2016 Presidential Campaign Blog

Inaugural Address of President Donald J. Trump – Remarks As Prepared for Delivery – Friday, January 20, 2017 – Washington, D.C.

Remarks of President Donald J.  Trump – As Prepared for Delivery
Inaugural Address
Friday, January 20, 2017
Washington, D.C.
As Prepared for Delivery –

Chief Justice Roberts, President Carter, President Clinton, President Bush, President Obama, fellow Americans, and people of the world: thank you.

We, the citizens of America, are now joined in a great national effort to rebuild our country and to restore its promise for all of our people.

Together, we will determine the course of America and the world for years to come.

We will face challenges. We will confront hardships. But we will get the job done.

Every four years, we gather on these steps to carry out the orderly and peaceful transfer of power, and we are grateful to President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama for their gracious aid throughout this transition. They have been magnificent.
Today’s ceremony, however, has very special meaning. Because today we are not merely transferring power from one Administration to another, or from one party to another – but we are transferring power from Washington, D.C. and giving it back to you, the American People.

For too long, a small group in our nation’s Capital has reaped the rewards of government while the people have borne the cost.
Washington flourished – but the people did not share in its wealth.

Politicians prospered – but the jobs left, and the factories closed.

The establishment protected itself, but not the citizens of our country.

Their victories have not been your victories; their triumphs have not been your triumphs; and while they celebrated in our nation’s Capital, there was little to celebrate for struggling families all across our land.

That all changes – starting right here, and right now, because this moment is your moment: it belongs to you.

It belongs to everyone gathered here today and everyone watching all across America.

This is your day. This is your celebration.

And this, the United States of America, is your country.

What truly matters is not which party controls our government, but whether our government is controlled by the people.

The forgotten men and women of our country will be forgotten no longer.

Everyone is listening to you now.

You came by the tens of millions to become part of a historic movement the likes of which the world has never seen before.
At the center of this movement is a crucial conviction: that a nation exists to serve its citizens.

Americans want great schools for their children, safe neighborhoods for their families, and good jobs for themselves.
These are the just and reasonable demands of a righteous public.

But for too many of our citizens, a different reality exists: Mothers and children trapped in poverty in our inner cities; rusted-out factories scattered like tombstones across the landscape of our nation; an education system, flush with cash, but which leaves our young and beautiful students deprived of knowledge; and the crime and gangs and drugs that have stolen too many lives and robbed our country of so much unrealized potential.

This American carnage stops right here and stops right now.

We are one nation – and their pain is our pain.  Their dreams are our dreams; and their success will be our success.  We share one heart, one home, and one glorious destiny.

The oath of office I take today is an oath of allegiance to all Americans.

For many decades, we’ve enriched foreign industry at the expense of American industry;

Subsidized the armies of other countries while allowing for the very sad depletion of our military;

We've defended other nation’s borders while refusing to defend our own;

And spent trillions of dollars overseas while America's infrastructure has fallen into disrepair and decay.

We’ve made other countries rich while the wealth, strength, and confidence of our country has disappeared over the horizon.
One by one, the factories shuttered and left our shores, with not even a thought about the millions upon millions of American workers left behind.

The wealth of our middle class has been ripped from their homes and then redistributed across the entire world.
But that is the past. And now we are looking only to the future.

We assembled here today are issuing a new decree to be heard in every city, in every foreign capital, and in every hall of power.
From this day forward, a new vision will govern our land.

From this moment on, it’s going to be America First.

Every decision on trade, on taxes, on immigration, on foreign affairs, will be made to benefit American workers and American families.

We must protect our borders from the ravages of other countries making our products, stealing our companies, and destroying our jobs.  Protection will lead to great prosperity and strength.

I will fight for you with every breath in my body – and I will never, ever let you down.

America will start winning again, winning like never before.

We will bring back our jobs. We will bring back our borders.  We will bring back our wealth.  And we will bring back our dreams.
We will build new roads, and highways, and bridges, and airports, and tunnels, and railways all across our wonderful nation.

We will get our people off of welfare and back to work – rebuilding our country with American hands and American labor.

We will follow two simple rules: Buy American and Hire American.

We will seek friendship and goodwill with the nations of the world – but we do so with the understanding that it is the right of all nations to put their own interests first.

We do not seek to impose our way of life on anyone, but rather to let it shine as an example for everyone to follow.

We will reinforce old alliances and form new ones – and unite the civilized world against Radical Islamic Terrorism, which we will eradicate completely from the face of the Earth.

At the bedrock of our politics will be a total allegiance to the United States of America, and through our loyalty to our country, we will rediscover our loyalty to each other.

When you open your heart to patriotism, there is no room for prejudice.

The Bible tells us, “how good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity.”

We must speak our minds openly, debate our disagreements honestly, but always pursue solidarity.

When America is united, America is totally unstoppable.

There should be no fear – we are protected, and we will always be protected.

We will be protected by the great men and women of our military and law enforcement and, most importantly, we are protected by God.

Finally, we must think big and dream even bigger.

In America, we understand that a nation is only living as long as it is striving.

We will no longer accept politicians who are all talk and no action – constantly complaining but never doing anything about it.
The time for empty talk is over.

Now arrives the hour of action.

Do not let anyone tell you it cannot be done.  No challenge can match the heart and fight and spirit of America.

We will not fail. Our country will thrive and prosper again.

We stand at the birth of a new millennium, ready to unlock the mysteries of space, to free the Earth from the miseries of disease, and to harness the energies, industries and technologies of tomorrow.

A new national pride will stir our souls, lift our sights, and heal our divisions.

It is time to remember that old wisdom our soldiers will never forget: that whether we are black or brown or white, we all bleed the same red blood of patriots, we all enjoy the same glorious freedoms, and we all salute the same great American Flag.

And whether a child is born in the urban sprawl of Detroit or the windswept plains of Nebraska, they look up at the same night sky, they fill their heart with the same dreams, and they are infused with the breath of life by the same almighty Creator.

So to all Americans, in every city near and far, small and large, from mountain to mountain, and from ocean to ocean, hear these words:

You will never be ignored again.

Your voice, your hopes, and your dreams, will define our American destiny. And your courage and goodness and love will forever guide us along the way.

Together, We Will Make America Strong Again.

We Will Make America Wealthy Again.

We Will Make America Proud Again.

We Will Make America Safe Again.

And, Yes, Together, We Will Make America Great Again. Thank you, God Bless You, And God Bless America.

New President Donald J. Trump White House Website Goes Live

President-Elect Donald J. Trump Announces Second Wave of Additional White House Staff Including Sarah Huckabee Sanders

President-Elect Donald J. Trump Announces Second Wave of Additional White House Staff

(Washington, DC) — President-elect Donald J. Trump today announced the second wave of additional members of the White House staff.
 
“These exceptional individuals will play key roles in supporting President-elect Trump’s America-first agenda,” said incoming White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus. “I look forward to working with each and every one of them as we make the President-elect’s vision for our country a reality.”
 
Rob Porter, Assistant to the President and Staff Secretary
Sean Cairncross, Deputy Assistant to the President and Senior Advisor to the Chief of Staff
Justin Clark, Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of Intergovernmental Affairs
Gerrit Lansing, Deputy Assistant to the President and Chief Digital Officer
Bill McGinley, Deputy Assistant to the President and Cabinet Secretary
Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Deputy Assistant to the President and Principal Deputy Press Secretary
Michael Ambrosini, Special Assistant to the President and Director of the Office of the Chief of Staff
Alexander Angelson, Special Assistant to the President for Legislative Affairs
Avrahm (Avi) Berkowitz, Special Assistant to the President and Assistant to the Senior Advisor (Jared Kushner)
Steven Cheung, Special Assistant to the President and Assistant Communications Director
Boris Epshteyn, Special Assistant to the President and Assistant Communications Director for Surrogate Operations
Helen Aguirre Ferre, Special Assistant to the President and Director of Media Affairs
Stephanie Grisham, Special Assistant to the President and Deputy Press Secretary
Mallory Hunter, Special Assistant to the President and Executive Assistant to the Chief of Staff
Cliff Sims, Special Assistant to the President and Assistant Communications Director for White House Message Strategy
Lindsay Walters, Special Assistant to the President and Deputy Press Secretary and Advisor to the Press Secretary
Madeleine Westerhout, Special Assistant to the President and Executive Assistant to the President

Republican National Committee (RNC) Elects Ronna McDaniel Chairwoman, Bob Paduchik Elected Co-Chair

RNC Elects Ronna McDaniel Chairwoman, Bob Paduchik Elected Co-Chair
McDaniel Becomes Second Female Chair in History; Promises to Grow Party
 
WASHINGTON – Today the members of the Republican National Committee (RNC) elected Ronna McDaniel Chairwoman and Bob Paduchik Co-Chair. McDaniel is the second woman ever elected Chair of the RNC. Outgoing Chairman Reince Priebus gave his final remarks to the RNC, capping the most successful run as Chairman in RNC history.
 
The votes electing McDaniel and Paduchik to their respective positions were both unanimous.
 
About Ronna McDaniel
 
This November, Ronna McDaniel helped deliver Michigan for Donald Trump and the GOP for the first time in decades. She was elected as the State Chairman from Michigan in February of 2015. Ronna served as a Trump delegate and chaired the Michigan Delegation to the 2016 Republican National Convention. She has served as a Precinct Delegate, as a District Committee Executive Member and State Committeewoman in Michigan and served as National Delegate to the Tampa Convention representing Michigan’s 11th District. In 2013, she served as Co-Chair for the Mackinac Leadership Conference and was appointed by Governor Rick Snyder to serve on the Board of Marriage and Family Therapists. In her local community of Northville, Ronna has served on land planning and public safety committees and is actively involved in her local PTA. She received her B.A. in English from Brigham Young University. Ronna is married to Patrick McDaniel and has two children, Abigail and Nash.
 
About Bob Paduchik
 
Bob Paduchik most recently served as the Ohio State Director for the Trump-Pence presidential campaign. He was the Campaign Manager for Ohio Senator Rob Portman’s successful campaign for U.S. Senate in 2010, and was the Ohio State Director for the Bush-Cheney presidential campaign in both 2000 and 2004, helping President Bush carry the state both times. From 2011 through 2015, Bob worked in a variety of roles at the American Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity, a trade association representing the coal-fueled electricity industry. From October 2001 to January 2003, Bob served as the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Intergovernmental Affairs at the U.S. Department of Energy.

RNC CHAIRMAN REINCE PRIEBUS
2017 RNC WINTER MEETING REMARKS
WASHINGTON, D.C.
JANUARY 19, 2017
 
"Good morning everyone.
 
"It’s hard to believe this is the last time I will have the privilege of addressing you all as the Chairman of the Republican National Committee.
 
"But it is no less of an honor to do so today than the first time I stood at the podium as your Chairman.   
 
"Leading our party has been an incredible journey for me.
 
"I remember waking up the morning after being elected Chairman and thinking “this is big.”
 
"I had no idea at the time just how big it would get.
 
"If you look at where we are as a party today, I’m still astonished about what we have been able to accomplish over the last six years.
 
"We’ve been able to raise over a billion dollars to get the RNC out of debt and firmly in the black.
 
"Today I’m handing off the RNC with as much money in the black as I started in the red six years ago, and we have twice as much cash on hand as the DNC does.
 
"I remember when I was first Chairman, I used to maximize any amount of free food before I broke down and expensed a meal. We used to be proud of what we called 'living off the land' and texting each other pictures of freebies we could score at airport lounges or events.
 
"We’ve come a long way since then.
 
"In 2014, we trounced the Democrats in the midterm elections, and turned the Senate red for the first time in years.

"We’ve built new relationships in communities we had not been to in a long time.
 
"And we built the best field, data, and digital program in RNC history that was one of the most important assets in putting Donald Trump in the White House.
 
"We had over 7,600 paid staff and trained volunteers doing voter contact in 13 battleground states, thousands more than we’ve ever had. Those numbers translated into 24 million doors knocked; 26 million calls made, and 50.9 million targeted get out the vote emails sent. All told, we made over 2.5 billion voter contacts during this election cycle.
 
"Our Republican Leadership Initiative was a pipeline for a new generation of field organizing talent who have built relationships with voters right in their home communities.
 
"One of the main reasons we had multiple victories in battleground states is because the RNC was in these states and communities for years and we built a ground game that was much larger than that of any previous Republican presidential campaign.
 
"As a result, President-elect Trump won over 2,600 counties nationwide, the most since President Reagan in 1984. Additionally, he won over 62 million votes in the popular vote, the highest of all-time for a Republican nominee. Voters in all corners of the country wanted Donald Trump as their president, and that enthusiasm spread down the ballot as well.
 
"For the first time since 2007, and only the second time since 1929, Republicans have control of the House, Senate, and the White House.
 
"We also have unprecedented vitality as a party at the state level. Voters have grown tired of Washington Democrats and the Obama Administration growing government and constitutional overreach, and so voters have increasingly turned to the Party that truly represents grassroots solutions for the issues we face.
 
"Just listen to these stats. Since the 2008 elections,
 
"Republicans now hold 33 of 50 governorships.
 
"We’ve grown to hold 69 of 99 legislative chamber majorities – an all-time high for the Party – up from 38 in 2009.
 
"We’ve gained nearly 1,000 legislative chamber seats since 2009, growing from holding 44 percent of all seats in 2009 to 56 percent today.
 
"In short, we’ve got record levels of red all over the country, a mandate from the American people to lead, and the wind at our back to offer a new course for our country.
 
"I’m not bragging about it just to brag. I say this because the RNC’s infrastructure was one of the most important cogs in the machine of victory this year.
 
"And the RNC has never been in a greater position of organizational strength.
 
"So I step away from this job fully satisfied in what we have accomplished, and excited for the future that lies before us.
 
"I am proud of what we’ve done. But I am even prouder to have worked with so many great people.  
 
"From way back when I was first Wisconsin state party chairman until now, I’ve spent years getting to know the members of this Committee, all of whom have shown the highest dedication to the success of our Republican Party.
 
"I know we have disagreements at times and sometimes it takes a bit to get on the same page. But this election cycle proved we are a Party that unifies and gets the job done when the moment demands it.
 
"We were able to do it because we all love this country. And if I can give one piece of wisdom today, it is this: never lose sight of why we serve on this committee.
 
"We believe what we believe and we do what we do because we love America. As President Ronald Reagan said, 'Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.'
 
"I’ve also been privileged to work with RNC staffers who come to work every day because they believe the same thing.
 
"Many of them are just starting out in their careers and have many decades ahead of them in politics and in life.
 
"It’s a joy to see the fire in their eyes, just as I had when I was a college kid driving around listening to GOPAC tapes of Newt Gingrich speeches in my car. Yes, I really did that.
 
"Working with our staff has been an honor, and not just because of what we’ve accomplished together, or how they’ve helped me.
 
"It’s been a joy to see their incredible dedication. And I know our Republican Party will be in good hands for years to come.
 
"There are too many people at the RNC to mention who make our organization what it is.
 
"All of them have played an essential role in any success I have had as your Chairman, and any success we’ve had as a party.
 
"But specifically, I want to thank Jeff Larson, Mike Shields, and Katie Walsh. None of these successes would be remotely possible if they were not so highly dedicated to these endeavors.
 
"From the bottom of my heart, I say thank you to the staff of the RNC. I will miss all of you.
 
"Lastly, I want to thank my wife Sally and my kids Jack and Grace. They’ve been so gracious with me in understanding the demands of this job. I want them to know they will always come first in my heart and in my life. No excitement from politics can come close to the happiness I get from being with my family. Thank you, and I love you.
 
"I am leaving an organization that has become almost a second home to me. But I’m not at all concerned about what will become of it.
 
"Because the RNC is in the best possible hands with our new Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel and our new Co-Chair Bob Paduchik.
 
"Ronna and Bob have been loyal Republicans for years and distinguished themselves with an incredible effort this cycle. They went all out to make sure President-elect Donald Trump won their respective battleground states.
 
"As the Chairwoman of the Michigan GOP, Ronna led the demolition team that took down that defunct Democrat blue wall. As President-elect Trump said last month, she barely slept this cycle because she was so focused on winning. Even when Democrats and pundits were saying it would never happen.
 
"It is that level of passion, along with her commitment to building out the ground, data, and digital operation the RNC has been working on for years, that gives me total confidence she is the right woman to lead the RNC.
 
"She’s going to be a great leader.
 
"Our Co-Chair’s office is also in great hands. Sharon Day has been everything we could ask for in a Co-Chair. She has logged hundreds of thousands of miles on behalf of the RNC, and no one has a better, more positive attitude than her. I want to say thank you to Sharon for all the great things she’s done for the Committee, for me, and for our country.
 
"And Bob Paduchik is going to be an outstanding Co-Chair in his own right. As President-elect Trump’s Ohio State Director, he masterminded the strategy for winning one of the most important states in any presidential election.
 
"He’s proven over and over his keen sense of what it takes to win races, and I can’t wait to see how he utilizes the RNC’s infrastructure to keep winning races wherever Republicans are running.
 
"Both Ronna and Bob are going to make their own mark on the RNC.
 
"And I know that you all will partner with them and show them same level of support that you’ve shown me and Sharon.
 
"Now as to what comes next.
 
"I’m honored to be serving our next President as his White House Chief of Staff.
 
"He’s got an America First agenda and an attitude of refusing to quit. I’ve seen firsthand his love for this nation and how he will stop at nothing to make sure we are thriving in every way.
 
"President-elect Trump is going to fulfill his campaign promises of fixing Obamacare, enacting tax reform, eradicating ISIS, and putting America First.
 
"He has vowed to stand up for every American, no matter who you are or where you’re from, and he will put your interests ahead of any lousy trade deal, foreign country, or politician.
 
"It is a thrilling new challenge for me, with much hard work to come.
 
"Memories and friends will be made in this job too.
 
"They will be different memories and different friends. But they will never replace those which I have made at the RNC.
 
"Once again, it has been one of the great honors of my life to lead this Party as your Chairman.
 
"Now let’s go Make America Great Again!
 
"Thank you."

RNC INCOMING CHAIRWOMAN RONNA MCDANIEL
2017 RNC WINTER MEETING REMARKS
WASHINGTON, D.C.
JANUARY 19, 2017

"Good morning.
 
"The last few months have been exhilarating.
 
"We put Donald Trump in the White House, kept our Republican majorities in Congress, and saved the Supreme Court.
 
"I am so proud to be elected as the next Chairwoman of the Republican National Committee.
 
"Thank you for investing your trust in me to lead this committee in an exciting new era.
 
"Thank you to my husband Patrick, our kids Abigail and Nash, and my parents and family members who are here today.
 
"Reince and Sharon thank you, for all you’ve done. You have left behind a road map for winning elections. You rebuilt our party, you set a vision for the future, and you made our victory possible. We would not be here today without your leadership.
 
"President-Elect Trump, thank you. I’m honored that you put your trust in me. I am so excited to see you sworn in tomorrow as the 45th President of the United States.
 
"Members of the Committee thank you for your support of our candidates up and down the ballot. Thank you for the hard work you do on behalf of our Party. And thank you for your support in me.
 
"I am a mom from Michigan.
 
"I am an outsider.
 
"And I am here to make Donald Trump and Republicans everywhere successful.
 
"I humbled to be the second woman in history elected to lead the Republican National Committee. For far too long, Democrats have hailed themselves as the party of women. As Republicans, we know their so-called monopoly on being the party of women is false, and it is a mindset I intend to change.
 
"Women are not a special interest group. We care about all issues. As Republicans, we believe that
 
"You know better than the government how to spend your money.
 
"You know better which school is best for your child
 
"You know better which doctor and health care plan is best for your family.
 
"We believe in opportunity- for women, for men, for everyone.
 
"The Republican Party recognizes that the future of our great nation relies on providing every individual, regardless of gender, race, or circumstance, the opportunity to succeed.
 
"We must be the party that puts people above politics.
 
"I am committed to working for a unified and inclusive Republican Party, and that starts right here with this Committee.

"Remember: 'The Republican Party is the party of the open door. Ours is the party of liberty, the party of equality, of opportunity for all, and favoritism for none.'
 
"While Democrats keep making empty promises. Our Republican Party will continue to grow, expand, and deliver results.
 
"And we’re going to continue to build out the tools for winning elections that our departing Chairman so wisely invested in over the past six years. As President-Elect Trump has directed us to do, we are going to keep winning.
 
"And we are going to do it together. As Chairwoman, my door will always be open, my phone will never be on silent.
 
"Our Party is at a record level of strength – and we’re going to keep it that way.
 
"We control all three branches of government here in Washington.
 
"We control 33 Governorships - the highest level since 1992
 
"And we control both legislative chambers in 32 states.
 
"We are going to keep winning elections and fighting for American families who deserve a change from the status quo.
 
"America has two parties:
 
"Theirs, the elite, coastal, redistributionist Party of the status quo.
 
"And ours the national, opportunity for everyone, party of change.
 
"Whether you have been left behind by the stagnant economy, the failed promises of Obamacare, or the general belief that the government treats its citizens as an afterthought, we hear you.
 
"To the factory worker in Erie, Pennsylvania. We hear you.
 
"To the woman at the salon in Ypsilanti, Michigan. We hear you.
 
"To the single mother in Tampa, Florida. We hear you.

"President-Elect Trump’s movement gave the forgotten and the ignored a voice - and the power to bring change to Washington.
 
"As chairwoman it will be my priority to amplify those voices who spoke loud and clear last November.

"And I pledge to you.
 
"We will change Washington.
 
"We will compete everywhere.
 
"We will succeed.
 
"We will win.
 
"And together we will make America great again!
 
"Thank you, and God bless."

The Republican Party of Minnesota (MNGOP) Releases Statement On Upcoming Presidential Inauguration

The Republican Party of Minnesota (MNGOP) Releases Statement On Upcoming Presidential Inauguration

(Washington, D.C.) - The Republican Party of Minnesota Chairman Keith Downey issued the following statement regarding the Presidential Inauguration.

"We are so excited to be celebrating the historic inauguration of our 45th President, Donald Trump, here in our nation's Capitol," said Chairman Downey, "The energy and excitement is high as up to a million people are expected in D.C. to witness the peaceful transfer of power and our Republic at work. Now is the time for Americans to come together and support our new President. The Trump administration has a bold agenda for its first 100 days, and we are looking forward to all that will be accomplished for the American people."

President-Elect Donald J. Trump Nominates Former Governor Sonny Perdue as Secretary of Agriculture

President-Elect Donald J. Trump Nominates Former Governor Sonny Perdue as Secretary of Agriculture
 
(New York, NY) – President-elect Donald J. Trump today announced his intention to nominate former Governor of Georgia Sonny Perdue as Secretary of Agriculture.
 
As the former governor of a state that produces billions in agricultural products each year, Sonny Perdue has embraced policies under which Georgia farmers have thrived, and he is ready to generate the same level of success on the national level. Having been raised on a farm and worked as a veterinarian, Perdue is deeply in touch with the concerns of American farmers and will fight for their prosperity.
 
“Sonny Perdue is going to accomplish great things as Secretary of Agriculture,” said President-elect Donald J. Trump. “From growing up on a farm to being governor of a big agriculture state, he has spent his whole life understanding and solving the challenges our farmers face, and he is going to deliver big results for all Americans who earn their living off the land.”
 
“I am proud and honored to be joining President-elect Trump’s administration as his Secretary of Agriculture,” said Sonny Perdue. “Beginning as a simple Georgia farm boy, making sure Americans who make their livelihood in the agriculture industry are thriving is near and dear to my heart, and I’m going to champion the concerns of American agriculture and work tirelessly to solve the issues facing our farm families in this new role.”
 
Sonny Perdue was born in Perry, Georgia, to a lifelong farmer and a classroom teacher. He graduated from Warner Robins High School and earned a doctorate in veterinary medicine in 1971 from the University of Georgia. Following his service as a Captain in the United States Air Force, Perdue became a successful small business owner, concentrating in agribusiness and transportation. Today, those businesses have grown to include several locations across the Southeast. After serving on the Houston County, Georgia Planning and Zoning Board during the 1980’s, he ran for the Georgia State Senate in 1990 and won. Sonny spent the next 11 years representing his Middle Georgia district in the General Assembly. Perdue left the State Senate in 2001 to begin his successful campaign for Governor, which focused on restoring public trust in state government and empowering all Georgians. Sonny served as Governor from 2003-2011. He, and the former Mary Ruff of Atlanta, have been married for forty-four years. The couple has four children and fourteen grandchildren. Additionally, Sonny and Mary have served as foster parents for eight newborns awaiting adoption.

Vice President-Elect Mike Pence Appoints Ken Nahigian as Executive Director of the Trump-Pence Presidential Transition

Vice President-Elect Mike Pence Appoints Ken Nahigian as Executive Director of the Trump-Pence Presidential Transition

(WASHINGTON) – Vice President-elect Mike Pence today appointed Ken Nahigian to serve as the Executive Director of the Trump-Pence Presidential Transition.  The Trump-Pence Presidential Transition will continue to support nominees through their confirmation hearings as well as the peaceful transition of power.  As outgoing Executive Director Rick Dearborn moves into his role of Deputy Chief of Staff in the White House, Mr. Nahigian will assume the role.  He has been deeply involved with Transition planning since late July 2016.
 
“Ken has been a tremendous and critical asset to the Transition," said Mr. Dearborn.  “In the days following the election, his role evolved to not only manage President-elect support but also prepare our great cabinet designees for their hearings.  The Transition is in capable hands with Ken Nahigian, who has tirelessly supported it from day one and will carry it through the finish line.”
 
Throughout the pre-election and Transition periods, Mr. Nahigian served as the head of President-elect support, the body that oversees all strategic planning and support to the President-elect, Vice President-elect, their families, and nominees, where pre-planning is critical to ensure a strong foundation is built for a successful transition minutes after the election is called.  In this role, Mr. Nahigian and his team led the organization of critical functionality of the Transition pre-election, which included the creation of GreatAgain.gov, the structuring of a communications strategy post-election, the building of the resources infrastructure to be ready on day one, and creation of a network for public engagement during the Transition period.
 
“I’m honored that the President-elect, Vice President-elect and Rick Dearborn have entrusted me with this responsibility and it is my honor to continue my service to this new administration,” said Mr. Nahigian. “It has been a tremendous honor to be part of this historic and successful process of building our government.”
 
While not working on the Presidential Transition, Mr. Nahigian serves as a principal in a 17-year old public relations and communications planning and strategy firm.

The Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC) Announces Inaugural Ball Information

The Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC) Announces Inaugural Ball Information

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the Presidential Inaugural Committee announced details on the three official presidential inaugural balls being held on the evening of January 20, 2017.

Since 1809, the inaugural balls have been an opportunity for Americans from every corner of the country to visit Washington, D.C. to honor the newly sworn-in President and Vice President of the United States of America.

“Our country was founded on, and has endured because of, the undying principles of freedom and liberty. In honoring these important values, the inauguration of President-elect Donald J. Trump and Vice President-elect Michael R. Pence will be celebrated at two balls open to the public, Liberty and Freedom: The Official Presidential Inaugural Balls,” said Communications Director Boris Epshteyn. “Additionally, we are pleased to announce the Salute to Our Armed Services Ball, open to invited guests who serve our country in our communities, at home, and abroad.”

The President-elect and Mrs. Trump and Vice President-elect and Mrs. Pence plan to attend all three inaugural balls to join in ringing in a new day in America.

Liberty and Freedom: The Official Presidential Inaugural Balls will take place at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center and, for the first time ever, the Presidential Inaugural Committee will provide all television networks the right to freely air the live two-hour show simultaneously in both balls, allowing Americans throughout the country to watch the President’s remarks and first dance with the First Lady.

Liberty and Freedom: The Official Presidential Inaugural Balls will also feature special appearances from Sam Moore, Tim Rushlow and his Big Band, Silhouettes, The Rockettes, Pelican212, The Piano Guys, Circus 1903, Cache Olson, Lexi Walker, and Erin Boheme. The Salute to Our Armed Services Ball will feature special performances from Tony Orlando and Josh Weathers.

The Presidential Inaugural Committee has also made the inaugural balls the most affordable in recent history, ensuring that they are accessible to the American people. Tickets to Liberty and Freedom: The Official Presidential Inaugural Balls are $50 per person and a limited number will be made available to the public who inquired about purchasing tickets at www.58PIC2017.org.

The Salute To Our Armed Services Ball will take place at the National Building Museum. This ball is by invitation only, and tickets are being provided free of charge by the Presidential Inaugural Committee to invited guests, who include active duty and reserve military, Medal of Honor recipients, wounded warriors, military families, veterans, and first responders.

President-Elect Donald J. Trump Names Additional Senior White House Staff Appointments

President-Elect Donald J. Trump Names Additional Senior White House Staff Appointments

(New York)—President-elect Donald J. Trump today announced his selection of Christopher P. Liddell as Assistant to the President and Director of Strategic Initiatives, and Reed S. Cordish as Assistant to the President for Intragovernmental and Technology Initiatives.
 
During the transition period, Chris Liddell has been the Special Adviser on Presidential Appointments and Reed Cordish has directed the Agency Beachhead teams for the President-elect.
 
In their new positions, Mr. Liddell will lead the Strategic Development Group, which will focus on priority projects. He will also interface with private sector forums. Mr. Cordish will be responsible for Presidential initiatives that require multi-agency collaboration. In addition Mr. Cordish will focus on technological innovation and modernization. Together Mr. Liddell and Cordish will form and oversee a series of high impact task forces.
 
“Chris Liddell and Reed Cordish have led large, complex companies in the private sector, and have played instrumental roles throughout the transition,” said President-elect Trump.  “Their skill sets are exactly what is needed to effect substantial change, including system wide improvement to the performance of the government. I am delighted that they will be part of my executive team.”
 
“It is an honor to take on this role for the President-elect and the Country,” Mr. Liddell said.
 
“I am humbled by the role and excited to work with the incredible people within the West Wing and the Agencies to effect change,” stated Mr. Cordish.
 
Mr. Liddell has been the Chief Financial Officer of Microsoft, International Paper, WME-IMG and General Motors. At General Motors he was also Vice Chairman, and led the company's $23 Billion return to public market, which at the time was the largest in history.  He has also been the Chief Executive Officer of an Asia-Pacific multinational public company, and was the Executive Director of the Romney campaign's transition planning team, where he authored a book on presidential transitions. He has a Bachelor of Engineering from the University of Auckland, and a Master of Philosophy from Oxford University.
 
Mr. Cordish is a Principal and Partner of The Cordish Companies, an international real estate development and entertainment company. He is also President of Entertainment Consulting International (“ECI”), a national entertainment and restaurant operating company he co-founded. Mr. Cordish has a Bachelor of Arts from Princeton University, where he was awarded the William Roper Award for scholastic and athletic excellence.

Presidential Inaugural Committee Announces Details for the Swearing-in of President-elect Donald J. Trump

Presidential Inaugural Committee Announces Details for the Swearing-in of President-elect Donald J. Trump

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the Presidential Inaugural Committee announced details surrounding the swearing-in of President-elect Donald J. Trump on January 20, 2017.

President-elect Donald J. Trump will be sworn-in on January 20, 2017 using his Bible, as well as the same Bible that President Lincoln used at his first inauguration. The oath of office will be administered by the Chief Justice of the United States John Roberts.

“In his first inaugural address, President Lincoln appealed to the ‘better angels of our nature,’” said PIC Chairman Tom Barrack. “As he takes the same oath of office 156 years later, President-elect Trump is humbled to place his hand on Bibles that hold special meaning both to his family and to our country.”

President-elect Trump’s Bible was presented to him by his mother upon his graduation of Sunday Church Primary School at First Presbyterian Church, Jamaica, New York, on Children’s Day, June 12, 1955. The Bible is a revised standard version published by Thomas Nelson and Sons in New York in 1953 and is embossed with his name on the lower portion of the front cover. The inside cover is signed by church officials and is inscribed with his name and the details of when it was presented.

The Lincoln Bible was purchased for the first inauguration of President Abraham Lincoln by William Thomas Carroll, Clerk of the Supreme Court. The Bible is bound in burgundy velvet with a gold-washed white metal rim along the edges of the covers. It is part of the collections of the Library of Congress and has been used at three inaugurals: 1861, 2009, and 2013.