Remarks by President Trump Before Air Force One Departure
This presidential press interaction at LAX reveals several key policy and administrative developments:
Pete Hegseth has been confirmed as Secretary of Defense, despite opposition from Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. Trump appears satisfied with the confirmation outcome, emphasizing “winning is what matters” while claiming to be unaware of McConnell’s opposing vote.
California meeting:
- Trump indicates a productive meeting with the California governor, emphasizing they’re “on the same team”
- The discussion appears to focus on disaster or emergency response, though specific details are not provided
Local government tensions:
- Trump expresses frustration with local permitting processes, particularly regarding housing construction
- He criticizes the 18-month waiting period for permits
- Announces intention to implement “immediate permits,” suggesting federal intervention in local building processes
References a meeting in North Carolina, describing both this and the Los Angeles visit as “fantastic meetings” addressing “tragic events,” though specific details are not provided.
The interaction demonstrates Trump’s characteristic communication style:
- Emphasis on personal relationships and direct communication
- Focus on speed and immediate action
- Dismissal of opposition (McConnell’s vote) while emphasizing victories
- Direct criticism of local bureaucratic processes
This press interaction suggests a continuation of Trump’s previous administrative approach of attempting to streamline processes through federal intervention and maintaining an adversarial stance toward local Democratic leadership while emphasizing cooperation with state-level officials.
Remarks by President Trump Before Air Force One Departure
Los Angeles International Airport Los 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