Karoline Leavitt LIVE

[0:00] from Congress, and not to be hyperbolic, but given the airports were really the pain point [0:06] that was pushing both sides to talk to each other, do you see a way for DHS to reopen? [0:13] Is it possible that this keeps going through the midterms? [0:15] Well, we certainly hope so. [0:17] I mean, of course the President just can't keep signing presidential memorandums and [0:21] proclamations every time Congress fails to do its job, and every time Democrats are holding [0:27] our entire country hostage, picking and choosing which programs and agencies they want to fund [0:32] just because they don't like this administration's policies. [0:35] That's not how it's supposed to work. [0:37] They voted seven times against funding DHS over partisan and political reasons. [0:43] And so, again, the President has stepped in to do the right thing at this moment in time, [0:47] but the President is also encouraging Congress to come back to Washington to permanently [0:52] fix this problem and to fund and reopen the Department of Homeland Security entirely. [0:57] Caroline. [0:57] Stephen. [0:58] Thank you, Caroline. [0:59] Two questions, one on TSA, one on Iran. [1:02] On TSA, for ordinary Americans watching the briefing, how long until everything goes back [1:08] to normal at airports after the President's action? [1:10] And then on Iran, on the timeframe, President Trump initially said about four weeks. [1:16] Secretary of State Rubio on Friday reportedly said it might be another two to four. [1:20] Is two to four the current ballpark that the administration is thinking? [1:23] With respect to the timeline, again, the President, Commander-in-Chief, [1:26] the President, and the President-Elect, the President-Elect, the President-Elect, [1:27] the President-Elect, the President-Elect, the President-Elect, the President-Elect, the President-Elect, [1:27] the Pentagon has always stated four to six weeks estimated timeline for Operation Epic Fury. [1:32] We're on day 30 today. [1:34] So, again, you do the math on how much longer we, the Pentagon needs to fully achieve the [1:40] objectives of Operation Epic Fury, which I will reiterate, destroy the Iranian Navy, [1:45] destroy their ballistic missiles, dismantle their missile and drone production infrastructure, [1:50] significantly weaken their proxies throughout the course of this operation, and then, of [1:57] obtaining a nuclear weapon to your first question Steven about TSA and airports [2:02] nothing will be truly normal again until Democrats do the right thing to fund [2:06] this agency fully again the president has stepped in in the meantime to do [2:09] what's right to end this crisis that we've had at air travel and at airports [2:15] across the country in the meantime but again Congress needs to come back [2:18] Democrats need to fund the Department of Homeland Security so we can formally and [2:22] fully get these great employees played paid long into the future Jonathan [2:28] thanks a lot Caroline two questions regarding the financial possible war back [2:33] during the Persian Gulf War 1990 1991 Arab countries paid for the vast [2:38] majority of the cost of the war Kuwait Saudi Arabia the UAE who's paying for [2:45] the cost of this war will those Arab countries step up to do just that well I [2:49] think it's something the president would be quite interested in calling them to [2:53] do [2:53] I won't get ahead of him on that but certainly it's an idea that I know that [2:58] he has and something that I think you'll hear more from him on the cost of diesel [3:03] is averaging at 538 a gallon right now what's the message from the Trump [3:10] administration to truck drivers who are dealing with those high fuel costs right [3:14] now again we understand we hear you we see you we are fully tracking this [3:18] short-term fluctuation in oil and in diesel prices and that's why the president [3:23] and the administration have continually announced robust actions to provide [3:27] stability in the global energy market as you know political risk insurance one of [3:32] those actions allowing countries to purchase sanctioned oil just to increase [3:36] the supply in the meantime we've worked to release 400 billion barrels of oil and [3:43] refined products as well we issued the 60-day Jones Act waiver all of this has [3:47] with the goal of increasing supply to create stabilization in the market in the meantime [3:53] But the overall message, as we've repeatedly stated, is, again, these are short-term actions [3:59] and short-term price fluctuations for the long-term benefit of ending the threat that [4:05] Iran poses to the United States of America, our troops, and our allies in the region, [4:10] and ensuring that this regime can no longer control the world's free flow of energy through [4:15] the Strait of Hormuz, which is something the administration continues to tackle day by [4:19] day as well. [4:20] Jennifer. [4:21] Just two questions. [4:22] What's Jennifer? [4:23] I'll go to both. [4:24] Go ahead. [4:25] So, two questions. [4:26] One on China and one on Iran. [4:27] On China, ahead of the President's trip to Beijing, will there be a working-level meeting [4:33] with Secretary Besant, Jameson Greer, et cetera? [4:36] And when will that be? [4:37] I do expect Cabinet officials to travel to China ahead of time. [4:42] I don't have a readout on their schedules for you, but this is something we typically [4:45] do with international travel, as you know, so I'll talk to the Treasury Department [4:49] and the Cabinet myself, and we'll get you that answer. [4:51] But we do expect them to move ahead of time. [4:53] Okay. [4:54] And thank you. [4:55] And on Iran, if Iran is kind of cherry-picking what tankers get to go through the Strait [4:59] now and contemplating big tolls on those tankers, is that consistent, or how is that consistent [5:05] really with the President's message about really wanting the Strait to be fully open? [5:09] Does the administration support a regime or system where Iran is effectively charging [5:14] tolls on these vessels to access? [5:16] That's not something we support. [5:17] And I would reject that they are cherry-picking. [5:19] In fact, as you know, these tankers that are moving through the 10-thousand-mile-per-hour [5:23] jet were previously announced, and now the new 20 – the announcement of 20 additional [5:27] tankers, which we expect to see over the coming days, are a result of the direct and indirect [5:32] talks that are taking place between the United States and Iran. [5:35] So you wouldn't have seen those tankers if not for the President's diplomacy and [5:38] his team engaging on this matter, which we expect that compliance moving forward. [5:43] And it's, again, something that we're working on very closely. [5:45] Caroline. [5:46] Caroline. [5:47] Sure. [5:48] And behind me, in the back right there, you put up your hand very excitingly. [5:51] Go ahead. [5:52] Hannah from News Nation. [5:53] Thank you. [5:54] Thanks for taking my question. [5:55] Yeah. [5:56] I have two for you real quick. [5:57] There are reports that Republicans are weighing cuts to healthcare in order to make way for [6:02] that $200 billion for the Pentagon and Operation Epic Fury. [6:06] Is that a tradeoff that President Trump supports? [6:08] I've seen these reports. [6:10] I haven't spoken to the President about it, nor have I heard this being discussed in any [6:14] high-level meetings here at the White House. [6:16] I don't want to weigh in definitively because I just haven't heard that being discussed [6:20] here in the West Wing. [6:21] And then, secondly, I know President Trump says we're ahead of schedule in achieving [6:25] his military objectives in Iran. [6:27] He laid out that four- to six-week timetable for this conflict, and we're now within week [6:33] five. [6:34] So how do you square kind of those two? [6:36] Well, four to six weeks estimated timeline. [6:39] Again, you just said we're on day 30 of the operation. [6:42] I just provided you with some of the updates from the Pentagon directly in achieving the [6:47] objectives, and the military has been enormously successful. [6:50] I think we should all be very proud of our armed forces for what they have done over the [6:54] past 30 days. [6:55] The mission will continue until the objectives are achieved, and that four- to six-week timeline [6:59] does remain right now. [7:00] I don't have any updates for you on that. [7:03] Jay? [7:04] Yeah. [7:05] Like others, one on TSA, one on Iran. [7:07] On Iran, I know it's tough to engage in hypotheticals, but I feel like this is one that you could [7:13] engage in. [7:14] If the President does seek... [7:15] Probably not. [7:16] We'll see. [7:17] If the President does seek or the United States seeks a ground war, does he intend to get congressional [7:18] allies involved? [7:21] And is there any way that he could bring a resolution that's as effective as a reasonable [7:26] authorization on that march? [7:27] Look, the President has been asked about boots on the ground or alleged ground operations [7:28] various times. [7:29] He's obviously declined to rule them out. [7:32] It's the Pentagon's job to provide maximum optionality to the President. [7:35] It does not mean he's made a decision, nor would he ever notify the media of such decision [7:41] as not to tip off our enemy. [7:43] With respect to abiding by Congress and the rule of law, that's something the administration [7:47] will, of course, always do. [7:49] And it's something that we need to be very clear about. [7:50] Okay. [7:51] We have great respect for Congress. [7:53] The President does with military operations. [7:56] In fact, when prior to the launch of Operation Epic Fury, [8:00] as you know, the administration gave a courtesy notice [8:03] to Congress in the Gang of Eight. [8:04] And top-level administration officials [8:06] and Cabinet secretaries have gone to Congress multiple times [8:09] over the past 30 days to provide those courtesy briefings [8:13] to Congress when requested. [8:14] The Press.: On TSA quickly. [8:16] I was asked by multiple Trump supporters that have said, [8:20] given the fact that the President on that Friday [8:22] gave that memorandum informing DHS to pay TSA workers, [8:26] I know there's a lot of negotiations involved [8:27] in a shutdown of this size. [8:29] Why did the President not sooner issue [8:31] that payment to TSA workers? [8:33] Ms. Well, it's because of the Democrats [8:34] voting seven times against reopening [8:37] the Department of Homeland Security [8:38] that we came to a place of an existential crisis. [8:41] I mean, you saw the lines at various major airports [8:44] across the country, American travelers [8:47] really paying the price for Democrats' partisan game. [8:50] And so the President worked with his legal team [8:52] here at the White House and the Office of Management and Budget [8:55] to find a solution to take care of the emergency [8:59] that we were seeing in air travel across the country. [9:01] And it's because of the President [9:03] that TSA agents are being paid. [9:05] But again, he's calling on Congress to do the right thing, [9:07] to come back to Washington, and to fund and reopen [9:10] the Department of Homeland Security fully. [9:12] The Press.: Sure. [9:13] The Press.: Hi, Lindsay Ellis from The Wall Street Journal. [9:15] I'm trying to square the four objectives [9:17] laid out by the administration with the goal of reopening. [9:20] Fully the Strait of Hormuz. [9:22] Would President Trump declare victory [9:24] and wind down military operations [9:26] if the four objectives are met [9:27] but still passage remains quite slow through the Strait? [9:30] Ms. Look, as I've said repeatedly [9:32] and as the President has laid out, [9:33] the objectives of Operation Epic Fury are as follows. [9:36] Destroying the Iranian Navy, [9:38] destroying their ballistic missiles, [9:40] dismantling their defense industrial infrastructure [9:43] that produces those weapons [9:44] that have long threatened the United States and our allies, [9:47] and then, of course, preventing Iran from ever obtaining [9:50] a nuclear weapon. [9:51] The full reopening of the Strait [9:53] is something the administration is working towards, [9:55] but the core objectives of the operation [9:57] have been clearly defined for the American people [9:59] by the Commander-in-Chief. [10:00] The Press.: One more question. [10:01] Ms. Garrett. [10:02] The Press.: The President posted this morning about, [10:04] you know, his threat that on leaving Iran, [10:06] he said we might be blowing up and completely obliterating [10:09] all of their electric generating plants, [10:11] oil wells, hard island, [10:13] and possibly all desalinization plants. [10:15] Under international law, striking civilian infrastructure [10:18] like that is generally prohibited. [10:20] Why is the President threatening what would amount [10:22] to potentially a war crime with the U.S. military? [10:25] And how do you square that with the administration [10:27] repeatedly saying that the U.S. does not target civilians? [10:30] Ms. Look, the President has made it quite clear [10:32] to the Iranian regime at this moment in time, [10:34] as evidenced by the statement that you just read, [10:37] that their best move is to make a deal, [10:39] or else the United States Armed Forces has capabilities [10:43] beyond their wildest imagination, [10:45] and the President is not afraid to use them. [10:48] That's not what I said, Garrett. [10:49] And you're saying the word potential for a reason, [10:52] because I'm sure some experts are telling you that in your ear [10:56] to try to ask me that question. [10:57] Of course, this administration and the United States Armed [11:00] Forces will always act within the confines of the law. [11:04] But with respect to achieving the full objectives [11:06] of Operation Epic Fury, [11:07] President Trump is going to move forward unabated, [11:10] and he expects the Iranian regime [11:12] to make a deal with the administration. [11:13] The Press Haley, go ahead. [11:15] The Press Haley, go ahead. [11:16] The Press Haley, go ahead. [11:18] The Press Haley, go ahead. [11:19] The Press Haley, go ahead. [11:20] The Press Thanks, Caroline. [11:21] I want to follow up on Iran. [11:23] When you're describing that the Iranians you're in contact with [11:26] are being more reasonable this time around in discussions, [11:29] what specifically are you hearing that is leading you [11:32] to that conclusion, and how are you defining what's reasonable [11:35] versus unreasonable in that regard? [11:36] Ms. I'm not going to detail the private, [11:38] insensitive conversations that are taking place [11:41] between the United States and Iran right now. [11:43] The Press But generally speaking? [11:44] Ms. Generally speaking, the President gave you the answer. [11:46] What we're hearing from them is more reasonable. [11:48] They have agreed. [11:49] To some of the points the United States laid out, [11:51] as the President said last night aboard Air Force One. [11:54] But again, as for the specifics, [11:55] as these negotiations are ongoing, [11:57] we're not going to broadcast them to the world [11:59] unless the President chooses to do so, [12:00] which he has the full right to do [12:02] as the leader of the free world. [12:03] The Press Haley, Caroline. [12:04] The Press On Cuba, the President threatened to tear any country [12:08] that would send oil to Cuba, [12:10] but now the U.S. is letting this Russian tanker to Cuba. [12:14] Is this a policy change, [12:15] or is he willing to let more tankers into Cuba? [12:19] Ms. This is not a policy change. [12:21] There has not been a formal change in sanction policy. [12:25] As the President said last night, [12:27] we allowed this ship to reach Cuba [12:28] in order to provide humanitarian needs to the Cuban people. [12:32] These decisions are being made on a case-by-case basis. [12:35] And as the administration has said, [12:37] Cuba's nonfunctional economy cannot be fixed [12:39] unless they undergo dramatic political and leadership change. [12:42] But there has been no formal change [12:44] with respect to sanction policy. [12:46] The Press So you could expect more tankers to go to Cuba? [12:49] Ms. Again, these decisions are being made [12:50] on a case-by-case basis right now. [12:52] The Press Thanks, Caroline. [12:54] You addressed this a little bit in the opening. [12:55] But just to follow up, because Americans are sort of seeing [12:57] these conflicting messages between the United States [13:00] and Iran, I know the President insists [13:02] that negotiations are underway. [13:03] As you just mentioned, he's also said that Iran [13:05] has agreed to most of the 15 points. [13:08] We just heard from Iran again. [13:09] They're saying no negotiations are taking place. [13:11] They're calling the proposal excessive, unrealistic. [13:15] So how do you square that? [13:17] How do you explain that discrepancy [13:18] between the two? [13:19] Ms. I think the American people are smart enough [13:21] not to take the word of a terrorist regime [13:24] that has chanted death to America for 47 years [13:27] at their word. [13:28] And I hope the journalists in this room [13:30] are wise enough not to take an Iranian regime [13:32] that has repeatedly lied about our country, [13:35] about our values, about everyone in this room, [13:38] frankly, for nearly five decades. [13:41] So I think the American public [13:42] are smart enough to understand that. [13:44] The Press Just to follow up on the objectives. [13:45] You've laid them out, but I know the President [13:47] has set a deadline for April 6th. [13:48] In just one week. [13:50] What does the President need to see to not move forward [13:53] with those strikes by April 6th? [13:55] Ms. Well, I think he said it in his [13:56] True Social post this morning. [13:57] He wants to see a deal over the next 10 days. [14:00] That timeline is waning. [14:03] Several days left. [14:04] And we'll see. [14:05] I won't get ahead of it. [14:05] We'll see what happens at the end of the 10-day period. [14:08] The Press. [14:08] The Press. [14:09] The Press. [14:10] The Press. [14:10] The Press. [14:11] The Press. [14:11] The Press. [14:12] The Press. [14:12] The Press. [14:13] The Press. [14:13] The Press. [14:14] The Press. [14:14] The Press. [14:15] The Press. [14:15] The Press. [14:16] The Press. [14:16] The Press. [14:17] The Press. [14:18] The Press. [14:18] The Press. [14:18] The Press. [14:19] The Press. [14:19] The Press. [14:20] The Press. [14:20] The Press. [14:21] The Press. [14:21] The Press. [14:22] The Press. [14:22] The Press. [14:23] The Press. [14:23] The Press. [14:24] The Press. [14:24] The Press. [14:25] The Press. [14:25] The Press. [14:26] The Press. [14:26] The Press. [14:27] The Press. [14:28] The Press. [14:28] The Press. [14:29] The Press. [14:29] The Press. [14:30] The Press. [14:30] The Press. [14:31] The Press. [14:31] The Press. [14:32] The Press. [14:32] The Press. [14:33] The Press. [14:33] The Press. [14:34] The Press. [14:34] The Press. [14:35] The Press. [14:35] The Press. [14:36] The Press. [14:36] The Press. [14:37] The Press. [14:37] The Press. [14:38] The Press. [14:38] The Press. [14:39] The Press. [14:39] The Press. [14:40] The Press. [14:40] The Press. [14:41] The Press. [14:41] optionality for the commander-in-chief. It does not mean the President has made any additional [14:46] decisions. Again, he remains focused on ensuring that the Pentagon continues to achieve the [14:51] objectives of the operation that was launched 30 days ago, and we're well on our way to doing that. [14:56] So if an American is sitting at home hearing him say, I want to talk, but I keep seeing them send [15:01] troops to that region, what are they to make of what's going on? [15:04] There's two tracks here. The President has always said that diplomacy [15:07] is his number one option and priority. Again, he tried earnestly, in good faith, [15:13] to engage in diplomacy with the Iranian regime prior to this operation being launched in the [15:19] first place. He wanted to strike a deal, and he sent his top negotiators to do so. They spent [15:24] extensive amount of time and effort trying to strike a deal, and unfortunately, the previous [15:30] regime, again, many of those leaders no longer with us here on Earth because they faced the [15:34] consequences of the United States military. So if there's ever a change in diplomacy, [15:37] there's a chance for a deal. Again, the President is open to listening, but it does not deter him [15:43] from focusing on the military objectives that he set out 30 days ago and that our military is [15:48] continuing to achieve day by day. On the shutdown, he signed the [15:52] national emergency order last Thursday, making sure TSA officers will be paid. There's still [15:58] other civilian DHS employees, however, who are not being paid. Did he sign something similar [16:03] to ensure they also get paid? Look, the President will always look into ways [16:07] that we can make sure that the American people are being taken care of and doing what's right by [16:11] the American people. But again, it's ridiculous that the President even has to go to the length [16:16] of working with the legal team and the Office of Management and Budget to identify these funds. It [16:20] is the job of Congress to fund these agencies, and Democrats in Congress have voted seven times [16:27] against funding the Department of Homeland Security. Congress should come back, and they [16:31] should get it done. The President, again, made the decision to prevent this existential crisis we [16:37] have seen in the past. He said he was going to go to the airports across the country. That was only going to get worse, and that's why he wants Congress to do his job. [16:45] Since you mentioned Easter and prayers, I wanted to ask you about something the Pope said yesterday. So, Pope Leo said yesterday, and I quote him, [16:54] God does not listen to the prayer of those who wage war. Can you comment on that? [17:00] I think our nation was a nation founded 250 years ago, almost, on Judeo-Christian values. [17:08] And we've seen presidents, we've seen the leaders of the Department of War, and we've seen our troops go to prayer during the most turbulent times in our nation's history. [17:20] And I don't think there's anything wrong with our military leaders or with the President calling on the American people to pray for our service members and those who are serving our country overseas. [17:31] In fact, I think it's a very noble thing to do. And if you talk to many service members, they will tell you they appreciate the prayers and support. [17:37] Thank you. [17:38] From the Commander-in-Chief and from his Cabinet. [17:41] Caroline, thank you. President Trump told the New York Post that a response is coming shortly to Tehran attacking Israel's largest oil refinery. [17:50] Is there a timeline on that? Is that tied to the success or not of the negotiations? [17:55] I don't have any updates for you on the President's comments. [17:58] Does Trump consider the IRGC in control of Iran? [18:01] Well, look, as Secretary Rubio said today, the leadership is very fragmented. [18:06] We have really neutered their influence. [18:08] We have neutered their intercommunication systems. [18:11] And that's part of this process of diplomacy. [18:13] I have to continue figuring out exactly who's in charge. [18:17] I know they appointed a new Ayatollah. [18:19] I haven't seen or heard much from him. [18:21] And so that's part of this diplomatic process that's underway right now. [18:24] I'll take a few more. [18:26] Thank you. [18:27] You listed the described humanitarian reasons for allowing that oil tanker to reach Cuba. [18:35] Just to clarify, [18:37] is the administration okay with Russia sending that oil to Cuba and not other nations? [18:42] Look, again, this was a decision. [18:44] It'll continue to be made on a case-by-case basis for humanitarian reasons or otherwise. [18:48] But there's been no firm change in our sanctions policy. [18:51] President Scheinbaum of Mexico also said that Mexico is exploring different ways to restart some of those shipments to Cuba. [18:58] Is the administration okay with that at this time? [19:00] Again, there's been no change in our sanction policy. [19:02] We still reserve the right to seize vessels if it's legally applicable. [19:06] That are headed towards Cuba and that violate the United States sanction policy. [19:10] But, of course, the president and the administration also reserve the right to waive those seizures on a case-by-case basis. [19:17] And to clarify, just any more Russian oil tankers going to be allowed to reach Cuba at this time? [19:22] I know you say case-by-case, but for the case of Russia, is it pretty much green light right now? [19:26] No, that's not what I said. [19:28] It's a case-by-case basis. [19:30] Sure, Jeff, go ahead. [19:31] With respect to the ongoing major combat operations in Iran, [19:35] Operation Epic Fury is moving ahead successfully and according to plan. [19:39] With each passing day, the United States military is increasing its advantage over the terrorist Iranian regime. [19:46] More than 11,000 enemy targets have been struck to date, [19:50] each strike further crippling the regime's offensive and defensive capabilities [19:55] and creating more leverage for the United States and our allies. [19:59] Compared to the start of the operation, Iran's ballistic missile and drone attacks are down [20:04] by roughly 90 percent. [20:07] The United States is also decimating the Iranian regime's navy. [20:11] We have destroyed more than 150 of their naval vessels so far, [20:15] including 92 percent of their largest vessels. [20:19] The Iranian navy has no vessels operating in major regional waterways [20:23] and no ability to project naval power, [20:26] which is why they've been assessed as combat ineffective. [20:31] Our military continues to obliterate Iran's defense industry, [20:35] with nearly 70 percent of their missile, drone, and naval production facilities [20:40] and shipyards damaged or destroyed thus far, [20:43] significantly reducing their ability to pose future threats in the region. [20:48] U.S. and Israeli joint forces control the skies [20:51] and have asserted air dominance over Iran, [20:54] completing more than 11,000 successful combat flights thus far. [20:59] The trend remains clear. [21:01] The United States is conducting more intense targeted strikes [21:05] with devastating combat power with each passing day [21:08] to destroy the threat posed by the Iranian terrorist regime, [21:12] as President Trump sought out to do a month ago. [21:15] It's no surprise that we are seeing the remaining elements of the regime [21:19] become increasingly eager to end the destruction [21:22] and come to the negotiating table while they still can. [21:25] Despite all of the public posturing you hear from the regime and false reporting, [21:30] talks are continuing and going well. [21:33] What is said publicly is, of course, [21:35] much different than what's being communicated to us privately. [21:38] As a result, President Trump issued a 10-day pause [21:41] to postpone planned strikes on Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure. [21:46] This remains a truly once-in-a-generation opportunity [21:49] for the regime to make a good deal with the United States, [21:52] permanently abandon their nuclear ambitions, [21:55] and stop acting as the world's leading state sponsor of terrorism. [21:59] If the Iranians reject this golden opportunity, [22:02] the greatest military in the history of the world, [22:04] continues to stand by to provide President Trump [22:07] with every option available to ensure this regime continues to pay a grave price. [22:13] One way or another, Iran will no longer have the credible ability [22:17] to threaten the United States or our allies, [22:20] which is, of course, the overall objective admission [22:23] the President set out when he launched Operation Epic Fury. [22:27] Unfortunately, even as President Trump is working hard every single day [22:30] to protect the United States from foreign enemies, [22:33] Democrats on Capitol Hill have failed to do the same here at home [22:37] by keeping the Department of Homeland Security unfunded. [22:40] Over the past six weeks, Democrats in Congress [22:43] have pushed our air travel system to its breaking point [22:46] and inflicted massive pain on Americans with their reckless political games. [22:50] Five hundred TSA officers quit their jobs. [22:53] Thousands more were calling out sick at record rates due to the lack of pay. [22:57] This resulted in security wait times exceeding three hours [23:01] at major airports across the country. [23:03] Creating nightmares for millions of Americans. [23:06] Overall morale among TSA staff plummeted as well. [23:09] All of this creating an unacceptable heightened security risk. [23:13] Because of the Democrats' unwillingness to do their basic job of funding DHS, [23:18] President Trump determined that these circumstances constituted an emergency, [23:22] compromising American security. [23:25] That's why last week he accordingly signed a presidential memorandum [23:28] directing the Secretary of Homeland Security to work with the Director of the Army [23:33] Office of Management and Budget here at the White House [23:36] to use those funds with a reasonable and logical nexus [23:40] to TSA operations to provide TSA employees [23:43] with the compensation and benefits that would have accrued to them [23:47] but for the Democrat-led DHS shutdown. [23:50] This bold and necessary action by President Trump [23:53] will ensure our TSA workers receive their hard-earned paychecks. [23:57] It should not have come to this point, [23:59] but President Trump will always do what's right by the American people, [24:02] and he found a way to do that to get TSA paid. [24:05] Ensuring that these federal workers who perform critical public safety responsibilities [24:10] can feed their families, pay their rent, and show up to work [24:13] is something the President was honored to do. [24:15] But this moment should be an eye-opening one for the American people. [24:19] Let's be clear about what is happening. [24:21] Democrat members of Congress are more than happy to put your safety at risk [24:26] because they oppose the President's and his administration's efforts [24:30] to enforce our nation's immigration laws. [24:32] Democrats refuse to fund ICE because they want [24:35] millions and millions of illegal aliens to pour into the country [24:38] just like they were under the Biden administration. [24:41] They want murderers and rapists and thugs to remain in your communities [24:45] rather than be removed by ICE and Border Patrol agents. [24:49] The Democrats created this mess. [24:51] They are the reason for long lines at airports [24:53] and tens of thousands of employees going without pay. [24:56] Once again, President Trump is cleaning up their mess [24:59] because he cares more about the American people [25:01] than destructive, petty, partisan politics. [25:04] With that, I will take your questions today. [25:06] Here in our new media seat, we have Wid Lyman. [25:08] Thank you for being here. [25:09] Why don't you kick us off? [25:10] Thank you. Happy Easter. [25:11] Thank you. You as well. [25:12] I have two questions for you. Thank you. [25:14] There are some concerns the administration is starting to change [25:16] its position on deportations, border enforcement, possibly asylum policies. [25:21] What would you say to Americans that are somewhat concerned that the shift has happened? [25:26] Sure. [25:27] Well, while there has of course been a change in leadership [25:29] at the Department of Homeland Security, [25:31] with former Senator, now Secretary Mullen, [25:34] joining the President's Cabinet, [25:36] I can assure the American people there has not been a change in policy. [25:39] It has always been the policy of this President and this administration [25:42] to deport the worst of the worst illegal alien criminals from our communities. [25:47] That's something I know Secretary Mullen remains wholeheartedly committed to doing. [25:51] And it's something that is overwhelmingly popular with the American people. [25:54] And it's something that is necessary to protect our homeland [25:57] and to prevent deaths of Americans in our country. [26:00] Just last week, Sheridan Gorman, a young woman in Chicago, [26:03] was shot and killed on the street walking with her friends outside of her university [26:08] by a legal alien from Venezuela who had no right to be here in the first place. [26:13] And it's despicable that Democrats are currently defunding the department [26:17] that's responsible for removing illegal aliens like that. [26:20] And I would also add it's despicable that the lack of coverage of this young woman's case, [26:26] of her life and the way that it was tragically cut short. [26:29] I saw a survey over the weekend that I'd like to bring to all of your attention. [26:33] This is the media coverage of the case of Sheridan Gorman. [26:37] You have ABC News has spent one minute and 19 seconds between two days [26:43] when this case was first alerted. [26:45] You have CBS, two minutes and one second. [26:48] You have NBC, 23 seconds spent on the life of a young, beautiful American woman [26:54] whose life was taken short by an illegal alien who should have never been here in the first place. [26:58] When we are in the middle of a battle on Capitol Hill with a major political party, [27:02] the Democrat Party, who wants to defund the agency that is responsible for protecting Americans. [27:07] I think her life was worth more than 23 seconds on cable television. [27:11] And I think the people in this room have a responsibility to report on cases like this [27:16] because it just exemplifies why the President believes so strongly [27:19] in deporting illegal aliens from our communities. [27:21] And thank you for the question. [27:23] Dasha, go ahead. [27:24] I have two questions, one on Iran and one on DHS funding. [27:28] On Iran, the President has said that the administration is talking to a new [27:32] and more reasonable regime. [27:34] How confident are you that they are legitimate and have enough grip on power? [27:40] Marco Rubio said earlier that he's not sure and it's not clear whether they will be in power. [27:45] So are you also talking to other factions? [27:48] As the President is trying to make a deal, how do you ensure that you're making a deal [27:51] with the people who can actually implement it? [27:53] Well, that's part of the ongoing process that's taking place [27:56] and the ongoing negotiations, of course. [27:58] Anything that they say to us privately will be tested [28:01] and we will ensure that they are being held accountable to their word. [28:04] And if they are not, the President has laid out the military consequences [28:08] that the Iranian regime will see if they don't hold true to the words [28:12] that we are hearing privately behind the scenes. [28:14] When the President says more reasonable, again, these folks are appearing more reasonable [28:18] behind the scenes privately in these conversations than perhaps some of the previous leaders [28:23] who are now no longer on planet Earth because they lied to the United States [28:27] and they strung us along in negotiations and that was unacceptable to the President, [28:32] which is why many of the previous leaders were killed. [28:35] So again, this is another historic opportunity for Iran to do the right thing, [28:39] to rid themselves of their nuclear ambitions [28:42] and to come to a deal with this President and the administration, [28:45] or again, they will see the grave consequences of the United States Armed Forces, [28:49] which they are continuing to see every day throughout this operation. [28:52] On DHS, how long can the administration keep paying TSA [28:56] without action from Congress? [28:58] And not to be hyperbolic, but given the, the airports were really the pain point [29:03] that was pushing both sides to talk to each other. [29:06] I mean, do you see a way for DHS to reopen? [29:10] Is it possible that this keeps going through the midterms? [29:13] Well, we certainly hope so. [29:14] I mean, of course, the President just can't keep signing presidential memorandums [29:19] and proclamations every time Congress fails to do its job [29:22] and every time Democrats are holding our entire country hostage, [29:26] picking and choosing which programs and agencies they want to fund [29:30] just because they don't like this administration's policies. [29:33] That's not how it's supposed to work. [29:35] They voted seven times against funding DHS over partisan and political reasons. [29:41] And so, again, the President has stepped in to do the right thing at this moment in time, [29:45] but the President is also encouraging Congress to come back to Washington [29:49] to permanently fix this problem [29:51] and to fund and reopen the Department of Homeland Security entirely. [29:55] Steven. [29:56] Thank you, Caroline. [29:57] Two questions, one on TSA, one on Iran. [29:59] On TSA, for ordinary Americans watching the briefing, [30:03] how long until everything goes back to normal at airports after the President's action? [30:08] And then on Iran, on the timeframe, President Trump initially said about four weeks. [30:13] Secretary of State Rubio on Friday reportedly said it might be another two to four. [30:17] Is two to four the current ballpark that the administration is thinking? [30:21] With respect to the timeline, again, the President, Commander-in-Chief, [30:24] the Pentagon, [30:25] has always stated four to six weeks estimated timeline for Operation Epic Fury. [30:29] We're on day 30 today. [30:32] So, again, you do the math on how much longer the Pentagon needs [30:36] to fully achieve the objectives of Operation Epic Fury, [30:39] which I will reiterate destroy the Iranian Navy, [30:42] destroy their ballistic missiles, [30:44] dismantle their missile and drone production infrastructure, [30:48] significantly weaken their proxies throughout the course of this operation, [30:52] and then, of course, preventing Iran from ever obtaining it. [30:54] From ever obtaining a nuclear weapon. [30:56] To your first question, Steven, about TSA and airports, [30:59] nothing will be truly normal again until Democrats do the right thing to fund this agency fully. [31:04] Again, the President has stepped in in the meantime to do what's right [31:08] to end this crisis that we've had at air travel and at airports across the country in the meantime. [31:14] But, again, Congress needs to come back. [31:16] Democrats need to fund the Department of Homeland Security so we can formally and fully get these great employees played, [31:22] paid long into the future. [31:23] Jonathan. [31:26] Thanks a lot, Caroline. [31:27] Two questions regarding the financial costs of the war. [31:30] Back during the Persian Gulf War, 1990-1991, Arab countries paid for the vast majority of the costs of the war. [31:37] Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the UAE. [31:40] Who's paying for the costs of this war? [31:43] Will those Arab countries step up to do just that? [31:46] Well, I think it's something the President would be quite interested in calling them to do. [31:50] I won't get ahead of him on that. [31:52] But, certainly, it's a tough question. [31:54] It's an idea that I know that he has and something that I think you'll hear more from him on. [31:58] And, secondly, the cost of diesel is averaging at $5.38 a gallon right now. [32:05] What's the message from the Trump administration to truck drivers who are dealing with those high fuel costs right now? [32:12] Again, we understand. [32:13] We hear you. [32:14] We see you. [32:15] We are fully tracking this short-term fluctuation in oil and in diesel prices. [32:20] And that's why the President and the administration have continually announced robust actions [32:24] to provide stability in the global energy market. [32:27] As you know, political risk insurance, one of those actions allowing countries to purchase sanctioned oil [32:33] just to increase the supply in the meantime. [32:36] We've worked to release 400 billion barrels of oil in refined products as well. [32:42] We issued the 60-Day Jones Act waiver. [32:44] All of this has – with the goal of increasing supply to create stabilization in the market in the meantime. [32:51] But the overall message, as we've repeatedly stated, [32:53] is, again, these are short-term actions and short-term price fluctuations [32:58] for the long-term benefit of ending the threat that Iran poses to the United States of America, [33:05] our troops, and our allies in the region, [33:08] and ensuring that this regime can no longer control the world's free flow of energy through the Strait of Hormuz, [33:13] which is something the administration continues to tackle day by day as well. [33:17] Jennifer. [33:18] Just two questions. [33:20] I'll watch Jennifer. [33:21] I'll go to both. [33:23] Go ahead. [33:24] So two questions, one on China and one on Iran. [33:27] On China, ahead of the President's trip to Beijing, [33:30] will there be a working-level meeting with Secretary Besant, Jameson Greer, et cetera? [33:34] And when will that be? [33:35] I do expect Cabinet officials to travel to China ahead of time. [33:39] I don't have a readout on their schedules for you, [33:42] but this is something we typically do with international travel, as you know. [33:45] So I'll talk to the Treasury Department and the Cabinet myself, and we'll get you that answer. [33:49] But we do expect them to move ahead of time. [33:51] Okay. And thank you. [33:52] And on Iran, if Iran is kind of cherry-picking what tankers get to go through the Strait now [33:58] and contemplating big tolls on those tankers, is that consistent, [34:02] or how is that consistent really with the President's message about really wanting the Strait to be fully open? [34:07] Does the administration support a regime or system where Iran is effectively charging tolls on these vessels to access? [34:13] That's not something we support, and I would reject that they are cherry-picking. [34:17] In fact, as you know, these tankers that are moving through the 10 that were previously announced, [34:22] and now the new 20, the announcement of 20 additional tankers, [34:26] which we expect to see over the coming days, [34:28] are a result of the direct and indirect talks that are taking place between the United States and Iran. [34:33] So you wouldn't have seen those tankers if not for the President's diplomacy and his team engaging on this matter, [34:38] which we expect that compliance moving forward. [34:41] And it's, again, something that we're working on very closely. [34:43] Caroline. [34:44] Sure. [34:45] And behind me, in the back right there, you put up your hand very excitingly. [34:49] Go ahead. [34:50] Hannah from News Nation. [34:51] Thank you. [34:52] Thanks for taking my question. [34:53] I have two for you real quick. [34:55] There are reports that Republicans are weighing cuts to healthcare in order to make way for that $200 billion for the Pentagon in Operation Epic Fury. [35:04] Is that a tradeoff that President Trump supports? [35:06] I've seen these reports. [35:08] I haven't spoken to the President about it, nor have I heard this being discussed in any high-level meetings here at the White House. [35:14] I don't want to weigh in definitively because I just haven't heard that being discussed here in the West Wing. [35:19] And then secondly, I know President Trump says we're ahead. [35:21] President Trump says we're ahead of schedule in achieving his military objectives in Iran. [35:25] He laid out that four- to six-week timetable for this conflict, and we're now within week five. [35:31] So how do you square kind of those two? [35:34] Well, four to six weeks estimated timeline. [35:37] Again, you just said we're on day 30 of the operation. [35:40] I just provided you with some of the updates from the Pentagon directly in achieving the objectives. [35:45] And the military has been enormously successful. [35:48] I think we should all be very proud of our armed forces. [35:50] For what they have done over the past 30 days, the mission will continue until the objectives are achieved. [35:55] And that four- to six-week timeline does remain right now. [35:57] I don't have any updates for you on that. [36:00] Caroline. [36:01] Like others, one on TSA, one on Iran. [36:04] On Iran, I know it's tough to engage in hypotheticals, but I feel like this is one that you could engage in. [36:10] If the President does seek or the United States seeks a ground war, does he intend to get congressional authorization of that month? [36:20] Look, the President has been asked about boots on the ground or alleged ground operations various times. [36:27] He's obviously declined to rule them out. [36:29] It's the Pentagon's job to provide maximum optionality to the President. [36:33] It does not mean he's made a decision, nor would he ever notify the media of such decision as not to tip off our enemy. [36:40] With respect to abiding by Congress and the rule of law, that's something the administration will, of course, always do. [36:47] And it's something that we have great respect for Congress. [36:49] Thank you. [36:50] The Press. [36:55] Thank you. [36:56] How about you? [36:58] Does it make any sense for the President to give an official courtesy notice to Congress in a matter of weeks? [37:08] Well, one of the things that the President and Congress and the President does with military operations, in fact, [37:15] when prior to the launch of Operation Epic Fury, as you know, [37:20] gave that memorandum informing vhs to pay tsa workers i know there's a lot of negotiations [37:25] involved in a shutdown at this size why did the president not sooner issue that payment to tsa [37:30] workers well it's because of the democrats voting seven times against reopening the department of [37:35] homeland security that we came to a place of an existential crisis i mean you saw the lines [37:41] at various major airports across the country american travelers really paying the price for [37:47] democrats partisan games and so the president worked with his legal team here at the white [37:51] house and the office of management and budget to find a solution to take care of the emergency that [37:56] we were seeing in air travel across the country and it's because of the president that tsa agents [38:02] are being paid but again he's calling on congress to do the right thing to come back to washington [38:06] and to fund and reopen the department of homeland security fully sure hi lindsay ellis from the [38:12] wall street journal i'm trying to square the four objectives laid out by the administration [38:16] with [38:17] the goal of reopening fully the strait of horrors would president trump declare victory and wind [38:22] down military operations if the four objectives are met but still passage remains quite slow [38:27] through the strait look as i've said repeatedly and as the president has laid out the objectives [38:32] of operation epic fury are as follows destroying the iranian navy destroying their ballistic [38:37] missiles dismantling their defense industrial infrastructure that produces those weapons that [38:42] have long threatened the united states and our allies and then of course preventing iran [38:47] from ever obtaining a nuclear weapon the full reopening of the strait is something the [38:51] administration is working towards but the core objectives of the operation have been clearly [38:55] defined for the american people by the commander-in-chief the president posted this morning [39:01] about you know his threat that on leaving iran he said we might blowing up and completely [39:06] obliterating all of their electric generating plants oil wells hard island and possibly all [39:12] desalinization plans under international laws striking civilian infrastructure like that is [39:17] prohibited why is the president threatening what would amount to potentially a war crime with the [39:22] u.s military and how do you square that with the administration repeatedly saying that the [39:26] u.s does not target civilians look the president has made it quite clear to the iranian regime [39:31] at this moment in time as evidenced by the statement that you just read [39:35] that their best move is to make a deal or else the united states armed forces has capabilities [39:41] beyond their wildest imagination and the president is not afraid to use them that's not what i said [39:47] in the statement that i just read to you all right you're right i just read the statement and you [39:50] can see that it's very clear to me that the president is very much at the heart of the [39:53] discussion and he's also very much at the heart of the discussion in the administration [39:56] of course the administration and the united states armed forces will always act within [40:01] the confines of the law but with respect to achieving the full objectives of operation epic [40:06] fury president trump is going to move forward unabated and he expects expects the iranian [40:11] regime to make a deal with the administration which of those which of those objectives would [40:16] plant most help. [40:18] Ms. Haley, go ahead. [40:18] The Press Thanks, Caroline. [40:19] I wanted to follow up on Iran. [40:21] When you're describing that the Iranians you're in contact with [40:24] are being more reasonable this time around in discussions, [40:27] what specifically are you hearing that is leading you to [40:30] that conclusion? [40:31] And how are you defining what's reasonable versus unreasonable [40:34] in that regard? [40:35] Ms. I'm not going to detail the private and sensitive [40:37] conversations that are taking place between the United States [40:40] and Iran right now. [40:41] The Press But generally speaking? [40:42] Ms. Generally speaking, the President gave you the answer. [40:44] What we're hearing from them is more reasonable. [40:46] They have agreed to some of the points the United States laid [40:49] out, as the President said last night aboard Air Force One. [40:52] But again, as for the specifics, as these negotiations are [40:55] ongoing, we're not going to broadcast them to the world [40:57] unless the President chooses to do so, [40:58] which he has the full right to do as the leader of the free [41:01] world. [41:02] The Press On Cuba, the President threatened to tear up any [41:05] country that would send oil to Cuba, [41:08] but now the U.S. is letting this Russian tanker to Cuba. [41:12] Is this a policy change? [41:13] Or is he willing to do that? [41:14] Or is he willing to let more tankers into Cuba now? [41:17] Ms. This is not a policy change. [41:19] There has not been a formal change in sanction policy. [41:22] As the President said last night, [41:25] we allowed this ship to reach Cuba in order to provide [41:27] humanitarian needs to the Cuban people. [41:30] These decisions are being made on a case-by-case basis. [41:33] And as the administration has said, [41:35] Cuba's nonfunctional economy cannot be fixed unless they [41:38] undergo dramatic political and leadership change. [41:40] But there has been no formal change with respect to [41:43] sanction policy. [41:44] The Press So you could expect more tankers to go to Cuba? [41:47] Ms. Again, these decisions are being made on a [41:49] case-by-case basis right now. [41:50] The Press Thanks, Carolina. [41:52] You addressed this a little bit in the opening, [41:53] but just to follow up, because Americans are sort of seeing [41:55] these conflicting messages between the United States [41:57] and Iran. [41:58] I know the President insists that negotiations are underway. [42:01] As you just mentioned, he's also said that Iran has agreed to [42:04] most of the 15 points. [42:06] We just heard from Iran again. [42:07] They're saying no negotiations are taking place. [42:09] They're calling the proposal excessive, unrealistic. [42:14] They're squaring that. [42:15] How do you explain that discrepancy between the two? [42:17] Ms. I think the American people are smart enough not to [42:19] take the word of a terrorist regime that has chanted [42:23] death to America for 47 years at their word. [42:26] And I hope the journalists in this room are wise enough not [42:29] to take an Iranian regime that has repeatedly lied about our [42:33] country, about our values, about everyone in this room, [42:36] frankly, for nearly five decades. [42:38] So I think the American public are smart enough [42:41] to understand that. [42:42] The Press And just to follow up on the objectives, [42:43] you've laid them out, but I know the President has set a [42:45] deadline for April 6th in just one week. [42:48] What does the President need to see to not move forward with [42:51] those strikes by April 6th? [42:53] Ms. Well, I think he said it in his true social [42:54] post this morning. [42:55] He wants to see a deal over the next 10 days. [42:58] That timeline is waning, several days left. [43:02] And we'll see. [43:02] I won't get ahead of it. [43:03] We'll see what happens at the end of the 10-day period. [43:06] The Press. [43:07] The Press Caroline, thank you. [43:08] One on Iran, one on the shutdown. [43:10] The President continues to say the U.S. is in conversations with a more [43:13] reasonable regime, but there are now hundreds of U.S. [43:17] special operations forces, including Navy SEALs and Army [43:20] Rangers in the Middle East, as well as thousands of other troops [43:22] already deployed. [43:24] So is he trying to end or intensify the conflict? [43:28] Ms. The President is focused on achieving the objectives of [43:31] Operation Epic Fury. [43:33] With respect to forces that are on the ground in the Middle East, [43:36] it's the job of the Pentagon to create maximum optionality for [43:40] the Commander-in-Chief. [43:41] It does not mean the President has made any additional [43:44] decisions. [43:44] Again, he remains focused on ensuring that the Pentagon [43:47] continues to achieve the objectives of the operation that [43:51] was launched 30 days ago, and we're well on our way to doing that. [43:54] The Press So if an American is sitting at home, [43:55] hearing him say, I want to talk, but I keep seeing them send [43:59] troops to that region, what are they to make of what's going on? [44:02] Ms. There's two tracks here. [44:04] The President has always said that diplomacy is his number one [44:07] option and priority. [44:09] Again, he tried earnestly, in good faith, [44:11] to engage in diplomacy with the Iranian regime. [44:14] Prior to this operation being launched in the first place, he [44:18] wanted to strike a deal, and he sent his top negotiators to do so. [44:22] They spent extensive amount of time and effort trying to strike [44:26] a deal, and unfortunately, the previous regime, again, many of [44:29] those leaders no longer with us here on Earth because they faced [44:32] the consequences of the United States military. [44:34] So if there's ever a chance for a deal, again, the President is [44:38] open to listening, but it does not deter him from focusing on [44:42] the military objectives that he set out 30 days ago. [44:44] And that our military is continuing to achieve day by day. [44:47] The Press On the shutdown, he signed the national [44:51] emergency order last Thursday, making sure TSA officers will [44:55] be paid. [44:56] There's still other civilian DHS employees, however, who are not [44:59] being paid. [45:00] Did he sign something similar to ensure they also get paid? [45:03] Ms. Look, the President will always look into ways that we [45:06] can make sure that the American people are being taken care of [45:08] and doing what's right by the American people. [45:11] But again, it's ridiculous that the President even has to go to [45:14] the length of working with the legal team and the Office of [45:16] Management and Budget to identify these funds. [45:18] It is the job of Congress to fund these agencies. [45:22] And Democrats in Congress have voted seven times against funding [45:26] the Department of Homeland Security. [45:27] Congress should come back and they should get it done. [45:30] The President, again, made the decision to prevent this [45:33] existential crisis we were seeing at our nation's airports [45:36] across the country. [45:37] That was only going to get worse, and that's why he wants [45:39] Congress to do his job. [45:40] The Press I'll go to you as well. [45:42] The Press Okay. [45:43] You're welcome. [45:45] The Press Since you mentioned Easter and prayers, I wanted to [45:47] ask you about something the Pope said yesterday. [45:49] So Pope Leo said yesterday, and I quote him, God does not listen [45:54] to the prayer of those who wage war. [45:56] Can you comment on that? [45:58] Ms. I think our nation was a nation founded 250 years ago [46:03] almost on Judeo-Christian values. [46:06] And we've seen presidents, we've seen the leaders of the [46:10] Department of War. [46:12] And we've seen our leaders of the Department of War. [46:13] Our troops go to prayer during the most turbulent times in our [46:17] nation's history. [46:18] And I don't think there's anything wrong with our military [46:21] leaders or with the President calling on the American people [46:24] to pray for our service members and those who are serving our [46:28] country overseas. [46:29] In fact, I think it's a very noble thing to do. [46:32] And if you talk to many service members, they will tell you they [46:34] appreciate the prayers and support from the Commander in [46:37] Chief and from his Cabinet. [46:40] The Press Caroline, thank you. [46:41] President Trump told the New York Post that a response is [46:43] coming shortly to Tehran attacking Israel's largest oil [46:47] refinery. [46:48] Is there a timeline on that? [46:50] Is that tied to the success or not of the negotiations? [46:53] Ms. I don't have any updates for you on the President's comments. [46:56] The Press Is there any support for the IRGC in control of Iran? [46:59] Ms. Well, look, as Secretary Rubio said today, [47:02] the leadership is very fragmented. [47:04] We have really neutered their intercommunication systems, [47:08] and that's part of this process of diplomacy. [47:11] I have to continue figuring out exactly what the [47:13] President is doing, who is in charge. [47:15] I know they appointed a new Ayatollah, haven't seen or [47:17] heard much from him. [47:18] And so that's part of this diplomatic process that's [47:21] underway right now. [47:22] The Press Thank you, Caroline. [47:23] Ms. I'll take a few more. [47:24] Solon. [47:25] The Press Thank you. [47:26] You listed the described humanitarian reasons for [47:30] allowing that oil tanker to reach Cuba. [47:32] Just to clarify, why was the administration okay with Russia [47:37] sending that oil to Cuba and not other nations? [47:40] Ms. Look, again, this was a decision. [47:42] It will continue to be made. [47:43] It will continue to be made on a case-by-case basis for [47:45] humanitarian reasons or otherwise. [47:47] But there's been no firm change in our sanctions policy. [47:49] The Press The President's shinebomb of Mexico [47:51] also said that Mexico is exploring different ways to [47:53] restart some of those shipments to Cuba. [47:55] Is the administration okay with that at this time? [47:57] Ms. Again, there's been no change in our [47:59] sanction policy. [48:00] We still reserve the right to seize vessels if it's legally [48:03] applicable that are headed towards Cuba and that violate [48:06] the United States sanction policy. [48:08] But, of course, the President and the administration also [48:10] reserve the right to waive those sanctions. [48:12] So, we're going to have to see if we can get those seizures [48:14] on a case-by-case basis. [48:15] The Press Can you clarify just any more Russian oil [48:17] tankers going to be allowed to reach Cuba at this time? [48:19] Ms. Okay. [48:20] The Press I know you say case-by-case, but for the case [48:22] of Russia, is it pretty much green light right now? [48:24] Ms. No, that's not what I said. [48:25] It's a case-by-case basis. [48:26] The Press Sure. [48:27] The Press Sure, Jeff. [48:28] Go ahead. [48:30] With respect to the ongoing major combat operations in Iran, [48:33] Operation Epic Fury is moving ahead successfully and [48:37] according to plan. [48:38] With each passing day, the United States military is increasing [48:41] its advantage over its allies. [48:42] It's advantage over the terrorist Iranian regime. [48:45] More than 11,000 enemy targets have been struck to date. [48:49] Each strike further crippling the regime's offensive and [48:52] defensive capabilities and creating more leverage for the [48:56] United States and our allies. [48:58] Compared to the start of the operation, Iran's ballistic [49:01] missile and drone attacks are down by roughly 90%. [49:05] The United States is also decimating the Iranian regime's [49:08] navy. [49:09] We have destroyed more than 150,000 of our military [49:12] vessels so far, including 92% of their largest vessels. [49:18] The Iranian navy has no vessels operating in major regional [49:21] waterways and no ability to project naval power, which is [49:25] why they've been assessed as combat ineffective. [49:28] Our military continues to obliterate Iran's defense [49:32] industrial base with nearly 70% of their missile, drone, and [49:37] naval production facilities and shipyards damaged or destroyed [49:40] thus far. [49:41] Significantly reducing their ability to pose future threats [49:45] in the region. [49:46] U.S. and Israeli joint forces control the skies and have [49:49] asserted air dominance over Iran, completing more than 11,000 [49:54] successful combat flights thus far. [49:57] The trend remains clear. [49:59] The United States is conducting more intense targeted strikes [50:02] with devastating combat power with each passing day to destroy [50:06] the threat posed by the Iranian terrorist regime as President [50:10] Trump sought out to do a month ago. [50:13] It's no surprise that we are seeing the remaining elements of [50:16] the regime become increasingly eager to end the destruction and [50:20] come to the negotiating table while they still can. [50:23] Despite all of the public posturing you hear from the regime [50:26] and false reporting, talks are continuing and going well. [50:30] What is said publicly is, of course, much different than [50:33] what's being communicated to us privately. [50:36] As a result, President Trump issued a 10-day pause to postpone [50:39] planned strikes on Iranian power plants and energy [50:42] infrastructure. [50:43] This remains a truly once-in-a-generation opportunity [50:46] for the regime to make a good deal with the United States, [50:50] permanently abandon their nuclear ambitions, and stop [50:53] acting as the world's leading state sponsor of terrorism. [50:57] If the Iranians reject this golden opportunity, the greatest [51:00] military in the history of the world continues to stand by to [51:04] provide President Trump with every option available to ensure [51:08] this regime continues to pay a grave price. [51:11] One way or another, Iran will no longer have the credible ability [51:15] to threaten the United States or our allies, which is, of course, [51:19] the overall objective admission the President set out when he [51:23] launched Operation Epic Fury. [51:25] Unfortunately, even as President Trump is working hard every [51:28] single day to protect the United States from foreign enemies, [51:31] Democrats on Capitol Hill have failed to do the same here at [51:34] home by keeping the Department of Homeland Security unvarnished. [51:38] Over the past six weeks, Democrats in Congress have [51:41] pushed our air travel system to its breaking point and inflicted [51:44] massive pain on Americans with their reckless political games. [51:48] Five hundred TSA officers quit their jobs. [51:51] Thousands more were calling out sick at record rates due to the [51:54] lack of pay. [51:55] This resulted in security wait times exceeding three hours at [51:59] major airports across the country, creating nightmares for [52:02] millions of Americans. [52:04] Overall morale among TSA staff plummeted as well. [52:07] All of this creating an unacceptable heightened security risk. [52:11] Because of the Democrats' unwillingness to do their basic [52:14] job of funding DHS, President Trump determined that these [52:17] circumstances constituted an emergency, compromising American [52:21] security. [52:22] That's why last week he accordingly signed a [52:25] presidential memorandum directing the Secretary of Homeland [52:28] Security to work with the Director of the Office of Management [52:31] and Budget here at the White House to use those funds with a [52:34] reasonable and logical outcome. [52:36] In addition, the Secretary of Homeland Security and the [52:38] Secretary of Homeland Security signed a memorandum that would [52:40] provide reasonable and logical nexus to TSA operations, to provide [52:43] TSA employees with the compensation and benefits that would have [52:46] accrued to them, but for the Democrat-led DHS shutdown. [52:49] This bold and necessary action by President Trump will ensure our [52:52] TSA workers receive their hard-earned paychecks. [52:55] It should not have come to this point, but President Trump will [52:58] always do what's right by the American people, and he found a [53:01] way to do that to get TSA paid. [53:03] Ensuring that these federal workers who perform extremely [53:05] critical public safety responsibilities can feed their [53:08] families, pay their rent, and show up to work is something the [53:11] President was honored to do. [53:13] But this moment should be an eye-opening one for the American [53:16] people. [53:17] Let's be clear about what is happening. [53:19] Democrat members of Congress are more than happy to put your [53:22] safety at risk because they oppose the President and his [53:26] administration's efforts to enforce our nation's immigration [53:30] law. [53:31] Democrats refuse to fund ICE because they want millions and [53:34] millions of illegal aliens to pour into the country just like [53:37] they were under the Biden administration. [53:40] They want murderers and rapists and thugs to remain in your [53:43] communities rather than be removed by ICE and Border Patrol agents. [53:47] The Democrats created this mess. [53:49] They are the reason for long lines at airports and tens of [53:52] thousands of employees going without pay. [53:55] Once again, President Trump is cleaning up their mess because he [53:58] cares more about the American people than destructive, petty, [54:01] partisan politics. [54:02] With that, I will take your questions. [54:03] Thank you. [54:04] I'm happy to answer your questions today. [54:05] Here in our new media seat, we have Wid Lyman. [54:07] Thank you for being here. [54:08] Why don't you kick us off? [54:09] Thank you. [54:10] Happy Easter. [54:11] Thank you. [54:12] You as well. [54:13] I have two questions for you. [54:14] Thank you. [54:15] There are some concerns the administration is starting to change [54:16] its position on deportations, border enforcement, possibly asylum [54:19] policies. [54:20] What would you say to Americans that are somewhat concerned that [54:23] the shift has ... [54:25] Sure. [54:26] Well, while there has, of course, been a change in leadership at [54:29] the Department of Homeland Security with former Senator, now Secretary [54:32] Mullen, joining the President's Cabinet, I can assure you that the [54:34] I can assure the American people there has not been a change in policy it has [54:38] always been the policy of this president and this administration to deport the [54:42] worst of the worst illegal alien criminals from our communities that's [54:46] something I know Secretary Mullen remains wholeheartedly committed to [54:49] doing and it's something that is overwhelmingly popular with the American [54:52] people and it's something that is necessary to protect our homeland and to [54:56] prevent deaths of Americans in our country just last week Sheridan Gorman a [55:01] young woman in Chicago was shot and killed on the street walking with her [55:05] friends outside of her university by a legal alien from Venezuela who had no [55:10] right to be here in the first place and it's despicable that Democrats are [55:14] currently defunding the department that's responsible for removing illegal [55:18] aliens like that and I would also add it's despicable that the lack of coverage [55:22] of this young woman's case of her life and the way that it was tragically cut [55:27] short I saw a survey over the weekend that I'd like to bring to all of your [55:31] attention [55:31] this is the media coverage of the case of Sheridan Gorman you have ABC News has [55:36] spent one minute in 19 seconds between two days when this case was first [55:43] alerted you have CBS two minutes in one second you have NBC 23 seconds spent on [55:49] the life of a young beautiful American woman whose life was taken short by an [55:54] illegal alien who should have never been here in the first place when we are in [55:57] the middle of a battle on Capitol Hill with a major political party the [56:01] Democrat Party who wants to defund the agency that is responsible for [56:05] protecting Americans I think her life was worth more than 23 seconds on cable [56:09] television and I think the people in this room have a responsibility to [56:13] report on cases like this because it just exemplifies why the president [56:17] believes so strongly in deporting illegal aliens from our communities and [56:20] thank you for the question Dasha go ahead [56:26] Iran the president has said that the administration is talking to a new and [56:31] and more reasonable regime. [56:34] How confident are you that they are legitimate [56:36] and have enough grip on power? [56:38] Marco Rubio said earlier that he's not sure [56:41] and it's not clear whether they will be in power. [56:43] So are you also talking to other factions? [56:46] As the President is trying to make a deal, [56:48] how do you ensure that you're making a deal [56:49] with the people who can actually implement it? [56:51] Ms. Well, that's part of the ongoing process [56:53] that's taking place and the ongoing negotiations. [56:55] Of course, anything that they say to us privately [56:58] will be tested and we will ensure [57:00] that they are being held accountable to their word. [57:02] And if they are not, the President has laid out [57:04] the military consequences that the Iranian regime will see [57:08] if they don't hold true to the words [57:10] that we are hearing privately behind the scenes. [57:12] When the President says more reasonable, again, [57:14] these folks are appearing more reasonable [57:16] behind the scenes privately in these conversations [57:19] than perhaps some of the previous leaders [57:21] who are now no longer on planet Earth [57:23] because they lied to the United States [57:25] and they strung us along in negotiations [57:28] and that was unacceptable to the President, [57:30] which is why many of the previous leaders were killed. [57:33] So, again, this is another historic opportunity [57:35] for Iran to do the right thing to rid themselves [57:38] of their nuclear ambitions and to come to a deal [57:41] with this President and the administration. [57:43] Or, again, they will see the grave consequences [57:46] of the United States Armed Forces, [57:47] which they are continuing to see every day [57:49] throughout this operation. [57:50] The Press On DHS, how long can the administration [57:53] keep paying TSA without action from Congress? [57:56] And not to be hyperbolic, but given the air [58:00] that the U.S. and the U.S. and the U.S. [58:02] are trying to do the right thing, [58:04] how long do you think the U.S. and the U.S. [58:05] are going to be able to do the right thing? [58:07] I mean, the U.S. and the U.S. and the U.S. [58:09] were really the pain point that was pushing both sides [58:11] to talk to each other. [58:13] Do you see a way for DHS to reopen? [58:17] Is it possible this keeps going through the midterms? [58:19] Ms. Well, we certainly hope so. [58:20] I mean, of course, the President just can't keep signing [58:23] presidential memorandums and proclamations [58:26] every time Congress fails to do its job [58:28] and every time Democrats are holding our entire country [58:30] policies. [58:31] That's not how it's supposed to work. [58:32] They voted seven times against funding DHS [58:36] over partisan and political reasons. [58:38] And so, again, the President has stepped in [58:41] to do the right thing at this moment in time, [58:43] but the President is also encouraging Congress [58:45] to come back to Washington to permanently fix this problem [58:49] and to fund and reopen the Department of Homeland [58:51] Security entirely. [58:53] Mr. Caroline. [58:54] The Press Thank you, Caroline. [58:55] Two questions, one on TSA, one on Iran. [58:57] On TSA, for ordinary Americans, [59:00] watching the briefing, how long until everything [59:03] goes back to normal at airports after the President's action? [59:06] And then on Iran, on the timeframe, [59:09] President Trump initially said about four weeks. [59:11] Secretary of State Rubio on Friday reportedly said [59:14] it might be another two to four. [59:16] Is two to four the current ballpark [59:17] that the administration is thinking? [59:19] Ms. With respect to the timeline, again, [59:21] the President, Commander-in-Chief, [59:22] the Pentagon has always stated four to six weeks [59:25] estimated timeline for Operation Epic Fury. [59:28] We're on day 30 today. [59:30] So, again, you do the math on how much longer we, [59:34] the Pentagon needs to fully achieve the objectives [59:36] of Operation Epic Fury, which I will reiterate, [59:39] destroy the Iranian Navy, destroy their ballistic missiles, [59:42] dismantle their missile and drone production infrastructure, [59:46] significantly weaken their proxies throughout the course [59:49] of this operation, and then, of course, [59:51] preventing Iran from ever obtaining a nuclear weapon. [59:55] To your first question, Steven, about TSA and airports, [59:58] nothing will be truly normal again until Democrats [1:00:00] do the right thing to fund this agency fully. [1:00:03] Again, the President has stepped in in the meantime [1:00:05] to do what's right to end this crisis that we've had [1:00:09] at air travel and at airports across the country [1:00:12] in the meantime. [1:00:13] But, again, Congress needs to come back. [1:00:14] Democrats need to fund the Department of Homeland [1:00:16] Security so we can formally and fully get these great [1:00:20] employees paid long into the future. [1:00:24] Jonathan. [1:00:25] The Press Thanks a lot, Caroline. [1:00:26] Two questions regarding the financial costs of the war. [1:00:29] Back during the Persian Gulf War, [1:00:31] 1990-1991, Arab countries paid for the vast majority [1:00:35] of the cost of the war, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the UAE. [1:00:39] Who's paying for the cost of this war? [1:00:42] Will those Arab countries step up to do just that? [1:00:45] Ms. Well, I think it's something the President [1:00:47] would be quite interested in calling them to do. [1:00:49] I won't get ahead of him on that, [1:00:51] but certainly it's an idea that I know that he has [1:00:54] and something that I think you'll hear more from him on. [1:00:56] The Press And secondly, the cost of diesel is averaging [1:01:01] at $5 trillion. [1:01:01] $5.38 a gallon right now. [1:01:03] What's the message from the Trump administration to [1:01:07] truck drivers who are dealing with those high [1:01:09] fuel costs right now? [1:01:10] Ms. Again, we understand, we hear you, [1:01:11] we see you, we are fully tracking this short-term [1:01:15] fluctuation in oil and in diesel prices. [1:01:18] And that's why the President and the [1:01:19] administration have continually announced [1:01:21] robust actions to provide stability in the global [1:01:24] energy market. [1:01:25] As you know, political risk insurance, one of those [1:01:28] actions allowing countries to purchase sanctioned oil, [1:01:31] just to increase the supply in the meantime. [1:01:33] We've worked to release 400 billion barrels of oil [1:01:38] in refined products as well. [1:01:39] We issued the 60-Day Jones Act waiver. [1:01:42] All of this has, with the goal of increasing supply [1:01:45] to create stabilization in the market in the meantime. [1:01:49] But the overall message, as we've repeatedly stated, [1:01:51] is, again, these are short-term actions and [1:01:54] short-term price fluctuations for the [1:01:56] long-term benefit of ending the supply. [1:02:00] Ms. Yes. [1:02:01] The Press Thank you, Jen. [1:02:02] The Press Thank you, Jen. [1:02:03] I think the President has made a very clear point [1:02:04] about the threat that Iran poses to the United States [1:02:05] of America, our troops, and our allies in the region, [1:02:06] and ensuring that this regime can no longer [1:02:08] control the world's free flow of energy through the [1:02:11] Strait of Hormuz, which is something the [1:02:13] administration continues to tackle day by day as well. [1:02:15] The Press Jennifer. [1:02:16] The Press Just two questions. [1:02:18] I'll watch Jennifer. [1:02:19] Ms. I'll go to both. [1:02:20] The Press Go ahead. [1:02:21] The Press So two questions. [1:02:23] One on China and one on Iran. [1:02:25] On China, ahead of the President's trip to Beijing, [1:02:28] will there be a working-level meeting with [1:02:30] Secretary Besson? [1:02:31] President James M. Greer, et cetera. [1:02:32] And when will that be? [1:02:33] Ms. I do expect Cabinet officials to travel [1:02:36] to China ahead of time. [1:02:37] I don't have a readout on their schedules for you, [1:02:40] but this is something we typically do with [1:02:41] international travel, as you know. [1:02:42] So I'll talk to the Treasury Department and [1:02:45] the Cabinet myself, and we'll get you that answer. [1:02:47] But we do expect them to move ahead of time. [1:02:49] The Press Okay. [1:02:50] And thank you. [1:02:50] And on Iran, if Iran is kind of cherry-picking what [1:02:54] tankers get to go through the Strait now and [1:02:56] contemplating big tolls on those tankers, is that [1:02:59] consistent? [1:03:00] Or how is that consistent, really, with the [1:03:01] President's message about really wanting the Strait [1:03:03] to be fully open? [1:03:05] Does the administration support a regime or system [1:03:07] where Iran is effectively charging tolls on these [1:03:10] vessels to access? [1:03:11] Ms. That's not something we support. [1:03:13] And I would reject that they are cherry-picking. [1:03:15] In fact, as you know, these tankers that are moving [1:03:17] through the 10 that were previously announced and [1:03:20] now the new 20, the announcement of 20 [1:03:23] additional tankers, which we expect to see over the [1:03:25] coming days, are a result of the direct and indirect [1:03:28] talks that are taking place between the United [1:03:30] States and Iran. [1:03:31] So you wouldn't have seen those tankers, if not for [1:03:33] the President's diplomacy and his team engaging on [1:03:35] this matter, which we expect that compliance [1:03:38] moving forward. [1:03:38] And it's, again, something that we're working on [1:03:40] very closely. [1:03:41] The Press Caroline. [1:03:41] The Press Sure. [1:03:42] The Press And behind me, in the back right there, [1:03:45] you put up your hand very excitingly. [1:03:47] Go ahead. [1:03:48] Hannah from News Nation. [1:03:49] Thank you. [1:03:49] The Press Thanks for taking my question. [1:03:51] I have two for you real quick. [1:03:53] There are reports that Republicans are weighing [1:03:56] cuts to healthcare in order to make way for that [1:03:58] $200 billion for the pandemic. [1:04:00] The Pentagon and Operation Epic Fury. [1:04:02] Is that a tradeoff that President Trump supports? [1:04:04] The Press I've seen these reports. [1:04:06] I haven't spoken to the President about it, nor [1:04:08] have I heard this being discussed in any high-level [1:04:10] meetings here at the White House. [1:04:12] I don't want to weigh in definitively, because I [1:04:14] just haven't heard that being discussed here in [1:04:16] the West Wing. [1:04:17] The Press And then, secondly, I know President [1:04:19] Trump says we're ahead of schedule in achieving his [1:04:21] military objectives in Iran. [1:04:23] He laid out that four- to six-week timetable for [1:04:26] this conflict, and we're now within week five. [1:04:29] So how do you square kind of those two? [1:04:32] The Press Well, four- to six-weeks estimated [1:04:34] timeline, again, you just said we're on day 30 of the [1:04:37] operation. [1:04:38] I just provided you with some of the updates from [1:04:40] the Pentagon directly in achieving the objectives, [1:04:43] and the military has been enormously successful. [1:04:46] I think we should all be very proud of our armed [1:04:48] forces for what they have done over the past 30 days. [1:04:51] The mission will continue until the objectives are [1:04:53] achieved, and that four- to six-week timeline does [1:04:55] remain right now. [1:04:56] I don't have any updates for you on that. [1:04:58] Jake. [1:04:59] The Press Like others, one on TSA, one on Iran. [1:05:01] On Iran, I know it's tough to engage in hypotheticals, [1:05:07] but I feel like this is one that you could engage in. [1:05:09] If the President does seek or the United States seeks [1:05:14] a ground war, does he intend to get congressional [1:05:17] authorization of that market? [1:05:19] The Press Look, the President has been asked [1:05:21] about boots on the ground or alleged ground [1:05:23] operations various times. [1:05:25] He's obviously declined to rule them out. [1:05:28] It's the Pentagon's job to provide maximum options to the [1:05:30] American people. [1:05:31] If the President has any intention to give [1:05:33] any kind of originality to the President, [1:05:35] it does not mean he's made a decision, [1:05:37] nor would he ever notify the media of such decision [1:05:39] as not to tip off our enemy. [1:05:41] With respect to abiding by Congress and the rule of law, [1:05:43] that's something the administration will, [1:05:45] of course, always do. [1:05:46] And it's something that we have great respect for [1:05:48] Congress, the President does with military operations. [1:05:52] In fact, when prior to the launch of Operation Epic Fury, [1:05:56] as you know, the administration gave a [1:05:58] courtesy notice to Congress in the Gang of Eight, [1:06:00] and top-level administration officials and [1:06:02] cabinet secretaries have gone to Congress multiple [1:06:05] times over the past 30 days to provide those [1:06:07] courtesy briefings to Congress when requested. [1:06:10] The Press On TSA quickly. [1:06:11] I've been asked by multiple Trump supporters [1:06:14] that have said, given the fact that the President on [1:06:17] that Friday gave that memorandum informing VHS to [1:06:20] pay TSA workers, I know there's a lot of [1:06:22] negotiations involved in a shutdown of this size. [1:06:24] Why did the President not sooner issue that payment [1:06:27] to TSA workers? [1:06:28] Ms. Well, it's because of the Democrats voting [1:06:30] seven times against reopening the Department of [1:06:33] Homeland Security that we came to a place of an [1:06:36] existential crisis. [1:06:37] I mean, you saw the lines at various major airports [1:06:40] across the country, American travelers really [1:06:44] paying the price for Democrats' partisan games. [1:06:46] And so the President worked with his legal team here [1:06:48] at the White House and the Office of Management and [1:06:50] Budget to find a solution to take care of the emergency [1:06:54] that we were seeing in air travel across the country. [1:06:57] And it's because of the President that TSA agents [1:07:00] are being paid. [1:07:00] But again, he's calling on Congress to do the right [1:07:03] thing, to come back to Washington, and to fund and [1:07:05] reopen the Department of Homeland Security fully. [1:07:07] The Press Hi, Lindsay Ellis from The Wall Street [1:07:10] Journal. [1:07:11] I'm trying to square the four objectives laid out by [1:07:13] the administration with the goal of reopening fully [1:07:16] the Strait of Hormuz. [1:07:18] Would President Trump declare victory and wind [1:07:20] down military operations if the four objectives are [1:07:23] met but still passage remains quite slow through [1:07:25] the Strait? [1:07:26] Ms. Look, as I've said repeatedly and as [1:07:28] the President has laid out, the objectives of [1:07:30] Operation Epic Fury are as follows. [1:07:32] Destroying the Iranian Navy, destroying their [1:07:34] ballistic missiles, dismantling their defense [1:07:37] industrial infrastructure that produces those weapons [1:07:40] that have long threatened the United States and our [1:07:42] allies, and then, of course, preventing Iran from [1:07:45] ever obtaining a nuclear weapon. [1:07:47] The full reopening of the Strait is something the [1:07:49] administration is working towards, but the core [1:07:51] objectives of the operation have been clearly defined [1:07:54] for the American people by the Commander-in-Chief. [1:07:56] The Press The Press The President posted this [1:07:59] morning about, you know, that the United States is [1:08:00] threatening, that on leaving Iran, he said, we [1:08:03] might be blowing up and completely obliterating all [1:08:05] of their electric generating plants, oil wells, [1:08:07] hard island, and possibly all desalinization plans. [1:08:11] Under international law, striking civilian [1:08:13] infrastructure like that is generally prohibited. [1:08:16] Why is the President threatening what would [1:08:18] amount to potentially a war crime with the U.S. [1:08:20] military? [1:08:21] And how do you square that with the administration [1:08:23] repeatedly saying that the U.S. [1:08:24] does not target civilians? [1:08:25] Ms. Look, the President has made it quite [1:08:27] clear to the Iranian regime at this moment in time [1:08:30] as evidenced by the statement that you just read [1:08:33] that their best move is to make a deal, or else the [1:08:36] United States Armed Forces has capabilities beyond [1:08:39] their wildest imagination, and the President is not [1:08:42] afraid to use them. [1:08:43] The Press Including potential war crimes? [1:08:44] Ms. That's not what I said, Garrett. [1:08:46] And you're saying the word potential for a reason, [1:08:48] because I'm sure some experts are telling you [1:08:50] that in your ear to try to ask me that question. [1:08:53] Of course, this administration and the [1:08:55] United States Armed Forces will always act within the [1:08:57] confines of the law. [1:08:59] But with respect to the U.S. [1:09:00] and with respect to achieving the full [1:09:02] objectives of Operation Epic Fury, President Trump [1:09:04] is going to move forward unabated, and he expects [1:09:07] the Iranian regime to make a deal with the administration. [1:09:09] The Press Now, to that end, which of those [1:09:11] objectives would destroying a desalination plant [1:09:14] most help? [1:09:15] Ms. Haley, go ahead. [1:09:16] The Press Thanks, Caroline. [1:09:17] I wanted to follow up on Iran. [1:09:19] When you're describing that the Iranians you're in [1:09:21] contact with are being more reasonable this time around [1:09:24] in discussions, what specifically are you [1:09:26] hearing that is leading you to that conclusion? [1:09:29] And how are you defining that? [1:09:30] What's reasonable versus unreasonable in that [1:09:32] regard? [1:09:33] Ms. I'm not going to detail the private [1:09:35] and sensitive conversations that are taking place [1:09:37] between the United States and Iran right now. [1:09:39] The Press But generally speaking? [1:09:40] Ms. Generally speaking, the President gave [1:09:42] you the answer. [1:09:43] What we're hearing from them is more reasonable. [1:09:45] They have agreed to some of the points the United [1:09:47] States laid out, as the President said last night [1:09:49] aboard Air Force One. [1:09:50] But again, as for the specifics, as these [1:09:52] negotiations are ongoing, we're not going to [1:09:54] broadcast them to the world unless the President [1:09:56] chooses to do so, which he has the full right to do [1:09:58] as the leader of the free world. [1:10:00] The Press All right. [1:10:01] On Cuba, the President threatened to tear up any [1:10:03] country that would send oil to Cuba, but now the [1:10:06] U.S. is letting this Russian tanker to Cuba. [1:10:09] Is this a policy change, or is he willing to let more [1:10:13] tankers into Cuba now? [1:10:15] Ms. This is not a policy change. [1:10:17] There has not been a formal change in sanction policy. [1:10:20] As the President said last night, we allowed this [1:10:23] ship to reach Cuba in order to provide humanitarian [1:10:26] needs to the Cuban people. [1:10:27] These decisions are being made on a case-by-case [1:10:30] basis. [1:10:31] And as the administration has said, Cuba's [1:10:33] non-functional economy cannot be fixed unless [1:10:35] they undergo dramatic political and leadership [1:10:37] change. [1:10:38] But there has been no formal change with respect [1:10:40] to sanction policy. [1:10:41] The Press So you could expect more tankers to go [1:10:43] to Cuba? [1:10:44] Ms. Again, these decisions are being made on a [1:10:46] case-by-case basis right now. [1:10:47] The Press Thanks, Carolina. [1:10:48] You addressed this a little bit in the opening, but [1:10:50] just to follow up, because Americans are sort of [1:10:52] seeing these conflicting messages between the [1:10:54] United States and Iran. [1:10:55] I know the President insists that negotiations [1:10:57] are underway. [1:10:58] As you just mentioned, he's also saying that he's [1:11:00] also said that Iran has agreed to most of the 15 [1:11:03] points. [1:11:04] We just heard from Iran again. [1:11:05] They're saying no negotiations are taking [1:11:07] place. [1:11:08] They're calling the proposal excessive, [1:11:10] unrealistic. [1:11:11] So how do you square that? [1:11:12] What is it? [1:11:13] How do you explain that discrepancy between the [1:11:15] two? [1:11:16] Ms. I think the American people are smart [1:11:18] enough not to take the word of a terrorist regime [1:11:20] that has chanted death to America for 47 years at [1:11:23] their word. [1:11:24] And I hope the journalists in this room are wise [1:11:26] enough not to take an Iranian regime that has [1:11:29] literally lied about our country, about our values, [1:11:32] about everyone in this room, frankly, for nearly [1:11:35] five decades. [1:11:36] So I think the American public are smart enough to [1:11:38] understand that. [1:11:39] The Press Just to follow up on the objectives, [1:11:41] you've laid them out, but I know the President has [1:11:43] set a deadline for April 6th in just one week. [1:11:45] What does the President need to see to not move [1:11:48] forward with those strikes by April 6th? [1:11:50] Ms. Well, I think he said it in his True [1:11:52] Social post this morning. [1:11:53] He wants to see a deal over the next 10 days. [1:11:56] That timeline is waning several days later. [1:11:59] So we'll see what's left. [1:12:00] And we'll see. [1:12:01] I won't get ahead of it. [1:12:02] We'll see what happens at the end of the 10-day period. [1:12:04] Ed. [1:12:05] The Press Thank you. [1:12:06] One on Iran, one on the shutdown. [1:12:08] The President continues to say the U.S. [1:12:10] is in conversations with a more reasonable regime, [1:12:12] but there are now hundreds of U.S. [1:12:15] Special Operations Forces, including Navy SEALs and [1:12:18] Army Rangers in the Middle East, as well as thousands [1:12:20] of other troops already deployed. [1:12:22] So is he trying to end or intensify the conflict? [1:12:26] Ms. The President is focused on achieving [1:12:28] the objectives of Operation Epic Fury. [1:12:30] With respect to forces that are on the ground in the [1:12:33] Middle East, it's the job of the Pentagon to create [1:12:36] maximum optionality for the Commander-in-Chief. [1:12:39] It does not mean the President has made any [1:12:41] additional decisions. [1:12:42] Again, he remains focused on ensuring that the [1:12:44] Pentagon continues to achieve the objectives of [1:12:47] the operation that was launched 30 days ago, and [1:12:50] we're well on our way to doing that. [1:12:52] The Press So if an American is sitting at home [1:12:54] hearing him say, I want to talk, but I keep seeing [1:12:57] them send troops to that region, what are they to [1:12:59] make of what's going on? [1:13:01] Ms. The issue tracks here. [1:13:02] The President has always said that diplomacy is [1:13:04] his number one option and priority. [1:13:06] Again, he tried earnestly, in good faith, to engage [1:13:09] in diplomacy with the Iranian regime prior to [1:13:12] this operation being launched in the first [1:13:14] place. [1:13:15] He wanted to strike a deal, and he sent his top [1:13:18] negotiators to do so. [1:13:19] They spent an extensive amount of time and effort [1:13:22] trying to strike a deal. [1:13:24] And unfortunately, the previous regime, again, [1:13:26] many of those leaders no longer with us here on [1:13:28] Earth because they faced the consequences of the [1:13:30] United States military. [1:13:32] So if there's ever a chance for a deal, again, [1:13:35] the President is open to listening, but it does not [1:13:38] deter him from focusing on the military objectives [1:13:41] that he set out 30 days ago and that our military [1:13:43] is continuing to achieve day by day. [1:13:45] The Press On the shutdown, he signed the national [1:13:48] emergency order last Thursday, making sure TSA [1:13:52] officers will be paid. [1:13:54] There are still other civilian DHS employees, [1:13:56] however, who are not being paid. [1:13:58] Ms. That's right. [1:13:59] Yes. [1:14:00] The Press Look, the President will always [1:14:02] look into ways that we can make sure that the [1:14:04] American people are being taken care of and doing [1:14:06] what's right by the American people. [1:14:08] But again, it's ridiculous that the President even has [1:14:11] to go to the length of working with the legal [1:14:13] team and the Office of Management and Budget to [1:14:15] identify these funds. [1:14:16] It is the job of Congress to fund these agencies. [1:14:20] And Democrats in Congress have voted seven times [1:14:23] against funding the Department of Homeland [1:14:25] Security. [1:14:26] Congress should come back, and they should get it [1:14:28] done. [1:14:29] And the President, again, made the decision to [1:14:31] prevent this existential crisis we were seeing at [1:14:33] our nation's airports across the country. [1:14:35] That was only going to get worse. [1:14:37] And that's why he wants Congress to do his job. [1:14:39] The Press I'll go to you as well. [1:14:41] Ms. You're welcome. [1:14:43] The Press Since you mentioned Easter and [1:14:45] prayers, I wanted to ask you about something the [1:14:47] Pope said yesterday. [1:14:48] So Pope Leo said yesterday, and I quote him, God does [1:14:51] not listen to the prayer of those who wage war. [1:14:54] Can you comment on that? [1:14:56] Ms. I think our nation was a nation founded [1:14:58] 250 years ago, almost, on Judeo-Christian values. [1:15:03] And we've seen presidents, we've seen the leaders of [1:15:07] the Department of War, and we've seen our troops go to [1:15:11] prayer during the most turbulent times in our [1:15:14] nation's history. [1:15:15] And I don't think there's anything wrong with our [1:15:17] military leaders or with the President calling on [1:15:20] the American people to pray for our service members [1:15:23] and those who are serving our country overseas. [1:15:26] In fact, I think it's a very important thing for [1:15:28] us, and it's a very noble thing to do. [1:15:30] And if you talk to many service members, they will [1:15:32] tell you they appreciate the prayers and support [1:15:34] from the Commander-in-Chief and from his Cabinet. [1:15:38] The Press Thank you. [1:15:39] President Trump told the New York Post that a [1:15:41] response is coming shortly to Tehran attacking Israel's [1:15:44] largest oil refinery. [1:15:46] Is there a timeline on that? [1:15:48] Is that tied to the success or not of the negotiations? [1:15:51] Ms. I don't have any updates for you on [1:15:53] the President's comments. [1:15:54] The Press The IRGC is in control of Iran. [1:15:57] Ms. Well, look, as Secretary Rubio said [1:15:59] today, the leadership is very fragmented. [1:16:02] We have really neutered their intercommunication [1:16:05] systems, and that's part of this process of diplomacy. [1:16:08] I have to continue figuring out exactly who is in charge. [1:16:12] I know they appointed a new Ayatollah. [1:16:14] I haven't seen or heard much from him. [1:16:16] And so that's part of this diplomatic process that's [1:16:18] underway right now. [1:16:20] I'll take a few more. [1:16:21] Solon. [1:16:22] The Press Thank you. [1:16:23] You listed the described humanitarian reasons for [1:16:27] allowing that oil tank down. [1:16:29] It was a major trigger to reach Cuba. [1:16:31] Just to clarify, why was the administration okay with [1:16:34] Russia sending that oil to Cuba and not other nations? [1:16:38] Ms. Look, again, this was a decision. [1:16:40] It will continue to be made on a case-by-case basis for [1:16:42] humanitarian reasons or otherwise. [1:16:44] But there's been no firm change in our sanctions [1:16:46] policy. [1:16:47] The Press The President Scheinbaum of Mexico [1:16:49] also said that Mexico is exploring different ways to [1:16:51] restart some of those shipments to Cuba. [1:16:53] Is the administration okay with that at this time? [1:16:55] Ms. Again, there's been no change in our [1:16:57] sanction policy. [1:16:58] We still reserve the right to seize vessels, if [1:17:00] it's legally applicable, that are headed towards [1:17:02] Cuba and that violate the United States sanction [1:17:04] policy. [1:17:05] But, of course, the President and the [1:17:07] administration also reserve the right to waive those [1:17:09] seizures on a case-by-case basis. [1:17:11] The Press Can you just clarify, just any more [1:17:13] Russian oil tankers going to be allowed to reach Cuba [1:17:15] at this time? [1:17:16] I know you say case-by-case, but for the [1:17:18] case of Russia, is it pretty much green light [1:17:20] right now? [1:17:21] Ms. No, that's not what I said. [1:17:23] It's a case-by-case basis. [1:17:24] The Press On Twitter. [1:17:25] Ms. Sure, Jeff. [1:17:26] Go ahead. [1:17:27] With respect to the international [1:17:28] military, the United States has been [1:17:30] engaged in the ongoing major combat operations [1:17:32] in Iran. [1:17:33] Operation Epic Fury is moving ahead [1:17:35] successfully and according to plan. [1:17:37] With each passing day, the United States military is [1:17:39] increasing its advantage over the terrorist Iranian [1:17:42] regime. [1:17:43] More than 11,000 enemy targets have been struck [1:17:46] to date, each strike further crippling the [1:17:48] regime's offensive and defensive capabilities and [1:17:52] creating more leverage for the United States and our [1:17:55] allies. [1:17:56] Compared to the start of the operation, Iran's [1:17:58] ballistic missile and drone attacks are down by roughly [1:18:01] 90 percent. [1:18:02] The United States is also decimating the Iranian [1:18:05] regime's navy. [1:18:06] We have destroyed more than 150 of their naval vessels [1:18:10] so far, including 92 percent of their largest vessels. [1:18:14] The Iranian navy has no vessels operating in major [1:18:18] regional waterways and no ability to project naval [1:18:21] power, which is why they've been assessed as combat [1:18:24] ineffective. [1:18:25] Our military continues to obliterate, destroy, and [1:18:29] destroy Iran's defense industrial base, with [1:18:32] nearly 70 percent of their missile, drone, and naval [1:18:35] production facilities and shipyards damaged or [1:18:38] destroyed thus far, significantly reducing [1:18:41] their ability to pose future threats in the region. [1:18:44] U.S. and Israeli joint forces control the skies [1:18:47] and have asserted air dominance over Iran, [1:18:50] completing more than 11,000 successful combat [1:18:54] flights thus far. [1:18:55] The trend remains clear. [1:18:57] The United States is conducting a series of [1:18:59] more intense, targeted strikes with devastating [1:19:02] combat power with each passing day to destroy the [1:19:05] threat posed by the Iranian terrorist regime, as [1:19:08] President Trump sought out to do a month ago. [1:19:11] It's no surprise that we are seeing the remaining [1:19:13] elements of the regime become increasingly eager [1:19:16] to end the destruction and come to the negotiating [1:19:19] table while they still can. [1:19:21] Despite all of the public posturing you hear from the [1:19:24] regime and false reporting, talks are continuing and [1:19:27] going well. [1:19:29] What is said publicly is of course much different [1:19:31] than what's being communicated to us [1:19:33] privately. [1:19:34] As a result, President Trump issued a 10-day [1:19:36] pause to postpone planned strikes on Iranian power [1:19:39] plants and energy infrastructure. [1:19:41] This remains a truly once-in-a-generation [1:19:44] opportunity for the regime to make a good deal with [1:19:47] the United States, permanently abandon their [1:19:49] nuclear ambitions, and stop acting as the world's [1:19:52] leading state sponsor of terrorism. [1:19:55] If the Iranians reject this golden opportunity, the [1:19:58] greatest military in the history of the world [1:20:01] continues to stand by to provide President Trump [1:20:03] with every option available to ensure this regime [1:20:06] continues to pay a grave price. [1:20:09] One way or another, Iran will no longer have the [1:20:12] credible ability to threaten the United States [1:20:15] or our allies, which is of course the overall [1:20:17] objective admission the President set out when he [1:20:21] launched Operation Epic Fury. [1:20:23] Unfortunately, even as President Trump is working [1:20:25] hard every single day to protect the United States, [1:20:28] Democrats on Capitol Hill have failed to do the [1:20:31] same here at home by keeping the Department of [1:20:34] Homeland Security unfunded. [1:20:36] Over the past six weeks, Democrats in Congress have [1:20:39] pushed our air travel system to its breaking [1:20:41] point and inflicted massive pain on Americans with [1:20:44] their reckless political games. [1:20:46] Five hundred TSA officers quit their jobs. [1:20:49] Thousands more were calling out sick at record rates [1:20:52] due to the lack of pay. [1:20:53] This resulted in security wait times exceeding three [1:20:56] hours at major airports. [1:20:58] Airports across the country creating nightmares [1:21:01] for millions of Americans. [1:21:03] Overall morale among TSA staff plummeted as well, [1:21:06] all of this creating an unacceptable heightened [1:21:09] security risk. [1:21:10] Because of the Democrats' unwillingness to do their [1:21:12] basic job of funding DHS, President Trump determined [1:21:16] that these circumstances constituted an emergency [1:21:19] compromising American security. [1:21:21] That's why last week he accordingly signed a [1:21:24] presidential memorandum directing the Secretary of [1:21:27] Security to work with the Director of the Office of [1:21:29] Management and Budget here at the White House to use [1:21:32] those funds with a reasonable and logical nexus [1:21:36] to TSA operations to provide TSA employees with [1:21:40] the compensation and benefits that would have [1:21:42] accrued to them but for the Democrat-led DHS shutdown. [1:21:46] This bold and necessary action by President Trump [1:21:49] will ensure our TSA workers receive their hard-earned [1:21:52] paychecks. [1:21:53] It should not have come to this point, but President [1:21:55] Trump will always do what's right. [1:21:57] And he did it by the American people, and he [1:21:59] found a way to do that to get TSA paid. [1:22:02] Ensuring that these federal workers who perform [1:22:04] critical public safety responsibilities can feed [1:22:07] their families, pay their rent, and show up to work [1:22:09] is something the President was honored to do. [1:22:12] But this moment should be an eye-opening one for [1:22:14] the American people. [1:22:15] Let's be clear about what is happening. [1:22:17] Democrat members of Congress are more than happy [1:22:20] to put your safety at risk because they oppose the [1:22:23] President's and his administration's efforts to [1:22:26] enforce our nation's immigration law. [1:22:29] Democrats refuse to fund ICE because they want [1:22:31] millions and millions of illegal aliens to pour into [1:22:34] the country just like they were under the Biden [1:22:36] administration. [1:22:37] They want murderers and rapists and thugs to remain [1:22:40] in your communities rather than be removed by ICE and [1:22:44] Border Patrol agents. [1:22:45] The Democrats created this mess. [1:22:47] They are the reason for long lines at airports and [1:22:49] tens of thousands of employees going without pay. [1:22:52] Once again, President Trump is cleaning up their mess [1:22:55] because he wants to keep our nation safe. [1:22:56] He cares more about the American people than [1:22:58] destructive, petty, partisan politics. [1:23:00] With that, I will take your questions today. [1:23:02] Here in our new media seat, we have Wyd Lyman. [1:23:04] Thank you for being here. [1:23:05] And why don't you kick us off? [1:23:06] The Press Thank you. [1:23:07] Happy Easter. [1:23:08] Ms. Thank you. [1:23:09] You as well. [1:23:10] The Press I have two questions for you. [1:23:11] Thank you. [1:23:12] There are some concerns the administration is [1:23:14] starting to change its position on deportations, [1:23:16] border enforcement, possibly asylum policies. [1:23:18] What would you say to Americans that are somewhat [1:23:20] concerned that the shift has happened? [1:23:22] Ms. Sure. [1:23:23] Well, while there has, of course, been a change in [1:23:25] leadership in the U.S. [1:23:26] at the Department of Homeland Security with [1:23:28] former Senator, now Secretary Mullen, joining [1:23:30] the President's Cabinet, I can assure the American [1:23:32] people there has not been a change in policy. [1:23:34] It has always been the policy of this President [1:23:36] and this administration to deport the worst of the [1:23:38] worst illegal alien criminals from our [1:23:40] communities. [1:23:41] That's something I know Secretary Mullen remains [1:23:43] wholeheartedly committed to doing. [1:23:45] And it's something that is overwhelmingly popular [1:23:47] with the American people. [1:23:48] And it's something that is necessary to protect our [1:23:50] homeland and to prevent deaths of American [1:23:52] immigrants. [1:23:53] The Press Thank you. [1:23:54] Ms. Thank you. [1:23:55] So much of the all year long discussion we've had [1:23:57] in this current investigation is [1:23:59] about the deaths of Americans in our country. [1:24:01] Just last week Sheridan Gorman, a young woman [1:24:03] in Chicago, was shot and killed on the street, [1:24:05] walking with her friends outside of her university [1:24:07] by a legal alien from Venezuela who had no extra [1:24:09] right to be here in the first place. [1:24:12] And it's despicable that Democrats are deferring [1:24:15] the department responsible for keeping illegal [1:24:18] aliens like that. [1:24:19] I would also add that it's despicable that the [1:24:22] lack of coverage of this young woman's life and this [1:24:25] track that was tragically cut short by her [1:24:25] I saw a survey over the weekend that I'd like to bring to all of your attention. [1:24:29] This is the media coverage of the case of Sheridan Gorman. [1:24:33] You have ABC News has spent one minute and 19 seconds between two days when this case was first alerted. [1:24:41] You have CBS, two minutes and one second. [1:24:44] You have NBC, 23 seconds spent on the life of a young, beautiful American woman [1:24:50] whose life was taken short by an illegal alien who should have never been here in the first place. [1:24:55] When we are in the middle of a battle on Capitol Hill with a major political party, [1:24:59] the Democrat Party, who wants to defund the agency that is responsible for protecting Americans, [1:25:04] I think her life was worth more than 23 seconds on cable television. [1:25:08] And I think the people in this room have a responsibility to report on cases like this [1:25:12] because it just exemplifies why the President believes so strongly in deporting illegal aliens from our communities. [1:25:18] And thank you for the question. [1:25:20] Dasha, go ahead. [1:25:20] I have two questions, one on Iran and one on DHS funding. [1:25:24] On Iran. [1:25:25] The President has said that the administration is talking to a new and more reasonable regime. [1:25:31] How confident are you that they are legitimate and have enough grip on power? [1:25:36] Marco Rubio said earlier that he's not sure and it's not clear whether they will be in power. [1:25:41] So are you also talking to other factions? [1:25:44] As the President is trying to make a deal, how do you ensure that you're making a deal with the people who can actually implement it? [1:25:49] Well, that's part of the ongoing process that's taking place and the ongoing negotiations. [1:25:53] Of course, anything that they say to us. [1:25:55] We will make sure that they are being held accountable privately, will be tested, and we will ensure that they are being held accountable to their word. [1:26:00] And if they are not, the President has laid out the military consequences that the Iranian regime will see [1:26:05] if they don't hold true to the words that we are hearing privately behind the scenes. [1:26:09] When the President says more reasonable, again, these folks are appearing more reasonable behind the scenes privately in these conversations [1:26:16] than perhaps some of the previous leaders who are now no longer on planet Earth because they lied to the United States [1:26:23] and they strung us along in negotiations. [1:26:25] And that was unacceptable to the President, which is why many of the previous leaders were killed. [1:26:30] So again, this is another historic opportunity for Iran to do the right thing, to rid themselves of their nuclear ambitions [1:26:37] and to come to a deal with this President and the administration. [1:26:41] Or again, they will see the grave consequences of the United States Armed Forces, [1:26:45] which they are continuing to see every day throughout this operation. [1:26:48] On DHS, how long can the administration keep paying TSA without action from Congress? [1:26:54] And not to be hyperbolic, but how long can the administration keep paying TSA without action from Congress? [1:26:55] And not to be hyperbolic, but how long can the administration keep paying TSA without action from Congress? [1:26:56] But given the, the airports were really the pain point that was pushing both sides to talk to each other. [1:27:03] Do you see a way for DHS to reopen? [1:27:07] Is it possible this keeps going through the midterms? [1:27:09] Well, we certainly hope so. [1:27:11] I mean, of course the President just can't keep signing presidential memorandums and proclamations [1:27:17] every time Congress fails to do its job and every time Democrats are holding our entire country hostage, [1:27:23] picking and choosing which programs and agencies [1:27:25] they want to fund just because they don't like [1:27:27] this administration's policies. [1:27:29] That's not how it's supposed to work. [1:27:30] They voted seven times against funding DHS [1:27:34] over partisan and political reasons. [1:27:36] And so, again, the President has stepped in [1:27:39] to do the right thing at this moment in time, [1:27:41] but the President is also encouraging Congress [1:27:43] to come back to Washington to permanently fix this problem [1:27:47] and to fund and reopen [1:27:48] the Department of Homeland Security entirely. [1:27:51] The Press.: Caroline. [1:27:51] Ms. Steven. [1:27:52] The Press.: Thank you, Caroline. [1:27:53] Two questions, one on TSA, one on Iran. [1:27:55] On TSA, for ordinary Americans watching the briefing, [1:28:00] how long until everything goes back to normal at airports [1:28:03] after the President's action? [1:28:04] And then on Iran, on the timeframe, [1:28:07] President Trump initially said about four weeks. [1:28:09] Secretary of State Rubio on Friday reportedly said [1:28:12] it might be another two to four. [1:28:14] Is two to four the current ballpark [1:28:15] that the administration is thinking? [1:28:17] Ms. With respect to the timeline, again, [1:28:19] the President, Commander-in-Chief, [1:28:20] the Pentagon has always stated four to six weeks, [1:28:23] an estimated timeline for Operation Epic Fury. [1:28:26] We're on day 30 today. [1:28:28] So, again, you do the math on how much longer we, [1:28:32] the Pentagon needs to fully achieve [1:28:34] the objectives of Operation Epic Fury, [1:28:35] which I will reiterate, destroy the Iranian Navy, [1:28:38] destroy their ballistic missiles, [1:28:40] dismantle their missile and drone production infrastructure, [1:28:44] significantly weaken their proxies [1:28:47] throughout the course of this operation, [1:28:48] and then, of course, preventing Iran [1:28:50] from ever obtaining a nuclear weapon. [1:28:52] To your first question, Ms. Steven, [1:28:53] about TSA and airports, [1:28:56] nothing will be truly normal again [1:28:57] until Democrats do the right thing [1:28:59] to fund this agency fully. [1:29:01] Again, the President has stepped in in the meantime [1:29:03] to do what's right to end this crisis [1:29:06] that we've had at air travel [1:29:08] and at airports across the country in the meantime. [1:29:10] But, again, Congress needs to come back. [1:29:12] Democrats need to fund the Department of Homeland Security [1:29:15] so we can formally and fully get these great employees [1:29:18] paid long into the future. [1:29:20] The Press. [1:29:21] Ms. Jonathan. [1:29:23] The Press. Thanks a lot, Carolyn. [1:29:24] Two questions regarding the financial costs of the war. [1:29:27] Back during the Persian Gulf War, 1990-1991, [1:29:30] Arab countries paid for the vast majority [1:29:33] of the costs of the war, [1:29:34] Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the UAE. [1:29:37] Who's paying for the costs of this war? [1:29:40] Will those Arab countries step up to do just that? [1:29:43] Ms. Well, I think it's something the President [1:29:45] would be quite interested in calling them to do. [1:29:47] I won't get ahead of him on that, [1:29:49] but certainly it's an idea that I know that he has [1:29:52] and something that I think you'll hear more from him. [1:29:54] The Press. [1:29:55] And, secondly, the cost of diesel is averaging [1:29:59] at 5.38 a gallon right now. [1:30:01] What's the message from the Trump administration [1:30:04] to truck drivers who are dealing with those high fuel costs [1:30:07] right now? [1:30:08] Ms. Again, we understand. [1:30:09] We hear you. We see you. [1:30:10] We are fully tracking this short-term fluctuation [1:30:14] in oil and in diesel prices. [1:30:16] And that's why the President and the administration [1:30:18] have continually announced robust actions [1:30:20] to provide stability in the global energy market. [1:30:24] risk insurance one of those actions allowing countries to purchase sanctioned oil just to [1:30:29] increase the supply in the meantime we've worked to release 400 billion barrels of oil in refined [1:30:37] products as well we issued the 60-day jones act waiver all of this has with the goal of increasing [1:30:43] supply to create a stabilization in the market in the meantime but the overall message as we've [1:30:48] repeatedly stated as again these are short-term actions and short-term price fluctuations for the [1:30:55] long-term benefit of ending the threat that iran poses to the united states of america our troops [1:31:02] and our allies in the region and ensuring that this regime can no longer control the world's [1:31:07] free flow of energy through the strait of pramoose which is something the administration continues to [1:31:12] tackle day by day as well jennifer uh just two questions i'll watch jennifer i'll go to both [1:31:18] of you go ahead so two questions one on uh one on china and one on iran on china ahead of the [1:31:24] president's trip to beijing will there be a working level meeting with secretary pheasant [1:31:28] uh jameson greer etc and when will that be i do expect cabinet officials to travel to china china [1:31:34] ahead of time i don't have a readout on their schedules for you but this is something we [1:31:38] typically do with international travel as you know so i'll talk to our the treasury department [1:31:43] in the cabinet myself and we'll get you that answer but we do expect them to move ahead of [1:31:46] time okay and thank you and and honor [1:31:48] iran uh if iran is kind of cherry picking what tankers get to go through the straight now and [1:31:54] and contemplating big tolls on those tankers is that consistent or how is that consistent really [1:31:59] with the president's message about really wanting the straight to be fully open does the [1:32:03] administration support a regime or system where iran is is effectively charging tolls on these [1:32:08] vessels to access that's not something we support and i would reject that they are cherry picking in [1:32:13] fact as you know these tankers that are moving through the 10 that were previously announced and [1:32:18] that are moving through the 20 the announcement of 20 additional tankers which we expect to see [1:32:23] over the coming days are a result of the direct and indirect talks that are taking place between [1:32:28] the united states and iran so you wouldn't have seen those tankers if not for the president's [1:32:32] diplomacy and his team engaging on this matter which we expect that compliance moving forward [1:32:37] and it's again something that we're working on very closely [1:32:39] sure and behind the back right there you put up your hand very uh excitingly go ahead hannah from [1:32:47] newsnation thank you [1:32:48] taking my question i have two for you real quick there are reports that republicans are weighing [1:32:53] cuts to health care in order to make way for that 200 billion dollars for the pentagon and operation [1:32:59] epic fury is that a trade-off that president trump supports i've seen these reports i haven't spoken [1:33:04] to the president about it nor have i heard this being discussed in any high-level meetings here [1:33:09] at the white house i don't want to weigh in definitively because i just haven't heard that [1:33:13] being discussed here in the west wing and then secondly i know president trump says we're ahead [1:33:18] in achieving his military objectives in iran he laid out that four to six week timetable for this [1:33:24] conflict and we're now within week five so how do you square kind of those two well four to six [1:33:31] weeks estimated timeline again you just said we're on day 30 of the operation i just provided you [1:33:36] with some of the updates from the pentagon directly and achieving the objectives and the [1:33:41] military has been enormously successful i think we should all be very proud of our armed forces [1:33:46] for what they have done over the past 30 days and i think we should be very proud of our armed forces [1:33:46] for what they have done over the past 30 days and i think we should be very proud of our armed forces [1:33:48] days the mission will continue until the objectives are achieved and that four to six [1:33:52] week timeline does remain right now i don't have any updates for you on that [1:33:58] like others one on tsa one on iran um on iran i know it's tough to engage in hypotheticals but [1:34:05] i feel like this is one that you could engage in if the president does see probably not well [1:34:10] if the president does see the united states seeks a ground war does he intend to get congressional [1:34:14] authorization of that much look the president has been asked about [1:34:19] boots on the ground or alleged ground operations various times he's obviously declined to rule [1:34:25] them out it's the pedagogy's job to provide the maximum optionality to the president does not [1:34:30] mean he's made a decision nor would he ever notify the media of such decision as not to tip off our [1:34:36] enemy with respect to abiding by congress and the rule of law that's something the administration [1:34:41] will of course always do and it's something that we have we have great respect for congress the [1:34:47] president does with with military influence in the bp тех and we have a lot more powerle which is [1:34:48] uh most of what they do for their own interests uh depends on how a lot of power isjsском to the [1:34:49] military because what they do is um they clearly and very directly influence and assist at any time and [1:34:49] yeah working with the military is uh major shift is of course extraordinary attention uh and make sure it's [1:34:49] military operations. In fact, prior to the launch of Operation Epic Fury, as you know, [1:34:54] the administration gave a courtesy notice to Congress in the Gang of Eight, and top-level [1:34:59] administration officials and cabinet secretaries have gone to Congress multiple times over the [1:35:03] past 30 days to provide those courtesy briefings to Congress when requested. [1:35:08] On TSA quickly, I've been asked by multiple Trump supporters that have said, [1:35:13] given the fact that the President on that Friday gave that memorandum informing VHS to pay TSA [1:35:19] workers, I know there's a lot of negotiations involved in a shutdown of this size. Why did the [1:35:23] President not sooner issue that payment to TSA workers? Well, it's because of the Democrats [1:35:28] voting seven times against reopening the Department of Homeland Security that we came to a place of an [1:35:33] existential crisis. I mean, you saw the lines at various major airports across the country, [1:35:39] American travelers really paying the price for Democrats' partisan games. And so the President [1:35:45] worked with his legal team here at the White House and the Office of Management and Budget [1:35:48] to make sure that they were paying the price. And so the President worked with his legal team [1:35:49] and the Office of Management and Budget to make sure that they were paying the price. And so the [1:35:49] to find a solution to take care of the emergency that we were seeing in air travel across the [1:35:54] country. And it's because of the President that TSA agents are being paid. But again, [1:35:59] he's calling on Congress to do the right thing, to come back to Washington and to fund and reopen [1:36:04] the Department of Homeland Security fully. Sure. Hi, Lindsay Ellis from the Wall Street Journal. [1:36:08] I'm trying to square the four objectives laid out by the administration with the goal of reopening [1:36:14] fully the Strait of Hormuz. Would President Trump declare victory and wind down military [1:36:19] operations if the four objectives are met, but still passage remains quite slow through the [1:36:23] Strait? Look, as I've said repeatedly, and as the President has laid out, the objectives of [1:36:28] Operation Epic Fury are as follows, destroying the Iranian Navy, destroying their ballistic [1:36:32] missiles, dismantling their defense industrial infrastructure that produces those weapons that [1:36:38] have long threatened the United States and our allies, and then, of course, preventing Iran [1:36:42] from ever obtaining a nuclear weapon. The full reopening of the Strait is something the [1:36:49] U.S. and the United States need to do. But the core objectives of the operation have been clearly [1:36:51] defined for the American people by the Commander-in-Chief. [1:36:54] The Press. The President posted this morning about his threat that on leaving Iran, he said we might [1:37:01] be blowing up and completely obliterating all of their electric generating plants, oil wells, [1:37:05] hard island, and possibly all desalinization plants. Under international law, striking [1:37:10] civilian infrastructure like that is generally prohibited. Why is the President threatening [1:37:15] what would amount to potentially a war crime with the U.S. military? [1:37:19] And how do you square that with the administration repeatedly saying that the U.S. does not target [1:37:23] civilians? [1:37:24] Ms. Look, the President has made it quite clear to the Iranian regime at this [1:37:27] moment in time, as evidenced by the statement that you just read, that their best move is [1:37:32] to make a deal, or else the United States Armed Forces has capabilities beyond their [1:37:37] wildest imagination, and the President is not afraid to use them. [1:37:41] The Press. Including potential war crimes? [1:37:42] Ms. That's not what I said, Garrett. And you're saying the word potential for a reason, [1:37:46] because I'm sure some experts are telling you that. And you're even saying potential war crimes. [1:37:47] The Press. Including potential war crimes? [1:37:48] Ms. That's not what I said, Garrett. And you're saying the word potential for a reason, because I'm sure some experts are telling you that, and you're [1:37:49] right, that it would be his ear to try to ask me that question. Of course, this administration [1:37:54] and the United States Armed Forces will always act within the confines of the law. But with [1:37:58] respect to achieving the full objectives of Operation Epic Fury, President Trump is going [1:38:02] to move forward unabated, and he expects the Iranian regime to make a deal with the administration. [1:38:07] The Press. To that end, which of those objectives would [1:38:10] destroying a desalination plant most help? [1:38:12] Ms. Haley, go ahead. [1:38:13] The Press. Thanks, Darren. And I want to follow up on Throw on Iran. When you're describing [1:38:19] are in contact with are being more reasonable this time around in discussions. [1:38:23] What specifically are you hearing that is leading you to that conclusion? [1:38:27] And how are you defining what's reasonable versus unreasonable in that regard? [1:38:30] MS. I'm not going to detail the private and sensitive conversations that are taking [1:38:34] place between the United States and Iran right now. [1:38:36] But generally speaking? [1:38:37] MS. Generally speaking, the President gave you the answer. [1:38:40] What we're hearing from them is more reasonable. [1:38:42] They have agreed to some of the points the United States laid out, as the President said [1:38:46] last night aboard Air Force One. [1:38:48] But again, as for the specifics, as these negotiations are ongoing, we're not going [1:38:51] to broadcast them to the world unless the President chooses to do so, which he has the [1:38:55] full right to do as the leader of the free world. [1:38:57] Caroline. [1:38:58] On Cuba, the President threatened to tear up any country that would send oil to Cuba. [1:39:04] But now the U.S. is letting this Russian tanker to Cuba. [1:39:07] Is this a policy change, or is he willing to let more tankers into Cuba now? [1:39:13] MS. This is not a policy change. [1:39:15] There has not been a formal change in sanction policy. [1:39:18] As the President said last night, we allowed this ship to reach Cuba in order to provide [1:39:23] humanitarian needs to the Cuban people. [1:39:26] These decisions are being made on a case-by-case basis. [1:39:29] As the administration has said, Cuba's nonfunctional economy cannot be fixed unless they undergo [1:39:34] dramatic political and leadership change. [1:39:36] But there has been no formal change with respect to sanction policy. [1:39:39] So you could expect more tankers to go to Cuba? [1:39:43] MS. [1:39:44] Again, these decisions are being made on a case-by-case basis right now. [1:39:46] Thanks, Caroline. [1:39:47] You addressed this a little bit in the opening, but just to follow up, because Americans are [1:39:51] sort of seeing these conflicting messages between the United States and Iran. [1:39:54] I know the President insists that negotiations are underway. [1:39:57] As you just mentioned, he's also said that Iran has agreed to most of the 15 points. [1:40:02] We just heard from Iran again. [1:40:03] They're saying no negotiations are taking place. [1:40:05] They're calling the proposal acceptable. [1:40:07] You hear from the regime in false reporting, talks are continuing and going well. [1:40:13] What is said publicly is, of course, much different than what's being communicated to [1:40:17] us privately. [1:40:18] As a result, President Trump issued a 10-day pause to postpone planned strikes on Iranian [1:40:23] power plants and energy.