State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce held a press briefing.
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NewsTranscript
00:00See what I'm like right on time, there's no applause, I should be late more often.
00:06All right.
00:08You know, my voice has been gone, it's these cherry blossoms are so beautiful.
00:13It's remarkable sight.
00:15And for everyone thinking about traveling or what you want to see here in America, the
00:22sight of the cherry blossoms here, whether it's this year or next year, it's magnificent,
00:26but definitely take your allergy meds.
00:29Definitely take those, but it is – it's just – I've never seen it before here.
00:34So it's just magnificent.
00:35All right.
00:36So we do have a couple of announcements at the start, and then we will, of course – we,
00:41the imperial we – take your questions.
00:44So here we go.
00:45Thank you again for being here.
00:48Secretary of State Marco Rubio will travel to Brussels, Belgium, from April 2nd to April
00:534th.
00:54In Brussels, Secretary Rubio will attend the NATO foreign ministers' meeting to discuss
00:59security priorities for the alliance, including increased Allied defense investment and securing
01:06lasting peace in Ukraine.
01:08Secretary Rubio will also discuss the shared threat of China to the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific
01:14alliances at a NATO session with representatives of the Indo-Pacific partners.
01:19Lastly, the Secretary will discuss plans for the Hague summit this summer.
01:24Further, we are heartbroken by the tragic news out of Lithuania that three of our four
01:30U.S. Army soldiers assigned to the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division,
01:37were found deceased today.
01:39We offer our deepest sympathy to the soldiers' families, friends, and the 1st Armored Division.
01:45We are grateful for the extraordinary efforts carried out by the U.S. Army, the Lithuanian
01:49Armed Forces, and civilian agencies over the past six days.
01:54In addition, as announced over the weekend, the United States will provide up to $2 million
02:00through Burma-based humanitarian assistance organizations to support earthquake-affected
02:05communities as an immediate response to the March 28th earthquake.
02:10A U.S. aid team of humanitarian experts based in the region are traveling to Burma now to
02:16identify the people's most pressing needs, including emergency shelter, food, medical
02:21needs, and access to water.
02:24Our disaster experts, including those based in Bangkok, Manila, and Washington, D.C.,
02:29continue to monitor the situation with coordination with U.S.
02:32Government counterparts in the region.
02:34The United States stands with the people of Burma as they work to recover from the devastation,
02:40and we offer our deepest condolences for the loss of life in this obviously extraordinarily
02:45difficult time.
02:46Next, the United States is pleased to welcome home Faye Hall from Afghanistan.
02:52In the words of Secretary Rubio, President Trump's commitment to the American people
02:56is clear.
02:57We will not rest until all Americans detained in Afghanistan and held hostage around the
03:03world are brought home.
03:05The U.S.
03:06Government's highest priority is the safety and security of the American people wherever
03:10they may be.
03:11Finally, tomorrow, April 1st, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and First Lady Melania Trump
03:17will host the 19th Annual International Women of Courage Awards Ceremony here at the State
03:23Department.
03:24This prestigious event will honor eight extraordinary women from around the world who have demonstrated
03:29exceptional courage, strength, and leadership in advocating for peace, justice, human rights,
03:36and the empowerment of women and girls.
03:39And now I'll turn it over to your questions.
03:42Yes.
03:44Sorry, did I speak out of turn?
03:45Matt Lee.
03:46Matt Lee.
03:47Oh my goodness.
03:48Almost out of turn.
03:49Matt Lee.
03:50Sorry.
03:51What can I do for you?
03:52Extremely briefly, just on the Burma.
03:53Yes, sir.
03:54Wait.
03:55Do you know – has the team gotten there yet, or are they still on the –
03:59We know they're in the process.
04:01I think we'll have a firm word perhaps this evening, but they're in the process of being
04:06present right there.
04:07Okay.
04:08And then secondly, I just wanted to know if you had gotten any more clarity on what I
04:11asked earlier about the – these letters from embassies in Europe going out to private
04:17companies and various American spaces and other type things, telling them that they
04:25are at risk of losing funding if they do not comply with the administration's DEI policies.
04:31Well, I think this is a situation of certainly an effort to comply with the executive order
04:38from the President, and it is essentially a self-certifying statement to local consulates
04:47and embassies, those who are conveying the nature of what the American executive order
04:55was and what's expected.
04:56And so it's something that there's a dynamic when it comes to what people have already
05:04certified to, what – if they may have issues, but it really is just – I don't want to
05:09say informational, but it's a dynamic where the companies involved get the notice about
05:15what we expect here when it comes to products and doing business with companies and contracts
05:21and what their own policies are.
05:22So it's true, there's – but it's, again, a self-certifying dynamic.
05:28And that's about it.
05:31Okay.
05:32All right.
05:34Mary Mitchell.
05:35Following up on one thing and then two other quick points.
05:38On the DART team, have they been visaed?
05:42Do we have anyone on the ground yet?
05:44Chinese, Russian, and others are there in large numbers.
05:49We have some soldiers from Japan who've deployed.
05:52But as I understand it, we don't have any teams on the ground yet.
05:56It's been – how do you say it – four days since the earthquake.
06:03Every day is critical.
06:05And this is apparently a direct result of USAID cutbacks in terms of the ability to
06:13launch quickly and to have a team actually in country.
06:16And secondly, I wanted to ask about VOA.
06:19There was a TRO on Friday night.
06:22Those people have received notices.
06:26As I understand it, they're off the air.
06:28They have no access, I don't believe, to their offices or their emails.
06:35And in response to the temporary restraining order Friday night, what is going to change
06:40or will it not change pending appeal?
06:42I know you don't talk about lawsuits, but this involves an agency that is directly involved
06:48with the State Department and with our fellow journalists.
06:51Right.
06:52Well, we – but we don't talk about lawsuits in the nature of what's going on, regardless
06:55of whether it's an agency dealing with us or not dealing with us.
06:59That rule does not change.
07:01But let me get to Burma as well.
07:04So obviously, we – you've heard my opening.
07:08We send our condolences to everyone.
07:10But what we do know – and I would caution you, though, I would reject the notion that
07:14this is obviously a result of the USAID cuts and that kind of funding.
07:21There are many different elements to this dynamic.
07:25And we're also certainly in the region, we're on the ground.
07:28I can say that there can – it could be within – well, by – hopefully by this evening
07:35that we will be added to the embassy's teams' assessments of needs on the ground and further
07:42– that will further inform our response.
07:44But keep in mind, of course, we've got a mission there and a team of people that these
07:49experts then will be joining.
07:51And as people know, we're providing up to $2 million through existing humanitarian
07:56partners in Burma who are working right now to support the earthquake-affected communities
08:03for the emergency shelter, food, medical, and water.
08:05So people are on the ground.
08:07We have partners that we are working with to facilitate the nature of things as they're
08:13happening at this point.
08:14QUESTION.
08:15But in the past during earthquakes, the Fairfax team with their dogs and their expertise would
08:19go all over the world – Turkey, in instances I think Iran as well, as the Israeli team
08:27would join.
08:28I mean, there are experts that we have always provided.
08:30MR KIRBY Sure.
08:31QUESTION.
08:32And do we physically or in contrast to what we see visually, people digging by hand and
08:40by equipment, people out with china on the back of their yellow jackets?
08:46We don't see any presence of U.S. merchants on the ground, but –
08:51MR KIRBY Well, I would caution that obviously right
08:54now people are working to get this solved, to find people, to rescue people, to get people
09:03what they need, life-saving mechanisms.
09:06And the good news is – and I think we should look at it this way as well – is that we
09:11have partners that we work with that may not require us to be physically present in the
09:17nature of what it is that's being done, partners who've been on the ground regularly,
09:22there constantly.
09:23And I think that – would reject the premise that the sign of success is that we are physically
09:30there.
09:31Obviously, we are now through our missions and we're sending experts as well.
09:36Of course that's happening.
09:38But I think that the fact that we've got partners that we work with, that our goals
09:41can be achieved through the work that we do with others around the world, is something
09:46when I've said this in general with the reform that the government is going through
09:52with the lead of President Trump, is that certain things won't necessarily look the
09:57same, but the success and the work and our impact will still be there.
10:02And this perhaps is part of that dynamic.
10:05So I would say that, of course, not just when it comes to our experts who are also
10:10not just on their way, but based in Bangkok, Thailand, the Manila Philippines, and Washington,
10:16that we are doing work from here.
10:18We have remarkable partners we're working with on the ground, and we remain in communication
10:23with our international partners, including the Quad, which is Australia, India, and Japan,
10:28to ensure effective coordination with each respective nation's response efforts.
10:33We're also pleased to see other donors provide assistance in the aftermath of the earthquake.
10:39And we're – I'll tell you, it is the people of Burma who are getting the urgent
10:46aid that they need right now, and that we are certainly, again, pleased when it comes
10:52to whatever donors are going in the region to assist those individuals.
10:57And we are part of that framework.
11:00And that's, I think, what's most important here, and a reminder that the aid can continue,
11:09and it may simply look different, and it may involve more partners.
11:12But we certainly are focused on this, and we'll have more information for you this
11:15evening.
11:16All right.
11:17Yes, go ahead.
11:18QUESTIONER 2 On the deportations, the Secretary announced
11:19this morning.
11:20So are we done?
11:21Do we want to – one second.
11:23Any more questions on Burma?
11:24Do you want – yes, sir.
11:25Go ahead, and then we'll come right back.
11:26Sure.
11:27Go ahead.
11:28Go ahead.
11:29Go ahead.
11:30Go ahead.
11:31Go ahead.
11:32Go ahead.
11:33Go ahead.
11:34Go ahead.
11:35Go ahead.
11:36Go ahead.
11:37Go ahead.
11:38Go ahead.
11:39Go ahead.
11:40Go ahead.
11:41Go ahead.
11:42Go ahead.
11:43Go ahead.
11:44Go ahead.
11:45Go ahead.
11:46Go ahead.
11:47Go ahead.
11:48Go ahead.
11:49Go ahead.
11:50Go ahead.
11:51Go ahead.
11:52Go ahead.
11:53Go ahead.
11:54Go ahead.
11:55Go ahead.
11:56Go ahead.
11:57Go ahead.
11:58Go ahead.
11:59Sure.
12:00And can you say what they requested specifically?
12:01I can't at this point, no.
12:02Okay.
12:03Yes.
12:04All right, let's go.
12:05What authority was used to deport these 17 alleged gang members to El Salvador?
12:08What I can —
12:09Are they alien enemies?
12:10Sure, sure.
12:12There is a few things, including a tweet and a statement from the Secretary, and I'm
12:21going to get that for you right now.
12:24Hold on here.
12:28Because this is part of – what we do know, of course, I think what's important is the
12:34fact that the President and the Secretary have made it very clear, well, really from
12:42day one, that the security of the United States is top priority, the nature of the crime that's
12:48happening here, and the ability of our nation to remain a sovereign and safe and secure
12:53nation.
12:54So yes or no, was the Alien Enemies Act invoked to be able to deport these 17 individuals?
12:59And how does that work?
13:00I cannot – when we're thinking about the legal process, I'm going to try to tell
13:04you what the things that I can comment on and what I can talk about, and I can't really
13:12discuss that at this point.
13:14Would that not be a violation of the federal court order if the Alien Enemies Act was –
13:16I'm not going to be speaking on any of that aspect.
13:22That, of course, is something that you can also ask the White House about.
13:25And DHS, I think that is perhaps where your question should be put, but I'm not going
13:30to comment on any legal aspects regarding this.
13:33Yes, sir.
13:34Sorry.
13:35Thanks so much.
13:36Jahanzaib Ali from ARY News.
13:37Majority of the Americans believe that President Trump is a blessing –
13:42I'm sorry.
13:43Can you repeat that, please?
13:44Majority of the Americans believe that President Trump is not only a blessing for this country
13:48but a blessing for the whole world.
13:50He's a peacemaker.
13:52But many – in many parts of the world, like India and occupied Kashmir, Afghanistan, and
13:57in many African nations, people are waiting for President Trump, his bold decision to
14:03lift them out of misery.
14:05So people believe and know that President Trump will make America great again, but will
14:09he make this world great again?
14:14Is that easy?
14:15It's like, okay.
14:17Well, I support President Trump, and I think that the majority of Americans who gave him
14:22this mandate understand that that's what is possible.
14:25We saw that happen in the first term.
14:27We've seen the nature of his impact even as a businessman in the United States when
14:31it comes to the impact on cities and states and the country as a whole, to the point where
14:35the American people made him the President of the United States.
14:39Clearly, a financially stable America, a strong America for as long as we've been here,
14:46has made the difference in the safety and security of the rest of the world.
14:51That is the kind of dynamic that the world wants and expects.
14:55President Trump embodies the nature of our original founding about what America is for
15:00and the nature of what it can accomplish when it comes to sticking with its values and making
15:05sure that we're safe and secure and that we respect ourselves and implement our values.
15:11And when that happens, and when that happens, the rest of the world is safer and more secure.
15:16All right.
15:17Sure.
15:19U.S. Commission on Religious Freedom recently released their annual report and recommends
15:24to put India into CPC list, country of particular concern.
15:28U.S. Commission also requested Secretary Rubio to put sanctions on Indian intelligence agency
15:35ROB for their involvement in the murder plot of a U.S. citizen and harassment of journalist
15:40academics based here in the U.S.
15:43So is U.S. State Department going to consider these recommendations from the commission?
15:47Well, I will not discuss negotiations or diplomatic considerations in that manner at all.
15:54But I do – let's take a look at where that stands and the reference to that.
15:58But that's not something that is – I'm going to be commenting on.
16:02Yes, Nadia.
16:04A few questions on the Middle East.
16:05Number one, the Syrian President Ahmadinejad announced the formation of his new government,
16:11which includes a woman, an Alawite, a Druze, and a Kurd.
16:14Is this inclusive enough for the – for this administration, and will he lift some sanctions?
16:19And also, I have a question on Iran.
16:21They're saying that they're not going to negotiate under pressure.
16:25So is there a time limit for them to come to the negotiation table?
16:28Is this any other options that the administration will consider?
16:31All right, well, let me answer you about Syria, that we are aware of the announcement
16:35on Saturday of the interim authorities of a – by the interim authorities of a transitional
16:40cabinet in Syria.
16:42We recognize the struggles of the Syrian people who have suffered decades under despotic rule
16:47and oppression of the Assad regime, and we hope this announcement represents a positive
16:51step for an inclusive and representative Syria.
16:56Number four, Syria's interim authorities should fully renounce and suppress terrorism,
17:02exclude foreign terrorist fighters from any official roles, prevent Iran and its proxies
17:07from exploiting Syrian territory, take meaningful steps to verifiably destroy Assad's chemical
17:14weapons, assist in the recovery of U.S. and other citizens who have been disappeared in
17:21Syria, and ensure the security and freedoms of Syria's religious and ethnic minorities.
17:27The United States will continue to assess the interim authorities' behavior and determine
17:33our next step based on those actions.
17:38It's – and you mentioned about sanctions.
17:40Any adjustment to U.S. policy towards Syria's interim authorities will be contingent on
17:45all of those steps being taken that I mentioned to you.
17:49And your other question was?
17:51On Iran, they said they're not going to negotiate under pressure.
17:56So is this a time limit for them?
17:59Well, yes.
18:00Iran's behavior across the globe threatens U.S. national interest, which is why President
18:05Trump reimposed the maximum pressure campaign designed to end Iran's nuclear threat, curtail
18:11its ballistic missile program, and stop it from supporting terrorist groups.
18:16As the President has said, Iran can never have a nuclear weapon.
18:22He has also been very clear that the United States can't allow that to occur.
18:27The President expressed his willingness to discuss a deal with Iran, as we know.
18:31If the Iranian regime does not want a deal, the President is clear he will pursue other
18:36options, which will be very bad for Iran.
18:39All right.
18:40Yes, sir.
18:41Go ahead.
18:43On Gaza, the UN's Humanitarian Affairs Office has said that 15 paramedics, civil defense,
18:51and a UN worker were killed – in other words, one by one – by the RDF.
18:57They have dug bodies up, they said, in the shallow grave that had been gathered up, and
19:02also vehicles in the sand.
19:04Have you got any assessment of what might have happened?
19:06And given the potential use of American weapons, is there any assessment of whether or not
19:11this complied with international law?
19:14Well, I can tell you that for too long, Hamas has abused civilian infrastructure, cynically
19:22using it to shield themselves.
19:23Hamas's actions have caused humanitarians to be caught in the crossfire.
19:28The use of civilians or civilian objects to shield or impede military operations is itself
19:33a violation of international humanitarian law, and of course, we expect all parties
19:38on the ground to comply with international humanitarian law.
19:43But this is specifically a question on any – it's a question about accounting and
19:48accountability given that it may have been the use of U.S. weapons, so it's a question
19:52about the State Department rather than Hamas.
19:55Is there any action to assess that?
19:57Well, every single thing that is happening in Gaza is happening because of Hamas.
20:03Every single dynamic.
20:05I'll say again – I've said it, I think, in every briefing.
20:08All of this could stop in a moment if Hamas returned all the hostages and the hostage
20:15bodies they are still holding and put down its weapons.
20:18There is one, one entity that could stop it for everyone in a moment, and that is Hamas.
20:27This is – all loss of life is regrettable.
20:30It's key, obviously.
20:32Whoever it is, wherever they live – and this has been the nature of what fuels Secretary
20:38Rubio and President Trump in their willingness to expend this kind of capital early on in
20:45this term to make a difference and to change the situation.
20:49So I think that's – that is the one thing that remains clear in all of this, which is
20:54all – for all of us, which is why we work to stop it.
20:57A horrible dynamic.
20:58Yes, Humayra.
20:59Humayra.
21:00Hi, Tammy.
21:01Just a follow-up from Jenny.
21:05Are you able to say if these deportations of alleged gang members, Venezuelans – are
21:11these going to continue?
21:13And while you can't say under which authority they were deported, are you able to say which
21:18authority they will be deported if there would be new ones?
21:21No, I'm – I can't speculate.
21:22It's a type of way of – hypotheticals in a certain sense.
21:27Obviously, also, we have not announced who's on that plane.
21:32The details – I'm not going to accept the premise immediately of who is on that
21:38plane.
21:39That's not what I can do here at this podium.
21:41What I do know, again, is that every action that is taken by this administration is to
21:46fulfill the promise that elected them to office that the American people want, which is to
21:51have a safe community, which is to be able to live their lives knowing that perhaps the
21:56next day will come and that the future for their children and grandchildren will be maybe
22:00a little bit better than theirs has been.
22:03So this is that larger picture, but I'm not going to get into the details of a particular
22:09flight.
22:10Are you able to say confidently that the terror wasn't violated?
22:13I'm not here to give you my legal opinion – I'm not a lawyer – or to speculate
22:19on what is or is not happening in any fashion in that regard.
22:24Yes, sir.
22:25The glass is here.
22:26Thank you, Tammy.
22:27Someday the State Department is going to make the mistake of hiring a lawyer to be a spokesperson
22:29and then –
22:30Well, then it would be even less interesting than mine.
22:33No.
22:34I have two questions for you.
22:35Number one, a few weeks after President Trump's Shalom Hamas tweet or social media post, Israeli
22:42authorities giving indication that they're preparing for a potential larger-scale military
22:46operation in Rafah, potential reoccupation of Gaza.
22:50I wanted to get some insight as to whether there is coordination between the U.S. and
22:55Israel on that front, whether the State Department takes a position on Israel's potential plans.
23:01The second question was Israeli officials have been sounding the alarm about Egypt's
23:05military operations in Sinai, saying that it's a potential violation of the peace
23:10treaty between the two countries.
23:12Any position from the State Department in regards to Egypt's activities and whether
23:17they deem it a violation of the peace treaty?
23:19Well, we're not – we never speak about ongoing diplomatic relationships, but we do
23:25have the pillars of our approach that remain resolute.
23:28We stand with Israel and we stand for peace.
23:31President Trump has made clear the consequences of what will happen if Hamas continues to
23:34hold hostages.
23:36I will leave it at that, but of course add in the fact that Secretary Rubio has been
23:40as aggressive in his rhetoric that Hamas cannot continue to exist, and again, that we stand
23:47with Israel and their efforts to defend themselves.
23:50On Egypt?
23:51Yes, ma'am.
23:52Can you give me anything on Egypt?
23:53Yeah.
23:54Thank you, Terry.
23:55So you had said earlier this month that the deadline for the State Department to submit
23:59a report to the President detailing recommendations for visa and travel restrictions, as outlined
24:05in an executive order he signed in January, had been moved from March 21st.
24:09What is the new date for that report and what is the status of those recommendations?
24:14Well, what I said at the time when asked is that that was a target date that no longer
24:21applies without giving you details, so there was no deadline in that regard.
24:27But the State Department, like every department in President Trump's administration, are
24:32acting on executive orders, including this one.
24:36Why was it postponed?
24:38I can't speak to that, but I can tell you that we're working on what the executive
24:42order asked for, which is not travel bans, of course, but the nature of restrictions
24:47from other countries, whether or not they meet the standard of security and vetting
24:53that's required for entry into the United States.
24:56So has a new date been set yet?
24:58No.
24:59No.
25:00But again, it's not – again, because there's not a date, it doesn't mean that it's
25:05not being worked on.
25:06So we are all working to implement what President Trump has ordered.
25:10Yes, sir, in the back right there.
25:11Can you all hear me?
25:12No, in front – here, sir.
25:14Tom Watkins of The National.
25:15Two questions.
25:16On the subject of student deportations, several pro-Israel activist groups are providing U.S.
25:23authorities with the names of people involved in last year's pro-Palestinian protests.
25:29Among those names are naturalized Americans, people originally from the Middle East but
25:33who are now U.S. citizens.
25:34Can you tell me, is the U.S. weighing any action against American citizens who spoke
25:39out during last year's protests?
25:41Well, I would have to speculate on that.
25:44I also – if – I'm not going to discuss the nature of the diplomatic or strategic
25:51conversations that any department in the government is having, let alone the State Department.
25:56What I can do – what I can tell you is, as – just repeating what the Secretary,
26:00what Secretary Rubio has said, is that if you come into this country, if you've lied
26:05to get in this country, and you've come into this country and have committed crimes
26:09or have clearly – if you've done something, whereas if you've told us you were going
26:15to do it when you were applying for that visa, you would never have gotten that visa.
26:19And we are going to be very aggressive in the nature of acting on that, and he's made
26:23that very clear.
26:24But I won't discuss the nature of decision-making in that framework or speculate on the nature
26:30of what the department will be doing.
26:31But if someone has become a naturalized U.S. citizen, could still be – you're saying
26:34could still be subject?
26:35Don't draw conclusions because I'm not answering your question.
26:37Okay.
26:38That's a big mistake.
26:40I'm not answering the specifics of your question.
26:44Very – don't draw that conclusion.
26:47Don't put words in my mouth.
26:48That's not what I said.
26:49Yes, sir.
26:50Yes, sir.
26:51Yes, sir.
26:52Thank you, Tammy.
26:53Next month, the United States is going to open the largest consulate in Erbil, the Kurdistan
26:59region capital.
27:01Do you have any plan to increase the region's diplomatic presence or adding additional services
27:06to that mission?
27:07And adding to that question, the Kurdistan region had an election on October 2024, and
27:14still there is a discussion among the political parties to form a new government.
27:18Could you provide me any comment on that?
27:20And were there any engagement with this political party to form a new government and having
27:25a unified Peshmerga forces?
27:27Well, here's what I can tell you.
27:30With this opening of the new and largest U.S. consulate in Erbil next month, we are
27:36– it's actually expected, I think, to open later this year.
27:39It reflects the United States commitment to the Iraqi Kurdistan region.
27:44The new consulate will strengthen our partnership and diplomatic cooperation with the Kurdistan
27:49regional government and the Government of Iraq on shared priorities and challenges,
27:54including countering extremism and fostering long-term peace.
27:58Secondly, on the IKR government, I can tell you that we're thinking about if you've
28:07– we've formed – when it comes to the forming of a government for the two zones
28:13and if there's a united force there under the umbrella of that movement, we're going
28:18to refer you to the Kurdistan regional government to speak about the internal domestic affairs
28:23issues that you might be concerned about and involved with your questions.
28:27We have encouraged all sides to swiftly form a government, and a strong and resilient democracy,
28:33as we speak about often, in the Iraqi Kurdistan region is necessary to preserve the stability
28:39and security of Iraq.
28:40So we encourage them to form that government and to do so quickly.
28:44All right.
28:45Yes.
28:46Yes, go ahead, Camille.
28:48Sorry we're jumping around, but I have different topics.
28:49Well, it's happened, so here we are.
28:50I've got my seatbelt on.
28:52So just going back to the visa revocations, there's a group called Betar that has told
28:58CBS that they have provided thousands of names to the Trump administration of visa holders
29:03and naturalized foreigners who, quote, come to the West to rage against America and support
29:08U.S.-designated terrorist organizations.
29:11Can you confirm whether that organization is providing lists to the Trump administration
29:17and whether those lists are being taken by the State Department and DHS to do any of
29:22this work?
29:23You know, the Trump administration, I'm not involved in those decisions, and I certainly
29:29can't speak on them, certainly in general, not for the State Department.
29:33That goes through the framework of the work that we're doing.
29:39Whether it exists or not, I won't confirm.
29:41It's a matter of – we've got broad authority, certainly, but how they're coming to those
29:46decisions for the consular offices and visas, we will not discuss not only individual visas
29:52but the process of what goes through in determining what happens with individuals and visas and
29:57whether they're issued or if they're revoked.
29:59So I won't be talking about that today.
30:02Yes, Nick.
30:04Back to Iran.
30:05Iran's president yesterday ruled out direct negotiations with the United States on its
30:11nuclear program.
30:12Was that what the United States is seeking, direct negotiations, or would the United States
30:16be open to third-party intermediaries?
30:19Well, we know, of course, that the Iranian regime has always been hostile to the United
30:23States and our allies and partners, and they are one of the leading state sponsors of terror,
30:28as we know.
30:29It supports Hezbollah, Hamas, the Houthis, the Taliban, al-Qaida, and other terrorist
30:34networks.
30:35Iran's own Islamic Revolutionary Guards is a designated foreign terrorist organization,
30:41and many regime leaders have also been designated as terrorists.
30:45I can tell you that in negotiating, which I've already answered to some degree, is that
30:51the President's made it clear that Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon.
30:55And what we want from them, as Secretary Rubio has said, under Donald Trump, there is not
31:02going to be a nuclear Iran.
31:04Iran must stop its nuclear escalations, its ballistic missile program, its networks and
31:08campaign of regional aggressive activities, its repression of the Iranian people's freedom,
31:14and the IRGC's destabilizing activities.
31:18I also think I can say this to you, that President Trump has been consistent and clear.
31:26The United States is determined to make sure that they will not – Iran will not acquire
31:31a nuclear weapon.
31:32He has expressed his willingness to pursue a deal with Iran.
31:36If the Iranian regime does not want a deal, as I said earlier, the President has other
31:41options and those alternatives will be very bad for Iran.
31:45All right.
31:46In the back.
31:47Yes, sir.
31:48Q Thank you, Tammy.
31:49We'll move to Ukraine, if I may.
31:50Today marks three years since the world learned about Bouchar Massacre.
31:55I want to get your reflection on that.
31:58And second part of the question, yesterday, today – yesterday, the President spoke about
32:02the minerals deal with Ukraine.
32:04It looks like there's a confusion over there, because the President said that he hears that
32:08the Ukrainian side is trying to reconsider the deal.
32:12But we have seen media reports about the U.S. version was – the draft was changed.
32:16Can you please offer some clarity on that as well?
32:19Thanks so much.
32:20AMBASSADOR HALEY Well, I think the President's comments
32:23speak for themselves.
32:25I do know also that there is one North Star for everyone involved in this, and it is the
32:30ceasefire and stopping the carnage.
32:33There are certainly some other issues that are, I suppose, discussed, but what matters
32:41every single day is wondering who's alive today, who won't be alive tomorrow.
32:46And fortunately for us, we don't necessarily walk through our day with that concern.
32:51For the people in Ukraine, they do.
32:54And I think that President Trump, of course, he knows and he understands, and we operate
33:00with the realization that negotiations are going to require both Russia and Ukraine
33:04to make tough decisions and compromises.
33:06And we are working with Russia and Ukraine, and we're committed to continuing our work
33:11to bring them to the negotiating table.
33:14It is – we do know that I think Russia's – there was an idea from Russia about a
33:19temporary administration that was not appreciated by the President.
33:26Ukraine is – well, I don't think I need to remind everyone, but it's a good reminder
33:30– is a constitutional democracy.
33:33Governance in Ukraine is determined by its constitution and the Ukrainian people.
33:38We are committed to the diplomacy necessary to achieve a full ceasefire and to bring the
33:42parties to the negotiating table for a final and lasting settlement.
33:46President Trump has made clear that Russia and Ukraine need to move to a full ceasefire
33:51now.
33:52None of that has changed.
33:53All right.
33:54All right, all the way in the back, sir.
33:55The green tie, is that what we have?
33:57Yes, sir.
33:58Thank you very much, Tammy.
33:59Can Asa support the Turkish Anadolu Agency?
34:02Speaking of Ukraine, Mr. Secretary met with his Turkish counterpart last week here in
34:07Washington, and he clearly asked Turkey's contribution to reach a ceasefire between
34:15Ukraine and Russia.
34:17What do you exactly expect from Turkey to play?
34:21What kind of role in order to reach that peace deal?
34:24And if I may ask, I have another question about France.
34:28The France court – French court has decided that the far-right opposition leader or the
34:34far-right leader, Marine Le Pen, will be banned from the elections for five years.
34:41How – what is your take on that decision?
34:43Well, with your Turkey question, it requires me to speculate about decisions being made
34:48between leaders on a war that is consuming the planet, that all of us want to have stopped.
34:56And I'm not going to speculate on that.
34:58We of course know Turkey is an ally, and we appreciate that, of course.
35:06But in the reality of it, it's not going to be something I can speculate on or feel
35:11comfortable speculating on.
35:14Regarding Marine Le Pen, I might disagree with your casting of her as a far-right individual,
35:26which is meant, I think – I don't know if that's meant to be derogatory.
35:29But we are aware of reports regarding her sentencing, and I would refer you in general
35:35to the French authorities for further comment on this legal decision.
35:40We also will recall, though, the Vice President's February 14th remarks at the Munich Security
35:47Conference in defense of free speech as well as opposition to exclusion of people from
35:53the political process.
35:54We've got to do more as the West than just talk about democratic values.
36:00We must live them.
36:02Exclusion of people from the political process is particularly concerning, given the aggressive
36:06and corrupt lawfare waged against President Trump here in the United States.
36:12We support the right of everyone to offer their views in the public square, agree or
36:17disagree.
36:18And with that, I have nothing else to add.
36:20All right.
36:21Sir, in the back there, red tie.
36:22Are you sure that you agree that she's far-right?
36:27She may be conservative.
36:28It depends on how far-left the left is.
36:30Doesn't that always redefine the center?
36:31Well, if people are far-left, they go to the far-left.
36:33The left always redefines the center.
36:36It redefines the center, which is normally a dynamic, and we won't have that conversation,
36:41which maybe should be for a seminar.
36:42But yes, sir, in the red tie.
36:43Thank you, Debbie.
36:44You mentioned at the beginning of today's – your presentation in Bangladesh, you proud
36:51girls are getting honor to receive tomorrow's award, what is Secretary of State's 2025
36:56– I have to tell you, sir, I can't hear you.
36:59And I'm – is this about Bangladesh?
37:03Yeah, tomorrow is going to be an award ceremony, First Lady and –
37:07Yes, correct.
37:08I'll be there, as a matter of fact, participating as well.
37:09So Bangladeshi girls are getting award received from that podium.
37:16Do you have any comment on that, that Bangladeshi girls are getting award for their 2020 for
37:21movement in Bangladesh against fascist Hachina government?
37:24All right, but –
37:25They are getting award tomorrow.
37:26So we are proud.
37:27No, see, what I'm about to speak about here is the International Women of Courage Awards.
37:32What I'm not going to speculate on is the last part of that question regarding the nature
37:36of the politics unfolding in Bangladesh.
37:40But I will take this opportunity to mention again that Secretary of State Marco Rubio
37:45and First Lady Melania Trump are hosting the 19th Annual International Women of Courage
37:49Awards Ceremony at the State Department here tomorrow.
37:54The 2025 ceremony will recognize eight extraordinary women, along with the recipients of the Madeleine
37:59Albright Honorary Group IWOC Award from around the world who are working to build a brighter
38:06future for everyone.
38:07The Secretary of State's IWOC Awards, as we call them, recognizes women from around
38:12the world who have demonstrated exceptional courage, strength, and leadership.
38:16The awardees are advocates for peace, justice, human rights, and empowerment of women and
38:21girls.
38:22They often face great personal risks to their safety as a result of their efforts.
38:27Since 2007, the Department of State has recognized more than 200 women from over 90 countries.
38:32With the IWOC Award, U.S. diplomatic missions overseas nominate one woman of courage from
38:39their respective host countries, and finalists are selected and approved by senior department
38:44officials.
38:45Following the ceremony, the awardees will participate in the International Visitor Leadership
38:49Program Exchange in Washington, D.C., and additional programming in Los Angeles, during
38:54which they will meet with American counterparts on strategies to further their work to empower
39:00women and girls around the globe.
39:02All right.
39:03I'm getting the roundabout wrap-up here, and we will have another briefing on Wednesday,
39:10which even though we are going on our trip starting on Wednesday for NATO, we will have
39:16a briefing on Wednesday as well, and we'll have more details of what we'll be doing
39:19there in Brussels.
39:20Thank you, everyone.
39:21Appreciate it.