Subject:**In Town Pool Report 8/economic statement*
The White House shared the following statement, after the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 831 points today:
The fundamentals and future of the U.S. economy remain incredibly strong. Unemployment is at a fifty year low, taxes for families and businesses have been cut, regulations and red tape have been slashed, paychecks are getting fatter, consumer and small business confidence are setting records, and farmers, ranchers and manufacturers are empowered by better trade deals. President Trumps economic policies are the reasons for these historic successes and they have created a solid base for continued growth. — Sarah Sanders
In response to a question about Rod Rosenstein’s attendance at this afternoon’s bill signing, White House spokeswoman Lindsay Walters said, “He was at the White House for a regularly scheduled meeting.” Rosenstein’s named did not appear on a White House list of expected attendees at the ceremony.
For those who have asked: I’m still working to confirm that President Trump was referring to Jamal Khashoggi’s fiancee when he spoke in the Oval Office about receiving a letter from the missing Saudi journalist’s “wife.”
Subject:* *WH Travel Pool Report 2a*
As mentioned, Trumps full quotes coming.
Air Force 1 touched down in Erie at 1717 following a 55-minute flight that never even climbed much higher than 25,000 feet.
Deputy press secretary Lindsay Walters gaggled briefly, explaining that Trump had confidence in his team handling the hurricane and was receiving updates, which is why he felt like he could attend the rally.
Walters said Trump was planning a visit to the affected area early next week and that he spoke with Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey and Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal during the flight for storm updates.
The president emerged from the forward door at 1725 and came down the stairs to be greeted by Rep. Mike Kelly, in whose district the rally is taking place, and his wife Victoria Kelly.
Pool was hustled into vans while Trump was still shaking hands with a small crowd of supporters assembled near the waiting motorcade.
At 1730, we are underway, en route to the closed press fundraiser and the open press rally to follow.