Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt Briefs Members of the Media, Feb. 10, 2026

FBI Investigation and President's Reaction to Guthrie Case [00:05]

• The President and the speaker reviewed newly released surveillance footage from the Savannah Guthrie case.
• Prayers are extended to Savannah and her family, with a hope for the suspect's swift apprehension and the mother's safe return.
• Americans with any knowledge of the suspect are urged to contact the FBI.
• The President's initial reaction to the footage was one of "pure disgust," finding the situation heartbreaking.
• The President has not yet commented on whether the suspect acted alone.

"And once again, I will reiterate that the prayers of this entire White House are with Savannah and her family at this time."

President's Schedule and Energy Policy [00:49]

• The President's week will focus on energy and deregulation.
• An event will highlight "clean, beautiful coal" as America's most reliable and affordable energy source, especially during peak demand.
• Coal is credited with keeping the lights on and driving down electricity costs.

"Tomorrow afternoon, the president will hold an event in the East Room to tout clean, beautiful coal as America's most reliable and affordable energy source..."

Deregulation and Economic Impact [01:33]

• On Thursday, the administration will formalize the recision of the 2009 Obama-era endangerment finding.
• This action is described as the largest deregulatory action in American history, expected to save $1.3 trillion.
• Savings will primarily come from reduced costs for new vehicles, with an estimated $2,400 per vehicle.
• These actions are intended to drive economic growth, create jobs, expand manufacturing, increase consumer choice, and improve affordability.

"This will be the largest deregulatory action in American history and it will save the American people. $1.3 trillion in crushing regulations."

Visit to Fort Bragg and Military Families [02:34]

• On Friday, President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump will visit Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
• The visit is to meet with military families and special forces members involved in Operation Absolute Resolve in Venezuela.

"Finally, on Friday, President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump will travel to Fort Bragg in the great state of North Carolina to meet with military families and the heroic members of our special forces..."

First Lady's Valentine's Day Event [03:00]

• The First Lady will celebrate Valentine's Day at the Children's Inn at the National Institute of Health with children, families, and NIH staff.

"Also, the first lady will celebrate Valentine's Day at the Children's Inn at the National Institute of Health tomorrow with children, families, and NIH staff involved in clinical trials."

Tax Cuts and Increased Tax Refunds [03:12]

• Thanks to the President signing the largest middle-class tax cut in history, this is shaping up to be the biggest tax refund season ever.
• Republicans believe Americans deserve to keep more of their hard-earned money.
• Benefits include no tax on tips, overtime, or Social Security, and increased standard deduction and child tax credit.
• Testimonials from individuals and groups like AAC highlight substantial savings and reduced cost of living concerns.
• Examples include a family receiving a $2,500 refund after previously owing $3,700, and seniors benefiting from a new deduction.

"Steve from California said, 'The new senior citizen deduction is a tremendous relief and has given us peace of mind and the freedom to truly enjoy the retirement years we worked so hard for.'"

Introduction of "Trump Accounts" for Children [05:18]

• Parents can now apply to open a "Trump account" for their child at trumpaccounts.gov.
• These are special investment accounts designed to give American children a jump start on building wealth.
• They offer the tax advantages of a traditional IRA, tailored for wealth building from birth.
• Children born between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2028, are eligible for $1,000 from the US Treasury.
• Parents, guardians, and nonprofits can contribute up to $5,000 annually, and employers up to $2,500 per employee.
• With maximized contributions, a child's account is projected to reach nearly $1.1 million by age 28.

"Thanks to President Trump, every child born between January 1st, 2025 and December 31st, 2028 is eligible to receive $1,000 from the US Treasury to fund their account."

Economic Indicators and Market Performance [06:42]

• The stock market is described as "exploding" under President Trump's pro-growth policies.
• The Dow Jones has shattered 50,000 for the first time, and the S&P 500 and Nasdaq are setting new records.
• 401(k)s and retirement savings are said to be booming.

"The Dow Jones just shattered 50,000 for the first time ever on Friday. And the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq continue smashing record after record."

Immigration Enforcement and Statistics [07:25]

• Democrats are circulating a statistic suggesting only 14% of arrested illegal aliens are violent criminals, which the administration disputes.
• The Trump administration's policy is that any illegal alien is subject to deportation, with a priority on convicted criminals ("worst of the worst").
• Nearly 60% of ICE arrests over the past year had criminal charges or convictions.
• The majority of these criminal charges are for "nonviolent crimes" such as drug trafficking, child pornography distribution, burglary, fraud, DUI, embezzlement, solicitation of a minor, and human smuggling.
• The administration argues that "nonviolent" crimes are not victimless and would not be desired in one's community.

"So, just because a crime is not violent in ma nature doesn't mean that crime is victimless."

President's Reaction to Epstein Case and Disassociation [11:02]

• Newly released Epstein files indicate the President had a conversation with the Palm Beach police chief in the early 2000s, reportedly expressing relief at Epstein's apprehension.
• The President has consistently stated he had no idea about Epstein's crimes.
• The administration maintains the President kicked Jeffrey Epstein out of his Mar-a-Lago club because Epstein was a "creep" and that the President cut off his relationship with Epstein.
• The administration views the release of Epstein documents as demonstrating the President's commitment to transparency.
• The question of whether the President called the chief in 2006 is acknowledged as uncertain, but the core message of the President's disassociation is maintained.

"What I will say is that the president has always remained consistent and that he kicked Jeffrey Epstein out of his club at Mara Lago because frankly Jeffrey Epste was a creep."

The Save America Act and Voting Restrictions [12:53]

• The President is a strong supporter of the Save America Act, which would require proof of citizenship to register to vote and photo identification to cast a ballot.
• Exceptions for military and disabled individuals are included.
• The President wants Congress to pass this legislation.

"Uh, Reagan, thanks Caroline. Uh, I want to ask you about the Save Act. NBC reported that there's some hesitation among House Republicans on adding absentee ballot restrictions into the Save Act."

Infrastructure and Renaming Projects [15:03]

• The President floated the idea of renaming Penn Station and Delos Airport after himself in a conversation with Chuck Schumer.
• The administration suggests this was a conversation, and funding for the gateway tunnel is a separate issue addressed by the President.

"Uh to your first question about the renaming, why not? It was something the president floated in his conversation with uh with Chuck Schumer."

Social Media Issues and Deleted Posts [15:36]

• The briefing addresses deleted tweets related to the Armenian genocide (Vice President's account) and a racist video about the Obamas (President's Truth Social account).
• The White House attributes the Obama video incident to a staffer and states there has been no change of policy regarding the Armenian genocide.

"No. Uh, as for the Armenian uh tweet that you're referring to, I would just refer you back to the White House's uh message that was issued on Armenian Remembrance Day."

International Relations and Advocacy [16:13]

• The President plans to advocate publicly and privately for Jimmy Lai during his visit to Beijing in April.
• This issue was raised by the President in a previous meeting with President Xi in South Korea.

"This is something I've heard the president advocate for both publicly and privately."

Agricultural Policy and American Ranchers [16:39]

• Concerns from some Republican lawmakers about the Argentinian beef executive order potentially sidelining American ranchers are addressed.
• The administration believes both lower consumer prices and protection for American ranchers can be achieved.
• Beef prices are noted to be coming down slightly, and the President wants this trend to continue.

"Of course. Well, both things can happen at the same time. That's the president's belief. He wants to see prices come down."

Gordie Howe Bridge and American Interests [17:39]

• The President threatened to block the Gordie Howe Bridge connecting Detroit to Canada due to concerns about Canadian control and the insufficient use of American materials.
• The President believes the U.S. should own at least half of the bridge and have shared authority over its operations and economic benefits.
• This is presented as an example of President Trump putting America's interests first.

"Uh, John, thanks a lot, Caroline. Yesterday, the president on social media threatened to block the new Gordy How Bridge, which would connect Detroit to Canada."

Border Wall Construction Pace [18:56]

• DHS Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen signed the last contract for steel for the border wall segments.
• The President wants the full border wall built as quickly as possible, under budget, and ahead of schedule.
• The Secretary is acknowledged as being on top of the issue.

"Uh the president wants to make sure that the full border wall is built as quickly as possible."

Investigation Satisfaction and White House Contact [19:52]

• No one will be satisfied until the Nancy Guthrie case is closed and she is safely returned.
• The President has not contacted the Guthrie family since the initial phone call.

"I don't think anybody will be satisfied until this case is brought to a close and until Nancy Guthrie is returned home safely with her loved ones."

National Governors Association Meeting [20:19]

• The National Governors Association removed a meeting with President Trump from its agenda due to only Republicans being invited.
• The President asserts his right to invite whomever he wishes to White House events.

"No, look, I just spoke with the president about this. It is a dinner at the White House. It's the people's house. It's also the president's home."

Ghislaine Maxwell Pardon Inquiry [21:01]

• A pardon for Ghislaine Maxwell is not a priority for the President.
• The President is focused on issues impacting the American people and has not recently considered a pardon for Maxwell.

"Again, this is not something I've discussed with the president recently because frankly it's not a priority."

Secretary Lighthizer Testimony and White House Support [21:34]

• The White House stands behind Secretary Lighthizer, who testified about visiting Epstein's island in 2012.
• The President fully supports the secretary.
• The briefing highlights several other positive news items that have not been asked about, including the Dow Jones hitting 50,000, opposition to gender mutilation surgeries for children by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, a federal appeals court upholding the administration's detention policy for illegal aliens, the murder rate falling to a 125-year low, national median rents falling to a four-year low, and mortgage affordability surging to a four-year high.
• It is also noted that there were zero illegal border crossings for an unprecedented ninth straight month.

"No. Secretary Lutnik remains a very important member of President Trump's team and the president fully supports the secretary."