American Detainees Freed from North Korea President Donald J. Trump announced that "three Americans held in North Korean labor camps were free and on their way home Wednesday," Alastair Jamieson reports for NBC News. "Pompeo was in Pyongyang to finalize a date and place for historic face-to-face talks between Trump and the North Korean leader." "[Secretary of State Mike] Pompeo and his 'guests' will be landing at Andrews Air Force Base at 2:00 A.M. in the morning. I will be there to greet them. Very exciting!" President Trump tweeted. Click here to read more. ------------ The Washington Free Beacon reports that Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) asked Gina Haspel, President Trump's nominee to lead the CIA, during her Senate hearing that "if someone like you, with your history, with your record of service and sacrifice and excellence . . . cannot be confirmed to head this agency, then who can?" Sen. Rubio added that Haspel embodies everything he respects and admires about the CIA's public servants. ------------ "Finally: A US president is pushing back on Iran's dangerous and growing power," writes the New York Post's Editorial Board. The editors explain that "President Trump's decision Tuesday to withdraw from Team Obama's badly flawed Iran deal and reimpose sanctions sends a clear message to the mullahs: The jig's up." ------------ The Cipher Brief reports that 72 former CIA officers have endorsed Gina Haspel to be the next Director of the Agency. "In her, we saw the image of what we want a peer and leader to be," the officers said in a joint statement. ------------ "In his speech, one of the best made about and to Iran by an American president, Trump put the world on notice that the U.S. would no longer be hamstrung by a bad deal," the Washington Examiner Editorial Board writes. "America will not be held hostage to nuclear blackmail," President Trump declared. ------------ Lester Munson, senior fellow at the National Security Institute, writes in RealClearDefense that Gina Haspel understands the CIA "as well as anyone and is ready to execute the job of Director – her career and experience speak volumes. It would be a shame for the opposition party in the Senate to follow the same unfortunate strategy they did with Mike Pompeo and politicize a qualified nominee during the confirmation process."

President Trump ends U.S. participation in the flawed Iran deal

The White House • May 9, 2018 The Day Ahead •   President Donald J. Trump will host a meeting of his Cabinet to discuss the threats emerging from America's broken immigration system. Learn more. • The President will sign an Executive Order this afternoon on Military mothers and spouses. Watch live at 3:10 p.m. ET. President Trump ends U.S. participation in the flawed Iran deal "The Iran deal is defective at its core," President Trump said yesterday in a speech from the White House Diplomatic Reception Room. "If we do nothing, we know exactly what will happen. In just a short period of time, the world's leading state sponsor of terror will be on the cusp of acquiring the world's most dangerous weapons." The President announced that America will withdraw from the deal. The agreement has failed to protect America's national security interests, enriched the Iranian regime, and allowed Iran to preserve nuclear research and development. New evidence released by Israel also confirms that Iran's leaders made the deal in bad faith, lying about past efforts to develop nuclear weapons. The U.S. will immediately begin reimposing sanctions. These penalties will target crucial sectors of Iran's economy and pressure the regime to alter its course of malign activities across the Middle East. They will also ensure that global funds stop flowing toward terrorism. Learn more about President Trump's decision to withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal. Watch: Key points from yesterday's speech Gina Haspel has defended our national security Today, the Senate begins its process to confirm Gina Haspel as Director of the Central Intelligence Agency with a hearing before the Senate Intelligence Committee. While Haspel is expected to earn confirmation, some Senators are putting political interests above national security by opposing her nomination. Haspel is an award-winning career intelligence officer who has drawn praise from both Republican and Democratic former national security leaders. By threatening to vote against her, some Senators are attempting to block the first woman ever nominated to be Director of the CIA, a 33-year veteran of the Agency, and the first career CIA officer to be nominated as Director in 52 years. Despite repeatedly facing false or misleading allegations against her, the facts show that Gina Haspel has served her Nation honorably. Current and former intelligence officials attest that she is "unfailingly honest," "professional," and has "high moral character." See the facts about Gina Haspel—and why attacks on CIA public servants won't work. Photo of the Day Official White House Photo by Shealah Craighead President Donald J. Trump delivers remarks on the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action | May 8, 2018

President Donald Trump Ends the Obama Mirage The Iran nuclear deal, 2015-2018 In The Washington Free Beacon, Matthew Continetti explains why President Donald J. Trump made the right decision to withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal. "From the beginning, [the President] understood that any deal which gives the weaker party benefits up front in exchange for minimal temporary concessions is not a deal worth taking." Click here to read more. ------------ "President Trump's decision not to renew Iran sanctions waivers effectively withdraws the United States from the disastrous nuclear agreement with Tehran, and sets the stage to negotiate a better deal," national defense expert James S. Robbins writes in USA Today. Robbins ticks off the deal's numerous flaws: "a weak inspection and verification regime, an automatic sunset provision and failure to restrict Iran's growing ballistic missile program," among others. ------------ "America needs a strong, knowledgeable leader at the CIA. President Trump has nominated one," National Security Institute Visiting Fellow Matthew Heiman writes in The Hill. "Senators should support Gina Haspel because of her proven leadership and experience. Now is not the time to play political theater with an important national security agency." ------------ In The Wall Street Journal, Russ Vought, Deputy Director of the White House Office of Management and Budget, writes that "through his two budget requests to Congress, President Trump has proposed trillions of dollars in common-sense spending cuts. He has sought to eliminate outdated and ineffective programs across the federal government, ending the debt spiral." ------------ "Members of the media are pushing the narrative that tax cuts are unpopular with voters. The truth is that they aren't unpopular. American families like—and need—tax cuts," Rep. David Brat (R-VA) writes in Townhall.

First Lady Melania Trump launches ‘Be Best’

The White House • May 8, 2018 The Day Ahead President Donald J. Trump will deliver a major address on the Iran nuclear deal this afternoon. Watch live at 2 p.m. ET. First Lady Melania Trump launches 'Be Best' "It remains our generation's moral imperative to take responsibility and help our children manage the many issues they are facing today," First Lady Melania Trump says. In an age of unprecedented access to everything from technology to prescription drugs, these challenges are more widespread—and addictive—than ever before. Yesterday, the First Lady announced "BE BEST," an awareness campaign dedicated to protecting our children. "It concerns me that in today's fast-paced and ever-connected world, children can be less prepared to express or manage their emotions," the First Lady said. "Children deserve every opportunity to enjoy their innocence." BE BEST will include three main pillars: well-being, social media, and opioid abuse. By promoting values such as healthy living, encouragement, kindness, and respect, adults can help children form positive habits early on and avoid turning to destructive behaviors as an outlet. Learn more about the First Lady's initiative, BE BEST. Watch: The First Lady's announcement from the Rose Garden. Vice President Pence to Venezuelan regime: 'Suspend this sham election' Vice President Mike Pence addressed a meeting of the Organization of American States yesterday, calling on the regime of Nicolas Maduro to give the people of Venezuela a true voice in their government. "There will be no real election in Venezuela on May 20th, and the world knows it," the Vice President said, adding that Maduro will resort to the "authoritarian playbook." "Suspend this sham election. Hold real elections. Give the people of Venezuela real choices," the Vice President continued. President Trump first imposed sanctions on the Maduro dictatorship last year, targeting the regime itself and not just individuals for the first time. Financial sanctions stopped the government from bankrolling its debt using U.S. banks. Yesterday, Vice President Pence announced that the U.S. has now also frozen the assets of three narcotics "kingpins" with direct ties to Maduro. Watch Vice President Pence's speech condemning Venezuela's sham election and learn more about the aggressive sanctions President Trump imposed last year. Photo of the Day Official White House Photo by Andrea Hanks President Donald J. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump at the announcement of the First Lady's Be Best initiative | May 7, 2018

First Lady Melania Trump Unveils 'Be Best' Initiative to Help Kids "First Lady Melania Trump on Monday unveiled her new platform of initiatives to help kids, saying her 'Be Best' campaign will focus on addressing the well-being of children, social media use and opioid abuse," Alex Pappas writes for Fox News. "We can and should be best at educating our children about the importance of a healthy and balanced life," the First Lady said during a speech from the Rose Garden, where President Donald J. Trump was in attendance. Click here to read more. ------------ The New York Post Editorial Board writes that "Democrats' obsession with opposing President Trump on all fronts, no matter the merits, opens a new phase this week as CIA Director-designate Gina Haspel goes before the Senate Intelligence Committee." The editors say that "Gina Haspel, quite simply, is one of Trump's most capable and distinguished appointments. She deserves quick confirmation — without partisan theatrics." ------------ In The Hill, Mark S. Sparkman—a 30-year veteran of the CIA—writes that "when the U.S. Senate confirms Ms. Haspel, it will be a proud day for the agency and our nation. In her, we will be getting an exemplary leader who always places mission and country first." Sparkman adds that he's "confident Gina Haspel will be an excellent leader for the agency and a great addition to the upper ranks of our intelligence community." ------------ In the Washington Examiner, House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) explains that "President Trump and the Republican majorities in Congress are taking steps to cut wasteful spending and restore our fiscal footing." Leader McCarthy says that while facing extraordinary gridlock from Democrats, "Congressional Republicans and the Trump administration have turned to unconventional and creative measures to get things done and address the challenges facing our country." ------------ "New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick and former New York Yankees closer Mariano Rivera are among the people nominated by President Donald Trump for the President's Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition," ESPN reports. "The President's Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition encourages Americans to live a healthy lifestyle that balances physical activity and good nutrition."

One family’s letter to President Trump

The White House • May 7, 2018 The Day Ahead •   Vice President Mike Pence will address the situation in Venezuela at a meeting of the Organization of American States in Washington. Watch live at 1:25 p.m. ET. • First Lady Melania Trump will hold a launch event to announce her core initiative as First Lady. Watch live at 3:00 p.m. ET. One family's letter to President Trump President Donald J. Trump was in Cleveland, Ohio, on Saturday, talking with local residents about the impact of his December tax cuts legislation on jobs and wages. As of March, Cleveland alone has gained 3,300 new manufacturing jobs since the Trump Administration took office. Working families across Ohio—and the Nation—have shared their stories with President Trump in recent months about the effect of tax cuts on their lives. Saturday was no different. Sharlene Thornton, a resident of the Ohio Valley, spoke about the difference several hundred dollars per paycheck can make for families working hard to get by. "The reason I'm here is because I wrote a letter to you," she told the President. "And I didn't really think it was going to be read, but it was. They're listening," Mrs. Thornton said to the crowd in Cleveland. Read Sharlene Thornton's letter to President Trump. Watch: The President talks with Ohioans about tax relief and the Trump economy. Unemployment below 4 percent More good news about the economy broke on Friday ahead of President Trump's Ohio trip. The Bureau of Labor Statistics announced in its April jobs report that the U.S. added 164,000 new jobs last month across sectors, including manufacturing (24,000 new jobs), construction (17,000), and mining and logging (8,000). The unemployment rate broke below 4 percent for the first time since 2000 with all those new jobs. It also fell far below the pre-recession average of 5.3 percent. Many groups that have struggled historically are seeing their prospects improve. The African-American unemployment rate hit its lowest average ever recorded, and the unemployment rate for adult women, 3.5 percent, is at its lowest level in more than 17 years. See what you need to know about the April jobs report. Photo of the Day Official White House Photo by Andrea Hanks President Donald J. Trump boards Marine One at Joint Base Andrews | May 5, 2018

Resolute Reads

Weekend Briefing |

REAL NEWS PRESIDENT TRUMP DOESN'T WANT YOU TO MISS As Trump Visits State Department, Pompeo Says North Korea Must Denuclearize - Reuters Newly confirmed Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Wednesday that North Korean denuclearization is a nonnegotiable in upcoming talks. "We are committed to the permanent, verifiable, irreversible dismantling of North Korea's weapons of mass destruction program," Secretary Pompeo said. ------------------------- A State Dept with Swagger? Trump Seeks Reset with Pompeo - The Associated Press As crucial decisions loom on Iran and North Korea, President Donald J. Trump visited the State Department this week for the ceremonial swearing-in of Secretary Pompeo. "That's more spirit than I've heard from the State Department in a long time," the President said to loud applause. ------------------------- Targeting China's Tools of Aggression - The Washington Post Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) wrote an op-ed this week praising President Trump for going "further than any previous commander in chief to create an opportunity to rebalance our economic relationship with China." Sen. Rubio adds that Congress should "further strengthen America's position by making China's unwillingness to deal on issues of substance as painful as possible." ------------------------- Reuters Poll: Black Male Approval for Trump Doubles in One Week - The Daily Caller A Reuters poll taken in late April shows that black male support for President Trump doubled in just one week last month. The findings came just days after rapper Kanye West posted a series of tweets in support of the President. ------------------------- Trump Praises "Outstanding" Teacher at National Teacher of the Year Presentation - CBS News On Wednesday, President Trump congratulated National Teacher of The Year Mandy Manning of Spokane, Washington, on her honor. "To Mandy and all of the amazing educators here today, your tireless dedication doesn't just inspire your students. It inspires all of us," the President said. ------------------------- President Trump Wants to Go Further on Drug Prices: HHS Secretary - Reuters Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar said this week that the President "wants to go further in lowering drug prices, an issue he campaigned on during the 2016 presidential race." President Trump has argued that pharmaceutical companies are "getting away with murder," Reuters reports.

An Executive Order on Faith and Opportunity

The White House • May 4, 2018 The Day Ahead • Today is National Space Day 2018. Learn how President Donald J. Trump is making America a leader in space exploration once again. • The President travels to Dallas, Texas, to join the National Rifle Association's Leadership Forum. Watch live at 1:15 p.m. ET. An Executive Order on Faith and Opportunity Yesterday, President Trump signed an Executive Order to ensure that faith-based and community organizations have strong advocates in the White House—and throughout the rest of the Federal Government. The signing coincided with the annual National Day of Prayer at the White House. The order creates a White House Faith and Opportunity Initiative within the Executive Office of the President. Among its tasks will be to reduce burdens on the free exercise of religion in America, as well as apprise the Administration of any failures of the executive branch to comply with religious liberty protections under law. "Across the government, we have taken action to defend the religious conscience of doctors, nurses, teachers, students, and groups like the Little Sisters of the Poor," the President said yesterday. He added that his "Administration has spoken out against religious persecution around the world." Learn more about President Trump's newest Executive Order. Watch: Highlights of the President leading the National Day of Prayer 2018. Introducing Gina Haspel to the American people Work in the CIA is often quiet and behind the scenes. These public servants are instrumental to safeguarding America's freedoms, yet they go about their jobs expecting little in the way of recognition or public praise for their sacrifices. Acting CIA Director Gina Haspel is exactly this kind of patriot. She has displayed dedication throughout her more than three decades of service, and she's held a number of senior-level posts in the Agency. Most important, she has the type of extensive counterterrorism experience that America needs in its next CIA Director. President Trump has nominated Haspel to become CIA Director on a permanent basis. The President clearly made the right choice, as reflected by support for Haspel from public officials across the spectrum—including a number of Obama Administration appointees. See why Gina Haspel is the right woman to lead the CIA. Go deeper: "One of the most accomplished officers of her generation" Photo of the Day Official White House Photo by Andrea Hanks President Donald J. Trump at the National Day of Prayer | May 3, 2018

President Trump Signs Order to Protect Religious Freedom, Establishes New White House Faith Initiative "During the annual National Day of Prayer commemoration at the White House on Thursday, President Trump signed the latest executive order of his presidency, to establish a faith-based office, the White House Faith and Opportunity Initiative," Emily Tillett reports for CBS News. "Prayer has always been at the center of the American life. America is a nation of believers, and together we are strengthened by the power of prayer," President Trump said at the Rose Garden ceremony. Click here to read more. ------------ In the Washington Examiner, Paul Bedard writes that "top White House advisor Jared Kushner this week helped to tighten evangelical community ties to President Trump, this time over sentencing and prison reform." Bedard reports that evangelicals have said that the "White House has kept the door open to them." ------------ "Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is on a mission to help the State Department 'get its swagger back,'" Jackie Gingrich Cushman writes in Townhall. She explains that Secretary Pompeo's leadership style "is direct and engaging and appears committed to bringing real change to the State Department." ------------ "As head of the SBA, I am honored to work with President Trump as an ally and advocate – ensuring small businesses can compete and thrive in a local, national and global marketplace," writes Linda McMahon of the Small Business Administration in Fox News. Administrator McMahon adds that "through cutting taxes, rolling back overly burdensome regulations, supporting workforce development and enhancing opportunities in rural America, this administration is showing that a thriving economy creates an even stronger America." ------------ "It's time for a new era of consumerism in health care, with patients at the center of the delivery system," writes Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Seema Verma in RealClearHealth. "Patients should be empowered to make the best decisions about their care, and providers should have to compete for patients by offering them higher quality at lower costs." ------------ The Washington Examiner reports that jobless claims are running at their lowest level in 45 years, according to the Department of Labor. Joseph Lawler writes that "low new claims mean that few people are getting laid off, and consequently that net job creation is high." ------------ In The Daily Signal, Fred Lucas writes that Democrats continue to delay a large number of President Trump's nominees for Federal office. To show the extent of Democrats' obstruction, Lucas explains that "15 months into his presidency, a speedy confirmation vote has been rare, and 40 percent of Trump's nominees still await Senate action."

This week is a testament to the American spirit

The White House • May 3, 2018 The Day Ahead This morning at 11 a.m. ET, President Donald J. Trump will participate in the National Day of Prayer with a ceremony in the Rose Garden. Learn more about President Trump's stand for faith and freedom. This week is a testament to the American spirit President Trump has proclaimed this week as Small Business Week. "Small business owners embody the American pioneering spirit and remind us that determination can turn aspiration into achievement," the President says. There are nearly 30 million small businesses in the United States employing more than 57 million people. This Administration has made those businesses a priority. The benefits from President Trump's tax cuts are well-established. Equally important is his focus on deregulation: Businesses with 50 or fewer employees face regulatory costs nearly 20 percent higher than the average for all firms. Last fiscal year, Federal agencies issued 67 deregulatory actions to only 3 regulatory actions—a 22:1 ratio. As a result, small businesses are booming. The economy is growing and wages are rising. Unemployment is at a 17-year low, and according to Wells Fargo, small business optimism is at an 11-year high. Learn more about how President Trump is prioritizing small businesses. More good news: Unemployment claims reach an unprecedented low. Pompeo: I will make sure America is always respected Yesterday, Mike Pompeo took the oath of office as America's 70th Secretary of State. President Trump used the occasion to introduce Secretary Pompeo to America's diplomatic corps. "Mike is a true American patriot. He has devoted many years of his life to defending America," the President said. Secretary Pompeo laid out his vision for America in the world. "We will employ tough diplomacy when necessary to put the interests of the American people first," he said. "I will work to ensure their safety, to preserve their rights, and defend their values. And I will make sure America is always a respected and principled leader on the world stage." "They have such respect for him" at the CIA, where Pompeo previously served as Director, President Trump said. "They may be the only people that are not very happy right now," the President joked. "But they'll be happy. They'll be happy with our Gina, who's here today." Acting CIA Director Gina Haspel is President Trump's nominee to replace Pompeo at the CIA on a full-time basis. Watch President Trump and Secretary Pompeo address the State Department and read their full remarks. Photo of the Day Official White House Photo by Shealah Craighead President Donald J. Trump delivers remarks at the swearing-in ceremony for Secretary of State Mike Pompeo | May 2, 2018

President Trump Hails Pompeo as "True American Patriot" at Swearing-in Ceremony "President Trump said he has 'no doubt' Mike Pompeo will be making America 'proud' as the nation's chief diplomat during a swearing-in ceremony as secretary of state on Wednesday," Emily Tillett reports for CBS News. Secretary of State Pompeo vowed that under his leadership, America would "deploy tough diplomacy when necessary" and "make sure America is always a respected and principled leader on the world stage." Click here to read more. ------------ Jeremy Bash, former Chief of Staff at the CIA under President Obama, writes in NBC News that "Gina Haspel is the rare CIA director nominee that both parties should love." Bash explains his thinking: "Quite simply, she is among the most qualified people ever nominated to lead the CIA." ------------ In The Wall Street Journal, Byron Tau and Nancy A. Youssef write that during Gina Haspel's career at the CIA, she had an unexpected encounter with Mother Teresa. "In the late 1980s, during her first overseas assignment, Ms. Haspel was working weekend duty when the legendary nun and missionary sought to speak to President Ronald Reagan," they report. ------------ "When President Trump signed The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act into law in December, it was the biggest tax overhaul in more than three decades, and it dramatically changed the landscape for many small businesses," National Federation of Independent Business CEO Juanita D. Duggan writes in The Hill. The President has proclaimed April 29 through May 5 as Small Business Week. ------------ In the New York Post, Betsy McCaughey argues that Democrats' war on ICE is a threat to public safety. "A staggering 80 percent of those apprehended in recent ICE raids in New York were either convicted criminals or charged with crimes," she writes. "But [Democratic Gov. Andrew] Cuomo's siding with criminals over their victims." ------------ In CNN, Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke and Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-TN) write that "every American should be able to enjoy our treasured parks, but heavy traffic and aging infrastructure are taking a toll on America's system of 417 National Park Service sites." Secretary Zinke and Sen. Alexander explain that their bipartisan proposal "would create the National Park Restoration Fund to provide mandatory funding for the maintenance backlog at our national parks."

The next chapter for the CIA

The White House • May 2, 2018 Driving the Day President Donald J. Trump and Vice President Mike Pence are traveling to the State Department for the formal swearing-in ceremony of Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. Gina Haspel is President Trump's choice to succeed Pompeo as CIA Director. Watch live at 11 a.m. ET. The next chapter for the CIA President Trump travels to the State Department this morning. After the Senate voted to confirm then-CIA Director Mike Pompeo as Secretary of State last Thursday, Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito swore Pompeo in, allowing him to begin work right away. Today, the President will preside over a formal ceremony to introduce Secretary Pompeo to America's diplomatic corps. As CIA Director, Mike Pompeo had a distinguished record. In just 15 months, he provided invaluable leadership on intelligence efforts regarding Syrian chemical weapons, North Korean sanctions, and ISIS territorial holdings. To build on these successes, President Trump is calling on the Senate to confirm Gina Haspel, current acting Director, to take over the Agency on a permanent basis. "Gina Haspel is a patriot," said Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX). "She will be first woman director of the CIA and the first operations officer as opposed to a political appointee or an analyst in the last 40 years." Read more of the bipartisan praise for Gina Haspel as CIA Director. Video of the day: The Commander-in-Chief's Trophy President Trump welcomed the Army Black Knights to the White House yesterday. The U.S. Military Academy's college football team defeated both the Navy Midshipmen and the Air Force Falcons this season to claim the Commander-in-Chief's Trophy for the first time in 21 years. "Thank you for your service—and go Army!" the President told the players. Watch highlights from the trophy presentation. Our immigration system invites inhumane results This week, the "caravan" from Central America began arriving at the U.S. border. Vice President Pence traveled to El Centro Station in California Monday to address the situation with American Border Patrol officials. "We're grateful to each and every one of you," the Vice President said. This situation is a direct result of our weak immigration laws, President Trump said. "The truth is our immigration laws today are ineffective, and they invite inhumane results," Vice President Pence explained in California. "We call on the Congress to close deadly immigration loopholes that are exploited by terrorists, traffickers, and criminals." Read Vice President Pence's full remarks on the caravan and see photos of his visit to the border. Photo of the Day Official White House Photo by Shealah Craighead President Donald J. Trump and the crew members and passengers of Southwest Airlines Flight 1380 | May 1, 2018

Tax Policy, Deregulation is Energizing the Economy "Last December, President Trump signed the largest overhaul of the federal tax code since Ronald Reagan was in the White House. That legislation offered small businesses a 20 percent tax deduction for the first time in history," Rep. Kristi Noem (R-SD) writes in the Argus Leader. And "since President Trump took office, more than 1,600 unnecessary regulations have been eliminated, helping to accelerate the pace at which businesses can start and grow." Click here to read more. ------------ "President Trump on Tuesday praised the pilot and crew of a Southwest Airlines plane that was forced to make an emergency landing last month after one of its engines failed," Melissa Quinn reports for the Washington Examiner. "The actions of the crew and passengers of Southwest flight 1380 show the great character of our nation," President Trump said. ------------ The Washington Free Beacon reports that "former CIA director Michael Hayden on Tuesday said President Donald Trump's CIA director nominee Gina Haspel is the 'absolute best choice.'" Cameron Cawthorne writes that "Haspel has worked for the CIA since 1985, and if confirmed, she will be the first female CIA director." ------------ In The Hill, Sen. Jim Risch (R-ID) writes that this year's National Small Business Week is different from years past because "small business optimism is at record high thanks to tax reform and other policy changes." Sen. Risch adds that "today's small business owners and American workers are getting the relief they deserve from uncertainty and over-regulation." ------------ CNBC reports that "small business employees saw their wages grow last month at the strongest rate in more than two years, according to a report from human resources firm Paychex." Berkeley Lovelace Jr. writes that "hourly earnings in April increased at an annual rate of 3.25 percent, the best showing since 2016." ------------ Paul Bedard reports for the Washington Examiner that "the backlog of court cases addressing the status of illegal immigrants has reached over one million, prompting Justice and immigration courts to step up efforts to hire more judges, digitize old paper systems and speed up court proceedings." Bedard explains that the backlog in illegal immigration court cases has caused delayed deportation numbers to rise to more than 684,000.

The quiet patriotism of our next CIA Director

The White House • May 1, 2018 Driving the Day •   President Donald J. Trump presents the Commander-in-Chief's Trophy to the Army college football team, which defeated Air Force and Navy this season. Watch live at 12 p.m. ET. • The President will meet the crew of Southwest Flight 1380, thanking them for their heroic actions following an equipment malfunction that claimed one life two weeks ago. • Israel released information yesterday about Iranian efforts to develop missile-deliverable nuclear weapons. Read the statement from Press Secretary Sarah Sanders. The quiet patriotism of our next CIA Director Last week, CIA Deputy Director Gina Haspel assumed the role of Acting Director upon Mike Pompeo's swearing-in as America's 70th Secretary of State. Haspel is President Trump's choice to succeed Secretary Pompeo at the CIA's helm on a permanent basis. Service in the CIA is largely quiet, behind-the-scenes work to keep America safe. The names of these men and women are often unknown to the wider public, but their contributions to national security are indispensable. Haspel's rise within the Agency is a testament to the crucial work of these public servants. Like Secretary Pompeo, Haspel's credentials are far-reaching. She joined the CIA in the waning days of the Cold War and years later, with the fight against al Qaeda heating up, she requested a transfer to the CIA's Counter Terrorism Center. Her first day on the job was September 11, 2001. That sense of patriotism is exactly what Americans deserve in a CIA Director. Stunning new data on unaccompanied alien children The costs from America's porous immigration system continue to rise. At the end of April, news broke that between October 2016 and December 2017, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) was unable to locate nearly 1,500 of the 7,635 unaccompanied alien minors it attempted to reach—almost one-fifth of its file. "I don't care what you think about immigration policy, it's wrong," Sen. Rob Portman (R-OH) said. He's right: A very small percentage of the unaccompanied alien children (UAC) who illegally enter the United States each year are ultimately removed, creating a major public safety challenge. Loopholes in our immigration laws put both UACs and American citizens at risk. Most UACs are older teens (16-17 years old) from Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador. Some are MS-13 gang members who use our immigration system to infiltrate the United States, but UACs who are not gang members are still at risk of harm from MS-13. This broken system is dangerous for everyone. Learn more about how President Trump is calling on Congress to fix this problem. Photo of the Day Official White House Photo by Andrea Hanks President Donald J. Trump and President Buhari of the Federal Republic of Nigeria | April 30, 2018

President Trump's Tax Plan is Working for America "As Americans filed their taxes this spring, they wrestled for the last time with a system that for decades plundered their paychecks and made American businesses uncompetitive," Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross writes in an op-ed for CNBC. "The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act signed into law by President Trump in December is already benefiting American families, workers, and companies," Secretary Ross adds. "The United States will continue to reap the economic benefits generated by tax reform for years to come." Click here to read more. ------------ In the Washington Examiner, Gabby Morrongiello reports that President Trump "called on Congress to boost funding for his border wall between the U.S. and Mexico, in addition to ending loopholes that incentivize illegal immigration." Addressing reporters from the White House Rose Garden, President Trump said that "there's no country in the world that has laws like we do. They've got to change now for the safety of our country." ------------ "Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who met with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un a month ago, said he saw a 'real opportunity' to negotiate an end to the regime's nuclear weapons program," David Beavers writes in Politico. "We're going to look for actions and deeds," Secretary Pompeo explained. "And until such time, the president has made it incredibly clear we will keep the pressure campaign in place until we achieve that." ------------ Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin says the United States is well on its way toward a goal of sustained economic growth, Ken Martin reports for Fox Business. "I think the economy is doing fabulous," Secretary Mnuchin says, citing enduring 3 percent GDP growth under the Trump Administration. ------------ Between October 2016 and December 2017, the Department of Health and Human Services was unable to locate nearly 1,500 out of the 7,635 unaccompanied alien minors it attempted to reach—almost one-fifth of its file, Leila Miller reports for PBS Frontline. "I don't care what you think about immigration policy, it's wrong," Sen. Rob Portman (R-OH) said.

President Trump proclaims Small Business Week

The White House • April 30, 2018 Driving the Day President Donald J. Trump will hold meetings today with Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari at the White House. President Buhari's visit comes after President Trump hosted German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron last week. Watch live at 1:30 p.m. ET. President Trump proclaims Small Business Week Today marks the beginning of Small Business Week. The U.S. Small Business Administration under Administrator Linda McMahon has been committed to expanding opportunity for entrepreneurs and job creators across the country. In addition to other events this week, SBA is hosting a 3-day virtual conference beginning tomorrow. "Small businesses are at the heart of our Nation," President Trump writes in his Proclamation. "Our country's 30 million small businesses employ nearly 58 million Americans — 48 percent of the labor force. Each year, small businesses create two-out-of-three net new, private-sector jobs in the United States." The Administration's economic program reflects that fact. In addition to ongoing regulatory rollback across the Federal government, the United States now operates "under a globally competitive tax system for the first time in decades," according to Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross. Learn more about Small Business Week 2018. Out today: Secretary Ross on tax reform's results for U.S. workers and businesses. What they're saying: Secretary Pompeo on the job Last week, the Senate confirmed former CIA Director Mike Pompeo as Secretary of State in a bipartisan vote. On Friday, the day after his confirmation, he took his first overseas trip as Secretary to Belgium to meet with NATO leaders. Officials from across the political spectrum praise Pompeo's record. "Mike Pompeo is one of the most outstanding nominees we could have for Secretary of State," Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Corker (R-TN) says. "In his role at the CIA, Mr. Pompeo has demonstrated the ability to be an effective manager and operator on the world stage," Sen. Doug Jones (D-AL) adds. President Trump urges the Senate to move quickly on other key nominations. Among the most important is Secretary Pompeo's successor as CIA Director. Gina Haspel, the President's nominee, has spent 33 years of her life serving America in dangerous posts and foreign capitals around the globe. Before becoming CIA Deputy Director last year, she had served seven field tours and held three leadership positions at the CIA. Read more about bipartisan support for Secretary Pompeo and learn more about President Trump's nominee for CIA Director, Gina Haspel. Photo of the Day Official White House Photo by Andrea Hanks President Donald J. Trump and the 2018 USA Olympic and Paralympic Teams | April 27, 2018

Resolute Reads

Weekend Briefing |

REAL NEWS PRESIDENT TRUMP DOESN'T WANT YOU TO MISS Senate Confirms Mike Pompeo as Trump's Next Secretary of State - The Washington Post On Thursday, the Senate confirmed Mike Pompeo as America's 70th Secretary of State. In a statement, President Donald J. Trump called Pompeo—who has served as Director of the CIA since last year—a "patriot" who has "immense talent, energy, and intellect." ------------------------- Trump Tells Border Officials to Block Migrant Caravans from Entering US - Washington Examiner President Trump directed the Department of Homeland Security this week to "block large groups of migrants who have begun to arrive at the U.S.-Mexico border and apply for asylum as refugees from Central America," Anna Giaritelli reports. ------------------------- Trump Hosts Full State Visit for French President Macron - CNBC The first official state visit of the Trump Administration took place earlier this week at the White House. President Trump sat down with French President Emmanuel Macron over the course of several days to discuss trade, security, and a range of other bilateral issues. ------------------------- Melania Trump Masters the Moment - CNN "When President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump arrived on the White House South Lawn Tuesday morning to formally welcome French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte, one thing was clear," Betsy Klein and Kate Bennett write. "The first lady commanded attention." ------------------------- Apple's Tim Cook Meets with Trump in Oval Office - Bloomberg Apple CEO Tim Cook met with President Trump in the Oval Office on Wednesday. "Looking forward to my meeting with Tim Cook of Apple," the President tweeted before the two men sat down. "We will be talking about many things, including how the U.S. has been treated unfairly for many years, by many countries, on trade." ------------------------- Trump Greets Wounded Warrior Project Soldier Riders at White House - CBS News For the second year in a row, President Trump welcomed participants from the Wounded Warrior Project's Soldier Ride to the White House on Thursday. The Soldier Ride brings together wounded veterans and service members for a four-day adaptive cycling program.