*From:* "Korte, Gregory" <xxx@usatoday.com> *Date:* August 10, 2017 at 4:23:39 PM EDT
*Subject:* *Bedminster pool report No. 5a // Second pool spray highlights*

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The pool was led into a room at the Bedminster National Golf Club for the second pool spray of the day at 3:41 p.m. The event lasted 20 minutes. The president say at a table with Vice President Pence, National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster and CIA Director Mike Pompeo.

Highlights, with more to come. (Check against tape and transcript, as always.)

On Afghanistan troop levels: Were getting close. Were getting very close. Its a very big decision for me. I took over a mess and were going to make it a lot less messy."

On whether he has confidence in McMaster: Yes, I do. General McMaster? Hes our friend. Hes my friend and hes a very talented man. I like him and I respect him.

On the transgender ban: I have great respect for the community I think Ive had great support, or Ive had great support from that community. I got a lot of votes. But the transgender, the militarys working on it now Its been a very difficult situation and I think Im doing a lot of people a favor by coming out and just saying it. As you know, its been a very complicated issue for the military, its been a very confusing issue for the military, and I think Im doing the military a great favor.

On the FBI raid of Paul Manaforts home: I thought it was a very, very strong signal, or whatever. I know Mr. Manafort. Havent spoken to him for a long time, but I know him. I thought it was a very you know, they do that very seldom, so I was surprised to see it. I was very, very surprised to see it.

Has he talked to AG or FBI about Manafort raid? I have not, but to do that early in the morning, whether or not it was appropriate youd have to ask them. Ive always found Paul Manafort to be a very decent man. Hes like a lot of other people, probably makes consultant fees from all over the place, who knows, I dont know, but I thought it was pretty tough stuff to wake him up, perhaps his family was there. I think thats pretty tough stuff.

On state of relationship with Sessions: It is what it is. Its fine. Hes working hard on the border. Im very proud of what weve done at the border.

On nuclear posture: I would like to de-nuke the world. President Obama said that global warming is the greatest threat. I disagree. He said he would like to see other countries get rid of their nuclear weapons. Until such time as they do, we will be the most powerful nuclear nation in the world, by far.

On anti-missile defenses: He said he would be announcing a plan in the next week to add billions of dollars to missile defense.

Leaks: He said the leaks involving national security are serious. And then you have the leaks where people want to love me, and theyre all fighting for my love. Frankly, Im somewhat honored.

On Putin expelling many U.S.diplomats fromRussia?

I want to thank him because were trying to cut down our payroll and as far as Im concerned Im very thankful that he let go of a large number of people because now we have a smaller payroll. Theres no real reason for them to go back. I greatly appreciate the fact that weve been able to cut our payroll of the UnitedStates. Were going to save a lot of money.

*Gregory Korte*

White House correspondent

*USA TODAY*

1575 Eye Street, N.W., Suite 350

Washington, D.C. 20005

Office: (703) -xxx-xxxx
Cell: (202) -xxx-xxxx

Twitter: @gregorykorte

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