Remarks by President Trump Before Air Force One Departure

Los Angeles International AirportLos Angeles, California (January 24, 2025)

6:41 P.M. PST      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.

END             6:43 P.M. PST