A busy holiday season at the White House

As Christmas approaches, President Donald J. Trump and the First Family have been hard at work to ensure every American has a wonderful holiday season.

On the policy side, the President has focused on delivering several crucial wins before the calendar turns to 2019:

On Tuesday, he met with Democratic leaders in the Oval Office to make clear border security is nonnegotiable when it comes to funding our Government.
Yesterday, he signed an “Opportunity Zones” executive order that will help drive investment into the most underserved communities in America.
This week, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) vowed to bring the First Step Act—historic criminal justice reform that President Trump is backing strongly—to the Senate floor.

The Christmas season is also about supporting our fellow Americans.

The First Lady kicked off the week by joining the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve for its annual Toys for Tots drive in Washington. “As a mother, I believe children are the most precious gift,” she said, donating 100 books for the Toys for Tots Literacy Program—a project that dovetails with the First Lady’s own “Be Best” initiative for children. (See photos from the event.)

Yesterday, the First Lady honored our heroes in uniform—many of whom will be serving our country over the Christmas season. She made stops at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, and the USS George H.W. Bush aircraft carrier. She also flew in a V-22 Osprey military plane, becoming the first First Lady ever to do so.

And today, the First Lady traveled to Children’s National Hospital in Washington. The visit is a special tradition that’s been followed by every First Lady since Bess Truman more than 60 years ago.

Watch highlights from the First Lady’s recent visit to the Red Cross.

A special tribute: See how the First Lady honored the USS. George H.W. Bush

America’s new Governors have a partner in the White House

President Trump, Vice President Mike Pence, and senior members of the Trump Administration welcomed a bipartisan group of America’s 13 newest Governors to the White House this afternoon.

Government works best when our elected officials focus on shared priorities—regardless of party label. By forging relationships with State leaders, President Trump and his Administration can tackle the issues that matter most to working Americans, including job training, support for veterans, and the war on opioid abuse.

“Congratulations to each of you. And consider us a resource and a partner in working with you on some issues of the day, like workforce development, prison reform, opioids and the fentanyl crisis, and obviously all things economic," Counselor to the President Kellyanne Conway said.

What the Governors-elect told President Trump at the White House today.

Inside look: See the full group meet with the President in the Cabinet Room

Photo of the Day

Official White House Photo by Andrea Hanks

First Lady Melania Trump observes flight operations with U.S. Navy Capt. Chris Hill during a holiday visit with sailors aboard USS George H.W. Bush | December 12, 2018