Pool Reports of October 14, 2025

in-town pool report #1 — awaiting Milei

Good afternoon from the White House. Media members are assembling on the North driveway for the arrival of Argentine President Milei. A military honor guard will welcome him to the West Wing. As of now, there are no changes to President Trump's schedule. More TK.

in-town pool report #2 — gathering

Pool has been asked to line up at the briefing room doors. Our destination is unknown. Your pooler advises tuning into usual streaming options and reminds that mobile service in the Cabinet Room can be spotty. More TK.

In-town pool report #4 — Trump speaking

President Trump began speaking around 2p. He credited his Argentine counterpart for his MAGA-style election.

"I appreciated that, but he was make Argentina great again. It worked. I actually sent him some hats for his early part of the campaign. And then he told me he wanted a lot more," POTUS said.

He noted Argentina has faced years of economic pain — and joked he faced the same in the United States.

Treasury Secretary Bessent said Argentina had "decided to shake off" decades of policy with Milei's election.

The Argentine president is speaking. POTUS slipped in a black earpiece to his right ear for translation. Pool has no translation devices.

VP Vance is to Trump's immediate right and Secretary of State Rubio to his immediate left. Bessent is beside Vance, two seats from POTUS.

Trump asked for a translation for the two press pools but it was not possible. He moved on, saying he fully endorses Milei.

POTUS said the Middle East agreement would make the region "unrecognizable."

Questions starting now. More TK.

in-town pool report #5 - soybeans/China

Milei presented Trump with a letter about the Middle East agreement in a gold frame. "Thank you very much," Trump said, calling it "beautiful."

Trump said the Argentina aid package was meant to "help a good financial philosophy where Argentina can after 20 years of disaster, because it was very successful at one point and it can be again like Venezuela was very, [be] very successful."

POTUS: "He took over a real mess. So did I take over a mess? I took over a mess by the Biden group. And Obama was he started it, Barack Hussein, Obama started."

Asked if China was trying to drive a wedge between US and Argentina by purchasing soybeans from Argentina, POTUS replied: "I would say so."

Of the United Nations: "They killed my teleprompter." He also noted he threatened to put tariffs on all products from members of BRICCS.

Q&A is ongoing. Please check against video and/or transcript.

More TK.

in-town pool report #6 - Trump on Hamas

POTUS on Hamas: "They're going to disarm … and if they don't disarm, we will disarm them."

Asked how, POTUS replied: "I don't have to explain that to you, but if they don't disarm we will disarm" them. Should it come to that, Trump said it would happen "quickly," defining that as in "a reasonable amount of time."

More TK.

In-town pool report #8 - Trump on shutdown/Spain/paying troops

Asked if he would support NATO expelling Spain, Trump responded: "I'm very unhappy with Spain. They're the only country that didn't raise up their number to 5% every other country in NATO raised up to 5% and Spain is doing very well off our backs. So I'm not happy with Spain."

He threatened "trade punishment" against Spain for its defense spending decision, calling it "not nice."

On paying U.S. troops during the shutdown, Trump contended "I actually have a man who is a very wealthy person. I know that when I tell you this, who called a donor, great gentleman. And he said, if there's any money necessary shortfall for the paying of the troops, that I will pay it, meaning he will pay, how about that?"

On the government shutdown, Trump again blamed Democrats: "They want to a right to extend, but they want $1.5 trillion so they can give it away to illegal immigrants, the people that are invading your cities, and, and many of these people for whatever reason, I mean I understood this, I called it a long time ago."

POTUS said it doesn't have to become a prolonged shutdown.

Ongoing. Please check quotes. More TK.

in-town pool report - number fix

Your pooler skipped a report #7. The next report will be #9. Apologies for any confusion.

In-town pool report #9 - shutdown/Putin/POTUS wraps

POTUS on his Friday meeting with Ukraine's Zelenskyy: "Look. I'm very disappointed, because Vladimir and I had a very good relationship. Probably still do. I don't know why he continues with this war. This war has been so bad for him.

"He's going into four years of a war that should have beaten he should have won that war in one week. He's now from soon be into his fourth year, he's lost a million and a half soldiers, probably plus, certainly in terms of wounded and no legs and no arms and all of the things that happened in horrible war it's horrible."

POTUS said there are "long lines for gasoline in Russia," and warned the Russian economy could "collapse," if the war doesn't end.

Trump did not answer directly when asked if Ukraine should get Tomahawk missiles. He jokingly asked Milei if he wants some for his "opposition" and quipped that American Democrats would like to use Tomahawks against him. There was laughter around the long oval table.

Trump signaled he does not feel urgency to end the shutdown because Democrats are "getting killed" and his administration is ending programs they like. Fuller quote on that coming next.

We left the Cabinet Room at 2:53 p.m.

in-town pool report #10 - POTUS on shutdown/'Democrat programs' (NEWS)

Below is President Trump's exchange with your pooler at the Q&A's session's end about whether he feels any urgency to end the 14-day-old government shutdown. POTUS said he would present a list on Friday of federal programs to "close up" that are strongly preferred by Democrats. Asked if he, at some point, would move toward cutting a deal, he gave no indication when that might be. Money quote/graph bolded, for emphasis.

Q: "Do you feel any urgency to end the shutdown in the next week, two weeks? Or would you be fine if this stretches into November and then toward the holidays with folks not getting paid?"

TRUMP: "Well, you know, shut down. We've had many, many shutdowns, and this is a shutdown that shouldn't have happened."

Q: "Is there a point where you would reach out to all parties and try to cut a deal?"

TRUMP: "Honestly? Can I put it in plain words for you? And you're a smart guy, so you'll understand — but a lot of people don't. The Democrats are getting killed in the shutdown because we're closing up programs that are Democrat programs that we were opposed to. "So we're being … and they're never going to come back, in many cases. So we're being able to do things that we were unable to do before. So we're closing up programs that are Democrat programs that we wanted to close up or that we never wanted to happen, and now we're closing them up and we're not going to let them come back.

"The Democrats are getting killed, and we're going to have a list of them on Friday, closing up some of the most egregious socialist, semi-communist — probably not full communist, we're saving that for New York — but semi-communist programs, and we're closing them up. We're not closing up Republican programs, because we think they work. So the Democrats are getting killed, but they're not telling the people about that. I say it. Nobody… Well, I haven't said it probably as bluntly as I just said it. So we're going to be closing up Democrat programs that we think, that we disagree with. And they're never going to open again.

"Thank you very much."

(Your pooler cannot confirm the president's "smart guy" assessment. Further reporting is required.)

in-town pool report #11 - in Rose Garden & Hamas quote

The in-town pool and pre-credentialed media have gathered for the President's 4 p.m. event to honor the late Charlie Kirk. This event will stream and be broadcast live, at the usual places. That includes C-SPAN:

https://www.c-span.org/event/white-house-event/pres-trump-awards-charlie-kirk-posthumously-medal-of-freedom/437221

Pool is starting to be led to the Rose Garden, the new location of the Kirk ceremony, which should begin soon. Loud somber music is playing. Your pooler will send color only and choice Trump quotes.

Sharing one more POTUS quote from the Cabinet Room on Hamas:

POTUS: "If they don't disarm, we will disarm them. They know I'm not playing games."

in-town pool report #12 - POTUS arrives/event begins/guests

President Trump entered the revamped Rose Garden at 4:40 p.m. to "Hail to the Chief" via the Oval Office. He was accompanied by Mrs. Kirk. Event is starting.

Event is being streamed and broadcast, including at the link in report #11 (C-SPAN).

The eagle-eyes Jennifer Jacobs of CBS compiled this list of officials and guests:

JD Vance (and wife Usha Vance)
Mike Johnson
Scott Bessent
Dan Scavino
Taylor Budowich
Susie Wiles
Marco Rubio
Howard Lutnick
Donald Trump Jr
Bettina Anderson
Steve Scalise
Mike Lee
Rick Scott
Ted Cruz
Sergio Gor
Jeanine Pirro
Steven Cheung
Nick Luna
James Blair
Sean Duffy
Arthur Schwartz
Kaelan Dorr
John Ratcliffe
Sean Hannity
Russ Vought
Doug Burgum
Karoline Leavitt
Katie Miller
Stephen Miller
Pam Bondi
Will Scharf
Steven Cheung
Dave McCormick
Kevin Hassett
Jack Posobiec
Benny Johnson
Laura Ingraham

Please check video and stills for a more comprehensive list. (Seated guests have their backs to the pool.)

The music playing on the Rose Garden sound system closely mirrored that of the President's reported favorite playlist, including "Dancing Queen" and "Total Eclipse of the Heart" and other hits. A small group of military musicians were positioned on the South driveway, behind the garden's tall plants.

More TK.

in-town pool report #13 - POTUS on Kirk + shutdown

POTUS called Charlie Kirk's assassination a "demonic" act of murder after noting this was the first official event in the resigned and resurfaced Rose Garden.

A few minutes into his remarks, POTUS noted that "October 14 is Charlie's birthday, and he should have been turning 32 years old that day. I never when I first met him, he was like 22 and I said, Boy, he's awfully young, but I thought he was older than that. You know, he looked a little bit older than his age. That's okay. You know, that's not good when you're old, but when you're young, it's great."

POTUS to Mrs. Kirk: "Your love and courage have been an inspiration to all of us, and we will always be here for you, and we're always going to be here for your gorgeous, beautiful children — and we'll never forget what your family has sacrificed for our country."

POTUS on Charlie Kirk having been alive to help end the government shutdown with a march on the Capitol: "We're dealing with some radical left lunatics, and I would just wish Charlie was here to fight us. I think the fight would have been over already. He would have had a march on the Capitol by people whose average age is about 21 because there's nobody that had that relationship with young people, right?"

On Charlie Kirk's political efforts: "In everything he did, he put America first. He became the leader of historic movements all over the country. There were movements, individual movements, one movement, but it was historic. … And with his help, in 2024 we won more young people than any Republican, by far, in the history of our country, and we won the popular vote, we won the swing states all seven of them, remember."

POTUS is still speaking as event enters its 16th minute.

CBS's Jennifer Jacobs also spotted Kash Patel, as well as Argentine President Milei; the latter was seated in the front row. More TK.

in-town pool report #14 - event wraps/quotes/no questions

POTUS wrapped his remarks at 5:10 p.m., and a military aide read a citation posthumously awarding the Presidential Medal of Freedom to the late Charlie Kirk. POTUS handed the medal, in a dark case, to Mrs. Kirk at 5:12 p.m.

Invited officials and guests applauded and stood. The president said something to Mrs. Kirk before she began speaking at 5:13 p.m.

The speaking portion of the event ended at 5:29 p.m. POTUS did not take questions, nor were any shouted. An instrumental version of "Amazing Grace" played as Trump escorted Mrs. Kirk back to her seat, where he stood silent — sometimes closing his eyes — as the song was played by the small military band positioned to our left. Trump greeted guests in the front row near Mrs. Kirk for several minutes. He and the Kirk family returned to the Oval Office at 5:37 p.m. POTUS escorted her in at the front of the group.

The mood in the Rose Garden was still and somber as Mrs. Kirk spoke, only her words and a light breeze audible at times.

Mrs. Kirk said Charlie Kirk likely would have one day sought the presidency: "And if the moment had come, he probably would have run for president, but not out of ambition. He would only have done it if that was something that he believed that his that his country needed from his servant's heart."

She called him a "righteous martyr."

Mrs. Kirk on her late husband and POTUS remarks: "Thank you, Mr. President, for honoring my husband, and such a profound and meaningful way. And thank you for making this event, a priority. With amid the peace process in the Middle East, thank you very grateful. … So thank you, your support of our family and the work that Charlie devoted his life to will be something I cherish forever. So thank you.

…

"And to the Turning Point USA chapters that are watching all across America right now: You are the heartbeat of this future and of this movement. … And everything that Charlie filled, you guys are the legacy holders of that. You are living proof that his mission did not die with him. It lives through you. … He was free from compromise, free from anything that could enslave his soul."

She called the PMOF the "best birthday gift he could ever have," and thanked Trump for giving it to him.

See video and/or transcript for full comments by POTUS and Mrs. Kirk.

Among the other topics POTUS covered in his remarks: Chicago crime; DC crime; DC safety; sirens going by in the distance; DC restaurants; attacks on Ubers; the LA fires and related destruction; and several other topics.

in-town pool report #15 - lid

The White House called a travel/photo at 6:07 p.m.

Foreign Pool Report #1 - Argentine President's visit

Good morning, I am your foreign pooler for the visit of the President of Argentina Javier Milei to the White House. Please feel free to reach out with any questions.

This is his first meeting with President Trump at the White House, although they have met on at least three previous occasions.

President Milei arrived in Washington on Monday night and is staying at Blair House. He is scheduled to arrive at the White House at 1 p.m. for a bilateral lunch in the Cabinet Room.

He is also expected to attend the Medal of Freedom Ceremony for Charlie Kirk at 4 pm before returning to Buenos Aires later tonight.

According to Argentina's Presidency, this meeting marks "a new stage in strengthening the strategic alliance between both nations, built upon shared values and a common commitment to life, liberty, and private property".

Since taking office in December 2023, Milei has traveled to the United States 13 times for meetings with government officials, international organizations, and business leaders.

Milei is the second Latin American leader to be received by Trump at the White House, following Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele, who visited Washington in April.

Milei and Trump

Javier Milei is an outspoken admirer of Donald Trump, whom he has met on several occasions.

Their most recent meeting took place on September 23 during the UN General Assembly in New York, where Trump announced his endorsement of Milei's reelection campaign for Argentina's 2027 presidential elections.

"Argentina: Javier Milei is a very good friend, fighter, and WINNER, and has my Complete and Total Endorsement for Re-Election as President — He will never let you down!" Trump wrote on Truth Social.

The two also met during the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Washington in February 2025. They also met at a gala in Mar-a-Lago in November 2024, just days after Trump's electoral victory.

US support for Argentina's economy

The Trump administration has firmly supported Milei's economic reform agenda and spending cuts, following decades of severe economic challenges in Argentina.

This meeting comes shortly after Trump ordered financial assistance for Argentina amid turbulence caused by the dollar's exchange rate and upcoming debt maturities.

Last week, the U.S. government agreed to a $20 billion currency swap mechanism with Argentina and purchased Argentine pesos on the open market. Treasury Secretary Bessent clarified that this does not constitute a bailout, as there have been no direct money transfers to Argentina.

"There will be an avalanche of dollars. We'll have dollars coming out of our ears", Milei said in an interview with El Observador radio before his trip.

This strong show of U.S. support has been interpreted as an effort to bolster Milei's government ahead of Argentina's midterm legislative elections on Sunday, October 26.

Milei suffered an electoral defeat in last September's legislative elections in Buenos Aires Province, the country's capital district, where his party, La Libertad Avanza, finished in second place.

Milei's political career

Javier Milei, 54, is an economist who describes himself as a libertarian.

He had a meteoric political career, rising quickly from a TV commentator known for his eccentric style to President of Argentina in just a few years. His message represented a sharp break from Kirchnerism — the progressive political movement that has dominated much of Argentine politics over the past two decades.

Milei entered Congress in 2021 with his party La Libertad Avanza, which at the time held only two seats. In 2023, he became the most-voted candidate in Argentina's presidential primaries (PASO), securing around 30% of the vote. He won the presidency in 2023 in a runoff election, defeating Economy Minister Sergio Massa with 55.7% of the vote.

Milei campaigned on promises to fix Argentina's struggling economy and fight inflation, famously wielding a chainsaw as a symbol of his intention to cut public spending. He even gifted a chainsaw to Elon Musk during CPAC.

Milei opposes socialism and state intervention. He advocates for the privatization of healthcare and education, supports the right to bear arms, and opposes abortion.

In terms of foreign policy, Milei has pursued a strong alignment with the United States and Israel. Before traveling to Washington, Argentina's Presidency praised in an official statement President Trump's "leadership" in achieving peace in Gaza and securing the release of hostages.

Milei himself

Milei is single, and his closest confidant is his sister, Karina Milei, who serves as Secretary General of the Presidency.

He owns five dogs (English Mastiffs) cloned from his dog Conan, who died in 2017.

A passionate rock music enthusiast, Milei was a member of a band in his youth performing covers of The Rolling Stones. On October 6, he turned the presentation of his latest book at a Buenos Aires stadium into a rock concert, performing several songs while wearing a leather jacket.

Foreign pool report #2- Milei arrival

President Trump welcomed Milei at the entrance of the West Wing. There was also an honor guard.

Trump was asked if Hamas is holding on to their end of the deal, Trump responded, "we'll find out."

When asked what message he had for the Argentine people, Trump said, "We love them, we are here for them, they have a great leader."

We are gathering to go inside the meeting

Heads up/attributable on bg to a source familiar: we anticipate this AI infrastructure project will be a subject of the conversation between Trump and Milei this afternoon.

Foreign Pool Report 3 - Milei remarks and Argentine delegation

President Milei had initial remarks in Spanish. He didn't answer questions.

Milei said he feels "very honored" to be received and praised Trump for his "leadership" in achieving peace in Gaza.

He also congratulated Trump for "understanding the threat that socialism represents" in Latin America, as well as the work of Marco Rubio.

Finally, he thanked Secretary Bessen for the financial support given to Argentina through a swap line. He said that this will "help overcome the problems Argentina faced as a result of the opposition's attacks".

Milei gave Trump a framed letter; the press pool is trying to find out its contents.

Argentina delegation:

1. Karina Milei, Secretary General of the Presidency and Milei's sister
2. Gerardo Werthein, minister of Foreign Affairs
3. Luis Caputo, minister of Economy
4. Patricia Bullrich, minister of Security
5. Santiago Bausili, presidente of Argentina Central Bank
6. Alejandro Oxenford, Argentine ambassador to the US

Your pooler could see the three-course menu:

• Hearts of Romaine Salad
• Chargrilled Beef Filet
• Caramel Custard