White House 1600 Daily: This week is a testament to the American spirit

The Day Ahead

This morning at 11 a.m. ET, President Donald J. Trump will participate in the National Day of Prayer with a ceremony in the Rose Garden. Learn more about President Trump’s stand for faith and freedom.

This week is a testament to the American spirit

President Trump has proclaimed this week as Small Business Week. “Small business owners embody the American pioneering spirit and remind us that determination can turn aspiration into achievement,” the President says. There are nearly 30 million small businesses in the United States employing more than 57 million people. This Administration has made those businesses a priority. The benefits from President Trump’s tax cuts are well-established. Equally important is his focus on deregulation: Businesses with 50 or fewer employees face regulatory costs nearly 20 percent higher than the average for all firms. Last fiscal year, Federal agencies issued 67 deregulatory actions to only 3 regulatory actions—a 22:1 ratio. As a result, small businesses are booming. The economy is growing and wages are rising. Unemployment is at a 17-year low, and according to Wells Fargo, small business optimism is at an 11-year high. Learn more about how President Trump is prioritizing small businesses. More good news: Unemployment claims reach an unprecedented low.

Pompeo: I will make sure America is always respected

Yesterday, Mike Pompeo took the oath of office as America’s 70th Secretary of State. President Trump used the occasion to introduce Secretary Pompeo to America’s diplomatic corps. “Mike is a true American patriot. He has devoted many years of his life to defending America,” the President said. Secretary Pompeo laid out his vision for America in the world. “We will employ tough diplomacy when necessary to put the interests of the American people first,” he said. “I will work to ensure their safety, to preserve their rights, and defend their values. And I will make sure America is always a respected and principled leader on the world stage.” “They have such respect for him” at the CIA, where Pompeo previously served as Director, President Trump said. “They may be the only people that are not very happy right now,” the President joked. “But they’ll be happy. They’ll be happy with our Gina, who’s here today.” Acting CIA Director Gina Haspel is President Trump’s nominee to replace Pompeo at the CIA on a full-time basis. Watch President Trump and Secretary Pompeo address the State Department and read their full remarks.