The White House Daily Chronicle, March 22, 2018

The news behind the news on the president, administration and everything White House is always in …  The White House Daily Chronicles.

note: this post is updated throughout the day as events warrant

See all of the daily White House Daily Chronicles HERE.

Presidential Itinerary – the details

Trump’s Tweets

Official Statements

On steel and aluminum tariff modifications

President Donald Trump suspended aluminum and steel tariffs on several countries due to ongoing dialogues and agreements. Full statement HERE.

On H.R. McMaster departure

From McMaster:

After thirty-four years of service to our nation, I am requesting retirement from the U.S. Army effective this summer after which I will leave public service. Throughout my career it has been my greatest privilege to serve alongside extraordinary servicemembers and dedicated civilians.

I am thankful to President Donald J. Trump for the opportunity to serve him and our nation as national security advisor. I am grateful for the friendship and support of the members of the National Security Council who worked together to provide the President with the best options to protect and advance our national interests.

I am especially proud to have served alongside the men and women of the National Security Council Staff who established a strong foundation for protecting the American people, promoting American prosperity, achieving peace through strength, and advancing American influence. I know that these patriots will continue to serve our President and our nation with distinction.

From President Trump:

H.R. McMaster has served his country with distinction for more than 30 years. He has won many battles and his bravery and toughness are legendary. General McMasters leadership of the National Security Council staff has helped my administration accomplish great things to bolster Americas national security. He helped develop our America First National Security Strategy, revitalize our alliances in the Middle East, smash ISIS, bring North Korea to the table, and strengthen our nations prosperity. This work and those achievements will ensure that America builds on its economic and military advantages. I thank General McMaster and his family for their service and wish them the very best.

From Chief of Staff John Kelly:

LTG McMaster is a fine American and military officer. He has served with distinction and honor throughout his career in the U.S. Army and as the National Security Advisor. He brought and maintained discipline and energy to our vital interagency process. He helped develop options for the President and ensured that those options were presented fully and fairly. A true solider-scholar, his impact on his country and this government will be felt for years to come.

From the office of the Press Secretary:

The President and General H.R. McMaster mutually agreed that General McMaster will resign as the National Security Advisor. McMaster will retire from the U.S. Army after 34 years of distinguished service.

The two have been discussing this for some time. The timeline was expedited as they both felt it was important to have the new team in place, instead of constant speculation. This was not related to any one moment or incident, rather it was the result of ongoing conversations between the two.

The President has asked Gen. McMaster to stay on until mid-April to ensure a smooth transition and Gen. McMaster has agreed.

Upon the departure of Gen. McMaster, Ambassador John Bolton will take over as President Trumps National Security Advisor.

Ambassador Bolton served as U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations from 2005-2006 and as Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security from 2001-2005. He is one of the strongest voices and experts on the full range of national security issues and challenges facing the country.

Executive Actions

Executive Memorandum on China’s Economic Aggression

Watch the signing HERE.

Executive Branch Nominations/Designations

• none

Communications with Heads of State (readouts often come the day after the conversation)

 Call with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey

President Donald J. Trump spoke today with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey to reaffirm the importance of strong relations between the United States and Turkey, as NATO Allies and strategic partners, and to exchange views on regional developments. The two leaders committed to continue efforts to intensify cooperation on shared strategic challenges and to address the concerns of both countries that affect the bilateral relations.