White House addresses Iran conflict, TSA updates

[0:00] Good afternoon everyone, could you hear our amen in there? We just said a little [0:04] loud prayer as a team. In this Holy Week, President Trump and the First Lady are [0:09] joining in prayer with Christians celebrating the resurrection of our Lord [0:13] and Savior Jesus Christ. On Wednesday, the President will host an Easter lunch in [0:17] the East Room with faith leaders across the country to celebrate Holy Week. With [0:23] respect to the ongoing major combat operations in Iran, Operation Epic Fury [0:27] is moving ahead successfully and according to plan. With each passing day, [0:32] the United States military is increasing its advantage over the terrorist Iranian [0:37] regime. More than 11,000 enemy targets have been struck to date, each strike [0:42] further crippling the regime's offensive and defensive capabilities and creating [0:47] more leverage for the United States and our allies. Compared to the start of the [0:52] operation, Iran's ballistic missile and drone attacks are down by roughly 90 [0:57] percent. [0:57] The United States is also decimating the Iranian regime's Navy. We have destroyed [1:03] more than 150 of their naval vessels so far, including 92 percent of their largest [1:09] vessels. The Iranian Navy has no vessels operating in major regional water rays [1:15] and no ability to project naval power, which is why they've been assessed as [1:19] combat ineffective. Our military continues to obliterate Iran's defense [1:25] industrial base with nearly 70 percent [1:27] of their missile, drone and naval production facilities and shipyards [1:32] damaged or destroyed thus far, significantly reducing their ability to [1:37] pose future threats in the region. U.S. and Israeli joint forces control the [1:42] skies and have asserted air dominance over Iran, completing more than 11,000 [1:48] successful combat flights thus far. The trend remains clear. The United States is [1:53] conducting more intense targeted strikes with devastating combat power, which is [1:58] why the U.S. and Israeli joint forces are working together with each passing day to [2:02] destroy the threat posed by the Iranian terrorist regime, as President Trump sought out to do [2:07] a month ago. It's no surprise that we are seeing the remaining elements of the regime [2:12] become increasingly eager to end the destruction and come to the negotiating table while they [2:17] still can. Despite all of the public posturing you hear from the regime and false reporting, [2:23] talks are continuing and going well. What is said publicly is, of course, much different [2:27] from what was communicated to us privately. As a result, President Trump issued a 10-day pause to [2:32] postpone planned strikes on Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure. This remains a truly [2:38] once-in-a-generation opportunity for the regime to make a good deal with the United States, [2:43] permanently abandon their nuclear ambitions and stop acting as the world's leading state [2:49] sponsor of terrorism. If the Iranians reject this golden opportunity, the greatest military in the [2:54] history of the world continues to stand by to prevent a global war. A military that was once an [2:57] President Trump with every option available to ensure this regime [3:01] continues to pay a grave price. One way or another, Iran will no longer have the [3:07] credible ability to threaten the United States or our allies, which is of course [3:12] the overall objective admission the President set out when he launched [3:16] Operation Epic Fury. Unfortunately, even as President Trump is working hard every [3:21] single day to protect the United States from foreign enemies, Democrats on [3:26] Capitol Hill have failed to do the same here at home by keeping the Department [3:29] of Homeland Security unfunded. Over the past six weeks, Democrats in Congress have [3:35] pushed our air travel system to its breaking point and inflicted massive [3:39] pain on Americans with their reckless political games. 500 TSA officers quit [3:44] their jobs. Thousands more were calling out sick at record rates due to the lack [3:48] of pay. This resulted in security wait times exceeding three hours at major [3:53] airports across the country, creating nightmares [3:56] for millions of Americans. Overall morale among TSA staff plummeted as well, [4:01] all of this creating an unacceptable heightened security risk. Because of the [4:05] Democrats' unwillingness to do their basic job of funding DHS, President Trump [4:10] determined that these circumstances constituted an emergency, compromising [4:15] American security. That's why last week he accordingly signed a presidential [4:19] memorandum directing the Secretary of Homeland Security to work with the [4:23] Director of the Office of Management and Budget here at the Capitol Hill. [4:26] President Trump's decision to use these funds to fund TSA operations, to provide [4:33] TSA employees with the compensation and benefits that would have accrued to them but for the [4:39] Democrat-led DHS shutdown. This bold and necessary action by President Trump will ensure our [4:45] TSA workers receive their hard-earned paychecks. It should not have come to this point, but [4:50] President Trump will always do what's right by the American people and he found a way [4:54] to do that. [4:55] He said that he would not be able to pay the TSA workers who are not [4:57] eligible to get TSA paid. Ensuring that these federal workers who perform [4:59] critical public safety responsibilities can feed their families, pay their rent [5:03] and show up to work is something the President was honored to do. But this [5:07] moment should be an eye-opening one for the American people. Let's be clear about [5:11] what is happening. Democrat members of Congress are more than happy to put your [5:16] safety at risk because they oppose the President's administration and his [5:20] administration's efforts to enforce our nation's immigration law. Democrats [5:25] want the Americans to fund ICE because they want millions and millions of illegal aliens [5:29] to pour into the country just like they were under the Biden administration. They want [5:33] murderers and rapists and thugs to remain in your communities rather than be removed [5:38] by ICE and Border Patrol agents. The Democrats created this mess. They are the reason for [5:44] long lines at airports and tens of thousands of employees going without pay. Once again, [5:49] President Trump is cleaning up their mess because he cares more about the American people [5:53] than destructive, petty, partisan people. [5:55] With that, I will take your questions today. Here in our new media seat, we have [5:59] Wid Lyman. Thank you for being here. Why don't you kick us off? [6:02] Thank you. Happy Easter. [6:03] Thank you. You as well. [6:04] I have two questions for you. Thank you. There are some concerns the administration is starting to change its position on deportations, [6:10] border enforcement, possibly asylum policies. What would you say to Americans that are somewhat concerned that the shift has happened? [6:17] Sure. Well, while there has, of course, been a change in leadership at the Department of Homeland Security with former Senator, now Secretary Mullen, [6:25] I'm joining the president's cabinet, I can assure the American people there has not been a change in policy. [6:30] It has always been the policy of this president and this administration to deport the worst of the worst illegal alien criminals from our communities. [6:38] That's something I know Secretary Mullen remains wholeheartedly committed to doing. [6:42] And it's something that is overwhelmingly popular with the American people. [6:45] And it's something that is necessary to protect our homeland and to prevent deaths of Americans in our country. [6:52] Just last week, Sheridan Gorman, a young woman in Chicago, [6:55] was shot and killed on the street walking with her friends outside of her university by a legal alien from Venezuela who had no right to be here in the first place. [7:05] And it's despicable that Democrats are currently defunding the department that's responsible for removing illegal aliens like that. [7:12] And I would also add it's despicable that the lack of coverage of this young woman's case of her life and the way that it was tragically cut short. [7:20] I saw a survey over the weekend that I'd like to bring to all of your attention. [7:24] This is the media coverage of the case of Sheridan Gorman. [7:27] You have ABC News has spent one minute and 19 seconds between two days when this case was first alerted. [7:36] You have CBS, two minutes and one second. [7:39] You have NBC, 23 seconds spent on the life of a young, beautiful American woman whose life was taken short by an illegal alien who should have never been here in the first place. [7:49] When we are in the middle of a battle on Capitol Hill with a major political party, [7:53] the Democrat party who wants to defund the agency that is responsible for protecting Americans. [7:58] I think her life was worth more than 23 seconds on cable television. [8:02] And I think the people in this room have a responsibility to report on cases like this because it just exemplifies why the president believes so strongly in deporting illegal aliens from our communities. [8:12] And thank you for the question. [8:14] Dasha, go ahead. [8:15] I have two questions, one on Iran and one on DHS funding. [8:19] On Iran, the president has said that the administration is talking to a number of people. [8:23] It's a new and more reasonable regime. [8:26] How confident are you that they are legitimate and have enough grip on power? [8:31] Marco Rubio said earlier that he's not sure and it's not clear whether they will be in power. [8:36] So are you also talking to other factions? [8:39] As the president is trying to make a deal, how do you ensure that you're making a deal with the people who can actually implement it? [8:44] Well, that's part of the ongoing process that's taking place and the ongoing negotiations. [8:48] Of course, anything that they say to us privately will be tested. [8:52] We will ensure that they are being held accountable to their word. [8:55] And if they are not, the president has laid out the military consequences that the Iranian regime will see if they don't hold true to the words that we are hearing privately behind the scenes. [9:04] When the president says more reasonable, again, these folks are appearing more reasonable behind the scenes privately in these conversations than perhaps some of the previous leaders who are now no longer on planet Earth because they lied to the United States and they strung us along in negotiations. [9:20] And that was unacceptable to the president. [9:22] Which is why many of the previous leaders were killed. [9:25] So, again, this is another historic opportunity for Iran to do the right thing. [9:29] To rid themselves of their nuclear ambitions and to come to a deal with this president and the administration. [9:35] Or, again, they will see the grave consequences of the United States Armed Forces, which they are continuing to see every day throughout this operation. [9:42] On DHS, how long can the administration keep paying TSA without action from Congress? [9:49] And not to be hyperbolic. [9:51] Given the, the airports were really the pain point that was pushing both sides to talk to each other. [9:57] I mean, do you see a way for DHS to reopen? [10:02] Is it possible that this keeps going through the midterms? [10:04] Well, we certainly hope so. [10:05] I mean, of course, the president just can't keep signing presidential memorandums and proclamations every time Congress fails to do its job. [10:13] And every time Democrats are holding our entire country hostage, picking and choosing which programs and agencies they want to fund. [10:20] Just because they don't like this administration's policies. [10:23] That's not how it's supposed to work. [10:25] They voted seven times against funding DHS over partisan and political reasons. [10:31] And so, again, the president has stepped in to do the right thing at this moment in time. [10:35] But the president is also encouraging Congress to come back to Washington to permanently fix this problem. [10:41] And to fund and reopen the Department of Homeland Security entirely. [10:45] Caroline. [10:46] Steven. [10:47] Thank you, Caroline. [10:48] Two questions. [10:49] The first is on TSA. [10:50] One on Iran. [10:51] On TSA, for ordinary Americans watching the briefing, how long until everything goes back to normal at airports after the president's action? [10:59] And then on Iran, on the timeframe, President Trump initially said about four weeks. [11:04] Secretary of State Rubio on Friday reportedly said it might be another two to four. [11:08] Is two to four the current ballpark that the administration is thinking? [11:12] With respect to the timeline, again, the president, Commander-in-Chief, the Pentagon has always stated four to six weeks estimated timeline. [11:18] For Operation Epic Fury. [11:19] We're on day 30 today. [11:20] So, again, you do the math on how much longer the Pentagon needs to fully achieve the objectives of Operation Epic Fury, which I will reiterate, destroy the Iranian Navy, destroy their ballistic missiles, dismantle their missile and drone production infrastructure, significantly weaken their proxies throughout the course of this operation. [11:42] And then, of course, preventing Iran from ever obtaining a nuclear weapon. [11:46] To your first question. [11:47] Thank you. [11:48] My first question, Steven, about TSA and airports. [11:51] Nothing will be truly normal again until Democrats do the right thing to fund this agency fully. [11:56] Again, the president has stepped in in the meantime to do what's right to end this crisis that we've had at air travel and at airports across the country in the meantime. [12:06] But, again, Congress needs to come back. [12:07] Democrats need to fund the Department of Homeland Security so we can formally and fully get these great employees paid long into the future. [12:16] Jonathan. [12:17] Thanks a lot, Carolyn. [12:19] Two questions regarding the financial costs of the war. [12:22] Back during the Persian Gulf War, 1990-1991, Arab countries paid for the vast majority of the costs of the war, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the UAE. [12:32] Who's paying for the costs of this war? [12:35] Will those Arab countries step up to do just that? [12:38] Well, I think it's something the president would be quite interested in calling them to do. [12:42] I won't get ahead of him on that. [12:44] But, certainly, it's an idea that I know that he has and something that I think you'll hear more from him. [12:48] And then, secondly, the cost of diesel is averaging at $5.38 a gallon right now. [12:55] What's the message from the Trump administration to truck drivers who are dealing with those high fuel costs right now? [13:02] Again, we understand. [13:03] We hear you. [13:04] We see you. [13:05] We are fully tracking this short-term fluctuation in oil and in diesel prices. [13:10] And that's why the president and the administration have continually announced robust actions to provide stability in the global energy market. [13:17] As you know, political risk insurance, one of those actions allowing countries to purchase sanctioned oil just to increase the supply in the meantime. [13:26] We've worked to release 400 billion barrels of oil in refined products as well. [13:32] We issued the 60-day Jones Act waiver. [13:35] All of this has with the goal of increasing supply to create stabilization in the market in the meantime. [13:42] But the overall message, as we've repeatedly stated, is, again, these are short-term. [13:46] These are short-term actions and short-term price fluctuations for the long-term benefit of ending the threat that Iran poses to the United States of America, our troops, and our allies in the region. [13:59] And ensuring that this regime can no longer control the world's free flow of energy through the Strait of Hormuz, which is something the administration continues to tackle day by day as well. [14:09] Jennifer. [14:10] Just two questions. [14:11] What's Jennifer? [14:12] I'll go to both. [14:14] Go ahead. [14:15] So, two questions. [14:16] One on China and one on Iran. [14:18] On China, ahead of the President's trip to Beijing, will there be a working-level meeting with Secretary Fessent, Jameson Greer, et cetera? [14:25] And when will that be? [14:26] I do expect Cabinet officials to travel to China ahead of time. [14:30] I don't have a readout on their schedules for you, but this is something we typically do with international travel, as you know. [14:35] So, I'll talk to the Treasury Department and the Cabinet myself, and we'll get you that answer. [14:39] But we do expect them to move ahead of time. [14:42] Okay. [14:43] And thank you. [14:44] And on Iran. [14:45] If Iran is kind of cherry-picking what tankers get to go through the Strait now and contemplating big tolls on those tankers, is that consistent? [14:53] Or how is that consistent, really, with the President's message about really wanting the Strait to be fully open? [14:58] Does the administration support a regime or system where Iran is effectively charging tolls on these vessels to access? [15:04] That's not something we support, and I would reject that they are cherry-picking. [15:08] In fact, as you know, these tankers that are moving through the 10 that were previously announced and now the new 20, [15:14] the announcement of 20 additional tankers, which we expect to see over the coming days, [15:18] are a result of the direct and indirect talks that are taking place between the United States and Iran. [15:24] So, you wouldn't have seen those tankers, if not for the President's diplomacy and his team engaging on this matter, [15:29] which we expect that compliance moving forward. [15:31] And it's, again, something that we're working on very closely. [15:34] Caroline. [15:35] Sure. [15:36] And behind me, in the back right there, you put up your hand very excitingly. [15:40] Go ahead. [15:41] Hannah from News Nation. [15:42] Thank you. [15:43] Thanks for taking my question. [15:44] I have two for you real quick. [15:46] There are reports that Republicans are weighing cuts to healthcare in order to make way for that $200 billion for the Pentagon in Operation Epic Fury. [15:55] Is that a tradeoff that President Trump supports? [15:57] I've seen these reports. [15:58] I haven't spoken to the President about it, nor have I heard this being discussed in any high-level meetings here at the White House. [16:04] I don't want to weigh in definitively because I just haven't heard that being discussed here in the West Wing. [16:10] And then, secondly, I know President Trump says we're ahead of season. [16:13] We're ahead of schedule in achieving his military objectives in Iran. [16:16] He laid out that four- to six-week timetable for this conflict, and we're now within week five. [16:22] So how do you square kind of those two? [16:25] Well, four to six weeks estimated timeline. [16:27] Again, you just said we're on day 30 of the operation. [16:30] I just provided you with some of the updates from the Pentagon directly in achieving the objectives. [16:36] And the military has been enormously successful. [16:39] I think we should all be very proud of our armed forces for what they have done over the past year. [16:42] The mission will continue until the objectives are achieved. [16:46] And that four- to six-week timeline does remain right now. [16:48] I don't have any updates for you on that. [16:51] Jay? [16:52] Yeah, like others, one on TSA, one on Iran. [16:55] Sure. [16:56] On Iran, I know it's tough to engage in hypotheticals, but I feel like this is one that you could engage in. [17:01] If the President does seek — [17:02] Probably not. [17:03] Well, let's see. [17:04] If the President does seek or the United States seeks a ground war, does he intend to get congressional authorization of that march? [17:11] Look. [17:12] The President has been asked about boots on the ground or alleged ground operations various times. [17:18] He's obviously declined to rule them out. [17:20] It's the Pentagon's job to provide maximum optionality to the President. [17:24] It does not mean he's made a decision, nor would he ever notify the media of such decision as not to tip off our enemy. [17:31] With respect to abiding by Congress and the rule of law, that's something the administration will, of course, always do. [17:38] And it's something that we have great respect for Congress. [17:41] The President does with military operations. [17:44] In fact, prior to the launch of Operation Epic Fury, as you know, the administration gave a courtesy notice to Congress in the Gang of Eight. [17:52] And top-level administration officials and Cabinet secretaries have gone to Congress multiple times over the past 30 days to provide those courtesy briefings to Congress when requested. [18:02] On TSA quickly, I've been asked by multiple Trump supporters that have said, given the fact that the President on that Friday gave that memorandum, [18:10] informing VHS to pay TSA workers, I know there's a lot of negotiations involved in a shutdown of this size. [18:17] Why did the President not sooner issue that payment to TSA workers? [18:21] Well, it's because of the Democrats voting seven times against reopening the Department of Homeland Security that we came to a place of an existential crisis. [18:30] I mean, you saw the lines at various major airports across the country, American travelers really paying the price for Democrats' partisan games. [18:39] The President worked with his legal team here at the White House and the Office of Management and Budget to find a solution to take care of the emergency that we were seeing in air travel across the country. [18:49] And it's because of the President that TSA agents are being paid. [18:53] But again, he's calling on Congress to do the right thing, to come back to Washington and to fund and reopen the Department of Homeland Security fully. [19:00] Sure. [19:01] Hi, Lindsay Ellis from The Wall Street Journal. [19:03] I'm trying to square the four objectives laid out by the administration with the goal of reopening fully. [19:08] The strength. [19:09] The weight. [19:10] The rate of horrors. [19:11] Would President Trump declare victory and wind down military operations if the four objectives are met, but still passage remains quite slow through the Strait? [19:19] Look, as I've said repeatedly, and as the President has laid out, the objectives of Operation Epic Fury are as follows. [19:25] Destroying the Iranian Navy, destroying their ballistic missiles, dismantling their defense industrial infrastructure that produces those weapons that have long threatened the United States and our allies, and then of course preventing Iran [19:37] from ever obtaining a nuclear weapon. [19:39] The full reopening of the Strait is something the administration is working towards, but [19:43] the core objectives of the operation have been clearly defined for the American people [19:47] by the Commander-in-Chief. [19:48] Jared. [19:49] The Press The President posted this morning about his [19:53] threat that on leaving Iran, he said we might be blowing up and completely obliterating [19:58] all of their electric generating plants, oil wells, hard island, and possibly all desalinization [20:03] plants. [20:04] Under international law, striking civilian infrastructure like that is generally prohibited. [20:09] Why is the President threatening what would amount to potentially a war crime with the [20:13] U.S. military? [20:14] And how do you square that with the administration repeatedly saying that the U.S. does not target [20:18] civilians? [20:19] Ms. Look, the President has made it quite clear to the Iranian regime at this [20:22] moment in time, as evidenced by the statement that you just read, that their best move is [20:27] to make a deal, or else the United States Armed Forces has capabilities beyond their [20:32] wildest imagination, and the President is not afraid to use them. [20:36] The Press Including the potential war crimes? [20:37] Ms. That's not what I said, Garrett. [20:38] And you're saying that's not what you're saying? [20:39] Ms. I'm not saying the word potential for a reason, because I'm sure some experts [20:42] are telling you that in your ear to try to ask me that question. [20:46] Of course, this administration and the United States Armed Forces will always act within [20:50] the confines of the law. [20:52] But with respect to achieving the full objectives of Operation Epic Fury, President Trump is [20:57] going to move forward unabated, and he expects the Iranian regime to make a deal with the [21:01] administration. [21:02] The Press Tonight, Anne. [21:03] Tonight, Anne. [21:04] Ms. Haley, go ahead. [21:05] The Press Which of those objectives would destroying the desalinization plant most [21:07] help? [21:08] Go ahead. [21:09] The Press Thanks, Karen. [21:10] I want to follow up on Iran. [21:11] When you're describing that the Iranians you're in contact with are being more reasonable [21:12] this time around in discussions, what specifically are you hearing that is leading you to that [21:13] conclusion? [21:14] And how are you defining what's reasonable versus unreasonable in that regard? [21:15] Ms. I'm not going to detail the private and sensitive conversations that are taking [21:29] place between the United States and Iran right now. [21:31] The Press But generally speaking? [21:32] Ms. Generally speaking, the President gave you the answer. [21:35] What we're hearing from them is more reasonable. [21:37] They have agreed. [21:38] To some of the points the United States laid out, as the President said last night aboard [21:42] Air Force One. [21:43] But again, as for the specifics, as these negotiations are ongoing, we're not going [21:46] to broadcast them to the world unless the President chooses to do so, which he has the [21:50] full right to do as the leader of the free world. [21:52] The Press On Cuba, the President threatened to tear any country that would send oil to [21:58] Cuba, but now the U.S. is letting this Russian tanker to Cuba. [22:02] Is this a policy change, or is he willing to let more tankers into Cuba now? [22:07] Ms. This is not a policy change. [22:09] There has not been a formal change in sanction policy. [22:13] As the President said last night, we allowed this ship to reach Cuba in order to provide [22:18] humanitarian needs to the Cuban people. [22:21] These decisions are being made on a case-by-case basis. [22:24] As the administration has said, Cuba's nonfunctional economy cannot be fixed unless they undergo [22:29] dramatic political and leadership change. [22:31] But there has been no formal change with respect to sanction policy. [22:34] The Press So you could expect more tankers to come? [22:35] Ms. Yes. [22:36] The Press Yes. [22:37] The Press Okay. [22:38] These decisions are being made on a case-by-case basis right now. [22:41] The Press Thanks, Carolina. [22:43] You addressed this a little bit in the opening, but just to follow up, because Americans are [22:45] sort of seeing these conflicting messages between the United States and Iran. [22:49] I know the President insists that negotiations are underway. [22:52] As you just mentioned, he's also said that Iran has agreed to most of the 15 points. [22:56] We just heard from Iran, again, they're saying no negotiations are taking place. [23:00] They're calling the proposal excessive, unrealistic. [23:04] So how do you square that? [23:05] What is it? [23:06] that discrepancy between the two I think the American people are smart enough not [23:10] to take the word of a terrorist regime that has chanted death to America for [23:14] 47 years at their word and I hope the journalists in this room are wise enough [23:19] not to take an Iranian regime that is repeatedly lied about our country about [23:24] our values about everyone in this room frankly for nearly five decades so I [23:29] think the American public are smart enough to understand that just to follow [23:33] up on the objectives you've laid them out but I know the president has set a [23:35] deadline for April 6 in just one week what does the president need to see to [23:41] not move forward with those strikes by April 6 well I think he said it in his [23:44] true social post this morning he wants to see a deal over the next 10 days what [23:49] that timeline is waning several days left and we'll see I won't get ahead of [23:54] it we'll see what happens in the end of the 10-day period went on a wrong one on [24:00] the shutdown the president continues to say the u.s. is in conversations with a [24:03] more reasonable regime [24:06] but there are now hundreds of u.s. special operations forces including Navy [24:10] SEALs and Army Rangers in the Middle East as well as thousands of other [24:13] troops already deployed so is he trying to end or intensify the conflict the [24:19] president is focused on achieving the objectives of operation epic fury with [24:24] respect to forces that are on the ground in the Middle East it's the job of the [24:27] Pentagon to create maximum optionality for the commander-in-chief it does not [24:32] mean the president has made any additional decisions again he remains [24:37] on ensuring that the Pentagon continues to achieve the objectives of the [24:41] operation that was launched 30 days ago and we're well on our way to doing that [24:44] so if an American sit at home hearing him say I want to talk but I keep seeing [24:50] them send troops to that region what are they to make of what's going on there's [24:53] two tracks here the president has always said that diplomacy is his number one [24:58] option in priority again he tried earnestly in good faith to engage in [25:03] diplomacy with the Iranian regime prior to this operation being [25:07] launched in the first place he wanted to strike a deal and he sent his top [25:11] negotiators to do so they spent extensive amount of time and effort trying to [25:16] strike a deal and unfortunately the previous regime again many of those [25:20] leaders no longer with us here on Earth because they faced the consequences of [25:24] the United States military so if there's ever a chance for a deal again the [25:28] president is open to listening but it does not deter him from focusing on the [25:33] military objectives that he set out 30 days ago and that our military is [25:37] planning to achieve day by day on the shutdown he signed the national [25:41] emergency order last Thursday making sure TSA officers will be paid there's [25:47] still other civilian DHS employees however who are not being paid he signed [25:51] something similar to ensure they also get the president will always look into [25:56] ways that we can make sure that the American people are being taken care of [25:59] and doing what's right by the American people but again it's ridiculous that [26:03] the president even has to go to the length of working with the legal team in [26:07] this country and then he has to continue to funny his his [26:23] campaign that the Republican leaders were so strong and so brave and so [26:27] careful and so good and so time to step up I want to like I'd say for the [26:32] ones that are flushed out you know it's it's it's it's a question that I've seen [26:34] you know I've seen it I've seen it I've seen it and I want to form yourhee v burden [26:37] you know the Parliament that's been so long of a very very long time now for the [26:37] I wanted to ask you about something the Pope said yesterday. [26:40] So Pope Leo said yesterday, and I quote him, [26:43] God does not listen to the prayer of those who wage war. [26:47] Can you comment on that? [26:49] I think our nation was a nation founded 250 years ago almost [26:54] on Judeo-Christian values, and we've seen presidents, [26:59] we've seen the leaders of the Department of War, [27:02] and we've seen our troops go to prayer [27:05] during the most turbulent times in our nation's history. [27:08] And I don't think there's anything wrong with our military leaders [27:11] or with the President calling on the American people to pray [27:15] for our service members and those who are serving our country overseas. [27:19] In fact, I think it's a very noble thing to do. [27:22] And if you talk to many service members, they will tell you [27:24] they appreciate the prayers and support from the Commander-in-Chief [27:28] and from his Cabinet. [27:29] Caroline, thank you. [27:31] President Trump told the New York Post that a response is coming shortly [27:35] to Tehran attacks. [27:36] They're attacking Israel's largest oil refinery. [27:39] Is there a timeline on that? [27:41] Is that tied to the success or not of the negotiations? [27:44] I don't have any updates for you on the President's comments. [27:47] Does he consider the IRGC in control of Iran? [27:50] Well, look, as Secretary Rubio said today, [27:53] the leadership is very fragmented. [27:55] We have really neutered their intercommunication systems, [27:59] and that's part of this process of diplomacy. [28:02] I have to continue figuring out exactly who's in charge. [28:05] I know they appointed a new ayatollah. [28:07] I haven't seen or heard much from him. [28:09] And so that's part of this diplomatic process [28:11] that's underway right now. [28:13] I'll take a few more. [28:15] Thank you. [28:16] You listed the described humanitarian reasons [28:20] for allowing that oil tanker to reach Cuba. [28:23] Just to clarify, why was the administration okay [28:27] with Russia sending that oil to Cuba and not other nations? [28:31] Look, again, this was a decision. [28:33] It will continue to be made [28:34] on a case-by-case basis for humanitarian reasons or otherwise, [28:37] but there's been no firm change in our sanctions policy. [28:40] The President's shinebomb of Mexico also said [28:42] that Mexico is exploring different ways [28:44] to restart some of those shipments to Cuba. [28:46] Is the administration okay with that at this time? [28:49] Again, there's been no change in our sanction policy. [28:51] We still reserve the right to seize vessels [28:53] if it's legally applicable that are headed towards Cuba [28:56] and that violate the United States sanction policy. [28:59] But, of course, the President and the administration [29:01] also reserve the right to waive [29:03] those seizures on a case-by-case basis. [29:06] And to clarify, just any more Russian oil tankers [29:09] going to be allowed to reach Cuba at this time? [29:11] I know you say case-by-case, but for the case of Russia, [29:13] is it pretty much green light right now? [29:15] No, that's not what I said. [29:16] It's a case-by-case basis. [29:18] Sure, Jeff, go ahead. [29:20] Switching topics, the President has always attended CPAC. [29:24] He did not this year. [29:25] Why did he not attend, and does he believe [29:27] CPAC is becoming less relevant? [29:29] No, I don't think he believes that at all. [29:31] In fact, he loves CPAC and has a very good relationship [29:34] with the great people who run it, [29:36] Mercedes and Matt Schlapp. [29:38] It was just simply for scheduling purposes this year, [29:40] with it being in Texas. [29:42] It was best for the President's schedule [29:44] and what he has on his plate right now not to go. [29:46] Carolina. [29:47] Carolina. [29:48] Michael. [29:49] Thank you, Caroline. [29:50] If and when a deal is finalized with Iran, [29:52] how does the U.S. provide protection [29:54] to who it's negotiating with to ensure [29:56] that they can carry out the President's peace plan? [29:58] Again, that's something I'm sure [30:00] our national security team is discussing. [30:02] I don't have anything for you on that today. [30:04] On the ballroom, can you tell us more [30:06] about this massive military complex [30:08] underneath the President's new ballroom? [30:10] I cannot tell you more about that, actually, [30:13] as a matter of fact. [30:15] However, the military is making some upgrades [30:18] to their facilities here at the White House, [30:20] and I'm not privy to provide any more details on that at this time. [30:24] Go ahead. [30:25] Reagan. [30:26] Thanks, Caroline. [30:27] Question on the Middle East and then a question on Antifa. [30:30] Netanyahu said Sunday that Cardinal Pitabala [30:33] will be able to hold services for Palm Sunday [30:37] in the Church of Holy Sepulchre [30:39] after he was initially blocked by Israeli police. [30:42] Did anyone from the administration or the President [30:44] call over to Israeli officials to assist the Cardinal in this? [30:48] Yes. [30:49] I did speak with Secretary Rubio this morning, [30:52] and we did express our concerns with Israel [30:55] with respect to these holy sites being shut down. [30:57] We want worshipers to be able to access [30:59] these holy sites. [31:00] Of course, safety is a top priority, [31:02] but we understand Israel is working on those security measures [31:05] to reopen the sites throughout Holy Week, [31:07] and that's something that we're appreciative of. [31:09] Caroline. [31:11] Sure. [31:12] In Texas, nine people have been convicted [31:14] by a federal jury on domestic terrorist charges [31:17] connected to Antifa. [31:18] The White House has previously indicated [31:20] that you guys are investigating Antifa, [31:22] who's funding them, who's leading them. [31:24] Can you provide an update on how that investigation is going, [31:27] and do you think we're going to see more of that? [31:29] Well, I do know that there was an entire task force [31:32] that was set up, an interagency task force, [31:34] to focus on the threat of Antifa, [31:36] which, as you know, Reagan, this President, [31:38] declared a domestic terrorist organization, rightfully. [31:41] And we will continue to look into it. [31:44] I don't have any updates on those specific investigations, [31:47] but I'd be happy to have my team get those over to you today [31:50] as this continues to be of the utmost importance [31:52] to the President and his domestic policy agenda. [31:54] Caroline. [31:55] Caroline. [31:56] Thank you. [31:57] Thank you. [31:58] Thank you. [31:59] Thank you. [32:00] Thank you. [32:01] Thank you. [32:02] On one question on landmines, [32:03] there's been some reporting that American-made landmines [32:06] have been spotted on the ground in Iran. [32:08] Did President Trump sign off [32:10] on using U.S.-made landmines in Iran? [32:13] I don't have any comment on that report today. [32:15] Caroline. [32:16] Are they being used at all? [32:17] I don't have any comment on that. [32:18] Caroline. [32:19] Caroline. [32:20] To MDHS. [32:21] You said that the President is encouraging Congress [32:23] to come back to D.C. [32:24] Yes. [32:25] You also said yourself. [32:26] How has he done that? [32:27] Has he told leadership [32:28] that they should cancel recess and come back? [32:30] He said it repeatedly. [32:31] I think you recall he said that he'll host a big Easter dinner here at the White House [32:35] if Congress will come back and fight the Democrats on this issue, which we should do. [32:40] Because, again, the Democrat Party is in the wrong here. [32:42] They have voted seven times against funding the Department of Homeland Security, [32:47] which is completely egregious with everything we have going on in the world. [32:50] And these brave men and women who serve DHS deserve to get their paychecks. [32:55] The President wants to see that happen, and he wants Congress to come back to get it done.