The White House Flip Side, March 5, 2018
While we catch the most important stories coming from the White House as they happen, some minor stories and small details fall through the cracks on busy news days. When they do, we pick them up … on the flip side.
note: this post is updated throughout the day as events warrant
See all of the daily White House Flip Side Chronicles HERE.
Presidential Itinerary – the details
The president’s summarized daily schedules can be found HERE.
Netanyahu arrival
President Trump, in an overcoat and blue tie, and the first lady, in light blue, emerged from the residence at 1205 pm. PM Netanyahu and Mrs. Netanyahu pulled up at 1206 pm. They exited their limo, shook hands and posed for photos.
In the Oval Office
In response to a question from the pool, Trump said he “may” travel to Israel for the opening of the US embassy in Jerusalem.
“I may. I may,” he said. “We’re going to have it built very quickly.”
“We’re looking at coming,” Trump said. “If I can, I will.”
On whether he’ll back down on tariffs.
“No, we’re not backing down,” Trump said. “We had a very bad deal with Mexico, we had a very bad deal with NAFTA.”
On the tariffs, the president said: “Right now, 100 percent, but it could be a part of NAFTA.”
POTUS said the U.S. had been “ripped off” by other countries on trade. “We lost $800 billion on trade…we going to take care of it.”
Earlier, before pool questions.
“The relationship has never been better,” Trump said of US-Israeli relations. Trump also mentioned Jerusalem in his opening remarks, saying. “I think it’s something that’s very much appreciated in Israel.”
PM Netanyahu also mentioned the Jerusalem decision: “This will be remembered by our people through the ages. Others talked about it. You did it.”
Netanyahu said that Iran was the biggest challenge faced in the Middle East.
Executive Actions
None
Statements
Delegation to Korea for the 2018 Paralympic Winter Games
President Donald J. Trump today announced the members of the Presidential Delegation to the Republic of Korea to attend the Opening Ceremony and events of the 2018 PyeongChang Paralympic Winter Games beginning Friday, March 9, 2018.
The Honorable Kirstjen M. Nielsen, Secretary of Homeland Security, will lead the delegation that will include:
The Honorable Marcia Lee Kelly, Deputy Assistant to the President, Director of White House Management & Administration, and Director of the Executive Office of the President Office of Administration
Mr. Marc E. Knapper, Charg dAffaires ad interim, U.S. Embassy Seoul
The Honorable John Bardis, Assistant Secretary for Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
General Vincent K. Brooks, Commander of United Nations Command, Combined Forces Command, and United States Forces Korea
Staff Sergeant Elizabeth Marks, U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program and 2016 Gold Medalist, Paralympic Swimming
Rally in Pennsylvania next week
President Trump’s re-election campaign announced a rally to be held near Pittsburgh, PA next Saturday. Details HERE.
Tweets
It’s March 5th and the Democrats are nowhere to be found on DACA. Gave them 6 months, they just don’t care. Where are they? We are ready to make a deal!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 5, 2018
Why did the Obama Administration start an investigation into the Trump Campaign (with zero proof of wrongdoing) long before the Election in November? Wanted to discredit so Crooked H would win. Unprecedented. Bigger than Watergate! Plus, Obama did NOTHING about Russian meddling.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 5, 2018
To protect our Country we must protect American Steel! #AMERICA FIRST
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 5, 2018
We have large trade deficits with Mexico and Canada. NAFTA, which is under renegotiation right now, has been a bad deal for U.S.A. Massive relocation of companies & jobs. Tariffs on Steel and Aluminum will only come off if new & fair NAFTA agreement is signed. Also, Canada must..
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 5, 2018
…treat our farmers much better. Highly restrictive. Mexico must do much more on stopping drugs from pouring into the U.S. They have not done what needs to be done. Millions of people addicted and dying.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 5, 2018
Executive Branch Nominations
- Andrew F. Maunz of Ohio, to be a Member of the Merit Systems Protection Board for a term of seven years
- Kimberly Breier of Virginia, to be an Assistant Secretary of State (Western Hemisphere Affairs), vice Mari Carmen Aponte and to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Inter-American Foundation (Government Rep), vice Roberta Jacobson
- The following individuals to be Members of the U.S. Advisory Council on Human Trafficking for terms of two years:
- Harold DSouza of Ohio
- Christina Frundt of the District of Columbia
- Nathan Paul Kinnicutt of New York
- Robert R. Lung of Colorado
- Ronny Marty of Florida
- Florencia Morina of California
- Bukola Love Oriola of Minnesota
- Tanya Street of Virginia
- Sheila White of New York
Communications with Heads of State (readouts often come the day after the conversation)
President Donald J. Trump spoke yesterday with Prime Minister Theresa May of the United Kingdom. The leaders agreed that the Syrian regime and its Russian and Iranian sponsors must immediately and fully implement United Nations Security Council Resolution 2401, which calls for an immediate ceasefire across Syria. The leaders condemned sharply the bombing in East Ghouta. They affirmed that the United States and UnitedKingdomwill hold Russia accountable for compelling the Assad regime to halt attacks against civilian areas and for granting access to humanitarian relief in East Ghouta. The leaders agreed that Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent statements on nuclear weapons development were irresponsible. President Trump and Prime Minister May discussed other topics, includingPresident Trumps efforts to ensure fair and reciprocal trade, as well as Prime Minister Mays, work on Brexit negotiations.
