Pool Reports of February 11, 2025

In-town print pool #1 (checking in)

Hello from the White House, where late this morning King Abdullah II of Jordan and Crown Prince Al Hussein are expected to arrive for a bilateral meeting with President Trump.

Today’s schedule is as follows:

11:30 AM THE PRESIDENT greets the King of Jordan and the Crown Prince of Jordan
Stake Out Location
Open Press

11:35 AM THE PRESIDENT hosts a bilateral meeting with the King of Jordan and the Crown Prince of Jordan
Oval Office
Closed Press

12:05 PM THE PRESIDENT participates in a bilateral meeting and lunch with the King of Jordan and the Crown Prince of Jordan
Cabinet Room
Closed Press

1:05 PM The King of Jordan and the Crown Prince of Jordan depart The White House
Stake Out Location
Open Press

3:00 PM THE PRESIDENT signs Executive Orders
Oval Office
Closed Press

In-town print pool #2 (King Abdullah arrives)

Jordan's King Abdullah II and Crown Prince Al Hussein arrived at 12:01 p.m. driving past an honor guard and greeted by President Trump at the West Wing entrance.

"He's a great man," Trump said.

Trump said "yes" when a reporter shouted if Saturday was still his deadline for Hamas to release hostages.

The bilateral meeting, which includes lunch, is closed press.

In-town print pool #3 (pool entering Oval)

[APP Note: No additional text was included in this report.]

In-town print pool # 4 (Oval comments; Jordan to accept some child refugees)

Meeting ongoing. First crack:

——

President Trump and the King exchanged pleasantries before questions.

"I think it's going tonight work out," Trump said of the situation in Gaza.

In taking in Palestinians, King Abdullah said the question is how to make it work "that is best for everybody." He talked about taking in 2,000 sick children.

Trump called it a "beautiful gesture."

Trump said he believed "99%" something could be worked out with Egypt.

"We're going to run it very properly," Trump said, saying hotels and other buildings could go in Gaza.

"You're going to eventually have peace in the Middle East," Trump said.

"It's a death trap," Trump said of Gaza, arguing no one would want to stay.

Abdullah asked about Trump's ideas, King Abdullah said: "Let's wait until the Egyptians" can present ideas.

Trump again said the situation in Gaza is terrible, and referenced his background in real estate.

He demurred when asked about withholding aid. He noted the U.S. gives a lot of money, and that he wouldn't have to threaten. "I do think we're above that."

Please check against audio/video

In-town print pool #5 (more Oval)

Meeting continues

"There's nothing to buy," Trump says of Gaza. "We're going to take it, we're going to hold it, we're going to cherish it."

Trump: "We're going to get it going eventually, where a lot of jobs are going to be created for the people in the Middle East. It's going to be for the people in the Middle East. But I think it could be a diamond.

Plays up putting people to work on rebuild.

Abdullah asked about U.S. "taking" Gaza and said it would be discussed later.

How can you take Gaza, a reporter asks Trump.
Under the U.S. authority, he responded.

Trump said he would not perish lot seek to develop property

In-town print pool #6 (pool pit)

Pool out at 12:40. Please check quotes against tv.

In-town print pool #7 (Oval details)

TV should be playing back audio very soon.

Pool was suddenly called into the Oval. King Abdullah and President Trump were seated side by side, flanked by others on couches.

To the King's right was the crown prince and other Jordanian officials.

To Trump's left: Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Chief of Staff Susie Wiles and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz.

In-town print pool #8 (King Abdullah departs)

Jordan's King Abdullah II and Crown Prince Al Hussein departed the White House at 2:08 p.m. (arrived at 12:01 p.m.)

President Trump didn’t respond to shouted questions.

Light snow is falling in Washington.

In-town print pool #9 (pool gathering)

Pool gathering for EO signing, which had previously been closed.

In-town print pool #10 (Elon Musk in the Oval)

Pool now in Oval. Elon Musk has joined President Trump for DOGE related EO.

In-town print pool #11 (Musk comments)

President Trump began talking about weeding out "corruption" and then asked Elon Musk to speak. The billionaire's young son is with him. "Gravitas can be difficult sometimes," Musk said as his boy squirms a bit.

Musk is talking now, saying there are some good people in the federal bureaucracy but they need to be accountable. Called it an "unelected" fourth branch. He says deficit must be addressed.

Musk wearing a long black winter coat and black MAGA hat. The boy has on a similar coat, though it's tan.

Trump asked him to mention some of the "crazy" numbers Musk's team has found. Musk said some are getting "wealthy at the taxpayer expense."

More tk.

In-town print pool #12 (more Musk)

Musk still speaking. Says he wants to add "common sense controls" to government, adding they haven't been "present."

Musk says taxpayer dollars must be spent wisely. It's just common sense, he says, not "draconian."

Musk talking about retirements, and a "limestone mine" where all paperwork is filed. "It's like a time warp" and how fast that system works is how fast retirements are processed.

He cites that as an example.

In-town print pool #13 (questions)

Questions:

Q: Detractors say it's a hostile takeover.

"The people voted for major government reform and that's what the people are going to get," Musk says. "That's what democracy is all about."

Q: Conflicts of interest?

Musk says trying to be as transparent as possible. Asked about personal conflicts Musk says it's all open. "Transparency is what builds trust" … says you can see if anything benefits him.

Trump made assurances there wasn't a problem. Trump then said he saw a lot of "kickback" with some government contracts. He said he hoped courts would allow him to do what he was elected to do.

Trump says they've found billions so far. Said judge has "certain leanings."

More tk.

In-town print pool #14 (more Musk)

Musk said he realizes he'll draw scrutiny, joking about a "daily proctology exam."

Trump said they have no idea they'd "find this much," describing it as "crazy."

"The public gets it," Trump says.

Vote of Congress?

"Fine with me" Trump says, adding "we'll get the vote."

"I always abide by the courts," Trump said, adding he would gave to appeal but that it slows down the actions.

Q: $50 million condoms for Gaza, can you correct that?

Musk: Some of the things I saw will be incorrect, but not sure should send that much in condoms anywhere.

Musk says he and Trump talk almost every day and asks president about what actions to take.

In-town print pool #15 (more from Oval)

Musk's son was briefly on his shoulders and Musk jokingly told him to stop fussing.

Trump said they would look at education and military but days USAID is really "corrupt."

Trump again says a judge shouldn't get in the way. Trump bemoans work from home agreements for federal workers.

Pool being led out now. "We've got to stop this war," Trump says of Ukraine

in-town print pool #16 (Marc Fogel news)

First off, some reports may not have been sent due to communication issues. Pool is out.

Note: We didn't see Trump sign the EO but presumably he did.

Trump also appeared to say Marc Fogel could be at the WH at 10 p.m. We are checking.

In-town print pool #18 (dinner lid)

The WH just announced a dinner lid until 7:30 p.m.

In-town print pool #19 (Fogel event at 10 pm)

As President Trump earlier referenced, here is an update:

10:00 PM THE PRESIDENT greets and welcomes Marc Fogel back to The United States
Diplomatic Reception Room
In-House Pool

In-town print pool #20 (2 min warning for Fogel)

Event will be carried live on the White House YouTube channel.

In-town print pool #21 (Marc Fogel event begins)

At 10:35 p.m. President Trump entered the Diplomatic Room with Marc Fogel, the American schoolteacher freed from a Russian prison under a deal negotiated by Trump special envoy Steve Witkoff.

"He's a happy, happy guy," Trump said moments before they walked in.

"Everybody knows Marc," Trump said in the room.

Fogel said, "President Trump is a hero," praising diplomats, lawmakers and others who helped. "My family has been a force."

Fogel was draped in an American flag. He wore a zip up sweatshirt over a black shirt, blue jeans and sneakers.

"I will forever be indebted to President Trump," he said before nodding to Witkoff and naming Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

"I'm a middle class schoolteacher who's now in a dreamworld."

"Thank you all, I love our country."

More TK

The event is being carried live on the White House YouTube channel:

https://www.youtube.com/@WhiteHouse/streams

A host of lawmakers are here, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, and they joined POTUS in walking outside in the show to greet Fogel. Trump walked in a bit earlier and a reporter asked what Russia received in return. He responded that would be discussed later but it was "very, very fair."
Fogel, 63, of Pennsylvania, worked at the Anglo-American School in Moscow. In August 2021 he was arrested for possession of medical marijuana that was prescribed for chronic back pain. He was serving a 14-year prison sentence and his family had grown frustrated with the lack of national attention on his case.

Fogel's mother, Malphine Fogel, met with Trump not long before Trump was nearly assassinated at a campaign rally in Butler, Pa., and was close to the rostrum when shots rang out. Trump at the time promised to get her son home.

In-town print pool #22 (Trump says another person coming home)

Trump wouldn't say if he spoke with Putin about Fogel.

He said he would take Fogel on a tour of the Lincoln Bedroom.

Trump said another person would be released tomorrow and there has been "great progress" in getting the war ended.

"To me you look damn good," Trump told Fogel.

Event over about 10:44 p.m.

In-town print pool #23 (travel/photo lid)

Good night from snowy Washington.

A travel/photo lid was called at 10:58 p.m.

Good Morning from the White House.

I will be your foreign pooler for today's visit of King Abdullah II of Jordan, and Crown Prince Al-Hussein bin Abdulla to the White House. The meeting is closed press, I will update you should this changes.

Today, the President will greet the King of Jordan and the Crown Prince, and host a bilateral meeting and lunch with them.

To inform your reporting today, please find below some background on the U.S.-Jordan relationship and King Abdullah II's US visit schedule.

Backgrounder:

King Abdullah II on Sunday began a working visit to the United States.

On Sunday, He met with US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

On Monday, He had a roundtable Meeting with Representatives of Companies and Institutions from Massachusetts Hosted by Ms. Maura Healey, Governor of Massachusetts. He also met with Mr. Mike Waltz, US National Security Advisor.

King Abdullah II and the Crown Prince are set to meet with President Donald Trump today at the White House at 11:30 AM ET.

Secretary Rubio will attend President Trump's meeting with King Abdullah II at the White House. This meeting marks the first official encounter between the two leaders at the White House and since the recent Hamas-Israel ceasefire agreement. Notably, King Abdullah II will be the first Arab leader to meet with President Trump during his second term.

In the meeting, President Trump and King Abdullah II will deliberate on several critical issues:

• President Trump's Gaza Proposal: President Trump has recently proposed that Palestinians from Gaza be relocated to neighboring countries, including Jordan and Egypt, to facilitate the redevelopment of Gaza. This proposal has been met with firm opposition from both Jordan and Egypt, who have expressed concerns about the potential for increased radicalism and regional instability.

• Middle East Peace Process: The Israeli-Palestinian conflict remains a central topic, with discussions likely to explore avenues for reviving peace negotiations and addressing humanitarian concerns.

Highlights from Pool yesterday :Trump when asked how he will convince Jordan's leader to take more Palestinians: "I do think he'll take, and I think other countries will take also. They have good hearts."

Later Trump was asked whether he would withhold aid from Jordan and Egypt if they don't agree to take Palestinians from Gaza.

"Yeah, maybe, sure why not? If they don't, I would conceivably withhold aid, yes

• Regional Security and Counterterrorism: The leaders are anticipated to discuss ongoing efforts to combat terrorism in the Middle East, with a focus on the activities of groups such as ISIS and al-Qaeda.

• Economic Cooperation: Enhancing bilateral economic ties, including trade and investment opportunities, may also feature in their discussions.

During President Trump's first presidential term, He and King Abdullah II met on several occasions:

1. April 5, 2017: The leaders convened at the White House in Washington, D.C., to discuss strategies for combating terrorism and advancing peace in the Middle East.

2. September 20, 2017: A bilateral meeting took place during the United Nations General Assembly in New York City, focusing on regional stability and the Syrian refugee crisis.

3. June 25, 2018: Another meeting occurred at the White House, where discussions centered on the threat from Iran, the crisis in Syria, and efforts toward a lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians.

Schedule and Meetings:

Additionally, during his time in Washington, D.C., King Abdullah is expected to have meetings with:

Today:
• House Foreign Affairs Committee
• Sen. John Thune (R-SD), Senate Majority Leader and a bipartisan group of Senators

Tomorrow, 12 February 2025:
• Meeting with Mr. Marco Rubio, Secretary of State of the United States

These meetings aim to strengthen the strategic partnership between Jordan and the United States, focusing on regional stability, security cooperation, and economic collaboration. Jordan is a key U.S. ally in the Middle East, playing a crucial role in counterterrorism efforts, intelligence sharing, and countering extremism. The Kingdom is also a vital partner in promoting regional peace, particularly in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and hosts a significant number of refugees from regional crises. U.S. assistance to Jordan, including military and economic aid, helps sustain its stability and economic resilience, making the partnership valuable for both nations in advancing shared security and diplomatic objectives.

Foreign Pool report #2 Arrival. King of Jordan

Motorcade of King Abdullah II arrived at the West Wing portico at 12:pm. The driveway was lined with members of the military representing all branches.

President Trump greeted the King and the Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II who is also accompanying him during his visit.

They shook hands, Trump answered two questions on whether the King will listen to him and if he would cut off aid to Jordan if the kind disagreed with his plane , he said " he is a great man", he also said that the deadline for Hamas to release the hostages is still on.

Oval Office meeting is closed press.

Jordanian delegation accompanying the King:

· Mr. Ayman Safadi, Deputy Prime Minister – Minister
of Foreign Affairs & Expatriates
· Mr. Alaa Batayneh, Director of His Majesty’s Office
· Amb. Dina Kawar, Ambassador of the HKJ to the US
· Dr. Zaid Baqain, Director of HRHCP’s Office

Foreign Pool report #3 POTUS with the King of Jordan -Oval

King said he will proposed a united position to the President along with Arab and Muslim Countries .

King will receive 2000 Palestinian kids from Gaza , some suffers from cancer for medical treatment in Jordan.

King didn't gave a direct answer about receiving Palestinians in Jordan or potentially cutting off US aid. He reiterates that he will work with the President to bring peace to the region.

King said we will look into the best way to protect Jordan's interest.

More to come.

Foreign pool #4 King of Jordan

King statement on top of the meeting

Mr. President. Thank you very much for having us and so short after your inauguration, I think this is a testament to what you said is a special relationship between other countries and the personal relationship of friendship and trust between the two of us. Mr. President, I truly believe that with all the challenges that we have in the Middle East, and I finally see somebody that can take us across the finish line to bring stability, peace and prosperity to all of us in the region. And it is, I think, our collective responsibility in the Middle East to continue to work with you, to support you to achieve those wealthy goals. So, I'm very delighted to be here.