White House 1600 Daily: An Executive Order on Faith and Opportunity

The Day Ahead

• Today is National Space Day 2018. Learn how President Donald J. Trump is making America a leader in space exploration once again. • The President travels to Dallas, Texas, to join the National Rifle Association’s Leadership Forum. Watch live at 1:15 p.m. ET.

An Executive Order on Faith and Opportunity

Yesterday, President Trump signed an Executive Order to ensure that faith-based and community organizations have strong advocates in the White House—and throughout the rest of the Federal Government. The signing coincided with the annual National Day of Prayer at the White House. The order creates a White House Faith and Opportunity Initiative within the Executive Office of the President. Among its tasks will be to reduce burdens on the free exercise of religion in America, as well as apprise the Administration of any failures of the executive branch to comply with religious liberty protections under law. “Across the government, we have taken action to defend the religious conscience of doctors, nurses, teachers, students, and groups like the Little Sisters of the Poor,” the President said yesterday. He added that his “Administration has spoken out against religious persecution around the world.” Learn more about President Trump’s newest Executive Order. Watch: Highlights of the President leading the National Day of Prayer 2018.

Introducing Gina Haspel to the American people

Work in the CIA is often quiet and behind the scenes. These public servants are instrumental to safeguarding America’s freedoms, yet they go about their jobs expecting little in the way of recognition or public praise for their sacrifices. Acting CIA Director Gina Haspel is exactly this kind of patriot. She has displayed dedication throughout her more than three decades of service, and she’s held a number of senior-level posts in the Agency. Most important, she has the type of extensive counterterrorism experience that America needs in its next CIA Director. President Trump has nominated Haspel to become CIA Director on a permanent basis. The President clearly made the right choice, as reflected by support for Haspel from public officials across the spectrum—including a number of Obama Administration appointees. See why Gina Haspel is the right woman to lead the CIA. Go deeper: “One of the most accomplished officers of her generation”