President Donald Trump continues to respond to questions about his campaign/administration's connection to the Russian government, but much is being made about the president's current relationship with U.S. intelligence agencies.
What's happening today:
Trump blasts media during news conference, says: "Leaks are real ... the news is fake"
Pres. Trump to @jonkarl: "There's nobody I have more respect for, well maybe a little bit, than reporters, than good reporters." pic.twitter.com/WEsKMQPYUi
— ABC News (@ABC) February 16, 2017
-- President Donald Trump repeatedly complained about unfair media coverage while defending his administration's performance on Thursday.
"The media is trying to attack our administration because they know we are following through on pledges that we made, and they're not happy about it, for whatever reason," he said. "I turn on the news and I see stories of chaos. And yet it is the exact opposite. The administration is running like a fine-tuned machine."
Pres. Trump: "This administration is running like a fine-tuned machine, despite the fact that I can't get my cabinet approved." pic.twitter.com/Rtj3jSN09o
— ABC News (@ABC) February 16, 2017
After announcing Alexander Acosta as his for Secretary of Labor nominee, Trump spent nearly 20 minutes defending his performance and listing the accomplishments of his first month in office.
"I inherited a mess," Trump said three times before listing his achievements, including pledges from companies to hire more American workers.
Pres. Trump: "To be honest, I inherited a mess. It's a mess, at home and abroad, a mess. Jobs are pouring out of the country." pic.twitter.com/Hh1YvKFmc2
— ABC News (@ABC) February 16, 2017
Trump also claimed that he had the largest Electoral College win since Ronald Reagan. When told later in the news conference by NBC's Peter Alexander that information was false, Trump did not defend the argument, which he has made repeatedly in recent days, but said he was "talking about Republicans."
"I was given that information," Trump said, before quickly moving onto another questioner. "Actually, I've seen that information around. It was a very substantial victory. Would you agree with that?"
President names new Labor Secretary nominee
-- President Trump has named Alexander Acosta as his choice to be the next Secretary of Labor. Acosta, who is currently the dean of the Florida International University School of Law, is a former member of the National Labor Relations Board, a position he was nominated to by former President George W. Bush.
The nomination comes one day after Andy Puzder, Trump's first pick to lead the department, withdrew his nomination.
Trump touches on leaks, stock market in early morning tweets
-- In separate tweets Thursday morning, President Trump celebrated gains on Wall Street and promised that "low-life leakers" would be caught.
In his first tweet of the day (6:34 a.m. Eastern), the president said:
Stock market hits new high with longest winning streak in decades. Great level of confidence and optimism - even before tax plan rollout!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 16, 2017
Trump's economic program is expected to include deep tax cuts, stimulus spending and deregulation. His initiatives are intended to achieve his goal of doubling growth to around 4 percent, up from the 2 percent pace that prevailed since the Great Recession ended in 2009.
Less than 30 minutes later, Trump took on those who he believes have leaked classified information in the following tweets:
Leaking, and even illegal classified leaking, has been a big problem in Washington for years. Failing @nytimes (and others) must apologize!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 16, 2017
The spotlight has finally been put on the low-life leakers! They will be caught!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 16, 2017
About two hours later, Trump went on Twitter again to say:
FAKE NEWS media, which makes up stories and "sources," is far more effective than the discredited Democrats - but they are fading fast!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 16, 2017
The Democrats had to come up with a story as to why they lost the election, and so badly (306), so they made up a story - RUSSIA. Fake news!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 16, 2017
Trump's national security adviser, retired Gen. Michael Flynn, resigned at Trump's urging this week after a series of reports revealed Flynn held addressed the issue of sanctions with a Russian diplomat before Trump was in office.
Trump's OMB nominee confirmed
-- The Senate Thursday morning confirmed the president's pick to run the White House budget office, giving Republicans' tea party wing a voice in Trump's Cabinet.
Office of Management and Budget nominee Rep. Mick Mulvaney squeaked through the Senate on a 51-49 vote. Armed Services Committee Chairman John McCain, who's emerging as perhaps the most vocal Republican critic of the Trump administration, opposed Mulvaney for backing cuts to Pentagon spending.
Signs of disarray at White House?
-- President Trump thrived on drama during his campaign -- but signs of disarray in a White House beset by controversy and internal tensions are exposing the downside of his signature style.
Mushrooming drama over the Trump campaign's alleged connections to Russia, which claimed the scalp of his national security adviser Michael Flynn, is working its way relentlessly closer to the president himself.
FBI not expected to pursue charges against Flynn
-- Law enforcement officials told CNN today that, barring new information, they would not pursue charges against former national security advisor Michael Flynn. However, there's still and ongoing, broader review being conducted of Flynn and Russia-related dealings.
ICYMI/HAPPENING OVERNIGHT:
Secretary of Labor nominee withdraws nomination
-- Andrew Puzder, CEO of the company that owns the Hardee's and Carl's Jr. fast food chains, withdrew Wednesday as President Trump's choice for labor secretary.
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said of Puzder: "No matter how you cut it, there is no worse pick for labor secretary than Andrew Puzder, and I'm encouraged my Republican colleagues are starting to agree. He does not belong anywhere near the Labor Department, let alone at the head of it. Puzder's disdain for the American worker, the very people he would be responsible for protecting, is second to none."
Trump announces Florida rally
-- The president announced Wednesday on Twitter that a rally would be held Feb. 18 in Orlando. It will be Trumps first rally since his inauguration.
Join me in Florida this Saturday at 5pm for a rally at the Orlando-Melbourne International Airport!
Tickets: https://t.co/9jDy1tYkgE pic.twitter.com/GDhO6GGxwt— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 15, 2017
An administration official said Trump would rally supporters at an airport hangar there, the same venue where he held a rally in September.
Mom angry over Trump "Valentine's Day" card her child received
-- A Florida mom wants an apology after her half-Mexican daughter was given a Valentine's Day card inspired by President Trump's proposed border wall.
The homemade card featured a picture of President Trump pointing, next to a message that reads "I want you on my side of the wall."
