Pool Reports of April 8, 2025

Pool report #1 - Schedule and WH clarification to tree statement

Good morning, I'm your print pooler today.

The first item on the president's schedule is a 10:30 a.m. commemorative tree planting. The event is closed press, will advise if that changes.

The White House passes along a clarification on the statement distributed last night regarding the decision to remove the "Jackson Magnolia" following a comprehensive assessment. That assessment was conducted by Peter Hart, who is a master arborist and a member of the American Society of Consulting Arborists.

(Last night's statement said the assessment was conducted by the ASCA)

Pool report #2 Two minute warning for briefing

We have a two minute warning for the press briefing.

Pool report #3 gathering for EO signing

Pool has gathered with pre-credentialed media for the 3 p.m. executive order signing.

Pool report #4 gather for EO signing pushed

White House advises the new gather time is 3:15.

Pool report #5 in East Room

After a half hour chilly hold outside we were allowed into the East Room where we await POTUS. A group of about three dozen in hard hats is standing on risers behind the podium. Secretary Burgum is here as are Sens. Capito, Barrasso, Daines and others.

Pool report #6 Event starts

POTUS entered the East Room at 3:56 p.m. and started his remarks about "clean beautiful coal" and "bringing back an industry that was abandoned."

Pool report #7 EO remarks on coal and tariffs

POTUS introduced a long list of VIPs here, many from coal states. He sang the praises of "clean, beautiful coal" and said the EO he's signing will slash regulations on coal, expedite coal leases on federal lands and provide legal guarantees to prevent future administrations from reversing course.

On tariffs, he said they are bringing in almost $2 billion a day. Japan and South Korea are sending people to negotiate deals and more than 70 countries want to make a deal, he said. He suggested the challenge is finding the capacity to meet with all of them.

Pool report #8 event ends

After signing a series of executive orders aimed at easing regulations on coal, POTUS left the East Room at 4:53 p.m.

Pool report #9 flagging a couple quotes on tariffs from EO signing

During his remarks, Trump alluded to settlements with law firms under which they have agreed to provide pro bono legal services. In addition to working on coal leasing and other priorities for the industry, Trump suggested they could be used to help on trade deals because so many countries want to negotiate on tariffs.

"We're going to have to use those, those great law firms, I think, to help us with that."

"We're going to probably do that, actually. We're going to use them. And we're getting them for the right price."

"We need a lot of talent. We have a lot of countries coming in, they want to make deals. If I told them about making those deals two years ago or three years ago or five years ago they'd be laughing at us. Now they're all signing up."

As he was handing out pens to those on stage, a reporter shouted a question that Trump ignored about what he would say to Republicans worried about the tariffs.

Pool report #11 rolling to dinner

The motorcade is rolling away from the White House at 7:10 p.m.

Pool report #12 arrival at dinner

After an uneventful ride down Pennsylvania Avenue the motorcade arrived at the National Building Museum at 7:15 p.m. Your pooler did not see POTUS enter the building.

The large space is draped in gold tapestry with American flags lining the second floor, where pool is positioned as we await the president's remarks.

There's a large stage on the ground floor surrounded by tables. Members of Congress and other dinner guests, some in black tie and others in business casual, are chatting, mingling and posing for pictures.

Pool report #13

POTUS walked onto the stage at 7:35 p.m. to God Bless the USA and began his remarks by saying House Speaker Mike Johnson told him Republicans broke records with their fundraising tonight.

Pool report #14 POTUS urges Republicans to unify

Trump said they had a good meeting today with Republicans on the big beautiful bill and urged any holdouts in the room to get on board.

"Close your eyes and get there. It's a phenomenal bill. Stop grandstanding."

Pool report #15 tariffs (and correction on attire)

Trump continues to defend his tariffs in remarks at the NRCC dinner. He said other countries want to make deals.

"We don't necessarily want to make a deal with them. We're happy the way we are, taking our $2 billion a day, but they want to make a deal with us."

He said companies are pouring back into the United States and investing trillions of dollars.

"I know what the hell I'm doing."

"The chipmakers are coming in. They're all coming in. We've never had anything like this."

Also, a slight correction to pool report #12, your pooler meant to note there is more casual business attire - suits and ties - among the tuxedos here.

Pool report #16 Announcing tariffs on medicine

Trump complained that the United States doesn't produce its own pharmaceuticals any more and talked about disparities in what other people in other countries pay for pharmaceuticals.

"We're going to be announcing very shortly a major tariff on pharmaceuticals."

He said that will bring pharmaceutical production back to the United States.

Pool report #17 freed hostages

During his NRCC remarks, Trump said there are people in the crowd here who were recently released from Hamas captivity and called several people up to the stage. They are speaking now.

Pool report #18 leaving dinner

Trump was still speaking when the pool was ushered out of the building and into the vans at 9:05 p.m.

Motorcade rolling back to White House at 9:11 p.m.

Pool report #19 back at White House and lid

After an uneventful trip back down Pennsylvania Avenue, the motorcade pulled up to the South Portico at 9:15 p.m. POTUS walked into the White House and as of 9:16 p.m. we have a lid.