Subject:* *Pool Report #12*
Opening remarks on Iowa:
We’re heading out to Iowa where we have a big statement to make on ethanol for our farmers. Like we’re taking care of our refineries, and our refineries are doing a fantastic job. We want to get more fuel into the system...a promise I made during my campaign, and you know I keep my promises.
Question on Dina Powell:
She is certainly a person I would consider. She is under consideration. We have actually many names that are great. Nikki is going to working along with us and helping us with the choice...going to help us with 2020...great friend of mine.
Question on Ivanka Trump:
People that know It has nothing to do with nepotism, but I want to tell you the people that know know that Ivanka would be dynamite, but I would be accused of nepotism if you can believe it, right?
Is it a serious?
I think Ivanka would be incredible, but it doesn’t mean [I would name her]. I would be accused of nepotism even though I’m sure there’s anyone more competent in the world, but that’s OK. But we are looking at numerous people. It is interesting.
....
On Kanye West:
“He’s been a terrific guy. He loves what we’re doing for African-American jobs, for so many different things. Median incomes...is at all-time high. Poverty level at the best rate, meaning the lowest rate. And Kanye is a smart guy and he sees that.
“And also coming with him. He said, ‘You mind if I bring Jim Brown?’ Big Jim Brown. Boy, would he be making a lot of money today, right? He was unstoppable. And he’s been a friend of mine. He’s been really with us because he gets it, he really gets it.”
“He sees that African-American, and by the way, Hispanic and Asian have never done better in this country, and he likes it.”
CORRECTION: Contrary to previous report, POTUS didn’t use the word “wonderful” to describe Ivanka. He called her “incredible” and “dynamite.”
More to come...
Subject:* *Travel print pool report #1 - JBA departure *
Marine One was wheels down at Joint Base Andrews at 4:06 PM. Ominus-looking clouds hung over the tarmac and raindrops began to fall as he exited the helicopter.
POTUS pointed and waved at press pool before saluting service members and boarding Air Force One at 4:11 PM. He did not stop to talk.
POTUS was followed onto the plane by Stephen Miller, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Chris Liddell and one or two others your pool could not identify.
We were wheels up for Council Bluffs, Iowa at 4:20 PM ET.