Remarks in an Exchange with Reporters on Departure from Los Angeles, California

THE PRESIDENT: So, thank you very much. We just heard that we have a great Secretary of Defense. We're very happy about that, and we appreciate everybody's vote.

And very importantly, I think we had two fantastic meetings in North Carolina and also in Los Angeles, and we made a lot of progress. It's – they're tragic events, really tragic.

And we appreciate your being here, and we're going home.

Q: What did you promise the -- the governor, Mr. President? Did he ask for federal dollars? Did he ask for your help?

THE PRESIDENT: No, no, we just had a good talk. We're on the same team. We want to get it fixed. So, we had a very good talk. With the governor, I had a very, very good talk.

Q: What do you think of Mitch McConnell voting against Hegseth's nomination?

THE PRESIDENT: I didn't know that. I just know we won. I didn't know that.

Q: Do you think the mayor got the message that she's got to cut red tape and get (inaudible)?

THE PRESIDENT: I hope the mayor got the message. Yeah. I don't know. (Laughs.) I'm not sure, but I hope so. Now, look, I think she means well, but these people want to get about building their house. They're not going to wait around 18 months, and they're not going to wait around a long time.

Q: Mr. President, are you --

THE PRESIDENT: So, we're going to give an immediate permit.

Q: Are you concerned about any other nominations for confirmation in the Senate?

THE PRESIDENT: No. No, I'm honored to have Pete. I think Pete is going to be a great Secretary of Defense -- Pete Hegseth -- and we're honored to have him.

Q: I apologize. I couldn't hear you. Did you say you were speaking to him on the phone?

THE PRESIDENT: No, I did speak to Pete -- yeah -- in the plane, in the helicopter. I think Pete is going to be a great Secretary of Defense.

Q: Are you disappointed that McConnell voted no?

THE PRESIDENT: No, I didn't even know that. No, I don't know that. I just heard that we won. Winning is what matters, right?

So, thank you very much everybody. Are you going on the plane?

Q: Yes.

THE PRESIDENT: Good. Maybe I'll see you on the plane.

Q: That would be great.

THE PRESIDENT: We'll see you on the plane.

Q: Come back.

Q: Come back and say hello, okay?

THE PRESIDENT: I will.