Before Marine One departure, Trump talked to reporters for about 10 minutes.
President Trump walked out at 9:28 a.m. and took questions for about 10 minutes. Was tough to hear a couple of the questions and answers over the helicopter noise but some highlights. Please check quotes against tape/transcript.
He started off bragging about the economy.
“The economy is doing very very well.’
“The tax cuts are working very very well.”
He congratulated Netanyahu on his victory and said that will improve chances for peace in the Middle East.
He said he’d love to release his taxes but won’t.
“I would love to give them but I’m not going to do it while I’m under audit.”
“I have no obligation to do that while under audit and no lawyer would tell you to release your tax returns while you’re under audit.”
He said Democrats need to close loopholes in the asylum system because very bad people are taking advantage of them.
On Mueller report, he said the investigation was illegal and an “attempted coup.” He said he hasn’t seen or read the report.
“No collusion, no obstruction. I won.”
“As far as I’m concerned I don’t care about the Mueller report. I have been totally exonerated.”
He said Herman Cain is a “wonderful man” and “somebody I like a lot.” Said he doesn’t know how he’s doing “in the process.”
Will send more quotes shortly.
After about 10 minutes of Q and A he boarded Marine One, which lifted off at 9:42 a.m.
Will send more quotes shortly.