in-town pool report #7 - event starts

President Trump entered the East Room via the center aisle — rectangle configuration today, stage backs up against ballroom construction site — at 4: 21 p.m. to “Hail to the Chief,” accompanied by the Panthers’ owner and top player. POTUS is speaking.

The Panthers took the stage at 4:19 p.m. to applause, all wearing bright red ties. (Your pooler spotted a few ties on the risers that were more muted shades of red.)

The gleaming Stanley Cup was positioned to Trump’s right, along with a red Panthers sweater, No. 47 with TRUMP on the nameplate.

Among the officials spotted by your pooler and helpful colleagues:

Rep. Randy Fine

Pam Bondi

Kash Patel

Sean Duffy

Doug Burgum

Tom Homan

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John T. Bennett

White House Correspondent & Editor-at-Large

[EMAIL ADDRESS] (mailto:[EMAIL ADDRESS])

Online: rollcall.com

X: @bennettjohnt