| | | | | President Donald Trump takes photos with troops at Ramstein Air Base in Germany on his way home to Washington from a covert trip to Iraq. Credit: Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images | | | "We're Not the Suckers of the World": President Trump's surprise trip to visit troops in Iraq brings some unique speech moments
The Most Admired Couple in the World: Hint: it's a first couple, but not the first couple
Dress Like the First Lady: Melania Trump's mustard-colored jacket revealed, and those Timbs | | | What the White House is Talking About:
President Trump and first lady Melania Trump returned to Washington about 5:30 this morning from the Middle East. No official schedule has been released for the day.
What the White House Press Corps is Talking About:
No signs of a deal to end the government shutdown.
Hearty thanks to the members of the press pool who reported back from the trip. And also to the folks here in DC who got up super-early to catch the first couple's return to the White House. | | Credit: Nicholas Kamm/AFP/Getty Images
"We're Not the Suckers of the World":
Trump and Melania pulled off a super-secret trip to Iraq, leaving Washington late on Christmas Day and arriving at Al Asad Air Base to greet troops and take selfies and thank the men and women for their service. Trump also made some remarks, where he said the word "suckers" a lot. "If they want us to do the fighting, they also have to pay a price," Trump said. "Sometimes that's also a monetary price, so we're not the suckers of the world. We're no longer the suckers, folks. And people aren't looking at us as suckers." It was Trump's first trip to visit troops in a war zone -- a relatively common practice among previous presidents. Trump later told the media that he was nervous about going but that he was more nervous about Melania.
"I had concerns about the institution of the presidency. Not for myself personally. I had concerns for the first lady, I will tell you," Trump said. "But if you would have seen what we had to go through in the darkened plane with all windows closed with no light anywhere. Pitch black. I've been on many airplanes. All types and shapes and sizes. So did I have a concern? Yes, I had a concern." I kind of doubt Melania was fearful, though -- she's pretty game to do the military stuff, having just been the first first lady to fly on an Osprey and land on an aircraft carrier.
How the Secret Trip Was Discovered:
This is a very cool story about how Trump's trip to Iraq, which took weeks of advance covert planning, was uncovered by an aviation enthusiast.
Trump Stretches the Truth to Troops:
He told troops they haven't gotten a pay raise in 10 years, but they in fact have gotten a pay raise every year for the last three decades. "You haven't gotten one in more than 10 years. More than 10 years. And we got you a big one. I got you a big one. I got you a big one." Welp.
Shutdown Check: Yep, Still in It:
As we cruise into Day 6 of the partial government shutdown, there's no sign of a deal to end it in the near future. Congress isn't budging -- most members aren't even in town -- and the President again said yesterday that he is holding out until he gets funding for his wall/barrier thing. I personally think they'll keep the stall until the Democrats come back into session and take over the leadership. I also think Trump will still go to Mar-a-Lago for his annual New Year's Eve party even if the shutdown is still in effect. Just a hunch.
Our Daily Melania:
Gallup released its annual poll of the most admired women of the year and Michelle Obama has won the top spot, knocking Hillary Clinton, the previous winner for several years, to second place. Melania took fourth. | | Credit: news.gallup.com
Gallup has been conducting this poll each year since 1946, with the exception of 1976. Here's the men's group, with Barack Obama at the top. So, basically, the former first couple are the two most admired people. | | Credit: news.gallup.com
Best GIFs of 2018:
It's the time of year for year-end lists -- so here's a good one on the top political GIFs of 2018, compiled by The Point's Brenna Williams. My favorite is Ivanka Trump awkwardly high-fiving a spacesuit. There is no one in the spacesuit. | | Dress Like the First Lady:
Melania chose British designer Victoria Beckham for her visit to Iraq, wearing this yellow suede jacket, which I think is sold out everywhere. But her classic Timberlands are available here for $154.99. | | | Credit: Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images | | | | | | |
