President Donald Trump spoke with reporters on Friday before boarding Marine One, addressing a range of topics including hurricane recovery efforts in North Carolina, the ongoing wildfires in California, and his recent pardon of pro-life advocates.
Trump announced that his first stop would be North Carolina, where he criticized the delayed recovery efforts from a hurricane that struck nearly four months ago.
“It’s been a horrible thing the way that’s been allowed to fester and we’re going to get it fixed up,” the president stated. “It should have been done months ago. North Carolina’s been treated very badly, so we’re stopping there.”
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The president also commented on the wildfires in Los Angeles, blaming water management policies for the ongoing crisis.
“We’re going to take a look at a fire that could have been put out if they let the water flow, but they didn’t let the water flow, and they still haven’t, for whatever reason,” Trump said. “So I think we’re going to have a very interesting time.”
When asked why Rep. Adam Schiff, whom Trump has previously criticized, was invited on the trip, the president responded with uncertainty.
“I don’t know. Is he going? I really don’t know,” Trump said. “If he’s going to be there, it would be cheaper, but I didn’t invite him. Somebody did.”
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Regarding his Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth, Trump expressed confidence in Hegseth’s qualifications but acknowledged the uncertainties of the confirmation process.
“Look, whatever it is, it is. He’s a good man. I don’t know what’s going to happen,” Trump said. “I was very surprised that Collins and Murkowski would do that. And of course, Mitch is always a no vote, I guess. Let’s see what happens.”
Trump also addressed the annual March for Life event in Washington, D.C., stating his support and confirming that Vice President JD Vance would be representing the administration at the event.
“We look forward to seeing it. I’m going to be watching it, and JD Vance, our vice president, is there representing us very well,” Trump said. “Other than being a little bit cold, it’s a beautiful day.”
He also referenced his recent presidential pardon of 23 pro-life advocates convicted under the FACE Act, calling their prosecution a “disgraceful persecution.”
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When asked about potential tariff relief for Italy, Trump gave a lighthearted response.
“Well, I like her very much. Let’s see what happens. Have a good time,” he quipped before heading toward Marine One.
President Trump then boarded Marine One, heading to North Carolina and California to assess disaster recovery efforts firsthand.
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