White House press briefing after Donald Trump threatens to 'obliterate' Iran energy sources

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