Trump says he's not looking to resume family separations
President Trump told reporters Tuesday he doesn't intend to resume family separations at the border, after repeated questioning from reporters. Mr. Trump made the remarks during a meeting with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, who is visiting the White House as he pushes for a term that would extend until 2034.
"We're not looking to do that," Mr. Trump said of family separations, adding that more illegal immigrants come to the U.S. without such a practice.
The president only answered that question after blasting former President Barack Obama, blaming him for putting children in "cages."
"Just so you understand, President Obama separated the children," the president said. "Those cages that were shown — I think they were very inappropriate —were by President Obama's administration not by Trump. President Obama had child separation."
"I was the one that changed it," he added.
The president's comments come amid a massive overhaul at the Department of Homeland Security, including the departure of DHS Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen and U.S. Secret Service Director Randolph Alles.
The White House isn't pushing back against Sisi's effort to extend his presidency until 2034, at least not publicly. Asked if Mr. Trump is OK with Sisi's intention to extend his presidency, a senior administration official said the president views his relationship with Egypt as he does with all foreign nations — through the lens of "America first."
The two presidents are expected to discuss the situation in the Gaza Strip, as Israeli-Palestinian tensions rise. They will also address Egypt's economy and human rights, particularly the treatment of religious minorities in Egypt. Reporters will have a chance to see the two presidents and lob questions during a sit-down meeting.
There are a number of U.S. citizens currently detained in Egypt, and Human Rights Watch estimates 20 journalists are behind bars in Egypt.
Mr. Trump said the two presidents have much to discuss regarding military issues and trade. "We've never had a better relationship — Egypt and the United States," the president said.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
