From Philip WangSent Friday, September 18, 2026 at 4:38 PM
POTUS answered a few more questions on domestic and international issues: On the upcoming meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping: “We're gonna have a meeting. We get along well. We're doing very well with China.” On Pennsylvania’s four measles case: “We have nothing against vaccinations for measles.” Sec. Kennedy added: “CDC has not yet received information about the measles death, the alleged measles death.” On…
From Philip WangSent Friday, September 18, 2026 at 4:25 PM
Trump answered a few questions on a range of topics. On the how would the press ban survived a court challenge, “I don't think that a court should allow fake news to be written day after day after day.” On Hasan Piker, “He's a terrible liability. I think he's got a power over some of these Democrats, and he'll be voting that way. I mean, he's a communist. There's no question about it.” On Republican Rep. Maria Salaz…
From Philip WangSent Friday, September 18, 2026 at 4:09 PM
After federal and state officials speak to the extension of the drug pricing, POTUS took some questions. On press ban, POTUS said “our country has to have honestness” and the banned press outlets “ they purposely write negative things, and they do that because they want to try and diminish the Republicans and a Republican administration.” The event is ongoing. Philip Wang TIME
From Philip WangSent Friday, September 18, 2026 at 4:00 PM
Trump, citing the Council Economic Advisers, said today that the extension of MFN drug pricing will save Medicaid over $64 billion. A note on the White House press briefing room. Earlier before the pool gathered for the announcement, there was no one getting evicted from the press briefing room. Your pooler has asked the White House press office for further clarification on the POTUS’ Truth Social post. More to come…
From Philip WangSent Friday, September 18, 2026 at 3:54 PM
Trump said he’s launching a new program with the participation of all 50 states to lower prescription drug prices. Every Medicaid program in the nation gets Most Favored Nation drug prices. “This one thing alone could win us the midterm.” Also attending the announcement: CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz HHS Sec. Robert F Kennedy Jr. Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves South Dakot…
From Josh BoakSent Friday, September 18, 2026, 2:01 PM ET
The VP boarded AF2 at 12:58 pm CST. He did not respond to shouted q’s about the election and AI. Josh Boak White House Reporter Associated Press C: 202-316-7239 [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])
For decades, Presidents have promised to cut prescription drug prices, but only President Donald J. Trump has delivered. Prescription drug prices have now recorded their sharpest annual drop in more than 60 years — and those lower prices now reach every Medicaid program in America. https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/drug-prices-19mo-first.png President Trump is the first President to actually lowe…
President Donald J. Trump is delivering on his promises to America’s outdoorsmen by cutting red tape, removing burdensome and unnecessary restrictions levied by previous Administrations and expanding America’s great outdoor recreation sector that generates over $1.2 trillion annually and supports over 5 million jobs. Last night, the President signed two Executive Orders to bolster American hunting and revive America…
From Philip WangSent Friday, September 18, 2026 3:09 PM
flagging that President Trump posted on Truth Social that he's banning CNN, Politico, and MS NOW from the White House. Full text and below: https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/117293599348325006 I am proud to announce that, effective immediately, I am banning Fake News CNN, MSNOW (who recently changed their name from MSNBC due to lack of viewership and credibility!), and Politico (The recipients of an illegal a…
From Philip WangSent Friday, September 18, 2026 2:56 PM
The pool is still waiting for the announcement related to healthcare. On background: Joined by several governors in the Oval Office, the President will be announcing the participation of all 50 states, DC, and Puerto Rico in the GENEROUS model for Medicaid. A key component of the President’s MFN deals was for drugmakers to provide drugs at MFN prices immediately to Medicaid, and today’s announcement confirms that ev…
From Josh BoakSent Friday, September 18, 2026, 1:39 PM ET
After an introduction by Chris McGowan, the GOP’s nominee for Iowa’s fourth congressional district, the VP started speaking at 12:06 pm CST. Vance called McGowan a “rock star." The acoustics were poor in the largely concrete room, but the VP initially focused his remarks on talking up Zach Lahn, the Republican candidate for Iowa governor. “Zach knows Iowa does not exist, the United States does not exist without stro…
From Josh BoakSent Friday, September 18, 2026, 12:52 PM ET
Pool arrived at the Mid-America Center at 11:38 am CST. The rally is at part of the center, rather than the main arena. There are signs that say “Defend our Future” and “Investing in America.” Audience in the low hundreds. Pre-speeches soundtrack is The Clash’s “Should I Stay or Should I Go,” The Cure’s “Just Like Heaven,” Pitbull, Ke$ha’s “Timber” and The Killers’ “Mr. Brightside." Per guidance, Vance’s speech shou…
On Friday, September 4, 2026, Second Lady Usha Vance's second annual Summer Reading Challenge officially ended after three months of encouraging childhood literacy. "I am so proud of all the children who completed my Summer Reading Challenge! I hope every participant saw just how fun and exciting reading can be and that they continue reading beyond this summer. Thank you to all of the parents and teachers who encour…
From Josh BoakSent Friday, September 18, 2026, 12:25 PM ET
AF2 landed at 11:05 am CST at Eppley Airfield in Omaha. Wheels had been up at 9:53 am EST. Vance exited at 11:22 am CST and did not respond to shouted midterm q. Motorcading to Council Bluffs, Iowa and the Mid-America Center as of 11:24 am CST. Josh Boak White House Reporter Associated Press C: 202-316-7239 [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])
From Josh BoakSent Friday, September 18, 2026, 9:47 AM ET
M2 touched down at 9:39 am and taxied. The VP stepped out wearing a navy suit and tie at 9:44. He waved to pool but no gaggle. He waves at the top of the stairs and boarded AF2 at 9:45 am. Rep. Brian Jack, R-Georgia, is traveling with the VP, as is Chris McGowan, the Republican nominee for Iowa’s 4th District, per guidance. FPPO: Land 11:05 CST at Eppley Airfield in Omaha. Speech is around 12:00 pm CST. Depart 12:45…
From Philip WangSent Friday, September 18, 2026 10:00 AM
Good Friday morning! I'm your in-town print pooler today. There have been no changes to President Trump's schedule so far. The first event open to the press will be at 2:30 pm, when POTUS will make an announcement on healthcare. The pool has asked the White House for more details about the announcement. Later, POTUS will travel to Sterling, Virginia for a MAGA Inc. dinner, which will be closed to the press. Timing T…
From Josh BoakSent Friday, September 18, 2026, 8:35 AM ET
Good morning from JBA. Vice President Vance is slated to speak in Council Bluffs, Iowa today and I will be your print pooler. In Iowa, the VP is speaking at the Mid-America Center. Zach Lahn, the Republican nominee for governor, is expected to attend. Josh Boak White House Reporter Associated Press C: 202-316-7239 [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])
https://who.eop.gov Office of the First Lady September 18, 2026 First Lady Melania Trump Expands Fostering the Future Together with New Private Sector Partnerships and 2026 International Events First Lady Melania Trump’s Fostering the Future Together will reconvene with its 57-member nations plus leaders from the technology community in New York City during the 2026 United Nations General Assembly. The First Lady wi…