Former White House China trade negotiator Clete Williams makes a rare appearance to discuss President Trump’s ongoing trade position with China; and the lessons they are learning from Trump’s severity with Mexico.
Fox News talking-hair Leland Vitter, a prime example of the axiom: “a little knowledge is dangerous”, tries his best to promote the preferred Murdoch points; however, Vitter finds himself struggling against the weight of the examples highlighted by Mr. Williams. Quite funny actually:
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Worth noting: President Trump spoke with Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez-Obrador (AMLO) yesterday (See Tweets Below).
Appearing on Fox News Sunday acting Homeland Security Secretary Kevin McAleenan discusses the approach by President Trump to impose import tariffs on Mexico if the administration of President Lopez-Obrador does not fulfill their pledge.
Along with outlining the Mexican agreement, McAleenan notes President Trump is absolutely willing to impose the tariffs on Mexico if there is no substantive and immediate improvement to stem the flow of Central American migrants.
Interesting, albeit not surprising, report from the New York Times after they are debriefed by a group of U.S. tech industry executives about a compliance meeting in China.
The Beijing regime of Chairman Xi Jinping summoned leaders from the top of U.S. tech industry companies and informed them of consequences for complying with U.S. laws that relate to black-listed Chinese industry; ie. Hauwei. It will be interesting to see how this dynamic plays out.
Beijing is counting on the far-left anti-American ideology within Silicon Valley to create a communist economic alliance on U.S. soil that will work against the interests of the American people.
SAN FRANCISCO — The Chinese government this past week summoned major tech companies including Microsoft and Dell from the United States and Samsung of South Korea, to warn that they could face dire consequences if they cooperate with the Trump administration’s ban on sales of key American technology to Chinese companies, according to people familiar with the meetings.
Held on Tuesday and Wednesday, the meetings came soon after Beijing’s announcement that it was assembling a list of “unreliable” companies and individuals.
[…] The meetings this week were led by China’s central economic planning agency, the National Development and Reform Commission, and attended by representatives from its Ministry of Commerce and Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, who addressed their remarks to a broad range of companies that export goods to China, according to the two people familiar with the gatherings.
[…] More broadly, the warnings also seemed to be an attempt to forestall a fast breakup of the sophisticated supply chains that connect China’s economy to the rest of the world. Production of a vast array of electronic components and chemicals, along with the assembly of electronic products, makes the country a cornerstone of the operations of many of the world’s largest multinational companies.
[…] To those from the United States, they warned that the Trump administration’s move to cut off Chinese companies from American technology had disrupted the global supply chain, adding that companies that followed the policy could face permanent consequences. The Chinese authorities also hinted that firms should use lobbying to push back against the government’s moves.
[…] Chinese officials explicitly warned companies that any move to pull production from China that seemed to go beyond standard diversification for security purposes could lead to punishment, according to the two people.
[…] The Chinese officials told companies from outside the United States that as long as they kept up their current relationships and continued to supply Chinese companies normally, they would face no adverse consequences. (read full article)
Remarkably, this approach is exactly what CTH has predicted for over two years. It was/is an easy prediction to see where this was heading because the severity Beijing’s economic dependence is their Achilles heal. Anything that begins to impede the ability of China to continue their world economic conquest, immediately becomes a threat to the communist regime.
Once a threat is identified, they are defined as a zero-sum adversary who must be controlled or destroyed. In this example the technology industry writ large is the threat. If U.S. companies do not comply with the demands of China all of their foreign assets will be confiscated by the government and the organization is labeled as a threat to the state.
…”Chinese officials explicitly warned companies … any move to pull production from China that seemed to go beyond standard diversification for security purposes could lead to punishment”…
Not much for subtlety and nuance, eh?
A year ago Politico presented an interesting article about how Chinese spies are conducting extensive surveillance operations in/around the San Francisco bay area. They were prescient with the warning: “As Silicon Valley continues to take over the world, the local spy war will only get hotter—and the consequences will resonate far beyond Northern California.”
Indeed the depth of the Chinese influence is becoming increasingly clear. In Washington DC Congressman Justin Amash has been pushing heavily for President Trump’s impeachment. In addition to being an elected representative, Mr. Amash operates a manufacturing company in China. [link] These positions are directly related.
Keep an eye-out for those who raise the strongest objections toward the Trump administration confronting China; there’s almost a guarantee the scale of opposition will be in direct alignment to their financial interests in Beijing.
Yes, as with all things Trump, the president is likely to expose much more than just political opposition based on ideology. President Trump’s America-First stance is putting the spotlight on all those politicians who bet against our nation, took the indulgences from a happy Panda, and swore a greater allegiance to their net worth.
The border and migration “agreement” with Mexico is a smart move by President Trump. If you worry that Mexico won’t take any action, well, don’t underestimate the dynamic President Trump just put into play.
Financial investment flows based on expectation, probability and risk management. If you don’t think Mexico will follow-up with their end of the bargain; then you are predicting the tariffs will reappear in 90-days.
Overlooked by most of the financial pundits President Trump has pre-positioned risk management actuaries with the basis for their analysis and internal investment advice. In a similar move last year, President Trump suspended tariffs against China based on an agreement (G20 summit in Argentina). After several months and a 150 page initial agreement of principle, China walked away from their prior promises and terms. The tariffs against China were immediately implemented at the previous rate.
That China example with tariffs is now the baseline for all multinational investment to consider as they review their current exposure in Mexico. If any financial investor (bank or corporation) believes Mexico will not adhere to the border/migration agreement, then by extension they are accepting/predicting the Mexican tariffs will take effect in 90-days.
Put another way… President Trump has just given notice to all global business interests to organize their financial affairs toward Mexico within 90 days.
Given the less than stellar follow-through on prior promises by Mexico; and given Trump’s absolute follow-through on China; those business interests who don’t trust the Mexican government to deliver on the new promise will now use the 90-day window to re-position their exposure or exit completely.
Those interests who cannot withdraw (Ex. BMW recent $1B investment); or those interests who choose to put their trust in Mexico to deliver (likely against the advice of risk mgmt); will now start a process of engagement with Mexico requesting & demanding promises from the Lopez-Obrador administration to ensure they follow through.
Do not underestimate the power of a few dozen multinational banks and corporations calling Lopez-Obrador and his ministers demanding assurances; concrete assurances; of their follow-through. This puts massive pressure on Mexico to comply with the agreement.
Failure of the Mexican government to follow-through, isn’t as simple as breaking a political promise (ie. another broken promise etc.). This time if Mexico doesn’t follow-through, and if Trump does follow-through in 90 days, it’s not a political issue, it’s an economic issue. In 90-days, the tenuous Mexican economy could collapse overnight.
This time it isn’t politics; or a broken political promise; no, this time it’s business. A high-stakes multi-billion business issue with multiple downstream consequences. That’s the difference with business-centric President Trump in the White House; he is not a politician.
It is easy to see the enforcement leverage President Trump just created.
This is what an apex business predator does to his/her economic or financial adversary. All the responsibility for action is on the other party. If Mexico fails, Trump wins. If Mexico succeeds, Trump wins. See how that works?
Now think about President Trump’s economic adversaries: U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Tom Donohue, The Business Roundtable, Koch Brothers, Wall Street multinationals, etc. Who are they going to pressure to protect their investment?
President Trump’s opposition cannot call Trump and attempt pressure because: (A) Trump doesn’t care about their opinion (see China example); and (B) he’s actually given the Wall St crowd what they were originally demanding, a suspension of pending tariffs.
The pressure for action is no longer on POTUS. 100% of the responsibility is on Mexican President AMLO. If the issue isn’t corrected quickly, in 90-days the tariffs start…. And go read Trump’s deal-making history, again referencing the China example…. He won’t start all over again at 5%, he’ll start right at the place he would have been in 90-days, 20%.
Now put yourself in the position of a CEO and/or CFO of a multinational corporation with structural investment in Mexico. [Foreign corporations, not just American business interests.] Those who stay will be vested in ensuring Lopez-Obrador follows through.
Economic security is national security. Once again we see the ‘Trump Doctrine‘ at work. President Trump using economic strength as leverage to achieve national security objectives and solve national security problems.
Additionally, there are reports Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and U.S.T.R Robert Lighthizer were against the Mexico tariffs. Of course they were; they should be. Mnuchin and Lighthizer are protecting their work product, the USMCA trade deal.
President Donald Trump’s Treasury secretary and top trade advisor opposed his surprise plan to impose new tariffs on Mexican imports, according to a source close to the White House who said the idea was pushed by immigration hawk Stephen Miller. (read more)
However, what these knuckle-headed media miss is when you overlay the Trump Doctrine, you can clearly see President Trump is looking at a bigger picture and again applying a larger more comprehensive use of economic position to achieve both objectives: (1) passage of USMCA; and (2) border security.
On the economic/trade side President Trump has created a 90-day window for the USMCA to pass in the Mexican senate and Canadian parliament. On the national security side -remember, the tariffs were being approached as a national security issue, not part of a trade pact- the national security issue remains a concern in place even after the USMCA is ratified by all three countries.
President Trump knows his opposition (writ large) will decry the possibility of applying national security considerations to the border crisis via tariffs. So in this 90-day phase where Mexico has made promises, he will repeatedly point toward any visible lack of progress and proactively bludgeon his opposition.
In this 90-day window Trump will be consistently establishing the groundwork for the possibility of the tariffs; and he will do so with vociferous praise upon AMLO and the Mexican authority. If Mexico fails Trump will have a library of goodwill to reference for his disappointment; which in turn negates the political attacks if the tariffs are needed.
This approach puts even more pressure on AMLO to follow-through. All of this is achieved by optimal design.
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Donald J. Trump
✔@realDonaldTrump
Mexico will try very hard, and if they do that, this will be a very successful agreement for both the United States and Mexico!
I would like to thank the President of Mexico, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, and his foreign minister, Marcelo Ebrard, together with all of the many representatives of both the United States and Mexico, for working so long and hard to get our agreement on immigration completed!
In an effort to avoid the tariffs scheduled to begin next Monday; and not admitting they have no ability to influence the U.S-Mexico border region controlled by drug cartels; the conniving Mexican government is pledging to send troops to their southern border.
However, President Trump isn’t in the mood for more empty promises. In essence, the U.S. position led by Vice-President Mike Pence and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is: do it, and let’s see… in the meantime, tariffs will commence until Mexican priorities are improved.
WASHINGTON – Faced with Trump’s threat to impose escalating tariffs on Mexican goods beginning Monday, Mexican officials have pledged to deploy up to 6,000 National Guard troops to the country’s border region with Guatemala, a show of force they say will make immediate reductions in the number of Central Americans heading north toward the U.S. border.
The Mexican official and the U.S. official said the countries are negotiating a sweeping plan to overhaul asylum rules across the region, a move that would require Central Americans to seek refuge in the first foreign country they set foot upon after fleeing their homeland.
Under such a plan, the United States would swiftly deport Guatemalan asylum seekers who set foot on U.S. soil to Mexico. And the United States would send Honduran and Salvadoran asylum applicants to Guatemala, whose government held talks with acting Homeland Security Secretary Kevin McAleenan last week. Central American migrants who express a fear of death or torture if sent back to their home countries would be interviewed by a U.S. asylum officer to determine if the chances of such harm were more likely than not — a higher screening standard with a greater likelihood of rejection than current procedures.
Mexico has repeatedly said it will not accept the kind of “Safe Third Country” agreement that the U.S. has with Canada, a pact that requires asylum seekers to apply for refuge in whichever country they arrive in first, as each are considered safe havens. But the Mexican official said the government is willing to make asylum changes for the sake of a coordinated regional approach.
Mexican negotiators also have made clear that they will pull their offers from the table if Trump imposes the tariffs, telling the U.S. that the economic damage would undermine Mexico’s ability to afford tougher enforcement. (read more)
Speaking to reporters after a Pennsylvania speech, Vice-President Mike Pence said while the U.S. appreciates the position of the Mexican government, unless the administration sees measurable results, the tariffs will go into effect as scheduled.
Following the D-Day anniversary memorial, President Trump and First Lady Melania traveled to Caen, France for a bilateral meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron. Prior to the meeting the leaders held a press availability [Video and Transcript].
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[Transcript] PRESIDENT MACRON: I will say a few words in English, and I will repeat them exactly what I say. And I wanted first to thank you, President Donald Trump, for your presence here in this place. And thanks to your country, your nation, and your veterans.
This morning, we paid this tribute to their courage. And I think it was a great moment to celebrate, and celebrate these people.
PRESIDENT TRUMP: It was.
PRESIDENT MACRON: And I think your presence here to celebrate them, and their presence, is, for me, the best evidence of this unbreakable links between our two nations.
From the very beginning of the American nation and all over the different centenaries, I think this message they conveyed to us, and our main tribute, is precisely to protect freedom and democracy everywhere. And this is why I’m always extremely happy to discuss with you in Washington, in Paris, or everywhere, in Caen today, because we work very closely together. Our soldiers work very closely together in Sahel, in Iraq, in Syria. Each time freedom and democracy is at stake, we work closely together and we will follow up.
So, thanks for this friendship. Thanks for what your country did for my country. And thanks for what we will do together for both of us and the rest of the world.
PRESIDENT TRUMP: Thank you very much. Well, thank you very much. And I will say we’ve had great success working together, too — whether it’s the caliphate, or whether it was a couple of other things we did militarily. And you know what I’m talking about. And your military is excellent. My people report back; they say it’s absolutely excellent. But they work very well together.
This was a very special day, and I want to thank you for inviting me. This was something that was — we read about it all our lives: Normandy. And there was — there are those that say it was the most important ever, not just at that time, but ever. And to be a part of it and to have number 75 — 75 years — was very, very special.
So we very much appreciate it. We met some great people today, some tremendous people. Some very brave people. And I look forward to coming back. We’ll be coming back. Hopefully, over the years, we’ll be coming back. But it’s a very special place. It’s an amazing place. And it’s somewhere — when you think of those places of great importance, this is certainly one of the top. In the eyes of some, it’s the top because of what it meant in terms of the turnaround of a very, very bad situation. That was the big turn.
So I really enjoyed it. Seeing it firsthand was something. And we’re going to be now discussing, first of all, this beautiful place where we ended up. I hope everybody can appreciate. I’d love you to maybe tell some of the folks in the media just quick, like you did me, how it started with Napoleon. It’s a very interesting place that we’re in.
And, as you know, France has many interesting places. But we’ll be discussing, to me, just as interesting as trade and military, and all sorts of things. So we’re going to spend a little time together.
And then I’ll be going back probably tomorrow morning or tomorrow afternoon. We’ve pretty much finished up. We’ve had a very hectic schedule. Most of you had been with us from the beginning, but it’s been a beautiful schedule.
Got to know the Queen. The Queen is a great woman, as you know. And we had a very, very good talk with the United Kingdom and a lot of good talks on trade. And you know what’s going on over there. It’s a complex subject because of Brexit. Nobody knows where it ends up, but I know it’s going to end up very well.
And then we came here, and a lot of people are anxious to see what we’re going to be doing together. Because, as you know, we know what a lot of other people don’t know. We’re doing a lot together. And the relationship between you and I, and also France and the United States, has been outstanding. I don’t think it’s ever been maybe as good. It’s been good sometimes, and sometimes it hasn’t been. But, right now, it’s outstanding.
So the relationship that we’ve had together has been really terrific, and I appreciate it very much. Thank you, Mr. President.
Q Mr. President, what were the two of you talking about in the cemetery? You looked animated at one point. Then you turned away from us. We were trying to read your lips.
PRESIDENT TRUMP: I just — you know, we were talking about the depth and the number of people killed. You know, we had a — they call them the “guides.” And they were guiding us. They were telling us what happened and when. And they talked about the first wave came in, and 92 percent of the people in the first wave were killed. And then the second wave came in, and it was 80 percent were killed. And then third wave and fourth wave. And then, I guess, they said the sixth wave they broke through. It’s like a dam. They broke through.
And it was so incredible and so fascinating. And then you talk about bravery, but when you think 92 percent of the people were killed in the first wave.
So it kept going down, down, down, and then they break through. And it’s a lot of courage and a lot of heartbreak, but an incredible victory. Just one of the most important victories, wouldn’t you say? So you might want to respond.
PRESIDENT MACRON: No, I — you’re perfectly right. We had a lot of discussions indeed, and all these events were described. And I think what is a very important thing, especially for our young generation, having shared this world with these actual heroes — these veterans — is that a lot of things probably we take for granted were precisely (inaudible), or protected by these guys. And lot of these veterans — and, I mean, I think you told it during the speech — came back for the very first time after the war. And they came here. They took a lot of risks. They put their life at risk for our country and for liberty.
And I think, for our young generation in the U.S. and in France, it’s extremely important to see these veterans are — as actual heroes — are those precisely thanks to all these maneuvers and these actions allowed our country to be free.
Q In 2004, George W. Bush said here in Normandy, “We would do it again for our friends.” Would you say that, too?
PRESIDENT TRUMP: Yeah, sure. I would.
Q (Speaks French.) (No translation provided.)
PRESIDENT TRUMP: I would certainly recommend that, definitely. Look, this was a great, unifying situation. There’s probably been — seldom in history has there been anything like it. But especially when you heard about the waves of people coming in — knowing they were going to be killed, most of them — it’s just an incredible thing.
And then the result was — as many people died, the result was so important because it — we have what we have today because of things like that. And it’s very sad, but I would absolutely be right there. I would be right there.
We have a very good partnership. We really have a — “partnership,” I guess, maybe is the best word. They talk about “allies” and they talk about many different words you could use. But we have a great partnership — France and the U.S.
Q Mr. President, when will you decide whether to impose additional tariffs on China?
PRESIDENT TRUMP: Additional tariffs on China?
Q (Inaudible) that you were looking at $300 billion.
PRESIDENT TRUMP: Well, you mean when am I going to put the extra 325 billion dollars’ worth of tariffs? I will make that decision, I would say, over the next two weeks — probably right after the G20. One way or the other, I’ll make that decision after the G20. I’ll be meeting with President Xi, and we’ll see what happens. But probably planning it sometime after G20. Okay? Thank you.
PRESIDENT MACRON: (Speaks French.) (No translation provided.)
Q Do you support Brexit? Is it a good way — do you support Brexit? Is it a good way to ensure Europe is at peace and strong?
PRESIDENT TRUMP: Well, that’s really going to be between the UK and the European Union. And they’re working very hard. I know they’re working very hard together. It doesn’t seem to be working out, but, at some point, something will happen. One way or the other, it’ll all work out.
But I’m interested to find out how it happens also. Very big will be who’s going to be the new prime minister over in the UK. That’s going to be a very big thing. That’s happening now. So I think, before you can think in terms of Brexit for the next few weeks, you’re going to have to find out what happens — who’s going to be the new leader. And that’s a very interesting situation taking place.
I found it to be a very — sort of an amazing period of time, especially having spent so much time with the Queen, who I think is an incredible lady. But I spent so much time, and, you know, there’s a lot of question marks as to who’s going to be leading. And so it was very interesting talking to her, being with her for so many hours, actually. For so many — I feel I know her so well. And she certainly knows me very well right now. But we have a very good relationship also with the United Kingdom. But it’ll all work out.
Q Mr. President, you two leaders have had differences over Iran in the past. Do those differences remain? And will you be talking about them today?
PRESIDENT TRUMP: Well, I don’t think we have differences over Iran. I don’t think that the President wants to see nuclear weapons, and neither do I. And that’s what it’s all about. He doesn’t want to see them having nuclear weapons, and I don’t want to see them having nuclear weapons. And they won’t have nuclear weapons. With that being said, you know, let’s see what happens with Iran.
But when I became President — it’s hard to believe two and a half years ago; now more — Iran was a true state of terror. They still are, but they were undisputed champions of terror, and that’s a bad thing. And we had 14 different locations where they were fighting (inaudible), between Yemen and Syria, but many other locations and many other battle sites.
And it was all about Iran. They were behind every one of them. They’re not doing that anymore. They’re doing very poorly as a nation. They’re failing as a nation. And I don’t want them to fail as a nation. They can — we can turn that around very quickly.
But the sanctions have been extraordinary how powerful they’ve been, and other things. I understand they want to talk. And if they want to talk, that’s fine. We’ll talk. But the one thing that they can’t have is they can’t have nuclear weapons. And I think the President of France would agree with that very strongly. I think that he would agree that they cannot have nuclear weapons.
PRESIDENT MACRON: I think we do share the same objectives on Iran. What do we want to do? First, you want to be sure they don’t get nuclear weapon. I mean, we had an instrument until 2025. We want to go further and have full certainty on the long run. Second, we want to reduce ballistic activity. And third, we want to contain the regional activity.
I mean, these three approaches — these three objectives are important. We have, as well, a fourth common objective: peace in the region. So, we have to deliver together these four objectives.
This a point. This is a point. And all the other debates are about technicalities. In order to build that, you need to start a negotiation, and I think the words pronounced by President Trump is that they are very important. We need to open a new negotiation in order to build and to get these four objectives.
Earlier today President Donald Trump delivered remarks to an international audience gathered to commemorate the 75th anniversary of D-Day, the beginning of the allied liberation of Europe (Video, Transcript and Pictorial):
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[Transcript] THE PRESIDENT: President Macron, Mrs. Macron, and the people of France; to the First Lady of the United States and members of the United States Congress; to distinguished guests, veterans, and my fellow Americans:
We are gathered here on Freedom’s Altar. On these shores, on these bluffs, on this day 75 years ago, 10,000 men shed their blood, and thousands sacrificed their lives, for their brothers, for their countries, and for the survival of liberty.
Today, we remember those who fell, and we honor all who fought right here in Normandy. They won back this ground for civilization.
To more than 170 veterans of the Second World War who join us today: You are among the very greatest Americans who will ever live. You’re the pride of our nation. You are the glory of our republic. And we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. (Applause.)
Here with you are over 60 veterans who landed on D-Day. Our debt to you is everlasting. Today, we express our undying gratitude.
When you were young, these men enlisted their lives in a Great Crusade — one of the greatest of all times. Their mission is the story of an epic battle and the ferocious, eternal struggle between good and evil.
On the 6th of June, 1944, they joined a liberation force of awesome power and breathtaking scale. After months of planning, the Allies had chosen this ancient coastline to mount their campaign to vanquish the wicked tyranny of the Nazi empire from the face of the Earth.
The battle began in the skies above us. In those first tense midnight hours, 1,000 aircraft roared overhead with 17,000 Allied airborne troops preparing to leap into the darkness beyond these trees.
Then came dawn. The enemy who had occupied these heights saw the largest naval armada in the history of the world. Just a few miles offshore were 7,000 vessels bearing 130,000 warriors. They were the citizens of free and independent nations, united by their duty to their compatriots and to millions yet unborn.
There were the British, whose nobility and fortitude saw them through the worst of Dunkirk and the London Blitz. The full violence of Nazi fury was no match for the full grandeur of British pride. Thank you. (Applause.)
There were the Canadians, whose robust sense of honor and loyalty compelled them to take up arms alongside Britain from the very, very beginning.
There were the fighting Poles, the tough Norwegians, and the intrepid Aussies. There were the gallant French commandos, soon to be met by thousands of their brave countrymen ready to write a new chapter in the long history of French valor. (Applause.)
And, finally, there were the Americans. They came from the farms of a vast heartland, the streets of glowing cities, and the forges of mighty industrial towns. Before the war, many had never ventured beyond their own community. Now they had come to offer their lives half a world from home.
This beach, codenamed Omaha, was defended by the Nazis with monstrous firepower, thousands and thousands of mines and spikes driven into the sand, so deeply. It was here that tens of thousands of the Americans came.
The GIs who boarded the landing craft that morning knew that they carried on their shoulders not just the pack of a soldier, but the fate of the world. Colonel George Taylor, whose 16th Infantry Regiment would join in the first wave, was asked: What would happen if the Germans stopped right then and there, cold on the beach — just stopped them? What would happen? This great American replied: “Why, the 18th Infantry is coming in right behind us. The 26th Infantry will come on too. Then there is the 2nd Infantry Division already afloat. And the 9th Division. And the 2nd Armored. And the 3rd Armored. And all the rest. Maybe the 16th won’t make it, but someone will.”
One of those men in Taylor’s 16th Regiment was Army medic Ray Lambert. Ray was only 23, but he had already earned three Purple Hearts and two Silver Stars fighting in North Africa and Sicily, where he and his brother Bill, no longer with us, served side by side.
In the early morning hours, the two brothers stood together on the deck of the USS Henrico, before boarding two separate Higgins landing craft. “If I don’t make it,” Bill said, “please, please take care of my family.” Ray asked his brother to do the same.
Of the 31 men on Ray’s landing craft, only Ray and 6 others made it to the beach. There were only a few of them left. They came to the sector right here below us. “Easy Red” it was called. Again and again, Ray ran back into the water. He dragged out one man after another. He was shot through the arm. His leg was ripped open by shrapnel. His back was broken. He nearly drowned.
He had been on the beach for hours, bleeding and saving lives, when he finally lost consciousness. He woke up the next day on a cot beside another badly wounded soldier. He looked over and saw his brother Bill. They made it. They made it. They made it.
At 98 years old, Ray is here with us today, with his fourth Purple Heart and his third Silver Star from Omaha. (Applause.) Ray, the free world salutes you. (Applause.) Thank you, Ray. (Applause.)
Nearly two hours in, unrelenting fire from these bluffs kept the Americans pinned down on the sand now red with our heroes’ blood. Then, just a few hundred yards from where I’m standing, a breakthrough came. The battle turned, and with it, history.
Down on the beach, Captain Joe Dawson, the son of a Texas preacher, led Company G through a minefield to a natural fold in the hillside, still here. Just beyond this path to my right, Captain Dawson snuck beneath an enemy machine gun perch and tossed his grenades. Soon, American troops were charging up “Dawson’s Draw.” What a job he did. What bravery he showed.
Lieutenant Spalding and the men from Company E moved on to crush the enemy strongpoint on the far side of this cemetery, and stop the slaughter on the beach below. Countless more Americans poured out across this ground all over the countryside. They joined fellow American warriors from Utah beach, and Allies from Juno, Sword, and Gold, along with the airborne and the French patriots.
Private First Class Russell Pickett, of the 29th Division’s famed 116th Infantry Regiment, had been wounded in the first wave that landed on Omaha Beach. At a hospital in England, Private Pickett vowed to return to battle. “I’m going to return,” he said. “I’m going to return.”
Six days after D-Day, he rejoined his company. Two thirds had been killed already; many had been wounded, within 15 minutes of the invasion. They’d lost 19 just from small town of Bedford, Virginia, alone. Before long, a grenade left Private Pickett again gravely wounded. So badly wounded. Again, he chose to return. He didn’t care; he had to be here.
He was then wounded a third time, and laid unconscious for 12 days. They thought he was gone. They thought he had no chance. Russell Pickett is the last known survivor of the legendary Company A. And, today, believe it or not, he has returned once more to these shores to be with his comrades. Private Pickett, you honor us all with your presence. (Applause.) Tough guy. (Laughter.)
By the fourth week of August, Paris was liberated. (Applause.) Some who landed here pushed all the way to the center of Germany. Some threw open the gates of Nazi concentration camps to liberate Jews who had suffered the bottomless horrors of the Holocaust. And some warriors fell on other fields of battle, returning to rest on this soil for eternity.
Before this place was consecrated to history, the land was owned by a French farmer, a member of the French resistance. These were great people. These were strong and tough people. His terrified wife waited out D-Day in a nearby house, holding tight to their little baby girl. The next day, a soldier appeared. “I’m an American,” he said. “I’m here to help.” The French woman was overcome with emotion and cried. Days later, she laid flowers on fresh American graves.
Today, her granddaughter, Stefanie, serves as a guide at this cemetery. This week, Stefanie led 92-year-old Marian Wynn of California to see the grave of her brother Don for the very first time.
Marian and Stefanie are both with us today. And we thank you for keeping alive the memories of our precious heroes. Thank you. (Applause.)
9,388 young Americans rest beneath the white crosses and Stars of David arrayed on these beautiful grounds. Each one has been adopted by a French family that thinks of him as their own. They come from all over France to look after our boys. They kneel. They cry. They pray. They place flowers. And they never forget. Today, America embraces the French people and thanks you for honoring our beloved dead. Thank you. (Applause.) Thank you. Thank you.
To all of our friends and partners: Our cherished alliance was forged in the heat of battle, tested in the trials of war, and proven in the blessings of peace. Our bond is unbreakable.
From across the Earth, Americans are drawn to this place as though it were a part of our very soul. We come not only because of what they did here. We come because of who they were.
They were young men with their entire lives before them. They were husbands who said goodbye to their young brides and took their duty as their fate. They were fathers who would never meet their infant sons and daughters because they had a job to do. And with God as their witness, they were going to get it done. They came wave after wave, without question, without hesitation, and without complaint.
More powerful than the strength of American arms was the strength of American hearts.
These men ran through the fires of hell moved by a force no weapon could destroy: the fierce patriotism of a free, proud, and sovereign people. (Applause.) They battled not for control and domination, but for liberty, democracy, and self-rule.
They pressed on for love in home and country — the Main Streets, the schoolyards, the churches and neighbors, the families and communities that gave us men such as these.
They were sustained by the confidence that America can do anything because we are a noble nation, with a virtuous people, praying to a righteous God.
The exceptional might came from a truly exceptional spirit. The abundance of courage came from an abundance of faith. The great deeds of an Army came from the great depths of their love.
As they confronted their fate, the Americans and the Allies placed themselves into the palm of God’s hand.
The men behind me will tell you that they are just the lucky ones. As one of them recently put it, “All the heroes are buried here.” But we know what these men did. We knew how brave they were. They came here and saved freedom, and then, they went home and showed us all what freedom is all about.
The American sons and daughters who saw us to victory were no less extraordinary in peace. They built families. They built industries. They built a national culture that inspired the entire world. In the decades that followed, America defeated communism, secured civil rights, revolutionized science, launched a man to the moon, and then kept on pushing to new frontiers. And, today, America is stronger than ever before. (Applause.)
Seven decades ago, the warriors of D-Day fought a sinister enemy who spoke of a thousand-year empire. In defeating that evil, they left a legacy that will last not only for a thousand years, but for all time — for as long as the soul knows of duty and honor; for as long as freedom keeps its hold on the human heart.
To the men who sit behind me, and to the boys who rest in the field before me, your example will never, ever grow old. (Applause.) Your legend will never tire. Your spirit — brave, unyielding, and true — will never die.
The blood that they spilled, the tears that they shed, the lives that they gave, the sacrifice that they made, did not just win a battle. It did not just win a war. Those who fought here won a future for our nation. They won the survival of our civilization. And they showed us the way to love, cherish, and defend our way of life for many centuries to come.
Today, as we stand together upon this sacred Earth, we pledge that our nations will forever be strong and united. We will forever be together. Our people will forever be bold. Our hearts will forever be loyal. And our children, and their children, will forever and always be free.
May God bless our great veterans. May God bless our Allies. May God bless the heroes of D-Day. And may God bless America. Thank you. (Applause.)
During brief press remarks following a USMCA speech in Pennsylvania, Vice President Mike Pence outlined the current status of “talks” between the U.S. and Mexican officials.
The vice-president affirms several times that President Trump is “firm in his position” to see Mexico step-up and do more to stop the mass migration of illegal aliens from Central America. If you think about it, against the context of the USMCA, the Trump position to confront Mexico is absolutely the right approach.
Mexico wants the USMCA trade agreement, and they want to be united with the U.S. and Canada on trade and collaborative economic benefits. However, simultaneously Mexico has repeatedly said it will not join the “Safe Third Country” agreement held by the United States and Canada, where asylum seekers must apply for refuge in whichever country they first arrive in, as each is considered safe.
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[It’s worth noting that Pence is likely under a lot of pressure from Tom Donohue and his friends within the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Pence deserves credit for standing up to his traditional tribe.]
Most of the events commemorating the 75th Anniversary of D-Day will take place in the very early morning hours today.
President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump will attend the 75th anniversary of D-Day at the Normandy American Cemetery in France. President Trump, along with French President Macron and other world leaders, will honor the Allied troops’ maneuver that led to the turning point of World War II.
Ireland (IST) is 5 hours ahead of U.S. Eastern time (EST). France (CEST) is 6 hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Time. Today President Trump and First Lady Melania will be traveling from Doonbeg, Ireland to Colleville-sur-Mer, France, for a commemoration ceremony on the 75th anniversary of D-Day. [♦5:00am EST / 11:00am CEST broadcast]
Departing Colleville-sur-Mer the first couple will travel to Caen, France, for a bilateral meeting and working lunch with French President Emmanuel Macron. The President and First Lady will then fly back to Shannon, Ireland and spend the evening at Trump International Doonbeg, Ireland.
2:05am EST / 7:05am IST THE PRESIDENT and THE FIRST LADY depart Trump International Doonbeg en route to Shannon Airport, Shannon, Ireland, Doonbeg, Ireland
2:25am EST / 7:25am IST The PRESIDENT and THE FIRST LADY arrive at Shannon Airport, Shannon, Ireland
2:35am EST / 7:35am IST THE PRESIDENT and THE FIRST LADY depart Shannon Airport en route to Caen – Carpiquet Airport, Caen, France, Shannon, Ireland
4:00am EST / 10:00am CEST THE PRESIDENT and THE FIRST LADY arrive at Caen – Carpiquet Airport, Caen, France
4:10am EST / 10:10am CEST THE PRESIDENT and THE FIRST LADY depart Caen, France, en route to Normandy American Cemetery Landing Zone, Colleville-sur-Mer, France, Caen, France
4:30am EST / 10:30am CEST THE PRESIDENT and THE FIRST LADY arrive at Normandy American Cemetery Landing Zone, Colleville-sur-Mer, France
♦5:00am EST / 11:00am CEST THE PRESIDENT and THE FIRST LADY participate in the 75th Commemoration of D-Day, Colleville-sur-Mer, France
6:00am EST / 12:00pm CEST THE PRESIDENT and THE FIRST LADY participate in the Omaha Beach Briefing and Fly-Over Viewing, Colleville-sur-Mer, France
6:10am EST / 12:10pm CEST THE PRESIDENT and THE FIRST LADY participate in a viewing of the Normandy American Cemetery, Colleville-sur-Mer, France
6:25am EST / 12:25pm CEST THE PRESIDENT and THE FIRST LADY depart Colleville-sur-Mer, France, en route to Caen – Carpiquet Airport, Caen, France, Colleville-sur-Mer, France
6:45am EST / 12:45pm CEST THE PRESIDENT and THE FIRST LADY arrive at Caen – Carpiquet Airport, Caen, France
6:55am EST / 12:55pm CEST THE PRESIDENT and THE FIRST LADY depart Caen – Carpiquet Airport en route to the Prefecture of Calvados, Caen, France
7:10am EST / 1:10pm CEST THE PRESIDENT and THE FIRST LADY arrive at the Prefecture of Calvados, Caen, France
7:30am EST / 1:30pm CEST THE PRESIDENT participates in a bilateral meeting with the President of the French Republic, Caen, France
8:05am EST / 2:05pm CEST THE PRESIDENT participates in a working lunch with the President of the French Republic, Caen, France
8:50am EST / 2:50pm CEST THE PRESIDENT and THE FIRST LADY depart the Prefecture of Calvados en route to Caen – Carpiquet Airport, Caen, France
9:05am EST / 3:05pm CEST THE PRESIDENT and THE FIRST LADY arrive at Caen – Carpiquet Airport, Caen, France
9:15am EST / 3:15pm CEST THE PRESIDENT and THE FIRST LADY depart Caen – Carpiquet Airport en route to Shannon Airport, Caen, France
10:50am EST / 3:50pm IST THE PRESIDENT and THE FIRST LADY arrive at Shannon Airport, Shannon, Ireland
11:00am EST / 4:00pm IST THE PRESIDENT and THE FIRST LADY depart Shannon, Ireland, en route to Trump International Landing Zone, Doonbeg, Ireland, Shannon, Ireland
11:20am EST / 4:20pm IST THE PRESIDENT and THE FIRST LADY arrive at Trump International Doonbeg Landing Zone, Doonbeg, Ireland
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