Remarks During a Visit With the Victory Christian Center School Model Rocket Team

The President. That's what happens when you win all the time like you just did, right? [Laughter]

So I want to welcome—this is so great.

Student. I love my President Trump.

The President. I love you too. Come here. [Laughter]

Student. Yes, sir. Yes, sir.

The President. Thank you. These are scientists. [Laughter]

So I want to welcome the incredible students from Victory Christian Center School in Charlotte, North Carolina. What a State. Great city, great State. Do you like it in North Carolina?

Students. Yes! Of course. We love it.

The President. Great place. These students competed against 810 teams in preliminary stages to advance to the National Team America Rocketry Challenge, the world's largest student model rocket contest. And they did fantastically well. And you're down to about a hundred now. And guess what the name of the rocket is. It's called "Trump." [Laughter] It had better work well. [Laughter]

And to qualify, the Trump needed to soar to an altitude of 775 feet with a flight duration of 41 to 43 seconds. How long did it stay up? How long was the duration?

Student. It was 740—no, 770. Seven-seventy.

The President. That's good. Hey, that's good. And return without breaking so much as an eggshell. That means it had to land soft, right?

Students. Yes, sir.

The President. And the Trump will compete tomorrow against 100 other teams in Northern Virginia. So I just want to congratulate you. That's a fantastic achievement, really. Do you all want to be scientists or something? Or what? Huh? [Laughter] Good.

I also might add they were sponsored by the Aerospace Industries Association and the National Association of Rocketry. And that's a great group of people, and they spend a lot of money on a lot of good things, so you have to be very happy. But that looks like a mean machine you did right there. [Laughter]

So I want to wish you a lot of luck. Anybody have anything——

Students. Thank you.

The President. How did you come up with the name "Trump"? Does anybody have an idea?

Student. Simply because it conquers all. [Laughter] The President. Oh! [Laughter] They're never going to put that on television. [Laughter] That's really nice.

Well, I wish you a lot of luck, I'll be watching. And do the best. And I'll make you a deal: If you win, come on back, and we'll celebrate, okay?

Students. Thank you!

The President. Thank you very much, everybody. Thank you.