Trump says "historic strides" made on Asia trip -- live updates
President Trump has finally returned from his 12-day trip to Asia, to a tumultuous Washington, D.C.
The president gave updates from his trip to South Korea, China, Vietnam, Japan and the Philippines, and said America's standing in the world has never been better after his nearly two-week trip.
"The future has never looked brighter," Mr. Trump said.
But much of the focus is all but certain to be on domestic politics. The president ignored shouted questions as he left the stage.
You can watch Mr. Trump's full remarks in the video below:
The president faces decisions about what to do with Roy Moore, the U.S. Senate candidate in Alabama accused of having inappropriate contact with underage girls when he was in his 30s. So far, the White House has said Moore should step aside if the allegations are true, but a growing number of Senate Republicans are dropping the qualifiers and simply urging Moore to drop out. National Republican Senatorial Committee Chairman Sen. Cory Gardner, R-Colorado, has said the Senate should expel Moore if Alabama voters choose him over Democrat Doug Jones on Dec. 12.
The president also returns to the final stretch of the congressional tax debate, as Senate and House Republicans have emerged with plans that differ in their details. The Senate plan repeals the individual mandate requiring all to have insurance under Obamacare, while the House plan does not, among other discrepancies. Mr. Trump has said he wants to sign a tax bill by Christmas.
Mr. Trump also faces a plethora of new developments in the Russia investigation. Shortly before he left for Asia, his former campaign manager Paul Manafort and Manafort's associate Rick Gates were charged with 12 counts, including conspiracy and money laundering. The public also learned another former Trump campaign aide, George Papadopoulos, pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI earlier this year. Meanwhile, special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation marches onward, and Mueller's team is set to interview communications director Hope Hicks now that Mr. Trump has returned from his trip.
Earlier updates from President Trump's statement below:
Rubio responds to Trump's water bottle moment
Sen. Marco Rubio had some fun with Mr. Trump's water bottle moment.
Similar,but needs work on his form.Has to be done in one single motion & eyes should never leave the camera. But not bad for his 1st time https://t.co/s49JtyRo3S
— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) November 15, 2017
Trump ends remarks without taking questions
"The future has never looked brighter," Mr. Trump said, ending his speech and ignoring questions from reporters about Moore.
Trump touts "historic strides" in asserting American leadership
Mr. Trump recapped his visit to the various nations in Asia, saying the last two weeks have resulted in "historic strides" for re-asserting American leadership in the world.
That "momentum from our trip will launch us" to be able to accomplish America's goals and vision, he said.
That "beautiful" future will be possible, as long as Americans are "true to ourselves," he said.
Trump halts speech to find his water bottle
Mr. Trump briefly halted his speech to find and pick up his water bottle.
Before he was president, Mr. Trump -- and the Internet -- made fun of Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Florida, for stopping his 2013 response to a Barack Obama State of the Union speech to sip water.
Amid delivering remarks about Asia trip, Pres. Trump pauses and checks beneath the lectern, taking a brief interlude for water: https://t.co/LbXKzlM4Bg pic.twitter.com/v96XRbYzGe
— CBS News (@CBSNews) November 15, 2017
Trump says he told world leaders how well U.S. is doing economically
Mr. Trump said he told the world leaders he met with how well the U.S. is doing economically, mentioning stock market figures and 3 percent growth.
"Once again, our country is optimistic" about the future, he said.
Trump: NATO is "very happy" with Donald Trump
Mr. Trump took some time to venture away from his Asia trip, backtracking to previous foreign visits.
Mr. Trump said NATO is "very happy" with his work, referring to himself in the third person. The president discussed his previous trip to Brussels and to Rome.
"On each trip I have worked to advance American interests..." Mr. Trump said.
The president said he brought that "same" vision and commitment to Asia.
Trump: America's standing in the world has never been better
Mr. Trump said America's standing has never been better abroad, while his administration faces criticisms of hurting the country's image.
The president talked about how "previous mistakes" were made by "other administrations."
"But the one common thread behind all of these problems was a failure to protect and promote the interests of American people and American workers," Mr. Trump said.
Trump takes the podium
"This journey took us to five nations to meet with dozens of foreign leaders," the president said.
"It was the longest visit to the region by an American president in more than a quarter of a century," he added.
Mr. Trump said his team was greeted with incredible warmth and "respect."
Trump delayed until 3:30 p.m. or later
The president will now begin speaking at 3:30 p.m. or later.