Trump pays tribute to military in West Virginia
President Trump spoke Monday during a "Salute to Service Dinner" in West Virginia as part of the "Military Tribute at the Greenbrier" golf tournament. West Virginia Governor Jim Justice, a Republican, introduced him.
The president mentioned that he won West Virginia handily in 2016 and said that he would soon unveil a nominee to replace retiring Associate Justice Anthony Kennedy, saying his pick would be a "home run." The White House said earlier that Mr. Trump spoke to three more potential Supreme Court justice candidates Tuesday, in addition to the four he met with Monday. The president also spoke with Utah Sen. Mike Lee, the sole lawmaker on his list of 25 potential candidates.
While celebrating veterans, Mr. Trump also touted his "space force" idea -- a sixth branch of the U.S. military in space that would ensure American dominance on the high frontier.
Mr. Trump, an avowed golf fan, said he would be watching the Greenbrier tournament this weekend and wishing he could play as well as the players. He also singled out several golfers in the crowd, including the legendary Phil Mickelson.
He also singled out several West Virginia Republican politicians, including Attorney General Patrick Morrisey, who is the GOP nominee facing incumbent Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin in November. But he mostly shied away from electoral politics.
Mr. Trump asked veterans in the audience to stand for a round of applause, calling them "tough cookies." He also spoke highly of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), an agency that Democrats are increasingly critical of, with some calling for its abolition.
"We're not abandoning ICE," Mr. Trump said. He also said ICE was in the process of "liberating" towns from gangs like MS-13, and that his administration would continue to talk a tough line on illegal immigration.
The president went on to tout his efforts on promoting "clean coal" and the country's low unemployment rates.
"America is finally winning again because we're putting our country first," Mr. Trump said.
