From Marek WalkuskiSent Friday, February 28, 2025, 1:27 PM
As we are awaiting Zelenskyy’s departure some details on his outfit: Since the beginning of the Russian invasion President Zelenskyy does not wear a suit. He usually wears an olive green military style pants and sweater. Today he wore a more formal black outfit with a national symbol of Ukraine: the Trident. The trident, or “tryzub,” remains one of Ukraine’s most iconic symbols. Shaped like a spear with three prongs…
@realDonaldTrump We had a very meaningful meeting in the White House today. Much was learned that could never be understood without conversation under such fire and pressure. It’s amazing what comes out through emotion, and I have determined that President Zelenskyy is not ready for Peace if America is involved, because he feels our involvement gives him a big advantage in negotiations. I don’t want advantage, I wan…
From Marek WalkuskiSent Friday, February 28, 2025, 1:27 PM
The black SUV with U.S. and Ukrainian flags has just pulled up to the West Wing door suggesting that Zelenskyy may be leaving soon. Marek WaBkuski White House Correspondent for Polskie Radio President of the White House Foreign Press Group Phone: XXX-XXX-XXXX X: @marekwalkuski
From Marek WalkuskiSent Friday, February 28, 2025, 1:04 PM
As you know the meeting in the Oval Office, that lasted almost 50 minutes, went of the rails. Here is the otter link as it’s impossible for me now to send Zelenskyy’s trascript. Note otter.ai After the shouting match in the Oval Office Ukrainian journalist were talking about Zelenskyy possibly leaving the White House. But as of now the black limousine with U.S. and Ukrainian flag is still parked by the West Wing. Ma…
From Faith PinhoSent Friday, February 28, 2025, 1:24 PM
Press rushed at 1:22p.m. to gather outside the West Wing, where Zelenskyy’s black SUV is parked. We hear reports he is leaving. Trump’s post on Truth Social, thanks to Phil Wegmann : Faith E. Pinho Reporter Los Angeles Times m. XXX-XXX-XXXX @faithepinho
From Faith PinhoSent Friday, February 28, 2025, 1:11 PM
Obviously we are a bit behind on schedule. WH comms called for a preset for the scheduled press conference with the two presidents, but unclear if the press conference is still on. Will update if we are given more guidance. Faith E. Pinho Reporter Los Angeles Times m. XXX-XXX-XXXX @faithepinho
From Faith PinhoSent Friday, February 28, 2025, 1:07 PM
The meeting in the Oval Office lasted 50 minutes. As press was being ushered out, your pooler noticed President Trump reach over and pat Zelenskyy's shoulder. At one point during the argument, your pooler also overhead White House staff whisper to each other, "This is going to be big." The conversation turned around 40:00 when Vance said : "We tried the pathway of Joe Biden, of thumping our chest and pretending that…
From Faith PinhoSent Friday, February 28, 2025, 12:23 PM
After several minutes of heated debate, Trump said he thought that was enough. Press was ushered out at 12:23. More notes to come but here’s the Otter: https://otter.ai/u/bhycQUuALmXkxPp8OdJF0M70jMU Faith E. Pinho Reporter Los Angeles Times m. XXX-XXX-XXXX @faithepinho
From Faith PinhoSent Friday, February 28, 2025, 12:21 PM
Vance said it was “disrespectful for Zelenskyy to come into the Oval Office, litigating in front of the American media.” Then proceeded to say Zelenskyy does publicity tour. Trump, raising his voice, said to Zelenskyy, “you’re not really in good position right now.” “You’re gambling with WWIII.” Vance: “have you said thank you once? You went to Pennsylvania to campaign for the opposition.” Trump: “yours running low…
From Faith PinhoSent Friday, February 28, 2025, 12:03 PM
Trump said yes, there will be arms to Ukraine. “Hopefully we won’t have to send much because I’m looking forward to getting it done quickly.” He would not talk about security guarantees, called determining security “the easy part.” “I feel like I do have an obligation to stop the killing.” Zelenskyy said “there must be security guarantees.” That they can’t just talk ceasefire. Zelenskyy said “we will never accept ju…
In today’s USA TODAY, White House Senior Counselor for Trade and Manufacturing Peter Navarro outlined how President Donald J. Trump’s tariffs on aluminum imports is about far more than just trade — it's a fight for the survival of an essential American industry. President Trump is now writing a new story for the United States. With one stroke of Trump's pen, the Biden era of idled smelters and declining capacity uti…
From Faith PinhoSent Friday, February 28, 2025, 11:52 AM
Questions still going. Trump: “Once we make the agreement that will be 95% of it.” “All they talk about is security. I said let’s make a deal first.” Referenced over 2k soldiers who died on both sides. The American taxpayer has to be protected too. This is an incredible deal for Ukraine. We have an investment in their country. Zelenskyy: This is really important & for the security of the European continent. Asked if…
From Faith PinhoSent Friday, February 28, 2025, 11:42 AM
Trump said a lot of people died on both sides. Repeated that the war wouldn’t have happened if he had been president. Zelenskyy thanked President for this deal, said he wanted to talk to the US about what they were willing to do. Said he hoped “together, we can stop him” about Putin. He said Ukraine needs US air defense, best air defense in the world. Even after the war, will need calm. Zelenskyy brought out Manila…
From Faith PinhoSent Friday, February 28, 2025, 11:35 AM
Pool entered the Oval at 11:32 led by Karoline Leavitt. I’ll send notes and will Otter at this link if you can follow along (otherwise will be available afterward). https://otter.ai/u/bhycQUuALmXkxPp8OdJF0M70jMU Also seated in the office are VP, Rubio and others. Faith E. Pinho Reporter Los Angeles Times m. XXX-XXX-XXXX @faithepinho
From Faith PinhoSent Friday, February 28, 2025, 11:29 AM
The president came to the West Wing doors to greet Zelenskyy at 11:22 p.m. He did not answer shouted questions. When asked if the meeting was going to be good, Trump gave thumbs up. Zelenskyy’s black SUV rolled in and the two presidents greeted each other. They stood briefly at the door before walking in together. The entrance was flanked by service members carrying the U.S. and the Ukrainian flags. Faith E. Pinho R…
From Faith PinhoSent Friday, February 28, 2025, 10:49 AM
Pool is gathering in rather tight quarters outside the entrance to the West Wing for Zelenskyy’s arrival. Service members carrying 58 flags — 56 for all states and territories, plus one US and one Ukraine flag — are lining the walkway in front of the White House. Faith E. Pinho Reporter Los Angeles Times m. XXX-XXX-XXXX @faithepinho
"Last night, 29 Mexican Cartel Members were extradited to the United States. President Trump directed the Department of Justice and the Department of State to make this happen, and Attorney General Bondi and Secretary of State Rubio did a tremendous job in getting this done. The group of cartel members, who will soon arrive on American soil, includes one of the most evil cartel bosses in the world, Rafael Caro Quint…
From Marek WalkuskiSent Friday, February 28, 2025, 9:46 AM
Good morning, I’m your foreign pooler for President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s visit to the White House. The Ukrainian President is scheduled to arrive at the South Portico at 11:00 AM. The leaders will hold a meeting in the Oval Office at 11:05 AM, followed by a working lunch at 11:35 AM and a joint press conference at 1:00 PM. Zelenskyy arrived in Washington, DC yesterday. He is staying in a nearby hotel, where he met…
From Faith PinhoSent Friday, February 28, 2025, 9:27 AM
Good morning from the White House, I'm your in-town pooler today for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's state visit to the White House. Here is the daily guidance the White House released, will advise if there are any changes: 11:00 AM THE PRESIDENT greets the President of Ukraine Stakeout Location Open Press 11:05 AM THE PRESIDENT participates in a bilateral meeting with the President of Ukraine Oval Office…
DAILY GUIDANCE AND PRESS SCHEDULE FOR FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2025 In-Town Pool Wire: Bloomberg Photos: AFP, NYT, Reuters, Getty TV Corr & Crew: CNN Secondary TV Corr & Crew: OAN Print: LA Times Radio: VOA New Media: The Federalist Out-of-Town Travel Pool Wire: Bloomberg, Reuters Photos: AFP, NYT, Reuters TV Corr & Crew: CNN Secondary TV Corr & Crew: RAV Print: Washington Examiner Radio: NPR New Media: Daily Wire EST 9…