FULL: President Trump Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt holds White House Briefing

TL;DR

Press Secretary discusses Trump's economic and immigration policies.

Transcript

no a welcome welcome back yeah welcome back took me 7 here you she thank you bring your fire my friend BR fire I don't know do see the edge I don't know show good afternoon everybody good afternoon how are you good let my staff get settled uh there's a lot of news today so I look forward to taking your questions good to see ... Read More

Key Insights

• President Trump will address the business roundtable, emphasizing his pro-growth economic agenda and answering questions from leading CEOs.
• Recent appointments include Shawn Karin as the new director of the United States Secret Service and Lori Chavez-Dermer as Labor Secretary.
• February's jobs report shows a gain of 10,000 manufacturing jobs, reversing the losses experienced under the previous administration.
• Several companies, like Eli Lilly and Pfizer, are expanding U.S. manufacturing due to Trump's policies, including tariffs.
• Illegal border crossings have significantly decreased, with a 94% drop at the southern border compared to last February.
• The administration is pushing for a continuing resolution to prevent a government shutdown and maintain current funding levels.
• The President's tariff policies aim to counteract decades of globalization and restore American manufacturing jobs.
• There is ongoing tension with Canada over tariffs and trade practices, with Trump suggesting Canada could benefit from becoming a U.S. state.

Questions & Answers

Q: What did the press secretary say about the stock market and a potential recession?

The press secretary emphasized that the stock market is a snapshot of a moment in time and that the economy is transitioning from the previous administration's policies. She reiterated President Trump's commitment to economic growth through deregulation and tax cuts, despite concerns about a recession.

Q: How is the administration addressing border security?

The administration has launched an enhanced CBP mobile app to facilitate the departure of unlawfully present aliens. They reported a significant drop in illegal border crossings, with a 94% decrease at the southern border compared to last February. Trump is committed to continuing a large-scale deportation campaign.

Q: What are the administration's views on recent appointments and confirmations?

The administration expressed confidence in recent appointments, including Shawn Karin as the director of the Secret Service and Lori Chavez-Dermer as Labor Secretary. They highlighted the swift confirmation of 21 cabinet-level nominees, surpassing the previous administration's pace.

Q: What is the administration's stance on tariffs and trade policies?

The administration supports tariffs as a means to protect American industries and jobs. They argue that tariffs are a tax cut for Americans, countering decades of globalization that have harmed U.S. manufacturing. The goal is to ensure fair trade practices and bolster U.S. economic growth.

Q: How is the administration responding to Canadian trade tensions?

The administration is imposing tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum in response to perceived unfair trade practices. They criticized Canadian tariffs on U.S. goods and suggested that Canada could benefit from becoming the 51st U.S. state, highlighting economic advantages.

Q: What are the economic achievements under Trump's administration so far?

The administration cited a gain of 10,000 manufacturing jobs in February, particularly in the auto sector. They also highlighted increased investments from pharmaceutical companies and other industries, attributing these achievements to Trump's economic agenda and policies.

Q: What actions are being taken regarding protests and activities on college campuses?

The administration is taking a firm stance against pro-Hamas activities on college campuses. They are using intelligence to identify individuals involved in anti-American protests and have directed universities to cooperate with DHS in identifying offenders.

Q: What is the administration's position on Social Security and Medicare?

President Trump has committed to protecting Social Security and Medicare benefits for Americans. The administration aims to cut waste, fraud, and abuse in these programs to ensure their sustainability, while maintaining benefits for those who have paid into the system.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• President Trump's press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, discussed various topics during a White House briefing, including economic policies, immigration, and international relations. The administration is focused on promoting growth through deregulation and tax cuts, while expanding U.S. manufacturing.

• The briefing highlighted significant decreases in illegal border crossings and the administration's efforts to secure the border. There are also ongoing discussions with international leaders, particularly concerning trade and economic policies.

• Trump's tariffs are positioned as a means to protect American jobs and industries from foreign competition. The administration is actively working to prevent a government shutdown and maintain momentum in its policy initiatives.