The White House - 1600 Daily: A special message for the holiday season

President Donald J. Trump welcomes Native American Code Talkers to the White House | November 27, 2017 (Official White House Photo by Joyce N. Boghosian)

A few days ago, Americans counted our blessings as we sat down for Thanksgiving dinners with our families and friends across the country. Today, many will choose to go one step further in celebrating their good fortune by honoring #GivingTuesday, a global day of charitable giving.

This year’s #GivingTuesday is especially important. “Earlier this year, Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria devastated communities across the southern United States and in the Caribbean, and vast wildfires ravaged California,” said President Donald J. Trump in a statement. “We saw millions of Americans lose everything, from homes to businesses . . . [to] the unbearable loss of loved ones.”

The President thanks all those who have contributed to charitable organizations this year, including our houses of worship. If you would like to take part in #GivingTuesday, please consider supporting one of the great organizations partnering with us to help communities rebuild: https://www.nvoad.org. 
 
As the President said, “Together, we can ensure that the blessings of this holiday season are shared around the world.”

President Trump meets with members of the Senate Finance Committee
Yesterday, President Trump hosted Vice President Mike Pence and five members of the Senate Finance Committee at the White House for lunch in the Private Dining Room. The topic on everyone’s mind? “A tremendous tax cut – the biggest in the history of our country,” said President Trump.

The President reiterated his support for the tax bill proposed by Republican leadership and is pleased with the momentum it has inspired for passing crucial legislation well before the year’s end. As part of the Administration’s continued support, President Trump will join Senate Republicans today for lunch at the U.S. Capitol, where he’ll make the case for swift action.


Learn more about President Trump’s pro-job, pro-family, and pro-America principles for tax reform here. 
 
Bonus: Read Sen. Rand Paul’s (R-KY) op-ed on why he plans to vote for tax reform.
 
First Lady gives special thanks to Christmas volunteers
Yesterday, First Lady Melania Trump held a special gathering for volunteers who helped turn this year's White House Christmas theme, “Time-Honored Traditions,” into reality. A Gold Star Family Tree honoring service members is proudly on display in the White House East Wing, and historic pieces celebrating holiday traditions – including a nod to the first White House Christmas theme, 1961’s "Nutcracker Suite" – can be found throughout.
More than 150 volunteers came together from 29 states to assist with decorating and baking. The numbers tell the story best:

• 31,000: Number of cookies baked

• 53: Number of White House Christmas trees decorated

• 1,000: Feet of garland strung

• 12,000: Number of ornaments hung

The First Lady thanked the volunteers, who spent more than 1,600 hours bringing the First Family's first Christmas at the White House to life. She and the President look forward to hosting more than 25,000 visitors during the upcoming holiday season.
Watch First Lady Melania Trump unveil this year's Christmas decorations here.

POTUS TODAY

In the early afternoon, President Trump will be at the U.S. Capitol to have lunch with Senate Republicans as they continue to work toward passing historic tax reform. Later in the day, the President will meet with congressional leadership at the White House.
Vice President Pence will travel to New York as he prepares to keynote an event celebrating the 70th anniversary of the United Nations’ vote calling for the establishment of a Jewish state in the Land of Israel. In the evening, the Vice President will deliver keynote remarks and receive the Herman Kahn Award at the Hudson Institute’s 2017 Herman Kahn Award Dinner.

COMING UP

Tomorrow, President Trump will travel to St. Charles, Missouri, to discuss the crucial need for tax reform for all Americans.
On Thursday, the First Family will participate in the National Christmas Tree Lighting on the Ellipse at the White House.