Pool Reports of August 29, 2025

Pool 1 - lunch lid

We have a lunch lid until 12:30pm. No schedule updates as of yet.

Pool 2 - Music

President Trump is playing music in the Rose Garden that can be heard outside the briefing room. White House confirmed it's the president's music. 

Thanks to my fellow reporters who heard the music and came to the pool desk.

Pool 3 - Music selection

Adding some color on the music today at the White House, correspondents have heard Bowie, the Beatles, Michael Jackson, Andrea Bocelli and "I Dreamed a Dream" from Les Misérables. The music is still playing.

White House did not share additional information on who President Trump is currently with while playing the music, but said that he has policy meetings and a media interview on his schedule today.

Pool 4 - possible Miller gaggle

Stephen Miller is doing a media hit, might possibly gaggle after.

Pool 5 - Miller gaggle otter

Miller took a wide range of questions from reporters at the sticks.

Newsy highlights:
On Chicago federal operation: "It's important to understand that immigration enforcement happened. Enforcement happens 24/7 in all communities in America. So one thing we really want to underscore is Immigration and Customs Enforcement, ICE, is a federal agency with a federal mission that operates 24/7 from coast to coast to border to border."

He also said the sanctuary cities not honoring detainers was an issue for ICE.

On denying visas for Palestinian delegation to the UN: "We've been very clear when it comes to our visa system that we are going to take all necessary steps to prevent our visa system from being used by individuals who may support or espouse terrorism or terrorist activity." 

Also referred that question to State.

On Putin meeting (lack of meeting): "President Trump, since he came into this office, has made it his highest priority in the national security space to deliver peace, security and stability in the world. He's ended  seven wars in seven months. He's made it very clear in his public statements about his priority in ending the killing in Ukraine. We're not a combatant in this war... This is a humanitarian concern.

On CDC staffing/RFK Jr: "Secretary Kennedy has been a crown jewel of this administration, who's working tirelessly to improve public health for all Americans, and again, to deal with the drivers of the chronic health crisis in this country."

"We'll find a credible nominee... As you know the CDC's credibility was shattered during the covid pandemic."

https://otter.ai/u/0Ejcp9yBfCrF8pU9rWd4uCUgZfU?utm_source=copy_url

Pool 6 - Achievements fact sheet

White House press staff just distributed an "Achievements" for August 22-29 fact sheet around the press work spaces. They say it's undetermined if this will be posted online or sent in an email blast so I'm sharing as attached photos.

Pool 7 - lid

We have a travel/photo lid as of 5:17pm. Pool did not physically see the president today. 

Have a nice weekend!