Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt Briefs Members of the Media, Jul. 16, 2026

[0:03] Good afternoon, everyone. It's great to be back with all of you. It's good to see you. Good to be [0:09] in this room. I'm glad everybody showed up today. Let's get back to work. We're going to begin with [0:13] a few scheduling announcements. Tonight, as you all know, at 9 o'clock p.m. Eastern, President [0:18] Trump will deliver a major address to the nation on protecting the integrity of our elections, [0:23] and we encourage every American to tune in. On Friday, the President will travel to New York [0:29] City to attend a FIFA reception at Trump Tower, followed by his attendance on Sunday at the FIFA [0:36] World Cup between Spain and Argentina. His attendance will cap what has been the most watched, [0:42] most secure, and most successful World Cup in American history. This is a fitting conclusion [0:48] to a tournament that showcased America's ability to host the world on the grandest stage. Turning now [0:54] to the economy. Tuesday's CPI report confirmed what President Trump predicted. Prices are falling, [1:01] and this administration's economic policies are working. Inflation dropped 0.4 percent last month, [1:08] beating expectations and marking the largest monthly decline in more than six years. Prices fell, [1:14] including for gasoline, electricity, non-prescription drugs, car insurance, medical care services, [1:20] and hotels, delivering relief for American working families. We also saw real weekly earnings rise [1:27] in the month of June. For private sector workers, real wages have increased by roughly $1,000 since [1:33] President Trump took office, after falling nearly $3,000 during the previous administration. [1:39] This is real progress made possible by the President's pro-growth economic agenda. There is still more [1:45] work to do, no doubt, which is why President Trump remains laser-focused on lowering costs and raising [1:51] wages for working families across the country. Just last week, Walmart and Sam's Club announced they [1:57] will be lowering prices on thousands of items in their stores across the country. Shoppers can expect [2:03] meaningful savings on groceries, household essentials, outdoor living products, toys, apparel, [2:08] and other everyday staples. As President Trump said, Walmart answered his call and stepped up in a big [2:14] way, and we commend them for that. We hope other major retailers will follow the lead of this [2:19] patriotic American company. While we're on the subject of helping working families get ahead, [2:24] I want to remind everyone that the Trump accounts are now officially live. To date, and this is a new [2:30] stat from the Council of Economic Advisers this morning, more than 6.5 million American children have [2:36] been signed up for accounts so far, including my two kids, who I signed up during my maternity leave. [2:42] There are a few things I want to make clear about this massively beneficial program that has the [2:47] potential to literally transform the financial future of this country. First, any child under the [2:53] age of 18 is eligible to have a Trump account opened in his or her name. This is a free investment [2:59] savings account that costs nothing to open. Second, thanks to President Trump, every child born between [3:07] January 1st, 2025 and December 31st, 2028 will receive a $1,000 seed deposit from the United States [3:15] Treasury. Third, parents, guardians, relatives, and friends can contribute up to $5,000 per year [3:21] combined for each child. Employers can also contribute up to $2,500 per year on a tax-favored basis, [3:28] counting toward the annual cap. The President believes there is no better investment than in [3:33] America's children. Government projections show that a child whose family maxes out contributions [3:39] could see the account grow to nearly $300,000 by the time the child turns 18. This is, I think we can [3:47] all agree, an enormously powerful head start toward the American dream. These funds can be used for [3:52] college, starting a business, or purchasing a home. This is truly a transformational, nonpartisan program. [3:59] So I encourage everyone listening with a child to establish a Trump account today for your child [4:04] and tell everyone you know with children to do the same. The app is also incredibly inviting and easy [4:09] to use for parents at home. Finally, let's turn to the border. Brand new numbers this week from the [4:15] Department of Homeland Security and Customs and Border Protection confirmed that for the 14th straight month, [4:21] this administration has released zero illegal aliens into the United States. Again, let me reiterate, [4:27] the 14th straight month, not a single illegal criminal alien has been entered into our country, [4:34] released into our country by this administration. Illegal crossings in June remained at historic lows [4:41] and Southwest border apprehensions are down 94% compared to the same period under the Biden administration. [4:48] These numbers speak for themselves. Thanks to President Trump's strong leadership and unwavering [4:54] commitment to law enforcement, America has the most secure border we have ever had in our nation's [5:00] history. The administration continues working to reverse the previous influx of millions of [5:05] illegal aliens into our country by the Biden administration and our law enforcement professionals, [5:11] God bless them, are arresting criminal illegal aliens across the country, including those convicted [5:16] of the most heinous and violent crimes. This past weekend alone, ICE arrested a Mexican national and [5:23] gang member convicted of second-degree murder in California, a Dominican national convicted of [5:28] aggravated manslaughter in New Jersey, a Saudi national convicted of indecent liberties with a [5:34] child in North Carolina, a Mexican national convicted of continuous sexual abuse of a child in California, [5:41] a Nicaraguan national convicted of second-degree child molestation in Rhode Island, and a Mexican national [5:47] convicted of lewd acts with a child under 14 with force in California. These are egregious crimes. And again, [5:53] I think we can all agree that none of you would want these individuals living in your communities, and you have this [5:58] administration to thank that they are on their way back home. The American people delivered a decisive mandate to arrest and [6:04] deport these dangerous criminals, and President Trump is wholeheartedly committed to delivering on that mandate every day. He will never waver in his duty to defend our homeland and protect the American people. And he has proven [6:17] without a shadow of doubt that the chaos and the lawlessness that we saw every single day at the [6:23] border and across our country under the Biden administration was a choice, and it is a choice this [6:29] president has chosen not to make. While this work is far from finished, the border is secure, and deportations [6:35] will continue. With that, I'll take your questions today. I look forward to doing so. I know there's a lot of news. We have [6:41] two people in our new media seats today, Rachel Bade and Ben Black. Rachel, why don't you kick us off? Ben will give you a question, and then we'll get to the rest of all of you. [6:49] Thanks, Rachel. Thanks, Caroline. Welcome back to The Briefing Room. Congrats on your baby. [6:53] Thank you. Two questions, if I may. The first one, a fun one for your first day back. You now have two babies under two years old. [7:01] I do. As someone who has a four-year-old, I can only imagine how little you are sleeping right now. [7:07] What is your one tip or secret to women who want to have it all, the kids and the hard-charging career? [7:13] Well, thanks for the question, Rachel, and it is really good to be back with all of you. [7:17] I don't think there is a secret. You just have to show up every day and keep going, and it really does take a village, [7:24] take the opportunity to shout out to my husband, who's home with our babies right now. I look forward [7:28] to returning home later to be with them, but it's challenging. But for me, I view this as more than job. [7:35] I view this as public service on behalf of a president who I firmly believe in everything this [7:40] administration is doing and really creating a better country for my children and their future, [7:45] and I'm very grateful for that. Blessed to both be working in this job, but also to have two beautiful [7:50] babies at home. And as you know, Rachel, and any mom in this room knows, there's nothing better than [7:54] being a mother. So thanks for the question. Babies are the best. Okay, a question about tonight. [7:59] There are a lot of Republicans in this town who very much support the SAVE Act and want to make sure [8:05] our elections are upheld, election integrity top priority for them. But some of them are concerned [8:11] that tonight's primetime address might focus on elections of the past, [8:16] relitigating them, rather than voter concerns of today. I'm wondering, can you tell us if the [8:23] president tonight is going to talk about the economy? You just talked a lot about the economy [8:27] and what we're seeing there. And what does the White House say to Republicans who are worried that [8:33] election issues like this could actually turn off swing voters? Well, a few things. I would [8:38] encourage everyone to tune in tonight. I've seen a lot of reporting and, frankly, misreporting [8:42] about what the president will say. I think the American people will be relieved to hear [8:47] what they are hearing from the president of the United States and his commitment to transparency [8:51] and the focus on the integrity of our elections tonight. I think all Republicans and Democrats [8:56] should recognize this should be a nonpartisan issue. If we don't have safe and secure elections in our [9:01] country, we cannot have a country. It is a vital part of our democracy, of our constitutional republic. [9:08] The president will be speaking about that tonight. And in addition, at the very same time, [9:12] of course, he is working on all of these economic issues that the American people have at home. [9:17] I just read to you the latest inflation numbers are looking good, the best report in six years. [9:22] The president, Republicans and Democrats and all Americans have this president to thank for the [9:27] largest tax cuts in American history, which every Democrat on Capitol Hill voted against. [9:32] You have this president to thank for the Trump accounts for our children and securing the future [9:37] of the American dream. So this president is doing a lot. But obviously, [9:41] safe and secure elections are a true tenant of our constitutional republic. And the president will [9:47] be speaking about that tonight. Thank you. And Ben, please. [9:50] The Press Press I'm from England. I've been following the World Cup all around, absolutely loving it. [9:55] Unfortunately, we got knocked out last night, so I'd love to ask a favor. [9:58] The Press Press I'm sorry for the loss. [9:59] The Press Press tough day for you today. [10:01] The Press Press Yeah, it's all good though. [10:02] But I want to know, so all these football fans coming to America, [10:05] absolutely having a great time. I've had an amazing time. What do you want these football fans to [10:10] take away from that time in America? Sure. [10:12] Well, I'm so glad you enjoyed your experience here in our country. And sorry for the loss. [10:18] We look forward to the final match on Sunday. And I know the president looks forward to attending. [10:22] But I think the world saw that this president and this country is able to put on the greatest show [10:29] in sports in the world. And we are a kind people. We are hardworking people. And we have the best [10:34] country on the planet. And I know I've loved seeing the videos from foreigners from [10:40] around the world who have traveled to the United States. And I've been quite surprised about how [10:43] lovely and enjoyable the United States is. I don't think we get enough credit [10:47] from the international media around the world. But we encourage everyone to come and experience [10:52] America for themselves. So thanks for being here. [10:54] I have an absolute pleasure. And safe travels home. [10:56] You're welcome. Caroline. [10:57] Garrett. Caroline, welcome back. [10:59] Good to see you. Likewise. [11:01] To the degree that this speech tonight is about elections past, not elections upcoming, [11:06] the 2020 election has had dozens of recounts, lawsuits, audits. The 2024 election widely believed [11:13] to be safe and secure. There's not really any question about that. I think a lot of people [11:17] look at this. Because it was too big to rig. [11:18] Well, I think a lot of people look at this. There's a massive amount of votes for this [11:21] president. That's why he's in the Oval Office right now. No one disputes that. And there were [11:25] a significant amount of votes for Joe Biden who won in 2020. I think the question is, [11:29] why is the president unable to let this go? Well, first of all, Garrett, I think part of the problem [11:36] is that the media has refused to acknowledge that tens of millions of Americans across the country [11:41] share the concerns of this president about the sanctity of our elections. And your premise of [11:46] your question, you're jumping ahead to a conclusion in this speech before even hearing it yourself. I [11:50] think that everyone should tune in tonight, including the people in this room. And you should report on [11:56] the president's speech and the findings that he is going to reveal in this speech with a little bit [12:00] of honesty and a little bit of integrity. Because it does, it will shock you if you have an honest eye [12:05] listening to the president tonight. And everything he is saying will be backed by facts and by evidence [12:11] that will be provided this evening. And again, Garrett, again, I think all Americans, Democrat, [12:16] Republican, should agree that we are the greatest country in the history of the world. We should have [12:21] the safest and most secure elections in the history of the world. And what the president will be [12:24] speaking about tonight will show you that perhaps that is not the case. And we need to make some [12:29] adjustments moving forward, including the Save America Act, as Rachel pointed out, is a key [12:33] legislative priority for this president on Capitol Hill. And he wants to see all senators and members [12:40] of Congress voting in favor of the Save America Act because it's crucially important as we move [12:46] forward. Aisha. Hi, Caroline. Welcome back. Thank you. I'm assuming the pink is for your baby girl. [12:50] You know, I didn't think that, but I guess it is now. Thank you. We've talked a little bit about what [12:55] the president might say tonight. But the other question is, who is running the teleprompter tonight [13:00] after this report that the other guy is now under investigation for making money off of reading [13:05] the president's speech? Obviously, I'm aware of the report. The president is, too. I spoke with [13:09] him about it. He believes it's deeply unfortunate and, frankly, a disgrace. And the individual that [13:15] was cited in that report is complying with the CFTC but has been put on paid administrative leave. [13:21] So there will be a teleprompter operator tonight, of course, but it will not be the one, [13:25] unfortunately, in that story. And one more on Iran. The vice president, [13:29] J.B. Vance, went on this podcast with Joe Rogan yesterday, talked about Israel in which he said [13:34] that there are some people within their system that we know beyond a shadow of a doubt who are [13:39] manipulating and trying to change American public opinion to keep the war going on indefinitely. [13:45] Does the president agree with that statement? I think the president would certainly agree that, [13:49] yes, foreign countries certainly do try to persuade American public opinion. There's no doubt about [13:54] that. I think it's just a basic fact. Ed. [13:57] Good to see you, Caroline. Following up on the teleprompter and then one on tonight's speech, [14:01] what steps is the White House taking to ensure something like that doesn't happen yet? [14:05] Well, the White House has extremely strict ethical guidelines with respect to issues like this. [14:11] And as I just told you, this individual will no longer be here. He'll be on paid administrative leave. [14:18] I'm sorry, without pay. The administrative leave is unpaid, to be very clear. That was a decision by the [14:23] president. So I think that speaks for itself. [14:26] On the concerns about the election, will the president accept the results of November's elections? [14:33] Look, Ed, you should tune into the president's speech tonight before you jump ahead to conclusions [14:38] about what's actually in the speech. Again, I've seen a lot of reporting and misreporting about [14:42] what the president will say. We hope CBS will take the speech and all Americans should take it. [14:47] Okay, but I'm not presuming it is that he accepted the results. [14:50] The Press on two questions on the Trump account. First, following the birthright citizenship case, [14:57] is there concern that babies that are born to illegal immigrants here in the United States are not [15:03] excluded from these accounts? And also, since the $1,000 per child from the Treasury [15:10] receives these accounts, can you swage concerns for those who feel this is wealth redistribution? [15:16] Ms. I would certainly not describe it as that. As you know, this was an incredible public [15:22] private-public partnership. We had incredibly generous Americans, Michael Dell and many others, [15:29] who contributed to the fund for the Trump account. So that money will then be passed along to [15:34] America's children, which I think is a great thing that all Americans from all political persuasions can [15:39] agree upon. With respect to your question on birthright citizenship, I think the president has made [15:44] his view and the White House has made our view on this case quite clear. We're going to continue to [15:48] move forward to work with Congress, hopefully in the future, to remedy this problem in our country [15:56] and to ensure that we cannot have this scam continuing where you have foreigners from all [16:01] around the world traveling to our country to give birth to babies who are then given the greatest [16:05] privilege on the face of the planet, American citizenship. That's not how our founding fathers intended this [16:11] country to work or to operate, and the administration is committed to finding solutions to remedy that. [16:15] The Press do they have access to the Trump accounts? Those are children of those illegal aliens? [16:20] Ms. That's not something I've discussed directly with the president, so I don't want to speak out of [16:24] turn on that. As you know, Carrie, all American citizen children are able to access the Trump [16:29] accounts as it stands right now. [16:31] The Press do they have access to the Trump accounts? [16:32] Ms. Sure, go ahead. [16:33] Thank you very much, Mark Stone from Sky News. Can I switch to Iran, please? [16:38] Ms. Sure. [16:38] The Press do they have access to Iran, specifically the Manab school attack? 120 children dead, [16:43] 26 of their teachers. A Sky News investigation released today points to all this being a tragic [16:50] mistake by America, by the U.S. military. So could you explain, please, why the president is repeatedly [16:56] saying it wasn't America when he hasn't actually, he says also that he hasn't even seen the report? [17:01] Ms. I can't speak to the Sky News investigation, respectfully, because I have not read it. [17:06] All I can speak to is what the president has said as I speak on his behalf. And the investigation [17:11] continues, and we would defer you to the Department of War for further questions. [17:14] The Press do you want me to follow up, if I may? [17:16] Ms. Sure. [17:17] The Press do you want to understand why he consistently says it wasn't us, [17:23] we didn't do this, when all the evidence, and indeed the preliminary report, and we've spoken to a [17:30] military insider who says this was human error? [17:33] Ms. Well, that's the president's opinion, and at the very same time, he has said the [17:36] Department of War is investigating the matter, and we would defer you to them for any questions [17:41] with respect to the investigation, which obviously has not been released yet. I would defer you to them [17:45] for further questions on it. But there's been, I think the president feels that way because he knows [17:51] that our military always acts in good faith and absolutely never targets civilians or children, [17:56] unlike the other side of this conflict, Iran, who is well known for killing women and children [18:02] and innocent people in their country for a very long time. So you should focus on that in your [18:06] reporting. Danny. [18:07] The Press do you want to ask, Caroline? Welcome back. Another World Cup question, [18:10] much as it pains me. The President Trump had some harsh words for Spain at the NATO summit last [18:18] week about their spending. Does that mean he's going to be supporting Argentina? [18:22] Danny, it is a really good question, and I'm disappointed in myself for not asking the [18:28] President before I came out here, knowing you would probably ask. I haven't talked to him about [18:33] it, but we'll get you an answer on that. You're welcome to ask him yourself at some point before [18:37] the game. I'm sure you'll see him, and I'm sure he'll have a fun answer for you on it. [18:41] Sure, in the middle. Go ahead. Sure, Jasmine, go ahead. [18:43] Thank you, Caroline. Welcome back. [18:44] Thanks. [18:45] Back on the teleprompter issue, notice reported earlier this year that CALSHI was inaccessible on the [18:51] Wi-Fi that journalists here at the White House have access to. Are staffers back in the West Wing [18:58] and other parts of the EOB, et cetera, do they have access to CALSHI and Polymarket on their Wi-Fi? [19:03] Ms. On our work computers? Honestly, I've never tried, so I don't know. But I'm happy to go try [19:09] and get you an answer on that. [19:10] The Press do you have another question, Caroline? [19:12] Ms. In the back, Reagan, Caroline. [19:13] Sure. Jasmine, go ahead, and then Reagan. [19:15] The Press do you have another question? Are there any other White House staffers or [19:19] people within the administration who are suspected of also placing bets on CALSHI or [19:24] Polymarket or other things with some of this privileged information? [19:28] Ms. Not to my knowledge. Not that I've been made aware of. And as you saw, [19:31] I think this played out exactly how it should. CALSHI notified the CFTC of suspicious activity. [19:37] They investigated that, identified the individual, and he will now no longer be working at the White [19:42] House. So I think that answers all the questions on this matter. Reagan. [19:45] Thank you, Caroline. I have a question for you on the Save America Act and Senator Graham, [19:49] and then a quick question on Iran. [19:50] Ms. Sure. [19:50] The Press do you think Trump said in one of his final conversations with the late [19:54] Senator Graham that he was talking about the Save America Act and that he felt like they were in a [19:58] great position with it. Do you anticipate that the Senate is going to be more aggressive to push [20:03] the Save America Act in light of the fact that it was so important to Senator Graham so close to his death? [20:08] Ms. Sure. Well, since I haven't had the opportunity, let me just express my sincere [20:12] condolences to Senator Graham's staff and his family. He was beloved by so many here at the [20:17] White House, especially the President. And I know that the news of his sudden passing was just tragic [20:23] to all of us, especially the President, who considered him a dear friend. The Save America Act, [20:29] as I said, Reagan, is of vital importance to this President, and he wants to see it move forward. [20:35] I understand that Capitol Hill and Speaker Johnson are moving forward with attaching as many elements [20:42] of the Save America Act as possible to the budget reconciliation 3.0. Here we go. The President [20:47] is supportive of that process, and he hopes that Republicans will vote for this important piece [20:53] of legislation. The budget reconciliation bill not only will address the Save America Act, but also [21:00] ensure important aid for our farmers and our warfighters, which the President supports as well. [21:06] The Press, Caroline, welcome back. [21:09] Ms. Thank you. [21:10] The Press, on the Calci situation, I have just a few questions on that. [21:13] Ms. Sure. [21:14] The Press, this individual has been accused of making trades around the President's speeches for [21:19] months. I mean, this has been going on since at least earlier this year, maybe even before that. [21:26] Did the White House Counsel have any awareness that this was going on with this [21:31] individual? And if not, no, why not? Is there any sort of plan in place to try to figure this out, [21:38] to see if anyone else is doing this, to track future people from, see if they're making these [21:43] types of bets in the White House? Any discussions around that? [21:45] Ms. Look, there are very strict ethical guidelines here at the White House that [21:48] explicitly state not to do this. And the White House Counsel's Office makes that clear to all of us [21:53] who sign up to work in government on behalf of the President. So I think there has been a plan in [21:58] place. This individual unfortunately violated the plan, and therefore he's paying the consequences [22:03] for it. I don't know why there's further questions on that. [22:05] The Press I just want to follow on this. But then doesn't that leave open the possibility, [22:08] even though there are the rules? I mean, there's no dispute and there are strict rules on this. [22:12] But if there are no mechanisms in place, and I'm not saying that there are or there should and [22:16] should not be, but if there are none in place to try to track this happening inside the White House and [22:21] inside the executive branch of the government, doesn't that leave open a possibility for this to keep [22:24] happening or happening again, then these result people making vets like this inside the administration? [22:28] Ms. Again, there are very strict ethical requirements required by all staffers and [22:33] officials here at the White House. And if they are violated, people will pay consequences for that, [22:37] as you're seeing with this case. Libby. [22:39] The Press I have a question about Senator McConnell, but first on Iran. President Trump is now greenlit [22:47] strikes on Iran for nearly every day this week. Do you, and does the White House describe [22:52] negotiations more at a standstill or essentially completely over? [22:56] Ms. Well, I've spoken with the President about this as recently as an hour ago. Iran very much [23:01] continues to talk to the United States of America and express that they want to make a deal with us [23:07] because they are suffering devastating blows on behalf of our United States military. The reason, [23:13] and this is important for the American people to understand, the reason for the recent strikes over [23:17] the course of the last several days is because Iran violated the memorandum of understanding that we [23:23] struck with them. Specifically, in the memorandum of understanding that they signed, they were not [23:28] to fire on commercial vessels moving through the Strait of Hormuz. And unfortunately, they have made the [23:34] tragic decision for them to do that. And President Trump is not going to sit by and allow these active [23:41] acts of terrorism to take place in the Strait without ensuring Iran pays consequences for that. [23:46] And that's what we are witnessing right now. Can you talk about this within the last hour? I mean, [23:50] does he essentially seem fed up with these negotiations? And can you explain why the American [23:55] people should think that a deal with Iran would even be worthwhile at this point, given the fact that [24:00] they broke it already? Ms. Well, look at how bad they are behaving. It just proves the President's [24:05] initial point for launching Operation Epic Fury in the first place. Iran can never obtain a [24:10] nuclear weapon. That's why he launched Operation Epic Fury. They have suffered devastating blows to [24:15] their military and their economy as a result. The President is always open and willing to [24:20] diplomacy. He is the peace through strength President, after all. After Operation Epic Fury, [24:26] the conclusion of it, we did move forward into a diplomatic phase, if you will. But unfortunately, [24:31] Iran has since violated that. They have expressed they still want to make a deal to the President. [24:36] We're talking to them. But again, the President is not going to allow them to fire on ships, [24:40] in the strait, without paying a consequence for that. And I think just one more point, [24:44] I think throughout this entire endeavor, the President has proved not just to Iran, but to [24:49] the entire world that we can hit Iran anytime, anywhere, anyplace. And their ability to defend [24:55] themselves has been essentially wiped out because of this President in Operation Epic Fury in the first [25:02] place. Sure. Alina, go ahead. Thank you so much. Welcome back. [25:05] Thank you. Two questions for you. If I can read two comments, one made by President Trump and one [25:11] made by the Vice President on Iran. President Trump recently said, as far as I'm concerned, [25:16] it's just a waste of time dealing with them. They're liars. There's something wrong with them. [25:21] They are cuckoo. They are scum, sick people, vicious, violent people. And then Vice President Vance went on [25:26] Joe Rogan last night, and he said, I'm very frustrated by the Americans and, frankly, by people [25:32] in other countries who say you cannot negotiate with the Iranians. So your response to these [25:38] contradictions, because I think you can understand how that's confusing for Americans with this mixed [25:43] messaging. And then second question for you, at least six Americans are still detained in Iran. [25:49] Will President Trump make this conditional, a point of condition in continuing these conversations [25:55] with the country, as well as political prisoners? Sure. And also people that are still being executed [26:01] in Iran to this day? Sure. To your second question, I'll never create a red line or a condition on behalf [26:07] of the President without his blessing. I haven't heard him say that. But obviously, ensuring the return [26:11] of Americans wrongfully detained or held hostage all over this world remains a priority for him, [26:17] and he has done so in a tremendous way over the course of the last year and a half. Americans [26:22] from all over the world have returned home thanks to this President and the efforts of his national [26:26] security team. To your first question about the comments between the President and the Vice [26:30] President, respectfully, I do think you're taking comments from different times throughout this [26:34] conflict and kind of asking me if these are contradictory of each other. I can tell you the President [26:39] and Vice President are on the exact same page about where we are right now in this conflict. And the fact [26:44] that you do see elements of what's remaining in the Iranian regime that are more willing to make [26:51] a deal and then other elements who are not so maybe willing to make a deal shows that Operation Epic [26:55] Fury was incredibly effective because we neutered their ability to communicate with one another, [27:01] and they are a fragmented system. They are not the once very strong, powerful terrorist state [27:06] that they were before this operation, which was one of the ultimate goals. So we'll continue to work [27:11] through the process. And as I said, the President will hold them accountable when they turn their [27:17] back on the words that they state to the United States. But he is always open to diplomacy at the [27:22] very same time. Thank you, Caroline. [27:25] The Pressure. Regarding the President's speech tonight, he's been in office over 540 days now. [27:30] If what he says is tonight is backed up by evidence, why hasn't anyone been charged? [27:34] Ms. Well, he hasn't revealed it yet. He hasn't declassified the documents yet. [27:39] And you will see what he says tonight. And then we'll move forward appropriately from there. [27:43] The Pressure. So will charges follow up tonight from the Justice Department? [27:44] Ms. I don't speak on behalf of the Justice Department, Caitlin. You know that. [27:46] The Pressure. The Pressure. [27:47] The Pressure. Thanks, Caroline. [27:48] The Pressure. Will there be charges? [27:49] Ms. You'll have to ask the Justice Department. I don't charge people. I just speak on behalf of [27:52] the President. Rachel. [27:53] The Pressure. Thanks, Caroline. Welcome back. Just a point of clarification really quick. [27:56] On the staffer who is accused of profiting off of the President's speeches, [28:00] you said he'll no longer be working here. Is he on administrative leave or is he going to be fired after it's over? [28:06] Ms. He's on unpaid administrative leave right now. [28:08] The Pressure. And just to follow up on the President's speech tonight. [28:11] I mean, we've been talking to a lot of Republicans over on Capitol Hill. [28:15] They have said that focusing on the economy is the right way to go ahead of the midterm elections. [28:19] They believe that's what voters care most about. [28:22] What does the President say to Republicans who think that focusing on the 2020 election, [28:27] election integrity, all of these issues right now is not the right approach so close to the election? [28:31] Ms. Again, you guys have not heard the speech yet. So I would digress with the criticism [28:36] until you actually hear what the President is going to say and what he's going to [28:39] say when he addresses the American public. I would also add again that the administration [28:44] and especially this President are able to walk and chew gum at the same time and tackle a number of [28:50] issues on a number of different subjects every single day. We see that President do that working [28:55] around the clock on foreign policy, on domestic policy all of the time. You all report on it. [29:00] You have to keep up with it. So I think you can agree with me on that point. [29:03] And I would also add the President will continue to be traveling all around the country to talk [29:08] about the economy. We were just in Pennsylvania a couple weeks ago touring a Mack truck facility, [29:13] which has been greatly strengthened and enriched because of this President's economic policies over [29:18] the last year and a half. And he loves doing that and he will continue to do so. [29:21] The Press, we have seen with the increased community strikes a real decrease in traffic [29:27] through commercial traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. What is the U.S. doing right now to [29:31] facilitate flows through this Strait of Hormuz and preemptively address the risk that Houthis [29:35] will actually choke off the Red Sea oil route and that prices will increase further before November? [29:40] Ms. Sure. Well, two separate questions. First, let me address what's happening in the [29:44] strait right now. We know that there is a blockade of ships directed by the President [29:48] for ships entering and departing Iranian ports only. This has been fully implemented [29:53] and is in full force. This blockade was reimposed due to Iran's inability to honor their agreement [29:59] with the United States of America. More than 10,000 U.S. sailors, marines and airmen, along with two [30:04] aircraft carriers and more than 20 warships and dozens of aircraft are executing the blockade mission as we [30:10] speak. And during the first 24 hours of the blockade, U.S. CENTCOM has redirected two compliant [30:16] commercial vessels and disabled one non-compliant vessel. So look, the Strait is open for ships that [30:23] are not traveling to and from Iranian ports specifically, and the U.S. Navy is there to [30:29] ensure that can take place. With respect to gas prices, as you know, the price of oil right now [30:34] is approximately $80 a barrel, maybe a little less. Before I came out here, that's what it was at. [30:39] Gas prices are down approximately 60 cents a gallon off the peak of this conflict. And the President was [30:45] honest with the American people from the beginning. There may be temporary disruptions in the oil [30:49] market. But what we haven't seen is what all of the naysayers said, that there would be massive [30:55] increases in the price of oil that so many warned about. And that's in large part because of the [31:00] President's domestic energy policies here at home to revamp our domestic production here. But also, [31:07] the administration has taken many swift actions to mitigate these temporary disruptions. As you know, [31:13] we've released oil through our SPR, the Jones Act waiver, which has been incredibly effective, [31:18] fuel environmental waivers. We also, the President signed the Defense Production Act to restart California [31:23] oil production. So all of these very swift and mighty actions on behalf of this administration [31:29] have led to a rather stable oil market. And the President will continue to do all he can to ensure [31:34] prices come down, stay stable for the American people and the American consumer until the end of this [31:40] conflict. And ultimately, I think Americans should keep in mind why we're doing this in the first [31:44] place, to ensure that Iran, a terror state, can never obtain a nuclear weapon. Dasha. Dasha, go [31:51] ahead. You too. Two questions, one on tonight and one on immigration. It strikes me listening to the [31:57] conversation in this room about Iran. Given the questions that folks on both sides of the aisle have [32:03] about strategy and endgame, given that the United States has intensified strikes on Iran, [32:08] typically in a time of conflict, when the President gives an address to the nation, [32:12] you would expect him to address this conflict. Number one, will he talk about Iran? And why is [32:17] that not the major topic of his speech? Does he believe that the SAVE Act and the 2020 election [32:24] integrity are more important right now? Well, no, it's not a matter of importance. It's just a matter [32:29] of timing. The President will be making a very important announcement with respect to the integrity of [32:33] our elections. However, it is also very possible at the top of the speech he will mention the current [32:38] situation with Iran and also the economy as well. As you all know, President Trump is a man of his [32:44] own word, and he sometimes is thinking about these things up until he walks out. But we have had [32:49] conversations about him addressing a range of topics, and that could very well be possible tonight. [32:53] Again, this is all more reason for all of you to carry the speech live and for the American people to tune in [32:59] tonight so they can hear directly from the President and draw their own conclusions. [33:05] Caroline, sorry, I just wanted to add the immigration question real quick. [33:08] Sure, go ahead. Sorry. Three men were killed in [33:11] ice encounters in less than a week. As a result, DHS announced that it would end vehicle stops, [33:16] and then President Trump urged them to change their position. Can you confirm whether vehicle stops are [33:21] back on? And is the administration doing anything more to prevent these kinds of deaths, maybe [33:26] accelerating distribution of body cam footage, body cameras which weren't President in this case? [33:31] So a couple of things. Vehicle stops are continuing. Verbal guidance has been given to all field [33:37] offices across the country by the Department of Homeland Security. The President and the Secretary of [33:42] Homeland Security are on the same page that vehicle stops are a necessary tool that ICE agents need in [33:47] order to continue their deportation campaign of the worst of the worst illegal alien criminals from our [33:53] country. With respect to body cameras, I know there's been some questions about that in recent [33:58] days. Over half of all ICE field offices now do have body cameras, and the remainder of the field [34:03] offices are expected within 60 days. It's been a slower rollout than we would have hoped, but that's [34:08] because of the Democrats' decision to shut down DHS for several weeks. So we expect to fully execute on the [34:15] promise of body cams to all field offices across the country very soon. [34:18] The Press on the parasite outbreak related to produce, can you give an update on the administration's [34:25] response to this? Are there federal officials on the ground in the hardest-hit states right now [34:30] doing any testing of production facilities or farms to try to figure out where this outbreak has started? [34:35] Ms. Sure. Well, what I can tell you, having been back at the White House for just a couple of short [34:39] weeks, I've been in meetings on this very topic, and I can tell you the White House is closely monitoring the [34:45] situation has a handle on the situation. We're committed to providing the CDC and the FDA the [34:51] resources that they need, and we urge all Americans to follow CDC guidance on properly washing and [34:57] cooking raw ingredients to prevent this foodborne illness. As you know, there has been an unusually [35:02] high number of cases. There are typically thousands of cases of this outbreak every year, but there has [35:08] been an unusually higher number, and that's why we're working with the FDA and other partners at the [35:12] federal, state, and local level to increase detection methods, provide the guidance, and then also, [35:18] most importantly, trace the outbreak back to its original source, which we are currently in the [35:22] process of doing. The Press of permanent leadership at the CDC and FDA and any funding cuts, has that [35:28] slowed the response to figure out where this outbreak has started? Ms. No, we've talked to the CDC and FDA [35:34] specifically about that, and not at all. They have the resources they need to make sure that Americans are [35:39] fully informed and protected from this illness during this time. [35:44] The Press of permanent leadership. [35:44] Ms. Caroline, welcome back. Thanks. [35:46] Last year, the administration signed a critical min and gold steel mining deal with Kazakhstan for a [35:51] little-known U.S. company. It was an agreement that President Trump and Howard Lutnik got tentative [35:56] approval for with Kazakhstan's President in September. Six days before the deal was signed, which was in [36:01] November, the President's older sons with other partners took a 20 percent investment in a company related to the deal. [36:08] what did the president know about his son's involvement in this arrangement and when did [36:11] he find out about it from my understanding maggie nothing i've spoken spoken to the [36:15] president and his family about this they would absolutely never do anything that would put the [36:20] president in a place of a conflict of interest and we have timelines to give you and to provide [36:25] you which we did to the news media at the time when this story broke to prove that very point [36:29] that i just made just one second so the president did not learn about it until it was in the media [36:34] that's my understanding of the matter yes go ahead go to you after just thank you sure thank you go [36:44] ahead me why don't we just thank you very much okay thank you yesterday iran launched a drone attack [36:54] against u.s facilities in erbil threatening american personnel and the kurdistan region [37:01] one of the american closest partner in the middle east what is your message to those responsible [37:09] and are you still with your loyal ally on the middle east and at least helping them to defend itself [37:17] who launched the attack you're saying yes well i think i've i've addressed that previously in saying [37:23] that um the irani iran iran has unfortunately shown um to violate the word that they struck with the [37:31] president united states they're paying consequences for that and the strikes that the president has [37:35] authorized in the recent days thank you caroline you were with the president in ankara for the [37:39] nato summit and there ukraine was one i was not actually oh you were not okay yeah and but the [37:45] issue of ukraine was one of the most important topics there and the situation is escalating between [37:52] the two sides in these days but there are still efforts can you give us more information about [37:58] where we are and how uh the local powers power breakers including turkey are involving in order [38:06] to solve the problem sure i'll check with the national security council and get back to you [38:09] on that with more specific guidance what i can tell you is i know the president greatly enjoyed his [38:14] visit to turkey and not just his participation in the nato summit where he applauded the united [38:21] states for getting our nato allies to step up and pay their fair share for our defense [38:26] but also he greatly enjoyed his time with president erdogan in turkey and appreciates the bilateral [38:32] relationship between our two countries caroline welcome back thanks contrary to what the mainstream [38:37] media is reporting americans that i speak to care deeply about election integrity this is true why do [38:42] you think the mainstream media is so fearful of tonight's speech and anything to do with election [38:47] interference and why are they attempting to discredit president trump's speech before they even heard it [38:52] and lastly what's your message to aoc who is asking for president trump the mainstream media to actually [38:56] censor the sitting president's speech tonight yeah i think that the mainstream media should air the [39:02] president's speech and allow the american people to draw their own conclusions from it again i think [39:06] it's important that the american public hears directly from the president of the united states [39:11] on a topic that to your point is very near and dear to the hearts of many americans across the country [39:16] the integrity of our elections this should be a non-partisan uh non-controversial issue and i think [39:21] you'll hear the president talk about that tonight so we'll see you then thank you