1 Trump Talks Iran, Defends Immigration Moves
President Trump says he is “keeping a close eye” on growing tensions with Iran. Speaking at the White House before heading to Florida for his official 2020 campaign launch, Trump noted, “We are very prepared…now we'll see what happens." In earlier remarks, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo warned Iran that the U.S. will "deter aggression" in the Middle East. He also noted that the President does not want to go to war with Iran. Also on the President’s mind: Immigration. Specifically, his pledge to start deporting “millions” next week. The problem? A number of federal officials say they have nothing “officially” in the works. When that was pointed out by a reporter, Trump reiterated his directive. “They know. And they’re going to start next week,” he offered. “And when people come into our country and they come in illegally, they have to go out. And everybody is seeing that.” Trump also argued that Democrats could help by agreeing to negotiate to change the asylum system and close immigration loopholes.
2 Shanahan Leaving White House Over Reported Domestic Violence Issues
Incidents of domestic violence are coming to light as Acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan has announced he’s leaving the Pentagon. Shanahan removed himself from consideration for a confirmed appointment as defense chief after a number of domestic violence incidents involving his family came to light. For one, Shanahan's now ex-wife, Kimberly, was arrested in 2010 for punching him the face – and during that incident, he was also accused of striking her. In a separate 2011 incident, Shanahan's son was arrested for allegedly hitting his mother with a baseball bat. As Shanahan puts it, "Bad things can happen to good families." When asked about the departure, President Trump told reporters that he didn’t ask Shanahan to step aside and called Shanahan “a wonderful person” and said he will be taking some time off to deal with difficult family issues. When asked if the White House vetting process might be flawed? The President replied, "No, we have a very good vetting process."
3 Trump Formally Kicks Off Re-Election Campaign In Orlando
Sure, he's been hosting campaign-style rallies for months, but President Trump is now officially running for re-election. Hosting a rally in Orlando last night, Trump said he will be running to "keep America great." He argued that a vote for any Democrat in 2020 is a vote for the "rise of radical socialism and the destruction of the American dream." During a nearly one-hour-and 20-minute speech, Trump took several shots at Democrats. He accused them of favoring open borders and called it "morally reprehensible." He also labeled Dems divisive and said they aim to shred the Constitution and rip the country apart. Trump said his administration has restored a broken federal government and he cited the strong national economy. He said, "Nobody has done what we have done in two-and-a-half years." Trump insisted that he has lived up to a 2016 campaign pledge by "draining the swamp" in DC. Not surprisingly, Trump also used the occasion to slam the ‘Mueller Report.’ Trump called the nearly two-year Russia investigation a big hoax and a witchhunt. He argued that the investigation uncovered no collusion and no obstruction. Trump also accused Democrats of wanting a "do over."