Pool reports

Pool did not see POTUS boarding AF1. We reached at 4:15 pm.

The motorcade is rolling. Headed to Corpus Christi airport.

POTUS ended his speech saying “we are going to reach higher and better and bigger levels of greatness” at 3:55 pm.

POTUS invited Secretary of State Marco Rubio to the stage at 3:46 pm to loud cheers and hoots. Rubio said it was one of his greatest honors to work for Trump.

Trump also called out others from the stage such as Secretary Lutnick, EPA Lee Zelden and Sen. Ted Cruz.

Air Force Two landed at 4:11 at JBA.

Vice President Vance disembarked at 4:24 and walked straight to Marine Two, which lifted six minutes later.

--
Steven Nelson
New York Post
Signal/cell: 202-805-0625

The photo sent earlier is not of the Venezuelan oil tanker. Please disregard the photo.

Thanks,
Swapna

President Donald J. Trump is delivering on his promise to restore law and order. According to theDOJ’s National Crime Victimization Survey , violent crime PLUMMETED in 2025 under President Trump compared to 2024 and the lawlessness Americans witnessed during the Biden Administration. Under President Trump, Americans have seen the largest one-year reduction in violent crime in the report’s history.

Photo of the oil tanker attached.

https://mcusercontent.com/dace49741569f7585670378b3/images/e309b2e1-35a9-3bb6-cc0b-9eb82539f09c.jpeg

Cheers,
Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy
White House correspondent
USA TODAY

Within the first five minutes of POTUS speaking, two people were carried out on stretchers.
Speech available on all the regular places.

On Venezuela, Trump says:

"Maybe someday soon it will become a prosperous 51st state. Let's make it the 51st state."

Cheers,
Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy
White House correspondent
USA TODAY

The songs people are holding up include: "Democrats broke it, Republicans are fixing it" "No tax on tips" "No tax on overtime"

POTUS walked in at 2:39 pm to thunderous applause as God Bless the USA is playing in the background. He's wearing a blue suit, white shirt and a red tie.

Cheers,
Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy
White House correspondent
USA TODAY

We reached a facility next to a large green and yellow tanker with the name AAL ANTWERP at 2:20 pm. The facility looks like a hanger without planes.

There are Make America Great Again songs all over. There are more than a 1,000 people gathered in the space with more waiting outside. A lot of red MAHA hats.

Cheers,
Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy
White House correspondent
USA TODAY

Motorcade is rolling at 2:05 pm.

Cheers,
Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy
White House correspondent
USA TODAY

POTUS disembarked from Air Gorce One at 2:02 pm. In Corpus Christi, Texas.

Cheers,
Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy
White House correspondent
USA TODAY

Air Force One was wheels down at 1:45 pm in Corpus Christi. We are on the Qatari -gifted red, blue and white plane.

POTUS confirmed before boarding the flight that he would be visiting a Venezuelan oil tanker in Corpus Christi.

On background from a White House official, traveling with POTUS today are:

Susie Wiles
Sen. Ted Cruz
Rep. Ronny Jackson
Dan Scavino
Stephen Miller

Quotes from the POTUS gaggle at JBA.

On Ken Paxton:

“Ken Paxton is the best general in the history of the state of Texas. It’s a true statement. He’s one of the best in the country and he deserves to win this race.”

James Talarico

“The other guy dies not stand for Texas”

On consumer confidence:

“We just had a consumer confidence report just came out. It’s up at a record number. Record increase 7.5% just came out . I…

POTUS disembarked from Air Gorce One at 2:02 pm. In Corpus Christi, Texas.

Cheers,
Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy
White House correspondent
USA TODAY

Air Force One was wheels down at 1:45 pm in Corpus Christi. We are on the Qatari -gifted red, blue and white plane.

POTUS confirmed before boarding the flight that he would be visiting a Venezuelan oil tanker in Corpus Christi.

On background from a White House official, traveling with POTUS today are:

Susie Wiles
Sen. Ted Cruz
Rep. Ronny Jackson
Dan Scavino
Stephen Miller

Quotes from the POTUS gaggle at JBA.

On Ken Paxton:

“Ken Paxton is the best general in the history of the state of Texas. It’s a true statement. He’s one of the best in the country and he deserves to win this race.”

James Talarico

“The other guy dies not stand for Texas”

On consumer confidence:

“We just had a consumer confidence report just came out. It’s up at a record number. Record increase 7.5% just came out . I…

Air Force One was wheels up at 11:47 a.m

When asked if Trump will respect the midterm election results: Trump said:

"I will if they're honest elections.”

Cheers,
Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy
White House correspondent
USA TODAY

Today, President Donald J. Trump returns to Texas with a record of results: historic tax relief, the most secure border in a generation, safer streets, and a surge of new private investment creating jobs across the Lone Star State.

Tax Relief for Texas Workers, Families, Seniors

President Trump’s Working Families Tax Cuts is putting money back in Texans’ pockets.