From: John Bennett
Sent: Wednesday, January 17, 2018 4:26 PM
Subject: Pool report #5 - POTUS highlights/Capitol departure 

Pool report #5 - Jan. 17, 2018


President Trump, after minutes earlier turning in his seat to face former Sen. Bob Dole as he spoke about his award and career, began speaking behind a brown podium featuring the official logo of the United States Senate at 4:11 p.m.

He called it a “great honor” to be in attendance for an event celebrating a “true American hero.” Trump also thanked Elizabeth Dole, saying she has done “so much” to help many people.

“In the end, it was home that saved him,” POTUS said of a young Bob Dole during his recovery from war injuries. “He knows grit,” Trump said.

“Bob Dole has never stopped fighting for [his] values,” POTUS said of the honoree’s career in Congress and subsequent years in private life.

Trump called Dole an “American patriot who defended freedom.”

“Thank you for your service,” POTUS told Dole to wrap his remarks at 4:18 p.m. He and Dole then shook hands for several seconds.

Pool has returned to the vans and we are rolling to the White House at 4:26 p.m. We did not see POTUS or VPOTUS exit the Capitol.

(As always, please check quotes against transcript or archived video.)

—


**
John T. Bennett
White House correspondent
Roll Call
@BennettJohnT - Twitter