Karoline Leavitt Briefs Media on Trump's Policies, Jerome Powell, Iran, and ICE

President Trump's Economic Agenda

• 🚀 President Trump will visit Michigan to speak at the Detroit Economic Club and tour a Ford F-150 factory, emphasizing job creation and manufacturing.
• 📈 The administration highlights positive economic news, including mortgage rates falling below 6% for the first time in years.
• 📊 National gas prices have fallen to $2.79 per gallon, and core inflation is at its lowest point in five years, with more tax cuts expected.

Federal Reserve and Jerome Powell

• 🔍 The Department of Justice is investigating Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, and the administration states the President has a right to criticize him.
• 💬 President Trump believes Jerome Powell is "bad at his job" and that interest rates should have been lowered a long time ago.
• ⚠️ The administration did not direct the DOJ investigation, and the President's criticisms are separate from the DOJ's determination of any criminal activity.

Iran Protests and Diplomacy

• 💡 President Trump keeps all options on the table regarding Iran, including potential airstrikes, but diplomacy is always the first choice.
• 🗣️ The administration is exploring private messages from the Iranian regime, which differ from their public statements.
• 🛡️ The President has shown he is "unafraid to use military options" if deemed necessary, a fact Iran is aware of.

Venezuela Relations and Stability

• ✅ The administration notes cooperation with Venezuela's interim authorities, including a massive energy deal and the release of political prisoners.
• 🚫 The US aims to prevent drug boats from sailing from Venezuela to the United States and will seize stateless oil tankers or those not approved for commerce.
• 🗓️ A timeline for elections in Venezuela is not yet set, as the focus remains on stability, prosperity, and continued energy cooperation.

Border Security and ICE Operations

• 🇺🇸 Secretary Gnome is praised for her work in securing the border and defending ICE officers.
• 🚨 ICE performs the "incredibly important job" of removing "illegal alien criminals" (murderers, rapists) from communities.
• 🛡️ The administration fully supports ICE, including an officer in Minneapolis who was "justified in using self-defense" against agitators impeding law enforcement.