In-town pool report #3: Q&A in Oval ends

More from Oval: POTUS read from prepared remarks in announcing the F-47 6th generation fighter jet.

Artistic renderings of the new F-47 fighter jet flank the Resolute desk.

Says “we’ve had record numbers of people wanting to join our military.”

Invites SEC Hegseth to speak. “This is a big day,” he says of 6th generation fighter.

“This is a gift to my kids and your kids, to my grandkids and your grandkids”

POTUS notes that the new jet flies with drones. Intros the 2 generals.

Air Force chief of staff David Alvin speaks first.

Air Force Gen Dale White is the other general here.

Questions: on JFK assassination, Tren de Aragua gang members, Tim Walz, on whether US will give up position of NATO supreme allied commander, report that Musk will be shown war plan re China.

Hegseth spoke on Musk and DOGE.

More Trump: Slams NYT and other “dishonest” media. Mentions NVIDIA investment in US, Apple too. Talks cars, wants ‘em built in US

VP JD Vance is at back of room, also comms director Steven Cheung.

POTUS recognized Vance, invited him to speak. “I’m just here to watch the show,” the Veep said.

More Q&A w Trump on: energy, tariffs, Canada, astronauts. Thanks Musk - re the astronauts. Tesla “terrorists”. Cuts to government. Russian continued attacks on Ukraine. Law firms he’s cutting deals with.

Q&A ended at 12:15, pool ushered out immediately.

More color: Chief of staff Susie Wiles seated off to the side, along the wall, looking at her phone. Press Sec Karoline Leavitt standing along wall near Wiles.

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Linda Feldmann

Washington Bureau Chief

The Christian Science Monitor

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