In a tweet released today, President Trump took aim at #NeverTrump decepticon Mark Sanford:

Rep. Sanford is locked in a tight race against primary challenger Katie Arrington, a state lawmaker and relative newcomer to politics.  However, she has rightly called out incumbent Sanford as a “career politician” and notes his consistent criticism of President Trump is a liability.

Polls opened this morning at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. tonight.  Voters standing in line when the polls close will still be able to cast a ballot.  Get out there and support Katie Arrington.

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Back in April, 2018, Homeland Security Adviser Tom Bossert was essentially fired (resigned) due to a conflict with incoming National Security Adviser John Bolton.

As the story was told at the time:  Bossert resisted a reorganization of the National Security Council that made him subordinate to the national security adviser, so Bolton told him to pack his bags and get out.

However, Tom Bossert was exceptional in his role as Homeland Security Adviser; with expertise on cyber defense, terrorism and national security responses to natural disasters. As a DHS expert Bossert’s communication and coordination skills during the 2017 storm season was particularly, and extraordinarily, effective.

Additionally, close-quarter White House staff held/hold very high opinion of Mr. Bossert, the highest; and POTUS Trump is not the type of person who would randomly allow such high caliber talent to leave an organization. Tom Bossert’s April announcement always seemed oddly out of step.

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Following the conclusion of the summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean Chairman Kim Jong-un, the President holds a press availability to deliver remarks and answer questions.   Anticipated start time 4:00 pm Singapore / 4:00am EDT:

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President Donald Trump and North Korea Chairman Kim Jong-un held a joint agreement signing ceremony at the conclusion of their five hour summit in Singapore.

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After the joint working lunch, President Donald Trump and Chairman Kim Jong-un went for a stroll in the garden; talked for a few moments with the assembled media, and then President Trump showed Chairman Kim the inside of the U.S. Presidential Limo.

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UPDATE: I’ve added video, a VERY SPECIFIC video, to this post because it is stunningly telling of the dynamic.  Watch Chairman Kim Jong-un closely; he is extremely overwhelmed/intimidated by the scale, scope and intensity of the swarm media and the events that have brought him to this moment.

Kim’s respiration rate is fast and deliberate; he attempts to calm his nerves with breaths while simultaneously is aware that every moment is being captured.  I find myself feeling great empathy for Chairman Kim Jong-un in this video.  Again, watch closely this video captures the essence of the meeting better than all others:

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President Donald Trump and Chairman Kim Jong-un deliver initial remarks at the beginning of their one-on-one bilateral meeting.  [Transcript Link]

Q Mr. President, how do you feel (inaudible)?

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Dennis Rodman appeared on CNN to discuss North Korea.  A remarkable interview.  Around the 04:00 minute point, Mr. Rodman talks about how dismissive and angry everyone was toward him in years past for his contacts with North Korea.

Rodman gets very emotional as he discusses how President Obama wouldn’t talk to him; and he is optimistic that President Trump can help Kim Jong-un lead into a new future for the country and the North Korean people.  Mr. Rodman also explains how President Trump reached out to Rodman today telling him to feel a sense of pride for his efforts:

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According to a tweet from President Trump National Economic Council Chairman Larry Kudlow has suffered a heart attack and is being treated at Walter Reed Medical Center.

Thoughts and prayers for Mr. Kudlow and his family.   UPDATE – Statement Regarding Larry Kudlow:

Earlier today National Economic Council Director and Assistant to the President Larry Kudlow, experienced what his doctors say, was a very mild heart attack. Larry is currently in good condition at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and his doctors expect he will make a full and speedy recovery. The President and his Administration send their thoughts and prayers to Larry and his family, Sarah Sanders, Press Secretary.  (link)

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President Trump Twitter Feed HERE
Press Secretary Sarah Sanders Twitter Feed HERE
•Secretary of State Mike Pompeo Twitter Feed HERE
•U.S. State Department Twitter Feed HERE
•State Dept Spox Heather Nauert Twitter Feed HERE
•Dan Scavino Twitter Feed HERE
•U.S. Embassy Singapore Twitter Feed HERE

President Trump in Singapore Tuesday, June 12, 2018

♦ 9:00 a.m./9:00 p.m. est Initial Greeting – Following the initial greeting, President Trump and Chairman Kim will participate in •a one-on-one meeting, with translators only, •an expanded bilateral meeting, and a •working lunch.

♦ 9:15 a.m./9:15 p.m. est – One-on-One: President Trump and Chairman Kim

♦ 10:00 a.m./10:00pm est – Expanded BiLat includes: President Trump, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Chief of Staff John Kelly, and National Security Advisor John Bolton.

♦ 11:30 a.m./11:30 p.m. est – Working Lunch includes: President Donald Trump, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Chief of Staff John Kelly, National Security Advisor John Bolton, Press Secretary Sarah Sanders, Ambassador Sung Kim, and National Security Council Senior Director for Asia Matt Pottinger.

♦ 4:00 p.m./4:00 a.m. est – Media Availability

Straits Times Livestream Link –  Fox10 Livestream Link – GST Livestream Link

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On November 8th, 2017, President Donald Trump delivered a historic speech to the South Korean National Assembly in Seoul. Amid escalating tensions with North Korea, President Trump outlined his views, policy and perspective for the regional partners while calling for North Korea to reevaluate its path.

Against the backdrop of a meeting today June 12th, 2018, between President Trump and North Korea Chairman Kim Jong-un, this speech set the stage for where we are today:

[WHITE HOUSE] PRESIDENT TRUMP: Assembly Speaker Chung, distinguished members of this Assembly, ladies and gentlemen: Thank you for the extraordinary privilege to speak in this great chamber and to address your people on behalf of the people of the United States of America.

In our short time in your country, Melania and I have been awed by its ancient and modern wonders, and we are deeply moved by the warmth of your welcome.

Last night, President and Mrs. Moon showed us incredible hospitality in a beautiful reception at the Blue House. We had productive discussions on increasing military cooperation and improving the trade relationship between our nations on the principle of fairness and reciprocity.

Through this entire visit, it has been both our pleasure and our honor to create and celebrate a long friendship between the United States and the Republic of Korea.

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