FULL: White House press briefing with Karoline Leavitt on UK trade deal, tariffs, Gulf of Arabia

live. Now from Fox, I'm Stephanie Quinn. You keeping a very close eye on this live Look right here at the White House.

Press briefing room Uh we do see that uh folks have their cameras at the ready? So, potentially press secretary, karoline Leavitt will be walking through that blue door right there. Uh, this comes amid.

some breaking news and you can see Caroline Leavitt walking in right now, let's listen in. Good to see all of you. Happy Friday.

The president looks forward to embarking on his historic return to the Middle East Visiting Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates next week. where he will focus on strengthening ties between our Nations. 8 years ago.

President Trump's first trip was to this same region of the world. where he introduced his bold Peace through strength foreign policy strategy on that trip. the president laid out his goal of eradicating terrorism in extremism in the region.

which he sued over the course of his administration. with the total defeat of Isis in the historic signing of the Abraham Accords. Now 8 years return to re-emphasize his continued vision for a proud.

prosperous and successful Middle East. where the United States and Middle Eastern nations are in Cooperative relationships. And where extremism is defeated.

in place of Commerce and cultural exchanges. This trip. Ultimately, highlights how we stand on the brink of the golden age for both America and the Middle East.

United by a shared vision of stability. opportunity. and mutual respect.

the president greatly looks forward to visiting with our brave men and women in uniform at our us Air Base in Qatar throughout this trip. Yesterday. president Trump demonstrated the art of the deal and secured a historic Trade Agreement.

Despite all of the naysayers who said no deals were coming that of course, turned out to be untrue. on the 80th anniversary of Victory Day for World War II. great deal that provides American companies.

Unprecedented access to the UK markets while bolstering US National Security. This trade deal will massively expand US market access in the United Kingdom creating a 5 billion dollar opportunity for Newports for us farmers. ranchers.

And producers this includes more than 700 billion dollars in ethanol exports in. 250 million dollars in other agricultural products like good old American beef. the deal commits, the United States and United Kingdom to work together to enhance industrial, and agricultural Market access.

and strengthens American competitiveness. importantly to deal. Also, ensures stream streamlined customs procedures for us.

The UK will also be UK 10 billion dollars of American-made Boeing planes As part of the deal. a trade agreement like this between the United States and the United Kingdom was being worked on for many years, but continue to prove, elusive. but because of President Trump's bold negotiating approach he got it done.

All of this happened because of President Trump's. implementation of powerful tariffs to end the era of economic surrender in rebalance, America's trading agreements. American workers, and companies are the best in the world And they finally have a president who has their backs fights for them.

and puts them first. This is just the first of many trade deals to come. Get ready for more historic deals in our country to Boom.

Like never before. On that note Treasury secretary Scott besan in Ambassador Jameson, Greer will meet with the lead Representatives on economic Matters from the People's Republic of China. over the weekend in Switzerland.

as president Trump has said the United States and China have been talking for some time over the course of the administration. and now teams from both countries will meet in person to continue discussions. You can be certain that President Trump and his trade team will ensure we work to achieve the best deal possible for America.

in other news, the Trump Administration just illegal aliens living in the United States, to self- deport. eligible, illegal aliens, who now use the CBP home app to self-deport will receive a United States. their plane tickets home may be paid for and they will receive a $1,000 stipend, once we have confirmation that they have left our will allow illegal aliens to have a plan departure out of the country.

and to leave as soon as possible. in a dignified way. if a legal aliens, make the right decision here, and depart through the CBP home app.

in past extensive vetting, they will be temporarily deprioritized for ice detention in enforcement action before. their scheduled departure. and leaving voluntarily in this matter, May improve their legal immigration options in the future.

this initiative will also save massive amounts of money for American taxpayers. voluntary, departures are much more cost-effective than traditional removals. by deploying the CBP home app in this new way.

President Trump is aiming to reduce the need for costly arrests to tensions in court proceedings. Currently the average cost of traditional removal is more than 17,000. per illegal alien.

our the use of the CBP home app will massively reduce that financial burden by approximately 70%. So taxpayer dollars can be redirected in our brave officers can focus on removing the most violent illegal aliens hiding, in our communities. uh, finally, it was announced this morning that first lady Melania Trump secured a 2 5, 4.

youth to yesterday. Mr. Trump hosted a special celebration of military mothers with the president.

bringing together, 150, military moms from around the country. to recognize their service. Not just in their home.

But for our country for those of you who were there at the attend events yesterday like I did, I have no doubt, you will join me. special those moments were So, let's get to questions here in our new media seat today is Andrew Edgar. the White House correspondent for the bull work.

The bull work is a New Media Company launched in 2019 with readers on substack and more than a million subscribers. on YouTube. Andrew please kick us off.

Thanks for being here. Thank you for having me, Caroline. The president posted another ad, uh, this week for his Trump meme Coin the group that's running that coin is people to buy in order to win a dinner this month, with the president.

Uh, why is the president planning to attend a dinner for the in this coin? Look, the president is abiding by all uh, conflict of interest laws. The president has been incredibly transparent with his own personal financial obligation throughout the years, The president is a successful businessman and I think frankly it's 1 of the many reasons that people re-elected him back to this office There are at least some Some people who are buying this coin, you seem to view it as an opportunity to influence the president's views, there was a logistics company this week that said they would buy 20 million in the coin in order to advocate for free trade between the US and Mexico.

It buyers are buying for that reason. Are they wasting their money? president acts with only the interests of the American public in mind.

putting our country first and doing what's best for our country? Full stop. That's his intention.

and that's Christine. Good to see you here today. Welcome back.

Thank you. glad to be back. Uh so on those China topics.

what does President Trump? expect to come out of those talks? And is he going to be disappointed if his team can't secure a deal?

Well look the president is very confident in his Secretary of Treasury Scott bessent Uh, and of course, Ambassador Jameson Greer, who has played an instrumental role in all of these trade negotiations as well. I think yesterday's success, the announcement of a trade deal with the United Kingdom is a great first step. Again, many said in done.

Um, now we are moving forward with many other countries, We're talking to dozens of our trading partners around the world but of course. China um, is a, is a major uh, country a major player in this space and he's right. has said, and he's right.

A China needs the United States of America. They need our markets. They need our besan knows that he's going, uh, to Switzerland this weekend with the full support and confidence and the president here at home.

efforts to mediate, or um, have an impact on the conflict between India and Pakistan. sure. I absolutely can.

This is something that the Secretary of State and of course now our national security adviser as well Marco Rubio has been a very much involved in the president has expressed. He wants to see this deescalate as quickly as possible. He understands these are 2 countries that have been at odds with 1 another for decades long before.

a president Trump was here in the Oval Office. Uh however he has good relationships with the and the Secretary of State, uh, Marco Rubio, I spoke to him just yesterday he has been in constant communication with the Leaders of both countries, trying to bring this conflict to an end. 1.

1 1 we saw the news of the new pope um before Pope Leo became Pope Leo, there was some about President Trump and about vice president Vance, uh, on his Ex account then X account. there's a White House, have any reaction to those comments the president made Leo's. Uh, announcement yesterday.

Very clear. he is very proud to have an American Pope. I think it was a surprise to everyone.

I saw the news media was surprised to report on that yesterday. for the United States of America and for the world. Uh, and we are praying for him.

Thanks Caroline. The president has been pretty firm on keeping these 145% tariffs in place on Chinese Imports today. via truth social he said that he'd be possibly open to lowering those to 80%.

Why the change and how did the Still Remains. with his position that he is not going to. unilaterally bring down Tariffs on China.

We need to see concessions from them as well. And again, that's part of the reason that secretary besan is going to talk to his Chinese counterparts, this weekend. um, to start those discussions in person.

um, as for the 8% number. That was a number the president threw out there and we'll see and always in the effort of transparency. I'm sure you'll hear directly from the treasury secretary or the president, uh, after those next negotiations, Jackie.

Thank you, Caroline. Why did the White House announced this deal with the UK before? all of the details were finished.

Uh, true. Actually I um saw the fact sheet. I saw the deal as well.

uh before the president brought all of you in the Oval Office in the effort of transparency. You had the president and the prime Minister on the phone talking to all of you directly about how this was a great deal. a phenomenal deal.

Um and discussions will continue. But as I spoke to our ambassador, grew yesterday this is how trade deals work. You set.

an initial agreement. you set the framework You set up the deal, and then, of course, um, you know, uh, tease have to be crossed and eyes have to be dotted. But this deal is a good deal.

Uh, in the numbers are determined and all of the market access that I just discussed will remain Does that mean that the 10%? Baseline is going to still be there at the end when all of the other details are ironed out The president is committed to the 10% Baseline tariff not just for the United Kingdom but for his trade negotiations with all other countries as well permanently even After the deals are done, like, that is going to remain. The president.

Continued with that 10% Baseline tariff. I just spoke to him about it earlier. Stephen Asked about the.

We initiated it what they're talking about. and also is, is there any comment from the White House on the air traffic control issues in New York? All I will say on mayor, Eric Adams is that, he requested a meeting with the president and the president was willing to take it.

Uh, if the president wishes to discuss his private meeting afterwards, I will let him do that himself. Um, yes, I'm glad you asked about the FAA. Um, there was a glitch in the system this morning, especially at Newark Airport As you all know, I spoke to the Department of Transportation Um, that glitch was caused by the same.

telecoms and software issues that were raised last week. everyone. everything went back online after the brief brief outage and there was no, operational impact.

dot es the FAA are working to FAA these. this technical issue tonight. to prevent further outages as well as install new fiber from New York airport to Philadelphia.

uh, and the goal is to have the totality of this work done. By the end of the summer. I want to add that this outage at Newark Airport.

speaks to why the Secretary of Transportation yesterday made a massive announcement. Um, in investing in our um, Aviation safety. in our Telecom system.

There's a 4-part infrastructure, uh, plan that was released by the Secretary of Transportation yesterday. to improve communication surveillance Automation. and their facilities.

Um, they want to replace the Antiquated Telecom systems with new fiber, Wireless, and satellite Technologies. replace more than 600 Radars, which have gone way past their life cycle and address 1, Runway safety. they want to build 6, new Air Traffic control centers for the first time since the 1960s and replace towers as well.

They want to implement excuse me, New Modern Hardware and software for all traffic facilities to create. a common platform system throughout the towers. These are much needed changes.

This is a very bold plan by the department of Transportation. I think it's unfortunate that the previous administration sat on their hands and did nothing but how grateful we are that. We have a Department of Transportation and a secretary and a president who's willing to take bold action and change the Personnel matter.

could I ask thanks Caroline. Um, just going back to dia, Pakistan. uh, can we expect president Trump to get in touch personally with the leaders of those countries to, um, to try and deal?

The day of deescalate this situation. uh, if and when that happens we will certainly let you know. Caroline.

I have a question about the Middle East trip Will any of the president's family members like including Don Jr? Eric or Jared Kushner be joining him I'm not tracking any of the president's family members joining us at this time. but of course the first family is welcome to come.

I hope they would There are great people. great to be around, but I'm not tracking them on the Manifest and given that you you noted. he is a successful businessman.

Do you know the president has any plan to, to meet with any of the folks involved with any of the the family businesses over there? or see any of the sites that are going to be? Not, not to my knowledge and let me just get to the premise of your question that both of you have raised.

I think it's frankly, ridiculous that anyone in this room would even suggest that President Trump is doing anything for his own benefit. Uh, he left a life of luxury and a life of running a very successful real estate Empire for public service. Not just once, but twice And again the American public real- elected him back to this white house because they trust.

he acts in the best interest of our country and putting the American public. First this is a President who is actually lost money for United States. I don't remember these names type of questions being asked of my predecessor about a career politician, Who was clearly profiting off of this office.

That is not what president Trump holds ourselves to the highest of ethical standards. Phil Uh, thank you. Uh, there's this Reuters report that the US is in talks with Israel about an american-led post-war Administration.

in Gaza Is that accurate are these talks ongoing? Uh, we are in constant Communication in dialogue with our counterparts and our allies and friends in Israel. Uh, Ron dermer was here at the White House yesterday.

meeting with members of President, Trump's team. as, for the situation. in Gaza, the president and his entire National Security team have made it very clear.

We want to see the hostages released from Gaza. that is a priority for this Administration. As for what that looks like and even moving beyond into the details of plans that frankly, may or may not have even been proposed, but I can emphasize what the president holds closest in his heart right now.

And that's the release of all of the hostages in Gaza, And then there's been some conservative push back to some of these salt attacks. Uh, For this majority leaders, Steve scalise said that bringing back the state and local tax deduction. would essentially mean, quote, 45 states are subsidizing, 5 states that have very high taxes imposed by leftist, Governors Is he wrong?

Is it? fair to ask? red, Indiana.

to bail out uh, blue New York. Well, look, this is an ongoing discussion on the hill. they're seeing there's a lot of disagreement on Capitol Hill right now about the salt tax proposal and we will let them work it out as for the tax provisions, and the reconciliation Bill, the priorities of this President he has made them incredibly clear.

no tax on tips for our hardworking service workers. No tax on social security for our well-deserving seniors, who have worked their whole lives to pay. into this system.

No tax on overtime for. overtime for hardworking. Americans, as well.

And there's a plethora of other priorities the president anyone who opposes this bill will be opposing the largest tax cut in American history. They will be voting to raise taxes by the tune of 4 trillion on the middle class of this country. Uh, and we look forward to holding them accountable for that.

everyone on Capitol Hill on both sides of the aisle should be supportive of the president's tax priorities. follow up on that. Go ahead.

Sure, go ahead. And then I'll follow up. Thanks, Caroline.

Um, so I want to follow up on the truth, social post. Um, so the president saying 80% tariffs could come down just an announcement would be enough to lower those tariffs. Uh, is that what he's looking for?

from Chinese if that's not what the president said. uh, he said that an 80% number may sound good to him but again he's in constant contact with our Secretary of Treasury who will be leading this negotiations this weekend. in historically, the Chinese have made the meeting itself.

a win. what does a win look like out of these meetings for the president of this weekend? A good deal for the American worker and the American people.

go ahead. thanks Caroline. Yeah.

Back to the reconciliation bill, can you know a little bit specifically. on the tax issue because it has truth social post. He said this morning that he would accept even a tiny tax.

increase for the rich. but probably shouldn't do it, but I'm okay. if they do it.

So what is it that he wants? does he want them to increase the tax rate? The president wants tax cuts, history.

He wants to extend his historic tax cuts from 2017. and he wants to see all of the other tax priorities that I just laid out for you. included in this bill as proposal you're talking about the president has said he himself personally would not mind paying a little bit more to help the poor in the middle class and the working class in this country.

I think, honorable position. But again, these negotiations are ongoing on Capitol Hill. uh, and the president will weigh in when he feels necessary.

Encourage them for top Earners The president has made his personal position on this matter. Clear. the president's in constant communication with leaders on the hill ahead the Middle East.

Uh, he's mentioned. He wants to rename the Persian Gulf the Gulf of Arabia. Iran is now saying that doing so will bring the wrath of all Iranians Can you talk about?

the support that the Gulf of Arabia has in the region And why this is important to the president? Well, first of all, the president has said he hasn't made a determination yet. That was in the news.

that you guys all asked him about it. And he said, he wasn't quite sure. So he hasn't made a definitive decision on that yet.

and secondly, Caroline, the president. uh, has shown refugees that are coming to the United States next week. Can you talk about what these refugees are fleeing and why this is a priority for the administration?

Well, the president has actually signed an matter. My office can get it back to you, Michael Uh but South this group and South Africa has faced racial persecution. In fact the government there has uh, vowed to take away their Farm, man, Farmland that they own.

Um, and so the president has talked significantly about this, as for further details, uh, on Refugee claims and Asylum claims. I would defer you to the state department. Go ahead.

no in front of you. does the administration have any response to the news today? is that a federal judge has ordered the immediate release of remesa hasta from detention and particularly his comments that the government submitted no evidence other than an op-ed that was to have wrote last year.

I with the Department of Homeland Security on that particular case. But uh, I think our overall feeling we've made quite clear that, uh, lower level judges. uh, foreign policy of the United States and we absolutely believe that the president and the Department of Homeland Security are well within their legal rights to deport illegal immigrants As for uh, Visa revocations, the Secretary of state has the right to do that as well.

Uh, it is a privilege, not a right to come to this country on a Visa, but I'll check My office will get you details. Sure. Caroline.

Um, yesterday the administration, appears to have started dismantling the consumer product safety commission. This is the federal agency and independent 1. That does recalls.

and is responsible for product safety. This Administration, not believed that, it's important. Um, Cribs.

I mean, you're a young mom. off of the product of of the market. Uh, it's a federal agency within which branch It's the executive branch, who's the head of the Executive Branch The president of the United States.

He has their Congress, he has the right to fire people within the executive branch. It's pretty simple answer. Franchesca, thanks.

uh, 1 foreign policy 1 and then a domestic policy thing. If I could as far as the president's trip goes next week. is, he planning to meet with the fee for president in either?

Saudi so, could you give us some more details about that? the president has quite a few meetings with uh, many people when he is there. we can certainly check at the itinerary and let you know if the FIFA president uh will be there quite sure but we can certainly get you an answer as, you know, the president attended a FIFA task force meeting at the White House this week.

on the, on the explain why the FEMA administrator was removed from his position this week? So this is a Personnel matter. Uh, in regards to the Department of Homeland Security, but my understanding is that this individual uh, testified saying something that was contrary to what the president believes in the goals of this Administration.

In regards to FEMA policy. And so of course, we want to make sure that people in every position are advancing the administration's goals. But as for specifics, I refer you to the Department of Homeland Security.

We leave it up to our great cabinet secretaries when it comes to Personnel matters. Sure in the back. Policy.

but this Administration. The president answered this this week, He said that he wants to ensure that Aid can get into Gaza, but responsible way to ensure. It doesn't end up in the hands of terrorists.

so this is something the administration is actively working on And when we have uh, a policy to announce on this definitively we can certainly let you know Can you talk about this effort? Of Aiden Gaza to exclude Israel. Um, but also International organizations said this uh, effort militarized.

um, Aid. I would project uh, that characterization by whatever groups you are signing Kelly. Caroline.

Thank you. I want to get back to the first lady Milani and Trump dealing with foster children. That's an important component in American Life.

uh, to see what happens to the future of our children. Particularly in foster care. Can you explain the significance of this development?

between the First lady and the housing and Urban Development? Yes, absolutely. It's millions of dollars that will go into a program that helps these children transition out of foster care to have.

a productive. and positive lives. And I'd like to share a personal story since you asked if I may, I hope the first lady won't mind.

Um, I was at an event in Florida, Um, last year and I was approached, uh, by a gentleman who was a foster dad and he had taken in uh, I think it was 6 or 7 foster children. Um, and he spoke to me, he had recognized me in my work campaign at the time, and the little boy who was with him talked about the personal relationship. relationship that he had with first lady Melania Trump.

um, and the with him. and how she really encouraged him to be the best that he could be during her first term here at the White House. And how even after uh, she and president Trump left the White House, she kept in very close touch with this young foster child.

That was a touching moment. that I will never forget. and it speaks to the heart of this first lady and the great work that she is and this is certainly a very big announcement that I know our Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.

Development is in particular, very excited about and we can certainly that program. John thanks a lot Caroline. I want to ask you about the trade deal that the president.

yesterday, with the Auto that represents the Big 3 here in the US. believes that it may put the Big 3 automakers at a competitive. disadvantage.

What? What the trade group says is that? it will now be cheaper to import a UK vehicle with very little uh, American content.

Then a US. compliant vehicle. imported from Mexico or Canada with just 50%.

American content. What's your response to that? Uh criticism coming from this trade group?

Well, first of all, let's be clear about what the deal does. It sets a 10% rate on Auto Imports for the first? 100 cars that are imported into the United States 100,000 cars.

Thank you That would be very little very few cars. 100,000 cars imported from the United Kingdom after 100,000 Vehicles. It goes and the as for our us auto manufacturers, our Auto industry, the president wants to put them on the best.

pedestal to Compete. And by the way, if they in the United States of America they will face. no tariff at all.

I would argue of any industry, the president has spent, more time, talking to, and of our Auto industry here at home. He hears them, he believes in them, he wants to see them produce their vehicles here in the United States of America. This is a good deal for them too.

Is this a, is this a a model for European? Uh, and Asian Vehicles as well? What we see?

coming out of the UK trade deal with the US? look, all of the That the first trade deal was announced between the United States and the United Kingdom 1 of our oldest, and greatest allies. But each country has unique concerns in challenges In terms of, American industry.

We need to open up markets. need in every single country and obviously the needs are unique. So our trade team is looking at each country.

and the advantages that we can pursue for American Industries and American workers. Sure. Happy early Mother's Day.

Oh, said yesterday that he would be speaking with Selinsky did that call? happened yesterday or do we expect that to happen in the near? The call happened yesterday, President zielinski called the president?

uh, to tell him that. the critical minerals deal had passed the parliament in Ukraine. I talked to the president about that call.

He said it was very good. and productive and of course, the critical minerals deal is great. Um, for Ukraine But also of course, with the United States of America and our taxpayers here.

Uh, it was a good call and they also spoke about of course, um, this ceasefire that the president propo proposed the 30-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. uh, which we know Europe is on board with. And we hope both countries will agree to you.

next week. Claire. Uh, has he got any reaction from zielinski or Putin on the proposed?

Fire Is he Satisfied by the reaction to that proposal? Uh, not to my knowledge? But certainly if there is a reaction and update, I'm sure you'll hear directly from the president.

question, Uh, the president fired the librarian of Congress Uh, why do you choose to do that? Uh, we felt she did not fit the needs of the American people. Um, there were quite concerning things that she had done at the Library of Congress, and the pursuit of Dei.

And uh, putting inappropriate books in the library for Children. and we don't believe that, um, she was serving the interests of the American taxpayer. Well, so she has been removed from her position and the president as well within his rights to do that.

John Thank you Caroline. Happy Mother's Day as president Trump, uh, ran on delivering the biggest tax cut in history, Got over 70 million votes, right now, you got a handful of obstructionist. in the Republican conference that are saying they're not going to go along.

with his tax cut package. You just said those that don't will be held accountable. What is your description of being held?

Accountable. Well look, I think they'll be held accountable by the voters. in their respective districts if uh they choose to vote for a tax height to the tune of 4 trillion dollars, which would raise uh, would raise taxes to the th thousands of dollars per household in this country.

Um, the president has great political instincts, that's why he's back in the Oval Office and Capitol Hill should follow his lead. as for the president Speaking of him, he will be signing executive orders. Later this afternoon, we are happy to provide more information on those executive orders, if you wish thank you for the Mother's Day wishes and Happy Mother's Day to all of the moms in the room.

and don't forget to call your mom. this Sunday, We'll see you guys later. Have a good day.

Thank you very much. all right, so there you have it. The White House briefing with press secretary, at Caroline Leavitt speaking on a number of issues talking about President Trump heading to the Middle East negotiations with China.

this weekend among other issues.