Press Conference Key Announcements

Executive Actions on Critical Minerals and Semiconductors

The President signed two executive actions stemming from Section 232 trade investigations.

• The first action establishes a mechanism to secure the United States' international supply chain for critical minerals and critical mineral-derived products.
• The second action implements a two-phase process for imported semiconductors.
  • Under the first phase, semiconductors imported into the U.S. but not used domestically for RAI or computing architecture will be subject to a 25 percent tariff.
  • This includes semiconductors trans-shipped through the U.S. to other foreign countries.

— Speaker 01

Iran Developments

The President announced that "killing in Iran is stopping" and that there are no plans for executions.

• Information received from "good authority" indicates that killings and executions have stopped.
• This news comes as many people were discussing potential executions scheduled for the current day.

— Speaker 07

Leaker Apprehended

The individual responsible for leaking information regarding Venezuela has been identified and is currently in jail.

• The leaker is described as a "very bad leaker."
• It is suggested that other leakers may exist, and authorities are actively pursuing them.
• The apprehended leaker is expected to remain in jail for an extended period.

— Speaker 07

Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act Signed into Law

The President signed the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act into law, which will allow schools to offer whole milk options.

• This legislation aims to provide school-aged children with access to high-quality milk and support American dairy farmers.
• The law reverses a previous Obama administration policy that restricted school milk offerings to low or non-fat options.
• Schools participating in the National School Lunch Program will now be able to expand their offerings to include nutritious whole milk.
• The legislation also allows parents to directly request a substitute for milk for children with dairy intolerance, eliminating the need for a doctor's written statement.
• This bill is considered a bipartisan effort and a follow-up to the new Real Food Pyramid announced by Secretaries Kennedy and Rollins.
• USDA is posting the necessary new rulemaking within a few weeks to implement these changes.

— Speaker 07, — Speaker 22, — Speaker 02, — Speaker 25, — Speaker 26, — Speaker 13, — Speaker 24, — Speaker 08, — Speaker 09, — Speaker 10, — Speaker 15, — Speaker 23, — Speaker 18, — Speaker 21, — Speaker 11, — Speaker 03, — Speaker 19, — Speaker 28

Secure Rural Schools Authorization Reauthorization Act

The President previously signed the Secure Rural Schools Authorization Reauthorization Act in December.

• This legislation provides resources and support for school-aged children to succeed and thrive.
• It guarantees funds for schools, roads, and infrastructure in 700 eligible rural counties across the nation.
• There is a push to make this reauthorization permanent.

— Speaker 07, — Speaker 22, — Speaker 13

Economic Performance and Trade

The administration highlighted positive economic indicators and trade achievements.

• Milk prices are down 44 percent.
• Egg prices are down 31 percent.
• Other food prices such as fresh whole chicken, cheese, tomatoes, butter, potatoes, and fresh fruits have also decreased.
• Dairy exports are up 23 percent in the last year.
• More than 24 different markets have been opened for agricultural exports.
• The trade deficit has been reduced, shifting from a surplus to a 50 billion dollar deficit under the previous administration.
• Investment in rural America has been significant, with the largest investment in history.
• Tariffs have generated hundreds of billions of dollars and contributed to national security.
• The U.S. auto industry is experiencing a resurgence, with plants operating at full capacity and significant investments being made by major manufacturers like Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis.
• Core inflation has changed, and the trade deficit has been lowered to the lowest amount since 2009.

— Speaker 22, — Speaker 07, — Speaker 12

Iran Sanctions and Military Action

Regarding Iran, the President stated that "the killing has stopped" and executions will not take place, based on information from "very important sources."

• The U.S. has been informed on good authority that executions, which were reportedly scheduled for the current day, will not occur.
• The President expressed hope that this information is true but acknowledged the unpredictable nature of the situation.
• The U.S. will continue to monitor the situation.
• Military action against Iran remains a possibility, but the U.S. will observe the unfolding events.

— Speaker 07, — Speaker 16, — Speaker 11

Greenland National Security

The President emphasized the importance of Greenland for U.S. national security.

• The U.S. needs Greenland for national security, and discussions are ongoing regarding its future.
• The President stated that if the U.S. does not secure Greenland, Russia or China will, and Denmark would be unable to prevent it.
• The U.S. has a long history of interest in Greenland, dating back to President Truman and even earlier.
• The head of NATO also recognizes the importance of Greenland for national security.
• The President expressed confidence that a resolution will be reached and emphasized the strong relationship with Denmark.

— Speaker 07, — Speaker 14, — Speaker 20

Planned Parenthood Funding

The President stated he had no information regarding reports of frozen funds being released to Planned Parenthood by Health and Human Services.

— Speaker 07, — Speaker 17

Venezuela Relations

The administration is working closely with Venezuela and has had a "great conversation" with a key figure.

• The U.S. received 50 million barrels of oil from Venezuela.
• The administration is engaging with Venezuela and believes they are getting along "very well."

— Speaker 07, — Speaker 16

New Assistant Attorney General Appointment

A new Assistant Attorney General has been chosen for a role related to a specific product, described as tough, smart, and fair.

• The President anticipates announcing this appointment soon, pending appropriate procedures.

— Speaker 07, — Speaker 05

Tariffs and Trade Cases

The President defended the use of tariffs, stating they have helped stop wars, improve trade numbers, and enhance national security.

• The President expressed disbelief that a case challenging tariffs is proceeding, attributing it to "China-centric" and "anti-American" individuals.
• Tariffs have generated significant revenue and are crucial for national security, as demonstrated by recent actions.

— Speaker 07, — Speaker 12