12/09/25

In a wide-ranging interview with Politico, President Donald J. Trump reflected on the progress of his second term as it approaches the one-year mark -- detailing how he is reversing the economic wreckage left by Biden, unleashing an investment surge, slamming the door on illegal border crossings and maritime drug smuggling, and restoring an America First posture abroad.

https://x.com/RapidResponse47/status/1998435265417740393

Here are some of the key moments:

"The Democrats love to say, 'Affordability, affordability,' but then they never talk about it. They're the ones that gave us the high prices. I'm the one that's bringing them down." )

"I inherited a total mess. Prices were at an all-time high when I came in. Prices are coming down... Look at energy." )

"We have $18 trillion being invested. Car companies are moving back that left us years ago. AI is coming in at levels never seen before. Factories are opening up all over the country… Ultimately, you know what it reduces itself to? Jobs. You're going to have jobs like you've never seen in the United States." )

"When I go on a trip, I only have one place in mind -- it's the United States... Most of my time is spent here, but when I do go outside, it's only going outside for here. For instance, settling and solving the problem with China. That has a huge effect in the United States." )

"I want to see people that contribute. I don't want to see Somalia. I don't want to see a woman that marries her brother... then becomes a congressman and does nothing but complain." )

"Two years ago, a year ago, under Biden, this country was out of control; millions of people pouring through, totally unchecked, totally unvetted. And now, we have nobody coming in... Nobody ever talks about that anymore. They should talk about that." )

"Obamacare was set up for insurance companies to become rich… They've been paid trillions -- not billions -- trillions of dollars and what I'm saying is very simple: I don't want to pay them anything. No money for the insurance companies… I want to pay the money directly to the people and let the people get their own healthcare. But you know who's fighting me on that? The Democrats." )

"Trillions of dollars goes to the insurance companies. I want that money to go to the people and let the people go out and buy their own healthcare. It works like magic, but you know who doesn't want it? The Democrats because they're corrupt people -- because they're totally owned and bought by the insurance companies." )

"[Zelensky] is going have to get on the ball and start accepting things… because they're losing. They've lost territory -- long before I got here… You certainly wouldn't say it's a victory." )

"I hate to see young, beautiful people being killed." )

"I have no vision for Europe. All I want to see is a strong Europe. I have a vision for the United States -- America First. It's 'Make America Great Again.'" )

"We save 25,000 people every time we knock out a boat. On average, they kill 25,000 Americans. I don't like doing that, but the drugs coming in through the sea -- they're down by 92 percent... Nobody wants to drive boats to America loaded up with drugs anymore." )

"[Birthright citizenship] was meant for the babies of slaves... That case was not meant for some rich person coming from another country, putting a foot in our country, and all of a sudden their whole family becomes United States citizens." )

"I'm one of the people that survived, but they weaponized the government. We had the most weaponized government... They indicted me. I came out good -- here we are in the White House. Things are looking nice, but they were vicious... They're sick people." )

Office of the First Lady

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 8, 2025

"This Christmas season, you, your friends, and your families should wish for the ultimate gift - love. After all, love travels further than Santa's sleigh and America's Ospreys," affirmed First Lady Melania Trump.

Mrs. Trump arrived with Santa Claus at Marine Corps Base Quantico with Santa Claus aboard a V-22 Osprey today. To the delight of United States Marines, volunteers, and military families, Mrs. Trump, Toys for Tots, and the Toy Association continued their +75-year tradition, bringing extra joy to millions of children across America.

The First Lady framed the courage and resilience of military children, telling them, "You are the heart of today's celebration." She delivered remarks to hundreds of children inside a decorated and historic hangar, helped distribute toys, visited activity stations, and spent time with families whose loved ones serve both at home and abroad.

Mrs. Trump concluded by wishing all military families a Merry Christmas and expressing the Nation's gratitude for the strength, generosity, and patriotism they share with their communities.

First Lady Melania Trump's full remarks, as prepared for delivery:

Thank you, General Anderson. It's wonderful to join everyone here at Marine Corps Base Quantico.

You might be wondering why Santa asked me to bring him here today. Well--this wonderful adventure is filled with Christmas sparkle and lots of love.

Santa's reindeer--Rudolph, Dasher, Comet--all of them--they are resting in the North Pole. They need to save all of their energy for their great flight around the world on Christmas Eve. Santa told me they're snuggled beneath warm, fluffy blankets, sipping candy-cane cocoa feeling the joy and love that will soon be shared with amazing children everywhere.

So, with his sleigh parked safely with his reindeer, Santa climbed aboard my Osprey and couldn't stop smiling. I watched him gazing out of the window, grinning at all the wonderful American families below. Santa told me that the Osprey floated through the sky like a giant snowflake--but it is WAY faster than his sleigh could ever fly.

Today, we are here for one of the most beloved traditions of the holiday season: Toys for Tots, led by the United States Marine Corps Reserves. For more than 75 years, Marines and volunteers across America collect and deliver new toys to children who need a little extra joy during Christmas. All wrapped with love, and great care.

To everyone here at Quantico, and all those who support the Toys for Tots Foundation, thank you. This includes the Toy Association's generous support. I am grateful for your partnership and dedication to promoting fun and creativity. You help bring the delight of Christmas morning to millions of children, and you remind us that: of all American traditions, kindness and love remain among our most powerful.

To the families of military personnel: you are the heart of today's celebration. Your strength in the face of adversity is inspirational. Some of the children here today have a parent stationed away from home right now. I know this can be difficult. On behalf of our Nation, thank you.

And thank you to the parents and guardians who are here today. Your support and resilience empower our Marines to serve with honor and distinction. Whether near or far, you illuminate every occasion, enriching everyone's life.

This Christmas season, you, your friends, and your families should wish for the ultimate gift--love. After all, love travels further than Santa's sleigh and America's Ospreys.

Thank you and Merry Christmas!

12/08/25

The nationwide average for regular gas is at its lowest level in 1,681 days -- and trending lower. According to GasBuddy , average gas prices have dipped below $3 per gallon in 37 states, below $2.75 per gallon in 22 states, and below $2.50 per gallon in five states.

In fact, Americans can even find gas below $2 per gallon at some stations in at least four states -- with prices as low as $1.69 per gallon in Colorado.

Under Biden, gas prices were the highest they had ever been , even after he drained our strategic reserves to artificially decrease prices. So far in President Trump's second term, Americans on track to spend the lowest amount of their disposable income on gas in the last two decades amid the Trump Administration's pursuit of American energy dominance.

It's part of an emerging trend of strong economic news, backed up by data. In just the past week, Americans saw the national median rent fall for the fourth straight month, weekly jobless claims plumet to a three-year low, mortgage rates near their lowest level in a year, and consumer sentiment spike .

That's all good news for American consumers -- and much more progress is on the way. After four years of Biden's reckless spending, open borders, and anti-energy policies that drove inflation through the roof and crushed working families, the momentum is now unmistakably in the right direction -- and the Trump Administration will stop at nothing to make sure all Americans feel relief.

12/06/25

His Excellency Alassane Dramane Ouattara

President Donald J. Trump today announced the designation of a Presidential Delegation to Abidjan, to Côte d'Ivoire attend the Presidential Inauguration of His Excellency Alassane Dramane Ouattara, President of the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire on December 8, 2025.

The Honorable Jacob Helberg, Under Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy, and Environment at the U.S. Department of State, will lead the delegation.

Members of the Delegation

The Honorable Jessica Davis Ba, United States Ambassador to the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire

The Honorable Dan Negrea, United States Representative to the United Nations Economic and Social Council

Mr. William Stevens, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of African Affairs, U.S. Department of State

Ms. Sarah Troutman, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of African Affairs, U.S. Department of State

Brigadier General Eero R. Keravuori, United States Africa Command Deputy Director for Strategy, Plans, and Programs, U.S. Department of War

Ms. Victoria Miller, Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy, Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment, U.S. Department of State