President Trump Delivers Remarks During Free Speech Event at White House – 3:30pm Livestream…

President Trump participates in an Executive Order signing and delivers remarks on “improving free inquiry, transparency, and accountability on campus.”  Anticipated start time 3:20pm EST
UPDATE: Video and Transcript Added Today, President Donald J. Trump will deliver remarks on promoting and protecting free speech on college campuses and sign an Executive Order on “Improving Free Inquiry, Transparency, and Accountability at Colleges and Universities.”


The order instructs Federal agencies to ensure public and private institutions of higher education are upholding the First Amendment or their stated policies on free speech. Free inquiry and free speech are essential features of our Nation’s democracy. This order is part of the Trump Administration’s administrative and legislative efforts to support a focus on student outcomes and improve transparency, accountability, and affordability in post secondary education. (White House)
[Transcript] – East Room -3:43 P.M. EDT – THE PRESIDENT: Thank you very much. Please be seated. I am truly delighted to welcome so many impressive young Americans to the White House. This is a very exciting day. What we’re doing is very important. And we’re here to take historic action to defend American students and American values. They’ve been under siege.
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Kellyanne Conway Discusses George Conway -vs- Donald Trump…

White House Senior Adviser Kellyanne Conway sits down for an interview with Fox Business host Maria Bartiromo.  Within the interview Bartiromo asks Ms. Conway about her husband’s very public criticisms of President Trump…. and the conversation gets weird.
This is an unusual public conversation about an odd personal dynamic.


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President Trump Impromptu Press Remarks Departing White House (Video and Transcript)…

President Trump delivers remarks to the White House press pool as he departs for Lima Ohio. [Video and Transcript below]


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[Transcript] South Lawn 12:25 P.M. EDT
Q Do you know when the Mueller report will be released, Mr. President?
THE PRESIDENT: I have no idea. No collusion. No collusion. I have no idea when it’s going to be released. It’s interesting that a man gets appointed by a deputy; he writes a report. You know — never figured that one out. A man gets appointed by a deputy; he writes a report.
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President Trump Sends Notification of Veto for H.J. Res. 46 to House of Representatives…

Earlier today President Donald Trump formally vetoed H.J. Res. 46, a joint resolution that would terminate national emergency declaration 9844.  U.S. Attorney General William Barr outlined the legal predicate for the executive branch authority to declare a national emergency under the National Emergencies Act.

ATTORNEY GENERAL BARR: Mr. President, your declaration of an emergency on the southern border was clearly authorized under the law and consistent with past precedent.
As you said, the National Emergencies Act directly authorizes the President, and gives broad discretionary authority to the President, to identify and respond to emergent circumstances that require a decisive response.
And the humanitarian and security crisis we have on the border right now is exactly the kind of emergency that Presidents are permitted to address under the National Emergencies Act.(link)

President Donald Trump notifies the Speaker of The House of Representatives:
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President Trump White House Veto Ceremony – 3:30pm EST…

This afternoon President Donald Trump is hosting a White House veto ceremony to veto a joint House and Senate resolution that demands lax border security. The anticipated start time is 3:30pm Eastern.
UPDATE: Video Added


[Transcript] 3:29 P.M. EDT – THE PRESIDENT: Thank you very much. Earlier today, I spoke with Prime Minister Ardern of New Zealand to express the sorrow of our entire nation following the monstrous terror attacks at two mosques. These sacred places of worship were turned into scenes of evil killing. You’ve all been seeing what went on. It’s a horrible, horrible thing. I told the Prime Minister that the United States is with them all the way, a hundred percent. Whatever they need, we will be there. New Zealand has been a great friend and partner for many years. Our relationship has never been better. And what they’re going through is absolutely terrible.
So our hearts are with them, and whatever we can do.
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WH Deputy Press Secretary Hogan Gidley Discusses President Trump Veto…

The joint House and Senate resolution to reject President Trump’s declaration of a national emergency on the border has set up a showdown.  President Trump will veto the resolution. White House principal deputy press secretary Hogan Gidley says the resolution actually makes the nation less safe.


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President Trump Receives Briefing on Border Drug Trafficking and Impromptu Presser…

Earlier today President Trump received a White House briefing on drug trafficking at the border including growing concerns about fentanyl shipments entering the U.S. Additionally, the president took the opportunity to invite the media for an impromptu presser. [The media Q&A begins at 14:50]:


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[No transcript yet, but one will follow shortly]
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Sarah Sanders Discusses Pelosi Impeachment Shift…

Against the backdrop of Speaker Pelosi tamping down expectations of a House impeachment, White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders appears on Fox News to discuss the current state of DC politics.


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Speaker Pelosi, Chairman Schiff, Chairman Cummings and Chairman Nadler would not likely drop their deep investments in an impeachment narrative unless they held confidence something more valuable was on the horizon.
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Press Secretary Sarah Sanders and Budget Director Russell Vought Hold Press Conference…

Earlier this afternoon White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders and Acting OMB  Director Russell Vought held a press conference to brief reporters on the president’s fiscal year 2020 budget and answer questions on current political events:


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[White House] FURTHERING OUR ECONOMIC PROSPERITY: President Donald J. Trump’s budget request will continue our economic resurgence while furthering his vision to reduce spending and invest in America.
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President Trump Delivers Impromptu Remarks Departing White House…

President Donald Trump delivered an impromptu presser to White House media prior to departing for Alabama with First Lady Melania Trump. [Video and Transcript]


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[Transcript] – South Lawn – 9:37 A.M. EST – Q (Inaudible) February jobs numbers?
THE PRESIDENT: Well, the economy is doing very well. We’re seeing wages rise more than they have at any time for a long, long time. Wages are going up first time for many years — I talked about it during the campaign — for over 20 years. So, I’m happy about that.
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