announcer: tuesday, president trump welcomes french president emmanuel mack -- macron for an official visit. with the white house arrival ceremony for the french president and mrs. macron. and at 11:45 a.m. the white house press conference with president trump and president macron. tuesday evening, president trump's first state dinner. our live coverage starts at 6:30 p.m. eastern with guest arrivals and dinner toasts. on wednesday, president macron address as joint meeting of congress. that's live at 11:00 a.m. eastern. the official state visit of french president emmanuel macron live starting on tuesday morning on the c-span network,

c-span.org and on the free c-span radio app. and press secretary sara sanders spoke about the state visit at today's news conference also talked about the nomination of mike pompeo among other issues. it's about 25 minutes. sara: today the president and first lady welcomed president emmanuel macron and mrs. macron to the white house beginning the first state visit for the trump administration. this visit will celebrate the long and enduring friendship between france and the u.s. discussions will include economic, diplomatic and global issues. the first lady has taken an active roll in planning of the visit including the state din which will be tomorrow evening and we are looking for a very successful state visit. as you also know, we have three democrat senators they will vote to confirm mike pompeo. president trump's highly qualified nominee for secretary

of state. however, the democrats want to score cheap political points with their base as a willful attempt to undermine american diplomacy. the president is looking forward to his confirmation so he can continue to do an incredible job on what of the people. shaw jr. commend james he saved lives when he wrestled a gun from an active shooter. the president offers his condolences to the victims and their families. he is monitoring the ongoing information and the white house is in regular contact with state and local information. i want to congratulate the duke and duchess of cambridge for their baby boy. i know the reality of being outnumbered can be very scary, buter i know that she and prince william will continue to be amazing parents. so congratulations and with that i'll take your questions. >> on north korea, is the

president trying to accept ything short of complete denuclearization? sara: certainly the goal is deknew collarization of the peninsula. we will continue the campaign in north korea until we have concrete actions taking towards complete and nuclear denuclearization. >> are you willing to go incremental. >> no sanctions lifted until we see concrete actions taken by denuclearize. >> the president said in his tweet they agreed to denuclearize. did that do that? >> south korean president moon who has said that north korea intent fored a dks n

denuclearization. certainly that's the conversation that we will have ith north korea. >> what does president trump want to hear from macron on this thing? sara: i'm not going to get ahead of any conversations that we expect to take place over the next couple of days. as you know, they just landed a few minutes ago and haven't arrived here at the white house. i'm not going to presume what those conversations will look like. we expect that that will be part of the conversation. we'll keep you posted if we have any specific details about that. >> are you leaning to desert fying the deal when it comes back again on may 12? >> the president thinks it's a bad deal. that certainly has not changed. jim? jim: i wanted to ask you a question. sort of following up on what you were asked about michael coe wen. it was noticed by some that you didn't close the door one way or the other on the president pardoning michael cohen.

what's your read on that right now? sara: it's hard to close the door on something that hasn't taken place. i don't like to comment on hypothetical situations that haven't happen. i will refer you to personal attorneys. but we don't have anything about this point. >> i wanted to ask you about a tweet that the president put out last week. he tweeted a lot over the weekend. but last week he was talking about sanctuary cities in california and saying there was a revolution going on. so many sanctuary areas want out of this crime-infested concept. we haven't had a chance to ask you about that tweet. when he used the word breeding, was he making a derogatory term that they breed a lot? >> he's talking about the problem itself growing and getting better. >> justin go ahead. >> i wanted to follow up on the president's tweets. the first was earlier this

morning. i'm wondering if you could explain the president's trump not to allow large caravans of individuals in to the country. if you can say what specifically he ordered them to do and what that would mean for individuals claiming refugee status? sara: the president continues to monitor the ongoing situation. a sonch nation that cannot defend its borders will no longer be a sovereign nation. the trump administration is committed to enforcing our immigration laws whether people are part of the caravan or not. if you enter the united states illegally, let me be clear you've broken the law and we are committed to doing everything we can on the bored to secure our nation. we need congress to do their job as well and to pass legs to close the legal loopholes and prevent from us securing our borders an protecting americans. >> the tweet that the president did over the weekend. he said he didn't see michael cohen in trouble with the

government. guess that prompts two questions. one what does the president believe he might have done to get him in trouble. and what is he worried? sara: the president is clear that he hasn't doesn't anything wrong. we've stated that 1,000 times. beyond that, i don't have anything to add beyond his tweets. >> there have been a documented cases c.p.a. administrator pruitt appearing to be honest about his relationship with a lobbyist who had problems with the e.p.a. is the president concerned about this pattern and is there concern about him testifying on thursday as scheduled where these issues will come up? sara: we're continuing to review a number of the reports and we'll let you know if we have any changes on that front. ashley? so is that sort of -- and the

president said it's a bad deal. does he believe there's anything can be done in a way that he's comfortable with? >> i'm not going to get ahead of any potential conversations that will take place over the next days but as the administration has policy announcements we'll share them with you. >> thank you, sara. the president tweeted they have agreed to denuclearization. and you're saying they just agreed to talk about it. what is the president's definition of complete denuclearization? >> i'm going to leif that to the president and kim jong-un to walk through some of those details would look like when that meeting takes place. but i can be very clear that we expect it not to just be mentioned in words but there have to be concrete actions that take place towards total

enuclearization of the peninsula. i'm not going to get into what the agreement will look like. but there will be concrete actions that stop the denuclearization of the peninsula. >> president macron appears have a robust agenda. he wants to change on the iran nuclear deal on keeping u.s. troops in syria and maybe on the paris climate accord. does he have an open mind? is it possible that he will change his mind after president macron speaks with him? >> i'm very confident that we have the best negotiator at the table. you have two leaders that have an incredibly -- hold on, let me finish. that's not what i said. i said that we have a great negotiator at the table. i certainly was not commenting on president mack-on's abilities . simply stating the obvious that we have an incredibly good

negotiator for the united states. but you have two leader who is have a great deal of respect for one another who have a great friendship. certainly both have a great deal of interest in doing what is best for their country. but being able to have very open and candid conversations because of the relationship not only that the leaders have built but that has existed long before either of these individuals arrived op the scene. and we're going to continue that relationship. but i think we can expect this to be a very productive and very positive state visit for both countries. said for both countries. again, i'm not going to get ahead of conversations that are going to take place. but as we have any policy announcements, i'm sure you guys will be the first to know. again, the president wants to make good deezee deals for this done country. if he feels he can make a good deal that benefit this is country, he's certainly going to engage in those conversations. >> why should north korea

believe that the u.s. is an honest broker when the president would like to get out of the deal, the u.s. and other made with iran? sara: look, the president's been clear from day one that he thinks it's a bad deal. i don't think any deal that he would sign and agree to he would consider a bad deal. the president wants to do what is in the best interest -- the president wants to do what is in the best interest of our country and even in the world. and particularly having north korea and the korean peninsula free of nuclear weapons is a good thing for everybody. and you would be hard pressed to find something different. steve? >> yeah, sara, i just want to follow up on that about north korea. i'm wondering what gives you any optimism that the north koreans to really looking denuclearize because of the statements they're making and everybody seems be jumping on the very positive statements.

but they're also saying over the weekend that their completion of the nuclear arsenal which they call their powerful treasured sword firmly guarantees forever the country's well being. that doesn't sound any wiggle room on denuclearization. >> we're not going to make the same mistakes from previous administrations. we're not going to take them at their word. the maximum pressure campaign is going to continue until we see concrete actions taken by -- we're not not naive in this process. we've seen some steps in the right direction. but we have a long way to go. we also have seen a major change in what has taken place in the past by having our allies and partners in the region step up and do much more than they have in the past. china has taken a more active roll in putting pressure on north korea. they i can certainly do more. we hope they will and will continue working with us and that's all of the direction and

because of the relationship that the president has built with president xi of china. >> i have two quicker." the first one is federal prosecutors have recommend charges against the new york police officer involved in aaron's death. but the justice department has expressed strong reservation. how does president trump feel about aaron garner and whether or not they're going to charge him? >> i would refer you to the department of justice. i'll work on getting an update for you and let you know. >> the next question i have -- >> usually when we let one that's kind of -- that's not exactly a secret. but be happy to share that with everybody. >> the second question is everybody needed illegal classified documents to generate a special council. therefore the special council was base on an illegal act.

what does the president think that means? and is he indicating that the special council should be fired because of the way it's begun? >> we have no intention of firing the special council. we've been beyond cooperative with him. we're continuing to cooperate with him. turned over a million pages in documents to the special counsel and have been cooperative. exactly what the president has been saying all along that this was a false premise that this entire thing started on. we continue to repeat that we think that the idea that the trump campaign was involved in any collusion with russia is a total witch hunt. our position on that has been very clear since the beginning of this process and the president is echoing exactly what that position is. >> thanks a lot, sarah. over the weekend republicans called for e.p.a. administration tor scott pruitt to step down. they say he's the wrong fit for the e.p.a.

what's your reaction to that? >> we're reviewing some of those documents. administrator pruitt has done a good job of implementing the president's policies, deregulation, making the united states less energy dependent and becoming more energy independent. those were good things. however, the other thing certainly are something that we're monitoring and looking at. and i'll keep you posted. >> last week, andrew wheeler was confirmed by the senat. he is scott pruitt's deputy. could he easily implement president trump's agenda? what's your view on that idea? >> >> we're very excited that the democrats have allowed another one of our nominees to go through. we hope they'll allow some of the other several hundred that sit waiting to be confirmed very highly qualified individuals. we hope to no the foot steps of that and get a lot more people

within this administration work. blake? >> president macron said don't leave if there's not a better option. and the iranian foreign minister said president macron is correct in sing there's no plan b. it's either all or nothing. my question to you does the white house believe there is actually a plan b out there? sarah: we certainly think there should be a better deal. one that works. we don't look to iran to determine what our foreign policy is. i'm going to keep moving just because i'm running out of time. >> you may not be willing to be specific about the matters that president trump and president macron will negotiate on. but the french finance minister bruno lamaire was very specific at the world bank and i.m.f. spring meeting. he said on friday that france

will insist on "a full and permanent exemption" of any trade tariffs the united states might want to impose on france. he went on to say that if they are going to be a partner in dealing with china and other countries they cannot have what he called a sord of damaclis hanging over them. that's pretty strong language -- >> we can at least agree on that >> is it on the table to accept the wishes? >> we demand to come up over the next two days when we have any policy announcements, we will absolutely let you know. kevin? >> is it fair to say the president agrees with the french president that it's too quick removal of america's presence from syria would be a danger or damaging to the syrian people?

and if there is agreement there, is there a possibility that we will come to a formal announcement during this time here? and a follow on mike pompeo. what would be the number one issue that the president would like him to tackle assuming that as expected he's approved? sarah: first, i'll talk about the syria question. again, certainly something that will come up. the president is committed to defeating isis. that is our primary goal and function of being there. we want to see that happen. the president also wants to see the partners in the region step up and do more both militarily and financially. that's going to be something that i can imagine will be raised and we'll keep you posted on that front. when it comes to director pompeo, it is absolutely outrageous that he would not move through quickly. he's extremely qualified for the position. "the washington post," a number of other outlets that certainly

aren't typically the biggest advocates of this president have said confirm him already. i think you have to look back at history specifically to secretary of state confirmations and bipartisan vote. john kerry was confirmed 94-93. -92.ton was confirmed 93 colin powell was confirmed unanimously by voice vote. if you look at some of the questioning that's been brought up by the senat, no one doubts pompeo's qualification and his ability to do the job. not only is it the white house but all of america should be calling on the senate to actually do their job, do what they're require and expected to do. and that is to help government function and to help in the safety and the security of our country. this is an incredibly important position and that play as big role in that and they should support mike pompeo and get that done and get that done today. and i think frankly for particular members of congress that is very hard for them to

justify voting in favor of someone like john kerry and not following suit and voting in favor of mike pompeo. >> does the president consider republicans who oppose pompeo's confirmation to be obstructionist? and what does it mean if he can't get a favorable confirmation? >> i don't think those members are being helpful. and i think what it says to the world is what we've been saying for a long time is the senate has got some real problem and they need figure out and how to do their job a little bit better. mike? he decided - i -- to bring it back to congress. there was a chance that those changes won't need congressional approval. and i thought i would run to have that deal looked at by a team -- >> on nafta, this conversation

and negotiations are on going. i don't have any up dates on you front.that has he been briefed on that? and john bolton is where he's at right no now? >> a number of members across the board that remain part of his team his national security team, great group of people and the president's been working very closely with them. and most of those individuals have been on and part of the administration for quite some time. >> yeah. a couple of questions. i'm going back to the issue of gagner. think that's local matter and why it's been held up? is that what's going on to this

eric gagner case? >> i can't speak anything specific toe an ongoing process that's taking place in the department of justice. we haven't given specific instruction to them other than to follow the law and when it is a local issue there,'s not a lot we can do, we want them to be independent and follow the law on that front. >> the president was very clear in his statements. he said in a tweet, there's a revolution going on in california. so many areas want out of this ridiculous crime invested and breeding conflict. what does he mean by breeding? >> the president has recognized this is a major problem. and a lot of people even in california what to see the issue of sanctuary cities addressed and the president doing what he can with that. >> what do you think about the word "breeding"? i'm not going to begin to think what you think.

certainly i think that kit mean a lot of things to a lot of people. but the president's talking about a growing problem. and i address that with jim. i don't have anything else to add. >> thank you. >> there has been quite a number of attacks in afghanistan the last few days. this is the first fighting season. how do you see the decision of afghanistan now? >> i'm sorry what was the last part of your question. >> how do you see the future of afghanistan now? >> we're goinging to move forward with the strategy that was announced. take one more last question, brian. >> one just to define what the president meant about bringing -- specific, he's not talking about people having babys? >> not that i'm aware of. i have to ask him to dig into that deeper. i just said i'm not aware ofment and i would have to ask him more

specific. >> i understand that this administration says that -- that there's no collusion. some if we take the president at his word, you can't be aware of anything that went on underneath him. >> so if there's someone who worked for him underneath them that is guilty or prosecuted by the muller team, would he not support those who did wrong even if he was unaware of it? >> sirn we want everybody to follow the law but i'm not going to comment on a hypothetical sishwations. he and his campaign were not involved in collusion. >> i'm asking -- you would have found that out. and i'm addressing that, ryan 6 -- ryan -- the president would absolutely support the law and individuals following the law. what the president doesn't support is a year wasted distracting the world and the country from the great things that are happening in this country from talking about

issues that americans actually care about that's what the president would probably tell you to stay focused on. wand that, thanks, guys. we'll see you tomorrow. announcer: c-span's "washington journal" with news and policy issues that impact you. coming up, we'll talk about some of the challenge facing c.i.a. director mike pompeo. joining us will be kenneth winesteen. and then tomorrow spreel court oral argument on president trump's travel ban. with us for that will be georgetown law school professor, john gallonvin. -- galvin. and we will talk about french president's visit. be sure to join the discussion on tuesday.

>> mike pompeo's nomination to a vote of cria by 11-9. 's paul rand voted yes. senator johnny isaacson was the only member of the committee missing from the vote. here's the hour long meeting. >> we proud ourselves on starting meetings exactly on time. we have had a few entrepreneurial things happen and therefore we're discussing a way forward for this.