White House Press Pool Reports @WHPressPool

17/ in-town pool report: Camp David & lid On background: The President arrived at Camp David at 9:53pm and a lid has been called. Have a great rest of your weekend! Philip Wang TIME Fri. Sep. 18, 10:07 PM

16/ in-town pool report: departure On background: The President departed from Sterling at 9:07pm. Philip Wang TIME Fri. Sep. 18, 9:10 PM

🛬 15/ in-town pool report: Sterling On background: POTUS landed in Sterling, Virginia at 6:18pm. Philip Wang TIME Fri. Sep. 18, 6:39 PM

14/ in-town pool report: Russian and Iran sanction Flagging that POTUS just signed the Lindsey Graham Sanction Russia and Iran Act into law: Philip Wang TIME Fri. Sep. 18, 6:29 PM

13/ in-town pool report: More on the Q&A Earlier this afternoon, POTUS touched on a wide range of topics during his Q&A. See below for more noteworthy quotes: On President Trump's son Donald Trump Jr. accepting gifts of payment for his wedding activities from a Russian oligarch. Trump said it is "totally allowed" and that his son paid back the gift "a while ago." On the press ban, when asked what "others to come" means, President Trump mentioned the New York Times and the Washington Post, but stopped short of saying he is banning them from the White House: "We are probably not going to display the paper anymore in the White House, but we haven't taken the step of throwing them out. " See the full transcription here: otter.ai/u/7a54OUu2J_DU… Philip Wang TIME Fri. Sep. 18, 6:21 PM

🚁 Supplemental pool report #1 - Departure from the Ellipse POTUS arrived at the Ellipse at 5:58 p.m. He boarded Marine One at 6:00PM p.m. after a short walk from the motorcade. He was followed by others, including Natalie Harp and Walt Nauta. Trump did not stop for questions as he was too far from the pool. Marine One was wheels up at 6:04 p.m., en route to Sterling, where POTUS will attend a MAGA dinner at Trump National Golf Club. M1 was followed by another chopper. The President will not return to the White House tonight, as he will spend the weekend at Camp David. Handing off to the in-town travel pool. Marek Walkuski Polskie Radio Fri. Sep. 18, 6:06 PM

12/ in-town pool report: Greenland and Denmark Flagging POTUS posted on Truth Social that the US entered agreement with Denmark and Greenland that gives “permanent control over security” in Greenland. Full text and link below: BREAKING NEWS: I am pleased to announce that the United States of America has entered into an Agreement with The Kingdom of Denmark, and Greenland, that gives the United States permanent control over security, and all other needs, in Greenland, completely addressing ALL of our many U.S. concerns. There will be NO COST to the United States! At my direction, we worked with representatives of Denmark and Greenland to guarantee that the United States will FOREVER have the complete ability to do what is necessary in Greenland in order to secure and defend the security of Greenland, and the United States of America. Additionally, from now on, no U.S. adversary can EVER have a base in Greenland, have a military presence in Greenland, or make sensitive investments in Greenland, without our express written approval. For over 100 years, Presidents have known the strategic importance of Greenland, but NONE of them were able to do anything about it. I am proud to be the President that permanently and conclusively addressed this very important situation. This is an “Infinite Life” Agreement, there is no end! We are very honored and proud of what has just taken place, and everything agreed to today will be cherished by the American People. We will immediately begin the process of developing a large Military presence in the appropriate part of Greenland, of which there are many. We will work with the people of Greenland in its development and construction. This solution is a great one for the United States of America, Denmark, Greenland, and all of our Allies. We look forward to working with the wonderful people of Denmark and Greenland toward a magnificent future with respect to this large, and highly strategic, parcel of land. We will be very protective of it! This is a dream come true for the United States of America, one that is very important, historic, and special. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP Philip Wang TIME Fri. Sep. 18, 5:24 PM

🛬 VP Pool Report #7 AF2 landed at JBA at 4:20 pm EST. The VP exited at 4:37 and M2 lifted at 4:42. The VP did not talk to the pool upon exiting AF2 or during the trip. Josh Boak Associated Press Fri. Sep. 18, 4:45 PM

11/ in-town pool report: Sterling trip gathering The pool is gathering for the POTUS’ trip from the White House to Sterling, Virginia. Philip Wang TIME Fri. Sep. 18, 4:42 PM

10/ in-town report: Q&A POTUS answered a few more questions on domestic and international issues: On the upcoming meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping: “We're gonna have a meeting. We get along well. We're doing very well with China.” On Pennsylvania’s four measles case: “We have nothing against vaccinations for measles.” Sec. Kennedy added: “CDC has not yet received information about the measles death, the alleged measles death.” On the future of the Kennedy Center: “The Kennedy Center, for 25 years, has lost a tremendous amount of money, and all I'm saying, I don't mind doing the job, but if I do the job, I think the Trump administration, including Bobby, should be recognized.” On what the press ban would look like in practice: “I don't want them in my office. I don't want them here. I would say the ban would go as far as you can, and if they could straighten themselves out, you know, if they could straighten themselves out, I'd look.” The press briefing ended at 4:35 pm. More complete note and transcript to come. One more note: Sec. Marco Rubio joined the event at the end of the Q&A session. Philip Wang TIME Fri. Sep. 18, 4:38 PM

9/ in-town press report: Q&A Trump answered a few questions on a range of topics. On the how would the press ban survived a court challenge, “I don't think that a court should allow fake news to be written day after day after day.” On Hasan Piker, “He's a terrible liability. I think he's got a power over some of these Democrats, and he'll be voting that way. I mean, he's a communist. There's no question about it.” On Republican Rep. Maria Salazar of Florida who recently aired a campaign ad disagreeing with Trump’s immigration policy, “ I disagree with her.” “she got a little bit soft on the border. I understand that.” On the Lindsay Clancy trial , “It's a very tough situation, and I know the jury was certainly not a friendly one in terms of that one person. But it's not for me.” The Q&A is ongoing. Philip Wang TIME Fri. Sep. 18, 4:25 PM

8/ in-town pool report - healthcare and press ban After federal and state officials speak to the extension of the drug pricing, POTUS took some questions. On press ban, POTUS said “our country has to have honestness” and the banned press outlets “ they purposely write negative things, and they do that because they want to try and diminish the Republicans and a Republican administration.” The event is ongoing. Philip Wang TIME Fri. Sep. 18, 4:09 PM

7/ in-town pool report - healthcare announcement and press ban Trump, citing the Council Economic Advisers, said today that the extension of MFN drug pricing will save Medicaid over $64 billion. A note on the White House press briefing room. Earlier before the pool gathered for the announcement, there was no one getting evicted from the press briefing room. Your pooler has asked the White House press office for further clarification on the POTUS’ Truth Social post. More to come. Philip Wang TIME Fri. Sep. 18, 4:00 PM

6/ in-town pool report - healthcare announcement Trump said he’s launching a new program with the participation of all 50 states to lower prescription drug prices. Every Medicaid program in the nation gets Most Favored Nation drug prices. “This one thing alone could win us the midterm.” Also attending the announcement: CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz HHS Sec. Robert F Kennedy Jr. Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden Deputy CMS Administrator Abe Sutton The event is ongoing. Philip Wang TIME Fri. Sep. 18, 3:54 PM

🛫 VP Pool Report #6 The VP boarded AF2 at 12:58 pm CST. He did not respond to shouted q’s about the election and AI. Josh Boak Associated Press Fri. Sep. 18, 2:01 PM

5/ in-town pool report - healthcare announcement The pool is gathering for the healthcare announcement at 3:39pm. Philip Wang TIME Fri. Sep. 18, 3:41 PM

President Trump Extends Most Favored Nation Pricing to Every Medicaid Program in America FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For decades, Presidents have promised to cut prescription drug prices, but only President Donald J. Trump has delivered. Prescription drug prices have now recorded their sharpest annual drop in more than 60 years and those lower prices now reach every Medicaid program in America. • President Trump is the first President to actually lower prescription drug prices. Official data confirms the largest annual decline in more than 60 years the steepest drop since 1963 with prices falling every month of 2026. • President Trump ended the era of Americans paying the highest drug prices on Earth. Through Most Favored Nation pricing, 26 of the world’s largest drugmakers covering 90% of the branded U.S. market have agreed to bring U.S. prices in line with the lowest paid by comparable developed nations. These agreements are projected to save Americans more than $600 billion. • Every Medicaid program in the nation now gets Most Favored Nation drug prices. All 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico are in, unlocking nearly $65 billion in Medicaid drug savings over the next decade real relief for low-income families, children, seniors, and the disabled, and another big win for taxpayers. • TrumpRx is already putting hundreds of millions back in patients’ pockets. The platform has delivered more than $700 million in savings and now covers more than 1,000 branded and generic medicines. GLP-1 drugs that once cost over $1,000 a month start as low as $149; eligible Medicare seniors pay just $50 a month, with more than 500,000 seniors already saving $216 million. Fertility drugs, inhalers, insulin, cholesterol treatments, and dozens of other high-cost drugs have been slashed 50–90% or more. • President Trump is bringing drug manufacturing home and securing our supply chain. The same 26 companies have committed about $170 billion to U.S. manufacturing and R&D and are stocking the Strategic Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients Reserve cutting America’s dependence on foreign supply chains for essential medicines. Distributed on September 18th, 2026.

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WHAT THEY ARE SAYING: President Trump Delivers Historic Victories for America’s Hunters, Anglers, and Outdoorsmen FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE President Donald J. Trump is delivering on his promises to America’s outdoorsmen by cutting red tape, removing burdensome and unnecessary restrictions levied by previous Administrations and expanding America’s great outdoor recreation sector that generates over $1.2 trillion annually and supports over 5 million jobs. Last night, the President signed two Executive Orders to bolster American hunting and revive American saltwater angling. Industry leaders and stakeholders nationwide hailed the President’s leadership and commitment to restoring Americans’ access to Federal lands, revitalizing our Nation’s outdoor recreation economy, while conserving and protecting America’s abundant natural resources. Here’s what they are saying: Secretary Doug Burgum: “Sportsmen are among our greatest conservationists, and this administration is committed to supporting the men and women who help protect our public lands and wildlife. At direction, will: • Expand hunting access • Promote habitat management • Improve migratory bird hunting authorizations • Encourage Sunday hunting • Support hunter education and youth and veteran programs Putting American hunters, fishermen and outdoorsmen FIRST.” Senator Tom Cotton: “Hunting is an important part of Arkansas’s culture and economy. Thankful President Trump is prioritizing America’s hunting heritage for future generations.” Rep. Bruce Westerman: “Today’s executive orders signed by President Trump are generational victories for America’s sportsmen and women. The actions taken by President Trump expand access to public lands and waters, eliminate burdensome regulation, reinvigorate our outdoor economy and invest in the next generation of hunters and anglers. I’m proud to have advanced legislation on many of these policies through the Natural Resources Committee, including the reauthorization of the Great American Outdoors Act. I look forward to working with the Trump administration to codify these executive orders and support our nation’s hunters and anglers.” Rep. August Pfluger: “For years, Washington made it harder to access the public lands and waters that belong to the American people. Today's executive order by expands wildlife access to hunters and anglers, rolls back overreaching Biden-era restrictions like the lead ammunition mandates, and opens up more opportunities for the next generation of sportsmen. I’m proud to support this action and applaud President Trump for rolling back the overreach of the previous administration.” Rep. Addison McDowell: “Proud to join hundreds of anglers and hunters tonight as President Trump just signed an executive order reversing Biden-era restrictions on America’s outdoorsmen. By cutting burdensome red tape on fishermen and bringing outdoor recreation into the 21st century, President Trump is putting the American Outdoorsman First!” The National Rifle Association : “The NRA is proud to stand beside to protect the Second Amendment nationwide. We applaud President Trump’s newest executive orders protecting the storied tradition of American outdoorsmanship. 🤝” Center for Sportfish Policy President and CEO Jeff Angers: “This Executive Order is a historic recognition of what millions of American anglers and coastal communities have known for decades: marine recreational fishing deserves a management system built for the way Americans fish. By prioritizing better data, stronger state partnerships and modern management approaches, President Trump’s order builds on our conservation gains creating a path to more reliable access and opportunity in America’s oceans.” National Shooting Sports Foundation President and CEO Joe Bartozzi : “Today’s Executive Order by President Trump demonstrates that this administration stands with America’s sportsmen and women. This is a tremendous victory to ensure that America’s hunting heritage is protected for today’s hunters and the coming generations of outdoorsmen and women. NSSF has long championed several of these key policy issues, including protecting the right to use traditional ammunition, accessing public lands and increasing opportunities for Sunday hunting. We are proud to have led this fight and prouder still that the Trump administration is embracing commonsense policies to promote, protect and preserve hunting and the shooting sports across America.” Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation President and CEO Jeff Crane : “The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation commends President Trump for bringing together leaders from across the sportsmen’s community and recognizing the tremendous contributions hunters, anglers, trappers, and recreational shooters make to our nation. America’s outdoor heritage is one of our nation’s greatest traditions, and today’s event demonstrates the President’s continued commitment to ensuring these traditions remain strong for generations to come.” Ducks Unlimited CEO Adam Putnam : “Hunters have been our nation’s most ardent conservationists for generations, and it’s terrific to see President Trump publicly recognize that in the White House Rose Garden. This Executive Order is an acknowledgment of hunters’ longstanding contributions to conservation, hunting access, sound waterfowl science, and hunter education. Our proud hunting heritage has been woven into the fabric of our great nation’s identity for 250 years, and this sort of commitment will help ensure it remains that way for future generations.” Delta Waterfowl CEO Jason Tharpe : "We sincerely appreciate the President's Executive Order as it highlights a number of Delta's priorities for both ducks and duck hunters. Having the President affirm the need for access, addressing infrastructure on public lands, enhancing habitat through agreements with willing landowners and ensuring waterfowl hunting regulations are based on the best available data are all core needs and we appreciate the President's leadership. Delta Waterfowl is deeply appreciative of President Trump’s historic announcement in furtherance of America’s hunting and conservation heritage. Simply put, this executive order will serve to benefit ducks and duck hunters for years to come and we look forward to working closely with the administration toward its implementation.” National Marine Manufacturers Association President and CEO Frank Hugelmeyer : “Recreational boating and fishing are the foundation of America’s outdoor heritage and an important driver of our nation’s recreation economy. [Yesterday’s] actions further reaffirm the importance of ensuring Americans can access and enjoy our nation’s waters. Access supports American manufacturing, jobs, and small businesses across the country. Thank you to President Trump and his administration for recognizing the value of outdoor recreation and the American industries and communities it supports.” Coastal Conservation Association President and CEO Pat Murray : “We’re grateful the Administration has taken this opportunity to emphasize the social and economic importance of recreational fishing. State-based management has never been more important for our federal fisheries and we applaud this critical need being highlighted in this Executive Order.” American Sportfishing Association President and CEO Glenn Hughes : “The American Sportfishing Association thanks President Trump for this decisive action to improve management and data collection for America’s saltwater fisheries. This Executive Order will have long-term benefits for the sportfishing industry and America's 15.5 million saltwater recreational anglers.” Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation President and CEO Kyle Weaver: “On behalf of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF), we thank President Trump and his administration for recognizing the vital role hunters play in sustaining wildlife and for issuing the Reinvigorating America’s Hunting Heritage Executive Order that strongly aligns with RMEF’s mission to ensure the future of elk, other wildlife, their habitat and our hunting heritage. We are honored by the president’s invitation to attend the White House ceremony where the policy was announced. The order’s focus on expanding public access, actively managing habitat, facilitating wildlife movement and habitat connectivity, strengthening cooperation with state wildlife agencies, supporting science-based management of game populations, addressing predators and other population-limiting factors, and combatting invasive species closely reflects RMEF’s work for more than four decades. These priorities are central to our mission, and we look forward to working with the administration, federal agencies and state partners as the order is implemented.” Sportsman Boats CEO Tommy Hancock: “Healthy fisheries and access to them go hand in hand. For American boat builders, this is about more than the boats we build. It’s about the families who spend time together on the water, the men and women whose livelihoods depend on the marine industry and our shared responsibility to conserve these resources. We appreciate President Trump and his Administration recognizing the importance of recreational fishing and taking action to strengthen conservation, improve fisheries management and preserve meaningful access.” Rivers of Recovery Chairman Mitch Butler: “Rivers of Recovery commends the Trump Administration for recognizing the importance of America’s hunting and fishing traditions and expanding access to these opportunities for our nation’s veterans. Our years of research have proven that intentionally designed outdoor experiences can produce measurable improvements in the well being of combat veterans, including reductions in symptoms of post traumatic stress, depression and anxiety. By strengthening access to hunting, fishing and the outdoors, this action supports both the healing of our nation’s veterans and the conservation heritage that makes these experiences possible.” Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever Vice President of Government Affairs Ariel Wiegard: “America’s hunting heritage is worth protecting—and that starts with putting more wildlife on the landscape and more opportunity within reach of hunters. From expanding access to public lands to investing in the habitat, wildlife management, and community spirit needed to sustain the legacy of iconic game species like bobwhite quail, this Executive Order recognizes that conservation and hunting go hand in hand. Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever are proud to work alongside the Trump Administration, states, landowners, and hunters to ensure America’s hunting traditions remain strong for generations to come.” Mule Deer Foundation President and CEO Greg Sheehan: “Growing mule deer and other game populations requires healthy habitat and strong partnerships. We appreciate President Trump and his Administration’s focus on working with states, landowners, and conservation partners to address the factors limiting these herds. The Mule Deer Foundation stands ready to help deliver measurable conservation results.” American Association of Meat Processors Executive Director Chris Young: “The American Association of Meat Processors is proud to support the President’s Hunter’s Bill of Rights. We are particularly excited about the effort to expand wild game donation programs across the United States and our members, the small meat processors of the country who butcher the vast majority of the wild game meat, stand ready to help keep this promise to the American people.” National Deer Association President and CEO Nick Pinizzotto: “The National Deer Association is proud to celebrate the announcement of a Hunter’s Bill of Rights, especially the President’s keen attention to the issue of venison donation. There are so many places in this country that are experiencing hyperabundant deer populations. Venison donation programs are good for hunters, good for agricultural producers, and good for our small business partners in the meat processing community. We are excited to continue our work on this issue as hunting seasons start to open across the country” Wild Sheep Foundation CEO Gray Thornton: “The Wild Sheep Foundation applauds the administration's continued emphasis on hunting access, voluntary work with landowners, and care for public lands as vital parts of wildlife conservation. The Castle Mountains National Monument was wrongly closed to hunters and now we can look forward to correcting that error.” Boone and Crockett Club CEO Tony Schoonen: “As fall hunting seasons begin across the country, the Boone and Crockett Club appreciates the administration's timely attention to the important issues facing wildlife today. We look forward to working with the now mobilized agencies to address today's challenges with quail, bighorn sheep, mule deer, and other species not yet fully recovered.” American Conservation Coalition President Chris Barnard: “Hunting and fishing are ingrained in the DNA of our nation and serve as crucial tools for the conservation of our natural heritage. The American Conservation Coalition and our 150,000 grassroots members are glad to see the administration’s efforts to expand access and continue this American tradition in balance with our conservation needs.” Contender Boats CEO Joe Neber: “The future of recreational fishing depends on healthy oceans and healthy fisheries. Anglers have long understood that good conservation and good access are connected. By putting better science, modern technology and more effective management at the center of federal fisheries policy, this Executive Order provides a stronger foundation for both.” Distributed on September 18th, 2026.

4/in-town pool report - Press ban flagging that President Trump posted on Truth Social that he's banning CNN, Politico, and MS NOW from the White House. Full text and below: I am proud to announce that, effective immediately, I am banning Fake News CNN, MSNOW (who recently changed their name from MSNBC due to lack of viewership and credibility!), and Politico (The recipients of an illegal and ridiculous $8 Million Dollar subscription, an All Time Record, directly from the United States Government, under Crooked Joe Biden, in order to keep them “alive.” Seems like corruption to me!), from the White House as a result of their constant “reporting” FAKE NEWS! Media Outlets shouldn’t be able to constantly write or report FICTION and LIES when they’re covering the President of the United States, the Trump Administration, or the United States of America. Other Fake News Media Outlets to follow. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP Philip Wang TIME Fri. Sep. 18, 3:09 PM