President Trump addressed a number of issues on Thursday, including a strike on Syria, the National Guard at the border, firing special counsel Robert Mueller, and Mike Pompeo's confirmation hearing.
Given the president’s repeated criticism of the FBI raiding his personal attorney Michael Cohen’ apartment and office, many were speculating that he would try to fire the special counsel, as the search warrant was obtained after receiving a referral from Mueller.
White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders even told reporters Trump “believes that he has the power to [fire Mueller],” should he make that decision.
But on Thursday he suggested he would not be taking this course of action.
“If I wanted to fire Robert Mueller in December, as reported by the Failing New York Times, I would have fired him. Just more Fake News from a biased newspaper!” he said.
If I wanted to fire Robert Mueller in December, as reported by the Failing New York Times, I would have fired him. Just more Fake News from a biased newspaper!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 12, 2018
On the border, Trump commended California Gov. Jerry Brown for deciding to sending 400 National Guard troops to the border.
“California Governor Jerry Brown is doing the right thing and sending the National Guard to the Border. Thank you Jerry, good move for the safety of our Country!” the president tweeted.
California Governor Jerry Brown is doing the right thing and sending the National Guard to the Border. Thank you Jerry, good move for the safety of our Country!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 12, 2018
But Brown was defiant in his decision to send the troops, emphasizing that they would not be helping with immigration enforcement but would "supplement the staffing of its ongoing program to combat transnational crime."
"But let's be crystal clear on the scope of this mission,” he said. “This will not be a mission to build a new wall. It will not be a mission to round up women and children or detain people escaping violence and seeking a better life. And the California National Guard will not be enforcing federal immigration laws."
On Syria, Trump followed up on a message he wrote Wednesday that Russia better “get ready” if they plan to retaliate against the U.S. if it decides to strike Syria.
“Never said when an attack on Syria would take place. Could be very soon or not so soon at all! In any event, the United States, under my Administration, has done a great job of ridding the region of ISIS. Where is our “Thank you America?”” the president said.
Never said when an attack on Syria would take place. Could be very soon or not so soon at all! In any event, the United States, under my Administration, has done a great job of ridding the region of ISIS. Where is our “Thank you America?”
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 12, 2018
Finally, the president also wished Mike Pompeo luck during his confirmation hearing.
"Good luck to Mike Pompeo during his Confirmation Hearing today. He will be a great Secretary of State!" he wrote.
Good luck to Mike Pompeo during his Confirmation Hearing today. He will be a great Secretary of State!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 12, 2018