White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt holds press briefing

Key Concepts

• Energy Policy: Focus on promoting coal as a reliable and affordable energy source, alongside deregulation efforts.
• Deregulation: Significant rollback of Obama-era regulations, particularly the 2009 endangerment finding, projected to save $1.3 trillion.
• Tax Cuts: Highlighting the benefits of the “largest middle class tax cut in history” and increased tax refunds.
• Trump Accounts: New investment accounts for children, seeded with $1,000 from the Treasury and offering tax advantages.
• Immigration Enforcement: Prioritizing deportation of illegal aliens, with a focus on convicted criminals.
• Border Security: Continued commitment to building a border wall and securing the southern border.
• Venezuela Operation: Success of “Operation Absolute Resolve” in Venezuela and the apprehension of narco-terrorist Nicholas Maduro.
• Gordie Howe Bridge: Disagreement with Canada’s control over the new bridge connecting Detroit and Canada.
• Epstein/Maxwell Case: Addressing questions regarding President Trump’s past interactions with Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell.
• Save Act: Legislation requiring proof of citizenship and photo ID for voter registration.

White House Briefing - Detailed Summary

I. Opening Remarks & Savannah Guthrie Case

The briefing began with an apology for a delay due to a discussion with the President regarding newly released FBI surveillance footage related to the Savannah Guthrie case and the situation involving her mother. The President encourages anyone with information about the suspect to contact the FBI, and the White House extends its prayers to Savannah and her family.

II. Presidential Schedule & Energy Focus

President Trump has a busy week ahead. Tomorrow, he will host Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for a bilateral meeting. The remainder of the week will center on energy and deregulation. Specifically:

• Coal Promotion: The President will hold an event in the East Room to promote coal as a “clean, beautiful” and reliable energy source, particularly during peak demand periods (citing the recent winter storm impacting hundreds of millions of Americans). He will emphasize its role in lowering electricity costs.
• Deregulation – Endangerment Finding Rescission: On Thursday, President Trump, alongside Administrator Lee Zeldon, will formalize the rescission of the 2009 Obama-era endangerment finding. This is described as the “largest deregulatory action in American history,” projected to save Americans $1.3 trillion in regulations. The EPA projects average per-vehicle savings of over $2400 for cars, SUVs, and trucks.
• Fort Bragg Visit: On Friday, the President and First Lady Melania Trump will visit Fort Bragg, North Carolina, to meet with military families and members of special forces involved in “Operation Absolute Resolve” in Venezuela, which led to the apprehension of Nicholas Maduro.
• Valentine’s Day at NIH: The First Lady will spend Valentine’s Day at the Children’s Inn at the National Institute of Health with children, families, and NIH staff involved in clinical trials.

III. Tax Cuts & Economic Benefits

The briefing highlighted the ongoing benefits of the “largest middle class tax cut in history,” describing it as shaping up to be the “biggest tax refund season ever.” The administration believes Americans deserve to keep more of their earnings and cited specific tax benefits:

• No tax on tips, overtime, or social security.
• Auto loan interest deductions on new American-made vehicles.
• Increases to the standard deduction and child tax credit.

Testimonials were shared from individuals in Wisconsin, California, and Nevada, reporting substantial tax savings (e.g., Dean and Wendy in Wisconsin received a $2500 refund compared to a $3700 payment the previous year). AAC (representing millions of Americans) has received positive feedback from over a thousand members.

IV. Trump Accounts – Investing in Children

The White House announced the launch of “Trump Accounts,” special investment accounts for children. Key features include:

• Eligibility for children born between January 1st, 2025, and December 31st, 2028.
• A $1,000 seed contribution from the US Treasury.
• Tax advantages similar to traditional IRAs.
• Parental/guardian/nonprofit contributions up to $5,000 per year.
• Employer contributions up to $2,500 per year per employee.
• Projected value of nearly $1.1 million by age 28, based on average historical stock market returns.
• Website: trumpaccounts.gov (and IRS form 47 for application).

V. Economic Performance & Market Records

The briefing emphasized positive economic indicators:

• The Dow Jones Industrial Average surpassed 50,000 for the first time.
• The S&P 500 and Nasdaq continue to reach record highs.
• American 401(k)s and retirement savings are “booming.”
• National median rents have fallen to a four-year low.
• Mortgage affordability has surged to a four-year high.
• Zero illegal border crossings for nine consecutive months.
• Murder rate at a 125-year low.

VI. Immigration Enforcement & the “Save Act”

Responding to a question about criticism of immigration enforcement, the administration reiterated its priority of deporting all illegal aliens, with a focus on convicted criminals. The administration disputed a CBS report claiming only 14% of arrests were of violent criminals, stating that nearly 60% of ICE arrests involve individuals with criminal charges or convictions, including offenses like drug trafficking, child pornography distribution, burglary, fraud, DUI, embezzlement, and human smuggling.

The “Save Act,” requiring proof of citizenship and photo ID for voter registration, was also discussed. The President strongly supports the legislation and wants it passed by Congress. Discussions are ongoing with House Republicans regarding exceptions for military personnel and individuals with disabilities.

VII. Epstein/Maxwell Case & Past Interactions

Questions were raised about President Trump’s past interactions with Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. The administration maintained that the President kicked Epstein out of Mar-a-Lago because he was a “creep” and has been transparent about this. Regarding a reported 2006 phone call with a Palm Beach police chief, the administration acknowledged the call may have happened but reiterated the President’s consistent stance on Epstein.

VIII. Gordie Howe Bridge & Trade

The President has expressed concerns about Canada’s control over the new Gordie Howe Bridge connecting Detroit and Canada, arguing the US should own at least half of the bridge and share in its economic benefits.

IX. Closing Remarks & Q&A Frustration

The briefing concluded with frustration expressed over the focus on certain topics (like the Epstein case) while positive economic news was overlooked. The briefer emphasized the President’s busy schedule and upcoming event on energy policy.

This summary aims to provide a detailed and specific account of the briefing, preserving the original language and technical precision of the transcript.