:22] in Iran [27:23] because the regime [27:24] has changed [27:25] in terms of [27:26] I mean [27:27] has it not? [27:28] The leadership [27:29] Their entire leadership [27:30] has been killed [27:31] and nobody has [27:32] really seen [27:33] or legitimately [27:34] heard from [27:35] this alleged [27:36] new leader. [27:37] So wouldn't you say [27:38] there's been a change [27:39] in leadership? [27:40] There's been a change [27:41] in the regime leadership [27:42] which is what the President [27:43] said so thank you [27:44] for confirming [27:45] he was right. [27:46] Do you feel as though [27:47] you've achieved [27:48] leadership level [27:51] or the personnel [27:52] in place right now [27:53] in Iran [27:54] that you're satisfied [27:55] with? [27:56] I think it's too soon [27:57] to say. [27:58] In terms of highly [27:59] enriched uranium [28:00] in Iran right now [28:01] is your expectation [28:02] I mean the stated [28:03] desire of the President [28:04] has been to prevent [28:05] nuclear weapons [28:06] is your expectation [28:07] at the end [28:08] game here [28:09] is that eventually [28:10] Americans [28:11] will be in possession [28:12] of that uranium [28:13] or you'll [28:14] you'll somehow [28:15] have some direct control [28:16] over the highly [28:17] enriched uranium [28:18] that could be used [28:19] to develop a new one? [28:20] Again this is a point [28:21] of conversation [28:22] that continues [28:23] I think you know [28:24] the means in which [28:25] the United States [28:26] would have to take [28:27] in order to achieve [28:28] that goal [28:29] and that's a decision [28:30] for the President [28:31] to make. [28:32] Brian [28:33] good to see you [28:34] Brian Glenn. [28:35] Good to see you as well. [28:36] Does the White House [28:37] have any comment [28:38] on a letter [28:39] that was sent [28:40] from Congressman Raskin [28:41] to the DOJ [28:42] alleging [28:43] that the DOJ [28:44] recklessly [28:45] released [28:46] damning [28:48] information [28:49] in regards [28:50] to President [28:51] Trump's [28:52] documents? [28:53] Yes [28:54] I saw that [28:55] letter [28:56] from Congressman Raskin [28:57] this morning [28:58] who I would add [28:59] has zero credibility [29:00] and this letter [29:01] was clearly [29:02] a cheap political [29:03] stunt. [29:04] What the Congressman [29:05] did here Brian [29:06] and for everyone [29:07] on this [29:08] as fact [29:09] is that he took [29:10] untrue [29:11] and salacious claims [29:12] in a memo [29:13] that was produced [29:14] by Jack Smith [29:15] who has been [29:16] completely discredited [29:17] for his lawfare [29:18] and his witch hunts [29:19] against this President [29:20] and that information [29:21] was unverified [29:22] it never even made it [29:23] into the indictment [29:24] because it was [29:25] so unverified [29:26] and what happened [29:27] to that indictment [29:28] anyway [29:29] it was thrown out [29:30] and Jack Smith [29:31] has been proven [29:32] again to be [29:33] a prosecutor [29:34] on a witch hunt [29:35] against President Trump [29:36] he tried to throw him [29:37] out of the [29:38] department [29:39] of justice [29:40] and the [29:41] department [29:42] of justice [29:43] was fully on board [29:44] with this [29:45] lawfare campaign [29:46] and in fact [29:47] this story [29:48] that was concocted [29:49] by Congressman Raskin [29:50] was so ridiculous [29:51] I understand [29:52] his communications team [29:53] reached out [29:54] to some outlets [29:55] in this room [29:56] who responsibly [29:57] said [29:58] we're not going [29:59] to write this [30:00] because this is [30:01] just too much [30:02] however of course [30:03] MSNOW did write [30:04] that story [30:05] this morning [30:06] because they continue [30:07] to have [30:08] a political [30:09] stunt [30:10] from a Democrat [30:11] on Capitol Hill [30:12] who I think [30:13] wants to get himself [30:14] on cable television [30:15] thank you all [30:16] very much