The White House Daily Chronicle, March 26, 2018

The news behind the news on the president, administration and everything White House is always in …  The White House Daily Chronicles.

note: this post is updated throughout the day as events warrant

See all of the daily White House Daily Chronicles HERE.

Presidential Itinerary – the details

President Donald Trump will receive his daily briefing as prepared by the intelligence community.

In the afternoon, the president will have lunch with Vice President Mike Pence

See all of the president’s daily schedules HERE.

Trump’s Tweets

Official Statements

A White House Press Briefing was held Monday by Principal Deputy Secretary Raj Shah at 2:00 PM EDT. [Live Stream]

On the Expulsion of Russian diplomats

Today President Donald J. Trump ordered the expulsion of dozens of Russian intelligence officers from the United States and the closure of the Russian consulate in Seattle due to its proximity to one of our submarine bases and Boeing. The United States takes this action in conjunction with our NATO allies and partners around the world in response to Russia’s use of a military-grade chemical weapon on the soil of the United Kingdom, the latest in its ongoing pattern of destabilizing activities around the world. Today’s actions make the United States safer by reducing Russia’s ability to spy on Americans and to conduct covert operations that threaten America’s national security. With these steps, the United States and our allies and partners make clear to Russia that its actions have consequences. The United States stands ready to cooperate to build a better relationship with Russia, but this can only happen with a change in the Russian government’s behavior.

Executive Actions

Signing of H.R. 1177 into law

H.R. 1177, the “Removing Outdated Restrictions to Allow for Job Growth,” which directs the Secretary of Agriculture to release the deed restriction pertaining to certain land previously conveyed to the City of Old Town, Maine.

Expulsion of Russian Diplomats, closure of Russian consulate in Seattle, Wa

President Trump ordered the expulsion of 60 Russian diplomats and the closure of the Russian consulate in Seattle.

Executive Branch Nominations/Designations

• Rebecca Kelly Slaughter of Maryland, to be a Member of the Federal Trade Commission for the remainder of a seven-year term expiring September 25, 2022

Communications with Heads of State and State Officials (readouts often come the day after the conversation)

Call with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada

President Donald J. Trump spoke today with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada to affirm the solidarity of both countries with the United Kingdom and discuss the joint expulsions of Russian intelligence officers in response to Russias use of a military-grade chemical weapon on the United Kingdoms soil. This behavior from Russia is the latest in its ongoing pattern of destabilizing activities around the world.

Trilateral Meeting of the National Security Advisors of the United States of America, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates

The National Security Advisors of the United States of America, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates met at the White House on Friday, March 23, to discuss issues of strategic importance to the three countries, including joint efforts to counter the Iranian regimes malign influence and provocative behavior. Senior officials from the Department of State, the Department of Defense, the Department of the Treasury, and the intelligence community participated in the meeting. The leaders agreed to meet trilaterally on a regular basis to develop and implement joint frameworks to mitigate threats to regional security and to bring greater peace, stability, and prosperity to the Middle East. Additionally, the National Security Advisor of Afghanistan joined a session focused on discussing ways the United States, Saudi Arabia, and United Arab Emirates can partner with Afghanistan to support the Afghan government and set conditions for an enduring peace settlement.