In-town pool report #6 — Questions
- From
- John Bennett
- Sent
- Wednesday, August 13, 2025, 12:08 PM
POTUS wrapped up his remarks at 12:01 p.m and began taking questions.
Please check all quotes against video and transcript, as always.
POTUS On DC:
He said he would ask Congress for a “relatively small amount of money” to clean up DC and make it safer. He predicted GOP members would support the request and maybe some Democrats, but he said the opposition party “has the yips” on voting for legislation.
“Crime is the worst it has ever been,” contending the crime rate has fallen in the 48 hours since he federalized MPD. Trump also said folks in DC were afraid to go outside, but now they’re totally fine with it.
“This is going to be a crime-free area. … People are afraid to go run, they’ll be running again.”
“It’s going to take place very rapidly. Be prepared.”
“It will be … an example of what can be done.”
Kennedy Center:
POTUS said it would play a big part in celebration of USA’s 250 birthday.
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John T. Bennett
White House Correspondent & Editor-at-Large
Roll Call & CQ | FiscalNote publications