2016 DAILY UPDATE - 5/5/16 DONALD TRUMP The Rolling Stones Asked Donald Trump To Stop Playing Their Songs At His Campaign Rallies. "The Rolling Stones have asked presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump to stop playing their songs at his campaign events.In a statement Wednesday, the rock band said they have not given permission to the Trump campaign to use their songs and 'have requested that they cease all use immediately.'" [CBS News, 5/4/16 ] Trump Claimed In Two Different Interviews To Be Hearing For The First Time About Kasich Dropping Out. "Time claims to be on phone w/Trump when he 1st learns Kasich drops. Then Trump tells CNN he learned it from them." [@BuzzFeedAndrew, Twitter, 5/4/16 ] Heritage Foundation's Jim DeMint: Trump's Campaign "Has Shown An Openness To Work With Us, And So Hopefully We Can Fill His Campaign With The Right Ideas." "Heritage Foundation president Jim DeMint says Donald Trump's campaign has shown a willingness to work with them on promoting conservative policy. 'Well, we're hoping that we can push him to carry some conservative ideas into the election and win it,' DeMint said on WPAB News Talk 820AM. 'That's what we do at Heritage. We don't endorse candidates but we endorse ideas and promote them. And so, you know, his campaign has shown an openness to work with us, and so hopefully we can fill his campaign with the right ideas.' Asked about who he will support personally, DeMint declined to answer. 'Well, you know I find that, my role at Heritage, I can't get involved with out my general counsel saying, threatening my C3 status. But we'll be for the most conservative in this race.'" [BuzzFeed, 5/4/16 ; PAB News Talk Radio 820AM, 5/4/16] Trump Said He "Gave Up A Tremendous Amount" To Run For President. TRUMP: "I don't need publicity. I gave up a lot to do it. I was asked to do the apprentice for two more years, I said I'm not going to do it. I gave up a tremendous amount. You know, got a little controversial for a little while and I lost certain licenses, which is not the biggest deal in my life, but it's -- Macy's didn't want to renew me because they thought I was a little controversial which was I think a big mistake that they made, not very loyal. Pretty costly think that I did, not just the cost of the campaign which is frankly less, it's the cost of what I do. Now it's worked out well, I'm just very happy with the way it all worked out." [Situation Room, CNN, 5/4/16] [Part 1 - 2:00] Trump: "I Don't Tack Right Or Left. I Tack What's Right. And That's How I Have Won." TRUMP: "I don't tack right or left. I tack what's right. And that's how I have won. I mean, you know, I have been quite far right on certain things. Certain -- I hear I am a liberal on trade... That's what I am hearing. I don't know why because all I want to do is have really strong trade deals, already. And frankly, if people are going to be taking advantage of us like China does and like almost every country does." [Squawk Box, CNBC, 5/5/16] [33:00] HEADLINE: "Donald Trump's Day Of Contradictions." [Washington Post, 5/5/16 ] HEADLINE: "Donald Trump's Greatest Self-Contradictions." [Politico Magazine, 5/5/16 ] HEADLINE: "A Trump Reboot? Impossible." [Editorial, Washington Post, 5/4/16 ] Conspiracy Theories Trump: "Of Course I Don't Think" Rafael Cruz Had Anything To Do With The JFK Assassination. BLITZER: "Yesterday with this national enquirer story I want you to clarify. You don't really believe that Ted Cruz's father had anything to do with the assassination of President Kennedy." TRUMP: "No, I don't. " BLITZER: "Because this was a story that was in the National Enquirer." TRUMP: "Of course I don't think that"... BLITZER: "Bottom line you don't believe in that conspiracy." TRUMP: "Of course I don't believe it. I said let people read it." [Situation Room, CNN, 5/4/16] Trump Said He Brought Up The National Enquirer Conspiracy Story About Rafael Cruz Because "He Made Horrible Statements About Me." BLITZER: "Yesterday with this national enquirer story I want you to clarify. You don't really believe that Ted Cruz's father had anything to do with the assassination of President Kennedy." TRUMP: "No, I don't. " BLITZER: "Because this was a story that was in the National Enquirer." TRUMP: "Of course I don't think that." BLITZER: "Here is the question, you are the presumptive Republican presidential nominee--" TRUMP: "No, I wasn't. Not at the time." BLITZER: "Last time you said you thought you were. Don't you think you need a higher standard than to get involved in this kind of stuff?" TRUMP: "Here is what happened. Ted Cruz's father seems like a nice guy, I don't know him, but seems like a nice guy, he made horrible statements about me, you know, pray -- praying for bad things to happen to me. Okay, essentially. I said that's horrible. And I was on a show, one of your competitors, and they showed me the clip. I said, wow, that's horrible. It's not just a one-way street, you know, where I do something. It was a horrible statement. I was actually surprised by it. And during that and when I said how bad it was that a man would say something like that I said, well, why don't you read the various magazines because it's not only there, it was put in numerous where he has a picture of himself with Lee Harvey Oswald." [Situation Room, CNN, 5/4/16] Trump Defended Propagating A National Enquirer Conspiracy Story About Rafael Cruz On The Grounds That He Wasn't The Presumptive Nominee At The Time. BLITZER: "Yesterday with this national enquirer story I want you to clarify. You don't really believe that Ted Cruz's father had anything to do with the assassination of President Kennedy." TRUMP: "No, I don't. " BLITZER: "Because this was a story that was in the National Enquirer." TRUMP: "Of course I don't think that." BLITZER: "Here is the question, you are the presumptive Republican presidential nominee--" TRUMP: "No, I wasn't. Not at the time." BLITZER: "Last time you said you thought you were. Don't you think you need a higher standard than to get involved in this kind of stuff?... Now that you have the Republican presumptive nominee you have to have a higher standard than to repeat theories like that." TRUMP: "First of all, I wasn't at the time. I didn't know if I was going to win Indiana or not, it ended up being a landslide, it was a tremendous victory, much bigger than anybody anticipated including myself." [Situation Room, CNN, 5/4/16] Republican Party Trump: "I'm Very Much A Team Player And I Look Forward To Working With Mitch McConnell And Paul Ryan And Kevin McCarthy And Everybody. I'm Very Much A Team Player And They'll Understand That. I Would Like Total Coordination." "Trump said congressional Republicans may be wary of him but he will make overtures to them in the coming weeks, asking them to help him fill out the party agenda. 'I'm very much a team player and I look forward to working with Mitch McConnell and Paul Ryan and Kevin McCarthy and everybody. I'm very much a team player and they'll understand that. I would like total coordination.' 'We're going to meet with the leadership and we're going to sit down. I don't know if we'll agree on everything but we'll agree on a lot. We're going to come up with policy that reflects perhaps both sides. But on trade, I have very strong opinions because I've watched our country for too many years lose on trade. So on that I feel very strongly,' Trump said. 'I've been to these states where they've lost manufacturing and it's sad to see that loss -towns wiped out.'" [Washington Post, 5/4/16 ] Trump Planned To Meet With The Republican Congressional Leadership: "I Don't Know If We'll Agree On Everything But We'll Agree On A Lot. We're Going To Come Up With Policy That Reflects Perhaps Both Sides." "Trump said congressional Republicans may be wary of him but he will make overtures to them in the coming weeks, asking them to help him fill out the party agenda. 'I'm very much a team player and I look forward to working with Mitch McConnell and Paul Ryan and Kevin McCarthy and everybody. I'm very much a team player and they'll understand that. I would like total coordination.' 'We're going to meet with the leadership and we're going to sit down. I don't know if we'll agree on everything but we'll agree on a lot. We're going to come up with policy that reflects perhaps both sides. But on trade, I have very strong opinions because I've watched our country for too many years lose on trade. So on that I feel very strongly,' Trump said. 'I've been to these states where they've lost manufacturing and it's sad to see that loss -towns wiped out.'" [Washington Post, 5/4/16 ] HEADLINE: "Donald Trump Takes The Reins Of A Divided Republican Party." [Washington Post, 5/4/16 ] Trump: "I Really Feel That It's Important That I Do What's Right As Opposed To Necessarily Cater To What's Going To Play To The Voters." "But Trump dismissed the idea of toning down his rhetoric and vowed to stand by his earlier, controversial calls to temporarily ban Muslims from entering the United States and to deport millions of undocumented immigrants. 'I really feel that it's important that I do what's right as opposed to necessarily cater to what's going to play to the voters,' Trump said. 'Because nobody really knows what plays with the voters, and I'm an example of that. If I tested some of the things I say out in polling, I probably wouldn't do very well.'" [Washington Post, 5/4/16 ] HEADLINE: "Bush 41, Bush 43 Won't Endorse Trump." [Washington Examiner, 5/5/16 ] Trump: "As Far As The Republican Party Coming Together, It Will, Maybe Not 100%, But It'll Come Together 99% And The 1% I Don't Want And It Won't Have Any Impact." "Now finding himself the nominee, Trump immediately pivoted to the general election. 'So now I'm going to be focused on Hillary and you'll be dealing with me and we'll see what happens,' he said, predicting most of the Republican Party would unify behind him. 'And I think we have a very strong case against Hillary. As far as the Republican Party coming together, it will, maybe not 100%, but it'll come together 99% and the 1% I don't want and it won't have any impact.'" [TIME, 5/4/16 ] Vice President Trump: "I Want A Vice President Who Will Help Me Have A Major Impact Quickly On Capitol Hill, And The Message Will Be Clear To The Nation And To People Abroad That The American Government Will Be Using Its Power Differently." "While professing some surprise at his success, Mr. Trump increasingly sounds like a man who thinks he knows where he will be eight months from now, and the unrivaled power he will hold. He talked of turning the Oval Office into a high-powered board room, empowering military leaders over foreign affairs specialists in national security debates, and continuing to speak harshly about adversaries. He may post on Twitter less, but everyone will still know what he thinks. 'As president, I'll be working from the first day with my vice president and staff to make clear that America will be changing in major ways for the better,' Mr. Trump said in a telephone interview on Saturday. 'We can't afford to waste time. I want a vice president who will help me have a major impact quickly on Capitol Hill, and the message will be clear to the nation and to people abroad that the American government will be using its power differently.'" [New York Times, 5/4/16 ] Trump Said There Was A 40% Chance His Running Mate Would Be One Of His Former Republican Rivals. QUESTION: "I know you've been peppered with vice president selection questions over the past couple of days. They're requisite, don. No way around it. I'll start differently. In your heart of hearts, do you think it will be someone from the 16 fallen, from the probably not miss Fiorina, I imagine but will it be from the group of people who also ran for president?" TRUMP: "Well, I would say probably a 40% chance within the group. I've gotten to be friends with a lot of those people, and I guess perhaps enemies with a couple, but I've gotten to be friends with quite a few, and I would say there is a good 40% chance." [Squawk Box, CNBC, 5/5/16] Trump Said It Was Unlikely He Would Choose John Kasich As His Running Mate. QUESTION: "I also saw something, Donald, that you said about John Kasich which may or may not be what people were expecting. I didn't know you talked to him during all the breaks, during the debates, and had a very good relationship with him, because all is fair in love and war, as we know. And the rhetoric that gets thrown back and forth. But you actually made the comment that his -- your view of him has been rising in recent days as far as possibly selecting him." TRUMP: "Well, I have had a good relationship with him, and I really get along with him pretty well. I would say probably it's unlikely that it will be John. I am not sure that John even wants it. But I think it's unlikely that it will be John, but his -- I do have a good view of him, and I do have a good opinion of him. But I -- I think it's probably unlikely." Trump: "I Would Be Interested In Vetting John [Kasich]." TRUMP: "I would be interested in vetting John. I like John. I've had a good relationship with John. Whether he is vice president or not, he will be very helpful with Ohio." [Situation Room, CNN, 5/4/16] Trump On His Biggest Criteria For A Potential Vice President: "You Always Have To Say The Same Boring Answer That Probably Everybody Has Given To You From Day One. They Have To Be A Great President. Potentially, You Have To Be A Great President." BLITZER: "Give me the qualifications you're looking for, for a vice presidential running mate." TRUMP: "Well, you always have to say the same boring answer that probably everybody has given to you from day one. They have to be a great president. Potentially, you have to be a great president. So, that's always the number one." BLITZER: But that is the most important fact." TRUMP: Well, it's always--" BLITZER: "You need somebody potentially, God forbid, if the president--" TRUMP: "Look, they're there for that reason primarily. But I would want somebody that would help me from a legislative standpoint, getting things passed through Senate, through Congress. And to me, that's why I think probably, in terms of vice president, I am going to go the political route. I don't need the business route. I have got that covered." [Situation Room, CNN, 5/4/16] Trump: "I Would Want Somebody That Would Help Me From A Legislative Standpoint, Getting Things Passed Through Senate, Through Congress. And To Me, That's Why I Think Probably, In Terms Of Vice President, I Am Going To Go The Political Route." BLITZER: "Give me the qualifications you're looking for, for a vice presidential running mate." TRUMP: "Well, you always have to say the same boring answer that probably everybody has given to you from day one. They have to be a great president. Potentially, you have to be a great president. So, that's always the number one." BLITZER: But that is the most important fact." TRUMP: Well, it's always--" BLITZER: "You need somebody potentially, God forbid, if the president--" TRUMP: "Look, they're there for that reason primarily. But I would want somebody that would help me from a legislative standpoint, getting things passed through Senate, through Congress. And to me, that's why I think probably, in terms of vice president, I am going to go the political route. I don't need the business route. I have got that covered." BLITZER: "You mean somebody who has been a governor or senator?" TRUMP: "Somebody that -- well, somebody maybe that's been even a senator. I like that because they're dealing -- look, we want to get legislation passed. We are at total gridlock in Washington. We can't even take the trillions of dollars that we have overseas back for our companies." [Situation Room, CNN, 5/4/16] Trump Said He Was Setting Up A Committee To Vet Potential Running Mates And Other Appointees. BLITZER: "Give me the qualifications you're looking for, for a vice presidential running mate." TRUMP: "Well, you always have to say the same boring answer that probably everybody has given to you from day one. They have to be a great president. Potentially, you have to be a great president. So, that's always the number one." BLITZER: But that is the most important fact." TRUMP: Well, it's always--" BLITZER: "You need somebody potentially, God forbid, if the president--" TRUMP: "Look, they're there for that reason primarily. But I would want somebody that would help me from a legislative standpoint, getting things passed through Senate, through Congress. And to me, that's why I think probably, in terms of vice president, I am going to go the political route. I don't need the business route. I have got that covered." BLITZER: "You mean somebody who has been a governor or senator?" TRUMP: "Somebody that -- well, somebody maybe that's been even a senator. I like that because they're dealing -- look, we want to get legislation passed. We are at total gridlock in Washington. We can't even take the trillions of dollars that we have overseas back for our companies." BLITZER: "I know you're not going to give me a name." TRUMP: "I can't give you a name. It's too soon." BLITZER: "Because you have -- you're going to start vetting people, though, pretty soon, right?" TRUMP: "I am starting to think about it very soon. And we will be vetting people." BLITZER: "Do you think some of your former Republican presidential rivals will be on that vetting list?" TRUMP: "That could be. It could be. I have a lot of respect--" BLITZER: "Even people who have said nasty things about you?" TRUMP: "Well, you know, I feel differently about that. When somebody says nasty, I don't -- I never like them quite the same, but I will tell you, you look at somebody -- you know, I'm going to set up a committee. And I may put Ben Carson on the committee. I may put Chris Christie on the committee. They came out early. They were very strong. They are very good people, very good people." BLITZER: "These are people who would vet?" TRUMP: "The vetting, yes. We are going to set up a committee in terms of vice president. We're going to set up a committee in terms of other positions also." [Situation Room, CNN, 5/4/16] Trump Said Ben Carson And Chris Christie Would Potentially Lead His Vetting Committee. BLITZER: "Because you have -- you're going to start vetting people, though, pretty soon, right?" TRUMP: "I am starting to think about it very soon. And we will be vetting people." BLITZER: "Do you think some of your former Republican presidential rivals will be on that vetting list?" TRUMP: "That could be. It could be. I have a lot of respect--" BLITZER: "Even people who have said nasty things about you?" TRUMP: "Well, you know, I feel differently about that. When somebody says nasty, I don't -- I never like them quite the same, but I will tell you, you look at somebody -- you know, I'm going to set up a committee. And I may put Ben Carson on the committee. I may put Chris Christie on the committee. They came out early. They were very strong. They are very good people, very good people." BLITZER: "These are people who would vet?" TRUMP: "The vetting, yes. We are going to set up a committee in terms of vice president. We're going to set up a committee in terms of other positions also." [Situation Room, CNN, 5/4/16] Trump Said Kasich Was "Rising Rapidly" On His Vice-Presidential Short List. "But back to the veepstakes. Is Kasich on his short list? 'Let's put it this way: he's rising rapidly,' Trump said. 'I've always liked him. I got along with him. We had a good time. And so, I've always felt good about him. . . . In fact, on the debate stage, often times, he and I would be talking during the intermissions. Others, I wasn't talking to and perhaps others weren't talking to me.' Does Kasich's home state, which could be a battleground this fall, factor into Trump's calculus? 'Well, a lot of times it happens, you pick someone for their state, but it doesn't always work out very well. There are other things to consider,' Trump said. 'For me, the number one qualification always is, would they be a good president?'" [Washington Post, 5/4/16 ] Trump On Choosing A Running Mate: "Having A Working Relationship With The Person Is Going To Be Very Important. You Have To Have Good Chemistry." "But back to the veepstakes. Is Kasich on his short list? 'Let's put it this way: he's rising rapidly,' Trump said. 'I've always liked him. I got along with him. We had a good time. And so, I've always felt good about him. . . . In fact, on the debate stage, often times, he and I would be talking during the intermissions. Others, I wasn't talking to and perhaps others weren't talking to me.' Does Kasich's home state, which could be a battleground this fall, factor into Trump's calculus? 'Well, a lot of times it happens, you pick someone for their state, but it doesn't always work out very well. There are other things to consider,' Trump said. 'For me, the number one qualification always is, would they be a good president?' Number two: having a rapport. 'Having a working relationship with the person is going to be very important. You have to have good chemistry. In all fairness, when Obama chose Biden, it was an odd choice and yet they have very good chemistry together and therefore it was a good choice for them. So having good chemistry is very important.'" [Washington Post, 5/4/16 ] Trump: "In All Fairness, When Obama Chose Biden, It Was An Odd Choice And Yet They Have Very Good Chemistry Together And Therefore It Was A Good Choice For Them. So Having Good Chemistry Is Very Important." "Does Kasich's home state, which could be a battleground this fall, factor into Trump's calculus? 'Well, a lot of times it happens, you pick someone for their state, but it doesn't always work out very well. There are other things to consider,' Trump said. 'For me, the number one qualification always is, would they be a good president?' Number two: having a rapport. 'Having a working relationship with the person is going to be very important. You have to have good chemistry. In all fairness, when Obama chose Biden, it was an odd choice and yet they have very good chemistry together and therefore it was a good choice for them. So having good chemistry is very important.'" [Washington Post, 5/4/16 ] Trump Planned To Hire A Firm And Assign Several Staffers For The Vice Presidential Vetting Process By Mid-May. "Trump hasn't decided yet on who exactly will be responsible for the vetting. 'Over the next week or two' he expects to hire a firm and assign several staffers to the project. 'We'll have standard vetting questions and there are firms that could help us do this,' Trump said. 'There are people that do this professionally. We'll get there and we'll do standard vetting.' He declined to get into details, such as whether he would require tax returns or other specific documents from contenders. Ben Carson will play a role in the process. 'He's part of the team. Ben is a fantastic guy, I've become very friendly with him and have tremendous respect for him. He came in early and said there is a movement, I'd like to be part of it. He's a good person and a smart person and he'll be involved in lots of things.' Who else will be involved? 'It's really too early to say.'" [Washington Post, 5/4/16 ] Trump Said Ben Carson Would Play A Role In Vice-Presidential Vetting. "Trump hasn't decided yet on who exactly will be responsible for the vetting. 'Over the next week or two' he expects to hire a firm and assign several staffers to the project. 'We'll have standard vetting questions and there are firms that could help us do this,' Trump said. 'There are people that do this professionally. We'll get there and we'll do standard vetting.' He declined to get into details, such as whether he would require tax returns or other specific documents from contenders. Ben Carson will play a role in the process. 'He's part of the team. Ben is a fantastic guy, I've become very friendly with him and have tremendous respect for him. He came in early and said there is a movement, I'd like to be part of it. He's a good person and a smart person and he'll be involved in lots of things.' Who else will be involved? 'It's really too early to say.'" [Washington Post, 5/4/16 ] Trump Said He Has "Gotten Along Great" With Marco Rubio, And Could "Absolutely" See Him Joining The Campaign. "Trump was more optimistic about another former competitor, Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.). 'I've spoken to him. I like him. We only had one bad moment in the campaign, which he agreed that it was a mistake. But I've gotten along with him great and frankly, I could absolutely see something there. You've probably seen he's been very nice in his statements,' Trump said." [Washington Post, 5/4/16 ] 5/4/16: Trump Reportedly Had Multiple Recent Phone Calls With Marco Rubio. "Still, in some quarters, reconciliation between Mr. Trump and his onetime critics is underway. Senator Marco Rubio of Florida, who clashed bitterly with Mr. Trump before dropping out of the presidential race, has had multiple phone conversations with him recently, according to Republicans close to Mr. Trump. (Aides to Mr. Rubio declined to comment.)" [New York Times, 5/4/16 ] Trump's VP Shortlist Reportedly Consisted Of Susana Martinez, Nikki Haley, And Rob Portman. "A senior Trump campaign source said Wednesday that the campaign's early favorites for vice president are now New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez, South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley and Sen. Rob Portman of Ohio." [CNN, 5/4/16 ] Potential Appointees Trump Said His Daughter Ivanka, And Son-In-Law Jared Kushner Would Be Close Advisers, And Jared Kushner Could Serve In His Administration. "Mr. Trump did seem aware that his early months could be consumed with trying to win confirmation for his cabinet and perhaps a new Supreme Court justice and with making appointments throughout the bureaucracy. He made it clear that he was not interested in delegating these tasks and that he wanted to make sure his appointees shared his governing philosophy. One of his closest advisers, his daughter Ivanka, would probably stay with his company, but he said he would seek counsel from her and her husband, the businessman Jared Kushner, and noted that family members had served in administrations before. Even jobs that might seem incidental in a Trump universe, like a United States ambassador to the United Nations, have apparently crossed his mind. 'I think about a U.N. ambassador, about a secretary of defense and secretary of treasury, but I think more about winning first,' Mr. Trump said. 'Otherwise I'm wasting time. I want people in those jobs who care about winning. The U.N. isn't doing anything to end the big conflicts in the world, so you need an ambassador who would win by really shaking up the U.N.'" [New York Times, 5/4/16 ] Trump: "I Think About A U.N. Ambassador, About A Secretary Of Defense And Secretary Of Treasury, But I Think More About Winning First." "Even jobs that might seem incidental in a Trump universe, like a United States ambassador to the United Nations, have apparently crossed his mind. 'I think about a U.N. ambassador, about a secretary of defense and secretary of treasury, but I think more about winning first,' Mr. Trump said. 'Otherwise I'm wasting time. I want people in those jobs who care about winning. The U.N. isn't doing anything to end the big conflicts in the world, so you need an ambassador who would win by really shaking up the U.N.'" [New York Times, 5/4/16 ] Trump: "The U.N. Isn't Doing Anything To End The Big Conflicts In The World, So You Need An Ambassador Who Would Win By Really Shaking Up The U.N." "Even jobs that might seem incidental in a Trump universe, like a United States ambassador to the United Nations, have apparently crossed his mind. 'I think about a U.N. ambassador, about a secretary of defense and secretary of treasury, but I think more about winning first,' Mr. Trump said. 'Otherwise I'm wasting time. I want people in those jobs who care about winning. The U.N. isn't doing anything to end the big conflicts in the world, so you need an ambassador who would win by really shaking up the U.N.'" [New York Times, 5/4/16 ] Trump Said He Would Give Key Roles In His Administration To Military Generals, Executives, And Family Members. "Donald J. Trump is now the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, but he is also keenly aware that many in his own party - and many Americans, frankly - are scared and anxious about the idea of him in the Oval Office. Even he is not sure how a deeply divided nation would adjust to the first 100 days of a Trump presidency. What he does know, however, is what he wants to do in those early months. In a series of recent interviews, he sketched out plans that include showdowns with business leaders over jobs and key roles for military generals, executives and possibly even family members in advising him about running the country." [New York Times, 5/4/16 ] Trump Agreed Rudy Giuliani, Chris Christie, And Ben Carson Would Be "Very Wise" Choices As Potential Appointees. O'REILLY: "And I said last night, yes, and this isn't going to surprise you what I'm about to say to you. I said last night that I believe before you get to Cleveland you are going to try to consolidate the Republican establishment support by doing the following, appointing Rudy Giuliani the Homeland Security chief. Appointing Governor Christie the Attorney General, and Ben Carson in charge of Health and Human Services. I said I think that Trump's going to do that. Would I be wrong?" TRUMP: "Well, I have not made that decision but certainly they would be three very wise choices. I think they would be popular but more importantly I think they would do a phenomenal job all three of them. No, I haven't, you know, thought about that. But I will tell you all three would be very good choices and very good positions for themselves. I think it would be good." [O'Reilly Factor, Fox News, 5/4/16] Trump: "You Take Somebody Like Jeff Sessions, Though I Think He Is Very Happy Where He Is. He Is A Very Important Senator. That's A Very Good Position. It's Hard To Say Leave The Senate And Do This, Right, Run An Agency." QUESTION: "I have heard you intimate that you might go into the convention with some, you know, already with a team selected for certain positions. Could you tell us anything for sure at this point about, you know, whether there is Chris Christie as A.G. Or Giuliani as homeland security?" TRUMP: "I have had great support from Rudy Giuliani. I have had great support from Chris Christie, Dr. Ben Carson. You take somebody like Jeff Sessions, though I think he is very happy where he is. He is a very important senator. That's a very good position. It's hard to say leave the Senate and do this, right, run an agency. But I have had great support from certain people, and I like that. Rudy Giuliani has been fantastic. Newt Gingrich has been amazingly supportive." [Squawk Box, CNBC, 5/5/16] Trump Warned "If We Don't Pick The Correct Supreme Court Justices, This Country Is Going To Be Forever Changed." TRUMP: "But the single most important thing right now, after those two subjects, is Supreme Court. And Supreme Court justices. And I will tell you that, if I don't win, you will have more of the people that have been put on over the last number of years, and we will have a Supreme Court that will change this country to a level like you have never seen. You will have Bernie Sanders types put on the Supreme Court. And this country will be a totally different country. This country will be Argentina. This country will be something that is so different. It will be Venezuela. You have no idea what's going on in the Supreme Court. When you look at the differences in decisions, when you look at the horrendous decisions being made. And wanting to be made and will be made. Now, the only thing holding them back is the fact that, you know, we lost a great justice recently, and -- but the only -- who has to be replaced. And you know, this president, whoever this president is, is going to be making perhaps as many as four and maybe even as many as five choices, picks, and if we don't pick the correct Supreme Court justices, this country is going to be forever changed. So when I hear all of these people saying, well, we're going to sit it out, I'm going to put on great conservative, smart, wonderful, respected judges. And I will tell you, if somebody isn't there to do that and to counter-balance what's going on, it's so important. And it's going to be a country that you won't recognize in ten years." [Squawk Box, CNBC, 5/5/16] Trump: "If I Don't Win, You Will Have More Of The People That Have Been Put On Over The Last Number Of Years, And We Will Have A Supreme Court That Will Change This Country To A Level Like You Have Never Seen... This Country Will Be Argentina. This Country Will Be Something That Is So Different. It Will Be Venezuela." TRUMP: "But the single most important thing right now, after those two subjects, is Supreme Court. And Supreme Court justices. And I will tell you that, if I don't win, you will have more of the people that have been put on over the last number of years, and we will have a Supreme Court that will change this country to a level like you have never seen. You will have Bernie Sanders types put on the Supreme Court. And this country will be a totally different country. This country will be Argentina. This country will be something that is so different. It will be Venezuela. You have no idea what's going on in the Supreme Court. When you look at the differences in decisions, when you look at the horrendous decisions being made. And wanting to be made and will be made." [Squawk Box, CNBC, 5/5/16] Tax Returns Trump Claimed He Could Not Release Any Of His Older Tax Returns That Had Already Been Audited "Because They're Called Linking Returns. They Link." BLITZER: "Hillary Clinton says she's released all of her tax returns; you haven't. Are you going to do that?" TRUMP: "I will. I really look forward to doing it. But I am under order. When you are under order, you just don't do it. Any lawyer--" BLITZER: "Under order from who?" TRUMP: "From the government." BLITZER: "They're auditing some of the -- but what about tax returns that have already been audited?" TRUMP: "We go -- I go back a long time, because they're called linking returns. They link. So, when I am under order, I don't want to do it. Now, I hope to be able to do it." [Situation Room, CNN, 5/4/16] Trump Claimed He Was Being Targeted By The IRS For Audit Because Of Political Reasons. BLITZER: "So, once the audit ends, you will release them?" TRUMP: "By the way, and I will tell you what's very unfair." BLITZER: "Yes." TRUMP: I have been audited every year for many years, beyond Obama." BLITZER: "Well, you make a lot of money." TRUMP: "I do make a lot of money, but I am audited every year. I have friends that make a lot of money, they have never been audited. I say to friends of mine, how often are you audited, very wealthy people?" BLITZER: "So, you think this is political, that they're aiming at you?" TRUMP: "I would say yes. I would say yes." BLITZER: "The IRS is doing this?" TRUMP: "I am -- I don't know. I can't tell you. But I am audited every single year. I have friends that are very wealthy people. When I talk about audit, they don't know even what I am talking about. So, I am almost used to it, almost like a normal thing. But so many people never get audited, and I'm audited every year. So, while I'm under audit, I am not going to release tax returns. No lawyer would let you do that. It is routine ordered stuff, but no lawyer would let you do that." [Situation Room, CNN, 5/4/16] Women Trump Said His Favorability With Women Would Improve "Because Women Want Security. Women Want Strong Military. They Want To Know That They're Secure In Our Nation. Women Want Women's Health Issues Taken Care Of." BLITZER: "There's a new CNN poll that is out shows 61 percent of female voters nationwide, Republicans, Democrats, independents, they say they back Hillary Clinton. Only 35 percent of women nationally say they back you. How are you going to change that?" TRUMP: "I think we are going to change that. I think it will change. I think it will change rapidly, because women want security. Women want strong military. They want to know that they're secure in our nation. Women want women's health issues taken care of. And Hillary is not going to do it like me, because I am going to make our country rich again. I am going to bring back our jobs. We are going to have a good economy again, which we don't now. We have a horrible economy right now. And again, remember this. NAFTA has been a total disaster for our country. NAFTA was signed by the Clinton administration. What NAFTA has done to this country -- and I have gone through it -- I won New York big. And, by the way, speaking of winning New York big, if you look at the polls, the exit polls, I was number one with women by a long shot. Nobody was even close to me." [Situation Room, CNN, 5/4/16] First 100 Days HEADLINE: "'President Trump?' Here's How He Says It Would Look." [New York Times, 5/4/16 ] Trump Would Rescind Obama's Executive Orders On Immigration On His First Day In Office. "On Inauguration Day, he would go to a 'beautiful' gala ball or two, but focus mostly on rescinding Obama executive orders on immigration and calling up corporate executives to threaten punitive measures if they shift jobs out of the United States. And by the end of his first 100 days as the nation's 45th leader, the wall with Mexico would be designed, the immigration ban on Muslims would be in place, the audit of the Federal Reserve would be underway and plans to repeal the Affordable Care Act would be in motion." [New York Times, 5/4/16 ] Trump Said, In His First 100 Days, He Would Begin An Audit Of The Federal Reserve. "On Inauguration Day, he would go to a 'beautiful' gala ball or two, but focus mostly on rescinding Obama executive orders on immigration and calling up corporate executives to threaten punitive measures if they shift jobs out of the United States. And by the end of his first 100 days as the nation's 45th leader, the wall with Mexico would be designed, the immigration ban on Muslims would be in place, the audit of the Federal Reserve would be underway and plans to repeal the Affordable Care Act would be in motion. 'I know people aren't sure right now what a President Trump will be like,' he said. 'But things will be fine. I'm not running for president to make things unstable for the country.'" [New York Times, 5/4/16 ] Trump: "I Know People Aren't Sure Right Now What A President Trump Will Be Like,' He Said. 'But Things Will Be Fine. I'm Not Running For President To Make Things Unstable For The Country." "And by the end of his first 100 days as the nation's 45th leader, the wall with Mexico would be designed, the immigration ban on Muslims would be in place, the audit of the Federal Reserve would be underway and plans to repeal the Affordable Care Act would be in motion. 'I know people aren't sure right now what a President Trump will be like,' he said. 'But things will be fine. I'm not running for president to make things unstable for the country.'" [New York Times, 5/4/16 ] Trade HEADLINE: "Workers Behind Trump's Favorite Talking Point Think He's A Fraud." [Politico Magazine, 5/1/16 ] The Laid-Off Carrier Corp. Workers That Trump Often Invoked Mostly Supported Bernie Sanders. "The laid-off Carrier Corp. employees in the viral video the Donald loves to talk about? Most of them are for Bernie...In fact, in a dozen interviews with Carrier workers at the rally, members of United Steelworkers Local 1999, I couldn't find a single Trump supporter, though workers told me they existed. 'There are a few people out there that support him,' Staples said. But by and large, they see in Trump the same kind of corporate greed that led Carrier executives to outsource their own jobs." [Politico Magazine, 5/1/16 ] Trump: "The NAFTA Is The Worst Trade Deal In The History Of Any Country Anywhere In The World At Any Time. And It Was A Clinton Trade Deal. NAFTA Was Clinton." "'Bernie actually said she's unqualified because she's got bad judgement and it's true,' Trump said. 'She's unqualified because of the fact that her judgement is so bad.' He also made clear that case will rest heavily on trade deals such as the North American Free Trade Agreement, which was signed by her husband in the 1990s. 'The NAFTA is the worst trade deal in the history of any country anywhere in the world at any time,' he said. 'And it was a Clinton trade deal. NAFTA was Clinton. And it has drained our country of manufacturing jobs and it's been a disaster. I'm going to talk about that.'" [TIME, 5/4/16 ] Immigration Trump Rejected An Economic Analysis Showing His Immigration Policy Would Reduce GDP By $1.6 Trillion, Saying: "I Don't Think They Understand My Immigration Policy." QUESTION: "A new study or estimate that came out from the American Action Forum, a right-leaning policy institute based in D.C. Saying that the immigration policy that you have been espousing could cost the federal government between $400 billion and $600 billion. It says it would shrink the labor force by 11 million workers, reduce real GDP by $1.6 trillion and take 20 years to complete. What do you make of that?" TRUMP: "Well I don't think they understand my immigration policy. I want people to come in and we want people to come in even rapidly, but they have to come in through the system, they have to come in legally... We want people to have in. We certainly don't want to shrink our economy, and I think you folks know me very well for many years. I'm not a shrinker of economies, I'm a grower of economies. But we do want people to come in legally and through a system." [Squawk Box, CNBC, 5/5/16] Trump: "We Want People To Come In Even Rapidly, But They Have To Come In Through The System, They Have To Come In Legally." QUESTION: "A new study or estimate that came out from the American Action Forum, a right-leaning policy institute based in D.C. Saying that the immigration policy that you have been espousing could cost the federal government between $400 billion and $600 billion. It says it would shrink the labor force by 11 million workers, reduce real GDP by $1.6 trillion and take 20 years to complete. What do you make of that?" TRUMP: "Well I don't think they understand my immigration policy. I want people to come in and we want people to come in even rapidly, but they have to come in through the system, they have to come in legally... We want people to have in. We certainly don't want to shrink our economy, and I think you folks know me very well for many years. I'm not a shrinker of economies, I'm a grower of economies. But we do want people to come in legally and through a system." [Squawk Box, CNBC, 5/5/16] Trump: "I'm Not A Shrinker Of Economies, I'm A Grower Of Economies." TRUMP: "We want people to have in. We certainly don't want to shrink our economy, and I think you folks know me very well for many years. I'm not a shrinker of economies, I'm a grower of economies. But we do want people to come in legally and through a system." [Squawk Box, CNBC, 5/5/16] Trump To Former Mexican President Vincente Fox: "Get Your Money Ready Because You Are Going To Pay For The Wall." O'REILLY: "Vicente Fox coming up later on the program. You got any message for the former president of the Mexico?" TRUMP: "Yes. Get your money ready because you are going to pay for the wall." O'REILLY: "You are not backing off that, right?" TRUMP: "No. Of course not. Lock, we lose a fortune with Mexico. Trade deficit $58 billion a year. The wall is going to cost 10. Believe me, they will be able to afford it and we are going to end up having a very good relationship with Mexico. But right now sadly, like everybody else, they're taking advantage of our country on trade and at the border. So we'll get it straightened out." [O'Reilly Factor, Fox News, 5/4/16] HEADLINE: "Vicente Fox Apologizes To Trump For Wall Outburst." [Politico, 5/5/16 ] Energy Trump Said He Used Solar Energy, But "It's Not Exactly Something That People Are Going To Be Rushing Out To Buy." TRUMP: "And also having to do with energy, it's -- it's so difficult for our country. I mean, it's so, so difficult. I believe in solar and I believe in all of the new forms that we are coming up with. I use solar. But it's about a 30-year payback, Joe. It's not exactly something that people are going to be rushing out to buy, and they don't have it perfected. The strength is not there yet. We'll open up energy and get the miners back to work. We'll do a lot of things to spur the economy." [Squawk Box, CNBC, 5/5/16] Finance Trump Said Dodd-Frank "Has To Be Either Eliminated Or Changed Greatly." TRUMP: "So we have no growth. I think absolutely, Dodd-Frank has to be -- has to be either eliminated or changed greatly. I will tell you, I have so many friends who are very good business people, and it's impossible for them to do business with the bankers that get big salaries and that are very capable and all of that, but they're not running the banks. The regulators are running the banks. You know that, Bob. It's very tough for people to borrow money. They're petrified of making a loan to a really good business person who is going to pay it back, but there is that chance that maybe the loan won't be good someday, and therefore they don't get the money. So many people are calling me, can I help them with a bank. The banks are, you know -- I am not even blaming the bankers. I am blaming the fact that the regulations, the regulatory climate is so bad that the banks just aren't loaning to businesses." [Squawk Box, CNBC, 5/5/16] Trump: "I Have Nothing Against Janet Yellen Whatsoever.... But She Is Not A Republican. She Is Not A Person That, You Know, When Her Time Is Up, I Would Most Likely Replace Here Because Of The Fact That I Think It Would Be Appropriate." QUESTION: "But you have made some comments about Janet Yellen. Number one, do you think that she is not the right person right now for the job? Would you not reappoint her? Would you ask for her to step down? Is there someone else who you think should be in there? Do you think she should be raising rates now, not raising rates? What is she doing wrong?" TRUMP: "Well, I have nothing against Janet Yellen whatsoever. I have -- I think she has been doing her job. And I have absolutely nothing against her. I don't know her. She is a very capable person. She has people who I know have high regard for her. But she is not a Republican. She is not a person that, you know, when her time is up, I would most likely replace here because of the fact that I think it would be appropriate. She is a low-interest-rate person. She has always been a low interest rate person. I must be honest. I am a low interest rate person. If we raise interest rates and if the dollar starts getting too strong, we're going to have some major problems." [Squawk Box, CNBC, 5/5/16] Trump On Janet Yellen: "She Is A Low-Interest-Rate Person. She Has Always Been A Low Interest Rate Person. I Must Be Honest. I Am A Low Interest Rate Person. If We Raise Interest Rates And If The Dollar Starts Getting Too Strong, We're Going To Have Some Major Problems." QUESTION: "But you have made some comments about Janet Yellen. Number one, do you think that she is not the right person right now for the job? Would you not reappoint her? Would you ask for her to step down? Is there someone else who you think should be in there? Do you think she should be raising rates now, not raising rates? What is she doing wrong?" TRUMP: "Well, I have nothing against Janet Yellen whatsoever. I have -- I think she has been doing her job. And I have absolutely nothing against her. I don't know her. She is a very capable person. She has people who I know have high regard for her. But she is not a Republican. She is not a person that, you know, when her time is up, I would most likely replace here because of the fact that I think it would be appropriate. She is a low-interest-rate person. She has always been a low interest rate person. I must be honest. I am a low interest rate person. If we raise interest rates and if the dollar starts getting too strong, we're going to have some major problems. You look at what's happening with our trade. I mean, you look at what China is doing to their currency with de-valuations. They're killing us on trade. Trade is the single -- and de-valuation. If you want to really take a hard look at what's going on, the de-valuation is the single greatest tool that these other countries are using to absolutely kill us, assuming they have capability, manufacturing capability, et cetera. And China is like a grand master. They are the grand master of all grand masters. And if we start raising rates, I have always been a low interest rate person. Now, if inflation starts coming in and we don't see any signs of that, but inflation starts coming in, that's a different story. Then you have to go up and you have to slow things down. But right now I am for low interest rates, and I think we keep them low, and we have to compete. We have to compete in many ways. But when the dollar started going up recently, that was not -- you looked at what happened, and we're going to lose all our business. It's wonderful. It's a funny thing. I love the concept of a strong dollar. In many respects obviously I like a strong dollar. But when you look at the havoc that a strong dollar causes, and I can tell you I have friends in China. All they do is watch the dollar. They love to see it go up. They love to see that dollar go up. So actually, while there are benefits, it sounds better that have a strong dollar than in actuality it is." [Squawk Box, CNBC, 5/5/16] Debt Trump: "I'm The King Of Debt. I Love Debt." BLITZER: "Should the U.S. Bail out Puerto Rico?" TRUMP: "No, I don't believe they should. I think frankly Puerto Rico is better if they don't. They'll cut the bonds, they have far too much debt. The problem with Puerto Rico they have far too much debt-- I'm the king of debt. I love debt." [Situation Room, CNN, 5/4/16] [Part 1 - 15:00] Trump Advocated Refinancing Long Term Federal Debt At Low Interest Rates To Fund Infrastructure Investment. TRUMP: "I think there are times for us to refinance. We refinance debt with longer term. Because we owe so much money. Nobody talks about it. Nobody talks about it until the bubble pops. And the bubble could pop. And it could pop. It could be ugly. You have seen it a couple of times but you haven't seen it as bad as it could be. I could see long-term renegotiations where we borrow long term at very low rates. Frankly, we do need money to rebuild the infrastructure of our country." [Squawk Box, CNBC, 5/5/16] Trump: "I Am The King Of Debt. I Do Love Debt. I Love Debt. I Love Playing With It." TRUMP: "But what do we do with all of the money that we owe everybody when rates go up and now all of a sudden we have to borrow at two points more. One point more even is devastating. Two, three, four, five points more. It's a real dilemma. We have to be very, very careful, and I am the king of debt. I do love debt. I love debt. I love playing with it. Of course, now you are talking about, you know, you're talking about something that's very, very fragile." [Squawk Box, CNBC, 5/5/16] Trump Bragged About Having Borrowed Money Knowing He Would Not Pay It All Back: "I Have Borrowed Knowing You Can Pay Back With Discounts... I Would Borrow Knowing That If The Economy Crashed You Could Make A Deal." TRUMP: "I have borrowed knowing you can pay back with discounts. I have done very well with debt. Of course, I was swash buckling and it went well for me. Debt was always interesting to me. Now we're in a different situation with the country. I would borrow knowing that if the economy crashed you could make a deal. And if the economy was good, it was good. You can't lose. It's like making a deal before you go into a poker game and your odds are so much better." [Squawk Box, CNBC, 5/5/16] Trump: "I Have Done Very Well With Debt. Of Course, I Was Swash Buckling And It Went Well For Me." TRUMP: "I have borrowed knowing you can pay back with discounts. I have done very well with debt. Of course, I was swash buckling and it went well for me. Debt was always interesting to me. Now we're in a different situation with the country. I would borrow knowing that if the economy crashed you could make a deal. And if the economy was good, it was good. You can't lose. It's like making a deal before you go into a poker game and your odds are so much better." [Squawk Box, CNBC, 5/5/16] Trump: "As A Very Successful Person I Would Buy Companies, Throw Them In A Chapter, Bankrupt It, Negotiate." WOLF BLITZER: "Should Puerto Rico have an opportunity to use the bankruptcy laws?" DONALD TRUMP: "As a very successful person I would buy companies, throw them in a chapter, bankrupt it, negotiate - I would do great deals, I didn't use them for myself, I used them as a businessperson. Many of the top people in my category use the laws. I know more about debt than practically anybody, I love debt. I also love reducing debt, and I know how to do it better than anybody. I will tell you with Puerto Rico they have too much debt. You can't just restructure; you have to use the laws, cut the debt way down, and get back to business, because they can't survive with the kind of debt they have. I would not bail out if I were - if I were in that position I wouldn't bail them out." [Situation Room, CNN, 5/4/16] Trump Said It Would Be "Devastating For Our Country" If Interest Rates Rose By Even Just 1%. TRUMP: "I'm not talking about with a renegotiation but you can buy back at discounts, do things with discounts. I am not even suggesting that we don't borrow at low rates long term. Part of the problem is when the debt comes due, what happens if the rates are high and we have no budget that can even conceivably take care of this. This is bigger than any line item. It's bigger than anything we can think of, the debt. If interest rates go up 1%, 1%, it's devastating. If they go up two or three or four percent, that's impossible. Start figuring those numbers and put them onto your balance sheet and cost them out. And it would be devastating for our country." [Squawk Box, CNBC, 5/5/16] Tax Policy Trump Explained That His Tax Plan Favoring The Wealthy Did Not Match Up With His Populist Rhetoric Because It Was Just An Opening Bid In A Negotiation. QUESTION: "Mr. Trump, on the tax front, given that you have championed the middle class in so many of your speeches, one of the critiques of the tax plan is that 40% -- about 40% of the tax cuts end up going to the top 1% under the current plan, at least as I understand it. How do you square that?"... TRUMP: "I am so much more into the middle class, who have just been absolutely forgotten in our country. You know, when you put out a tax plan, you are going to start negotiating. You don't say, okay, this is our tax plan, lots of luck, folks. There will be negotiation back and forth. And I can see that going up, to be honest with you. I know I am talking to your folks but in all fairness we are cutting. During a negotiation I could see that going up. I don't want middle to go up at all. But I could see that going up. And I think that probably will happen, because it's a cut for everybody. And, you know, the wealthy have done well. I am not complaining. I will tell you, this has been an unbelievable period of time for me. It's been an unbelievable period of time for other people that I know that are very wealthy. It's, you know, but the middle class -- people haven't had a wage increase. One of the reasons I have 25,000 people showing up to hear me speak at one night -- and we turn away 15,000 people -- is because these workers, these incredible workers, these middle class -- many of them haven't had an effective wage increase in 20 years. And some of them are making less money, many of them are making less money now than they made 20 years ago and they're being taxed at a much higher rate and they're working much harder. It's supposed to be the opposite. You're getting older, you're supposed to be working a little bit less maybe. But these are people who work harder, they have two jobs in some cases and they're making less money than they made 20 years ago. That's why you're wondering what's going on and why they're not liking Republicans or Democrats. I mean, they're not liking either, to be honest with you. They don't like anybody. They don't like conservatives. They don't like liberals. They're people who work very hard. You got a glimpse -- it was a famous clip where Ted Cruz went to a group of people who were trump supporters, and they were -- these were smart people, and I guess you saw the little debate they had on the street." [Squawk Box, CNBC, 5/5/16] Trump: "When You Put Out A Tax Plan, You Are Going To Start Negotiating. You Don't Say, Okay, This Is Our Tax Plan, Lots Of Luck, Folks. There Will Be Negotiation Back And Forth. And I Can See That Going Up, To Be Honest With You." QUESTION: "Mr. Trump, on the tax front, given that you have championed the middle class in so many of your speeches, one of the critiques of the tax plan is that 40% -- about 40% of the tax cuts end up going to the top 1% under the current plan, at least as I understand it. How do you square that?"... TRUMP: "I am so much more into the middle class, who have just been absolutely forgotten in our country. You know, when you put out a tax plan, you are going to start negotiating. You don't say, okay, this is our tax plan, lots of luck, folks. There will be negotiation back and forth. And I can see that going up, to be honest with you. I know I am talking to your folks but in all fairness we are cutting. During a negotiation I could see that going up. I don't want middle to go up at all. But I could see that going up. And I think that probably will happen, because it's a cut for everybody." [Squawk Box, CNBC, 5/5/16] Trump: "The Wealthy Have Done Well. I Am Not Complaining. I Will Tell You, This Has Been An Unbelievable Period Of Time For Me. It's Been An Unbelievable Period Of Time For Other People That I Know That Are Very Wealthy." QUESTION: "Mr. Trump, on the tax front, given that you have championed the middle class in so many of your speeches, one of the critiques of the tax plan is that 40% -- about 40% of the tax cuts end up going to the top 1% under the current plan, at least as I understand it. How do you square that?"... TRUMP: "I am so much more into the middle class, who have just been absolutely forgotten in our country. You know, when you put out a tax plan, you are going to start negotiating. You don't say, okay, this is our tax plan, lots of luck, folks. There will be negotiation back and forth. And I can see that going up, to be honest with you. I know I am talking to your folks but in all fairness we are cutting. During a negotiation I could see that going up. I don't want middle to go up at all. But I could see that going up. And I think that probably will happen, because it's a cut for everybody. And, you know, the wealthy have done well. I am not complaining. I will tell you, this has been an unbelievable period of time for me. It's been an unbelievable period of time for other people that I know that are very wealthy. It's, you know, but the middle class -- people haven't had a wage increase. One of the reasons I have 25,000 people showing up to hear me speak at one night -- and we turn away 15,000 people -- is because these workers, these incredible workers, these middle class -- many of them haven't had an effective wage increase in 20 years. And some of them are making less money, many of them are making less money now than they made 20 years ago and they're being taxed at a much higher rate and they're working much harder. It's supposed to be the opposite. You're getting older, you're supposed to be working a little bit less maybe. But these are people who work harder, they have two jobs in some cases and they're making less money than they made 20 years ago. That's why you're wondering what's going on and why they're not liking Republicans or Democrats. I mean, they're not liking either, to be honest with you. They don't like anybody. They don't like conservatives. They don't like liberals. They're people who work very hard. You got a glimpse -- it was a famous clip where Ted Cruz went to a group of people who were trump supporters, and they were -- these were smart people, and I guess you saw the little debate they had on the street." [Squawk Box, CNBC, 5/5/16] Campaign Finance HEADLINE: "Donald Trump Won't Self-Fund General-Election Campaign." [Wall Street Journal, 5/4/16 ] Trump On Financing His General Election Campaign: "I'll Be Putting Up Money, But Won't Be Completely Self-Funding, As I Did During The Primaries." "Donald Trump won't self-fund his general-election campaign, and will instead create a 'world-class finance organization,' the presumptive Republican nominee said in an interview on Wednesday. For a campaign expected to cost more than $1 billion, 'I'll be putting up money, but won't be completely self-funding, as I did during the primaries,' Mr. Trump said on Wednesday. The New York businessman, who did receive some mostly, small unsolicited donations, lent his campaign $36 million of the $47 million he spent through March. Mr. Trump is planning to use his expansive personal Rolodex to ensure his campaign has the resources to compete against Democratic front-runner Hillary Clinton in November, while the campaign will tap into a new base of Trump supporters who aren't on party rolls, two Trump advisers said." [Wall Street Journal, 5/4/16 ] Trump Said He Would Build A "World-Class Finance Organization" By Tapping Into Both Trump's Personal Connections And Non-Traditional Support Base. "Donald Trump won't self-fund his general-election campaign, and will instead create a 'world-class finance organization,' the presumptive Republican nominee said in an interview on Wednesday. For a campaign expected to cost more than $1 billion, 'I'll be putting up money, but won't be completely self-funding, as I did during the primaries,' Mr. Trump said on Wednesday. The New York businessman, who did receive some mostly, small unsolicited donations, lent his campaign $36 million of the $47 million he spent through March. Mr. Trump is planning to use his expansive personal Rolodex to ensure his campaign has the resources to compete against Democratic front-runner Hillary Clinton in November, while the campaign will tap into a new base of Trump supporters who aren't on party rolls, two Trump advisers said." [Wall Street Journal, 5/4/16 ] Trump Planned To Run A Less Costly Campaign Than Traditional Campaign Plans, Including Continuing To Take Advantage Of Free Media Attention. "The presumptive Republican nominee, known for operating on a tight budget in a primary where he enjoyed more than $2 billion in free media attention, is also likely to implement a business plan that may be less costly than traditional political campaigns, a senior aide said. The campaign is also beginning to work with the Republican National Committee to set up a joint fundraising vehicle, after his last two rivals-Texas Sen. Ted Cruz and Ohio Gov. John Kasich-dropped out in the wake of Mr. Trump's resounding Indiana win on Tuesday. He plans to actively help the Republican Party and other GOP candidates with fundraising through events, direct-mail and online appeals, an aide said." [Wall Street Journal, 5/4/16 ] The Trump Campaign Began Working With The Republican National Committee To Set Up A Joint Fundraising Operation. "The presumptive Republican nominee, known for operating on a tight budget in a primary where he enjoyed more than $2 billion in free media attention, is also likely to implement a business plan that may be less costly than traditional political campaigns, a senior aide said. The campaign is also beginning to work with the Republican National Committee to set up a joint fundraising vehicle, after his last two rivals-Texas Sen. Ted Cruz and Ohio Gov. John Kasich-dropped out in the wake of Mr. Trump's resounding Indiana win on Tuesday. He plans to actively help the Republican Party and other GOP candidates with fundraising through events, direct-mail and online appeals, an aide said." [Wall Street Journal, 5/4/16 ] The Trump Campaign Planned To Hold Fundraising Events And Make Direct-Mail And Online Appeals To Donors. "The campaign is also beginning to work with the Republican National Committee to set up a joint fundraising vehicle, after his last two rivals-Texas Sen. Ted Cruz and Ohio Gov. John Kasich-dropped out in the wake of Mr. Trump's resounding Indiana win on Tuesday. He plans to actively help the Republican Party and other GOP candidates with fundraising through events, direct-mail and online appeals, an aide said. Beginning to actively solicit donations, while a super PAC backing him also ramps up his activity, means the billionaire will no longer have that club to use against his Democratic opponent in the general election. The move is also likely to put off some Trump supporters, many of whom have said his self-funding makes them trust him more than other politicians." [Wall Street Journal, 5/4/16 ] Trump On The 2016 Republican Convention: "We're Going To Come Up With Some Things That Will Make It Interesting And Informative, But Also Smart And Different." "The campaign has also begun thinking about what a convention with Mr. Trump, a circus master and media savant, as the prime-time act will look like. 'The site has been chosen and the arena is fine, but I'd want to have - you know, the last Republican convention was extraordinarily boring,' Mr. Trump said in one of two phone interviews Wednesday. 'And we're going to come up with some things that will make it interesting and informative, but also smart and different.' Mr. Trump, a former reality television host, added that he would look to organizations like IMG, a global talent management company, to help with the production." [New York Times, 5/5/16 ] Trump Did Not Rule Out Accepting Public Matching Funds For The General Election, And Planned To Be Briefed On The Topic. "As the presumptive nominee, Mr. Trump will begin raising money for the Republican Party and various congressional committees, his campaign said. He has largely self-funded his campaign so far - a fact he often promotes as evidence that he is not beholden to special interests - and has not indicated whether he will raise money for himself as the nominee, but his aides said privately that they expected him to do so. He also did not rule out the possibility of accepting public matching funds, saying, 'I don't know enough about it,' but he added that he would receive a briefing on the topic on Thursday." [New York Times, 5/5/16 ] Trump Said He Would Try To Raise At Least $1 Billion For His General Election Campaign. TRUMP: "As far as the campaign, I'm making decisions right now, but will work with the Republican National Committee, raise a lot of money and go out and beat Hillary. We'll try to raise over $1 billion, which is what is going to be necessary. I hear the Democrats want to raise up to $2 billion. But we want to raise up to $1 billion, maybe even over that.I'm not even sure that is necessary because I have a big voice. I go on shows like yours. I explain the truth. And people seem to along with it." [NBC Nightly News, NBC, 5/4/16] The Trump Campaign Planned To Announce A Finance Director And Transition Team. "The Trump operation is still struggling with its rapid expansion, with persistent reports of tensions between Corey Lewandowski, the campaign manager, and Paul Manafort, the newly installed senior adviser. Soon, the campaign plans to announce a finance director and a transition team to prepare for a Trump administration." [New York Times, 5/5/16 ] PRESS RELEASE: "Donald J. Trump Announces National Finance Chairman." [Press Release, Donald J. Trump For President, 5/5/16 ] Trump Named Steven Mnuchin As National Finance Chairman. "Today Donald J. Trump announced Steven Mnuchin will serve as National Finance Chairman. Mr. Trump is the presumptive Republican Nomination for President of the United States and is taking steps to gear up for a General Election against Democratic Nominee Hillary Clinton. Mr. Trump has self-funded his successful primary battle and will likewise be putting up substantial money toward the general election. Mr. Trump stated, 'Steven is a professional at the highest level with an extensive and very successful financial background. He brings unprecedented experience and expertise to a fundraising operation that will benefit the Republican Party and ultimately defeat Hillary Clinton.' National Finance Chairman Steven Mnuchin is Chairman and CEO of Dune Capital Management LP, a private investment firm. He is also Chairman of Dune Entertainment Partners LLC. From 2009-2015, he was Founder, Chairman, and CEO of OneWest Bank Group LLC, a bank holding company he owned with a consortium of private investors. The bank merger was the first transaction over 50 billion dollars post the financial crisis. He also previously held a position as a partner at Goldman Sachs and has a B.A. from Yale University. Steven has previously worked with Mr. Trump in a business capacity and brings his expertise in finance to what will be an extremely successful fundraising operation for the Republican Party." [Press Release, Donald J. Trump For President, 5/5/16 ] Steven Mnuchin Was The Chairman And CEO Of Dune Capital Management, And Was Previously A Partner At Goldman-Sachs. "National Finance Chairman Steven Mnuchin is Chairman and CEO of Dune Capital Management LP, a private investment firm. He is also Chairman of Dune Entertainment Partners LLC. From 2009-2015, he was Founder, Chairman, and CEO of OneWest Bank Group LLC, a bank holding company he owned with a consortium of private investors. The bank merger was the first transaction over 50 billion dollars post the financial crisis. He also previously held a position as a partner at Goldman Sachs and has a B.A. from Yale University. Steven has previously worked with Mr. Trump in a business capacity and brings his expertise in finance to what will be an extremely successful fundraising operation for the Republican Party." [Press Release, Donald J. Trump For President, 5/5/16 ] Steven Mnuchin Had A Record Of Giving To Both Republicans And Democrats, Including Hillary Clinton In 2008. "On Thursday, his campaign named a finance chairman, Steven Mnuchin, who is chairman and chief executive officer of Dune Capital management LLC, a private investment firm, and previously worked at the New York bank Goldman Sachs. Mnuchin, who has never led a major political fundraising team, faces a gargantuan task. Many major GOP donors have never heard of him. Like his new boss Trump, Mnuchin has a record of giving both to top Republicans and Democrats - including Clinton during her 2008 presidential run." [Associated Press, 5/5/16 ] HEADLINE: "Ted Cruz's $10 Million Donor Backs Donald Trump." [USA Today, 5/5/16 ] Former Cruz Donor Toby Neugebauer Said He Supported Trump. "Toby Neugebauer, a wealthy energy investor, likes Ted Cruz so much that he deposited $10 million into a super PAC designed to boost the Texas Republican's presidential ambitions. On Wednesday, Neugebauer was in Donald Trump's camp after the reality TV star's big win in the Indiana primary Tuesday ended the campaigns of Cruz and Ohio Gov. John Kasich. 'Today, I am a Trump supporter,' Neugebauer told USA TODAY. 'I am excited about the voters he turned up.'" [USA Today, 5/5/16 ] Foreign Policy Trump On What He Would Do If Russian Planes Provoked U.S. Ships: "I Would Call [Putin] And I Would Say, Don't Do It, Just Stop It. Don't Do It." O'REILLY: "Lately Russian war planes have been buzzing U.S. ships in European waters. And I forgot to ask you this question last week when we talked about foreign policy. It's obviously a clear provocation by Putin. What would your orders be to those ships were you president today?" TRUMP: "Well, first of all, he has no respect for our president or our country. And he is tweaking us. If it were me, I will tell you I would call him and I would say, don't do it, just stop it. Don't do it. And they're going to respect us. And I have a sort of semi nice relationship with Putin. He said very nice things about me, as you know. But I would say don't and we will have no impact by the way. But I would say don't do it. They do it again, they could have a problem... But I would say Vladimir, don't do it. Let's go. Come on. We're going to have a good relationship. Don't do it." [O'Reilly Factor, Fox News, 5/4/16] Trump On Whether He Would Give Orders To Shoot Down A Russian Plane For Buzzing U.S. Ships: "I May Have To Do Something Which You Would Hate To Do." O'REILLY: "Lately Russian war planes have been buzzing U.S. ships in European waters. And I forgot to ask you this question last week when we talked about foreign policy. It's obviously a clear provocation by Putin. What would your orders be to those ships were you president today?" TRUMP: "Well, first of all, he has no respect for our president or our country. And he is tweaking us. If it were me, I will tell you I would call him and I would say, don't do it, just stop it. Don't do it. And they're going to respect us. And I have a sort of semi nice relationship with Putin. He said very nice things about me, as you know. But I would say don't and we will have no impact by the way. But I would say don't do it. They do it again, they could have a problem." O'REILLY: "All right. So you wouldn't hesitate if Putin defied you and would you make that call public? Would you tell the American people listen, I called old Vlad, and I told him to knock it off. Would you tell us that?" TRUMP: "I might do that and I might not. But I would be very strong. And I would say, do not do that. That's provocation, that's something that you are not just supposed to be doing." O'REILLY: "Right. But if he did, if he defies you, you would have to shoot one of those planes down." TRUMP: "I may have to do something which you would hate to do. But this is something I wouldn't want to do. But I would say Vladimir, don't do it. Let's go. Come on. We're going to have a good relationship. Don't do it." [O'Reilly Factor, Fox News, 5/4/16] Trump On How He Would Handle Russian Aircraft Provocations Against U.S. Military Facilities: "I Would Call [Putin] And Say Don't Do It Again. I Would Say Don't Do It Again." BLITZER: "Let's talk about U.S./Russian relations for a moment. On two occasions Russian fighter jets barrel rolled U.S. Military facilities with planes." TRUMP: "Lack of respect." BLITZER: "Lack of respect?" TRUMP: "For the United States and our president." BLITZER: "If you were president what would you tell Putin." TRUMP: "I would call him and say don't do it again. I would say don't do it again. I think I have a good relationship with him. So far we have off to a good start, he said Trump was a genius, okay?" [Situation Room, CNN, 5/4/16] Trump: "I Don't Want To Say" If I've Ever Spoken To Putin. BLITZER: "Have you ever met -- have you ever spoken with him?" TRUMP: "I don't want to say. But I think I will have a good relationship with him. Now, I may not and I will know pretty quickly, but I would call him and say don't ever do that again." [Situation Room, CNN, 5/4/16] Trump Said American Allies In The Muslim World "Have To Save Themselves. We Can Help Them. They Have To Put Boots On The Ground And Save Themselves." BLITZER: "In your foreign policy speech the other day, very detailed speech you said you want to work very closely with our allies in the Muslim world all of which are at risk from radical Islamic violence." TRUMP: "They have to save themselves. We can help them. They have to put boots on the ground and save themselves otherwise they are going to be -- I won't say but bad things will happen to them." [Situation Room, CNN, 5/4/16] Trump Said He Was Prepared To Let Japan And South Korea Become Nuclear Powers "If They're Not Going To Take Care Of Us Properly." TRUMP: "When I make speeches I say we protect Germany, Japan, South Korea. Many people, sophisticated people in the audience didn't know that. They have to help us. We don't get reimbursed for what this massive amount of work and energy and weaponry, what it's costing. We can't continue to do it. This isn't 40 years ago, this isn't when we were much different as a country. They have to take care of us. I think they will. If they don't you have to be prepared to walk. You always have to be prepared to walk from a deal including the Iran deal which is a disaster. They should have walked." BLITZER: "You're ready to let Japan and South Korea become nuclear powers?" TRUMP: "If they're not going to take care of us properly we cannot afford to be the military and policemen of the world. We are right now the police for the entire world. We are policing the entire world. When people look at our military and say, oh, would you, that's fantastic, they have many times -- we spend many times what any other country spends on the military but it's not really for us. We're defending other countries. So all I'm saying is this, they have to pay. Do you know what, I'm prepared to walk and if they have to defend themselves against north Korea where you have a main crack over there in my opinion if they don't take care of us properly, if they don't respect us enough to take care of us properly you know what's going to have to happen, Wolf, very simple, they will have to defend themselves." [Situation Room, CNN, 5/4/16] Trump Suggested Possibly Cutting U.S. Military Personnel. BLITZER: "The other day the U.S. Commander in South Korea general Vincent brooks testified on capitol hill and said South Korea pays for 50% of the personnel costs for U.S. Troops." TRUMP: "How much percent?" BLITZER: "50%." TRUMP: "Why not 100%?" BLITZER: "He says it would before expensive to keep U.S. Troops here in the U.S. Than to keep them overseas in South Korea." TRUMP: "Okay. Well, maybe you don't need them, okay, maybe you don't need them. Look, we're policing all of these entries. They're not paying us. We're policing Saudi Arabia. We're protecting Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia -- I have many friends in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia would not be there, wolf, it wouldn't be there maybe for a month if W took our military out. The only reason they're sort of protected and totally protected is because we're protecting them. Saudi Arabia was making a billion dollars a day when the oil price was higher, now they're still making a fortune. Why aren't they paying us?" [Situation Room, CNN, 5/4/16] Trump Said If It Would Cost More To Relocate U.S. Troops In The U.S. From South Korea Then "Maybe You Don't Need Them." BLITZER: "The other day the U.S. Commander in South Korea general Vincent brooks testified on capitol hill and said south Korea pays for 50% of the personnel costs for U.S. Troops." TRUMP: "How much percent?" BLITZER: "50%." TRUMP: "Why not 100%?" BLITZER: "He says it would before expensive to keep U.S. Troops here in the U.S. Than to keep them overseas in South Korea." TRUMP: "Okay. Well, maybe you don't need them, okay, maybe you don't need them. Look, we're policing all of these entries. They're not paying us. We're policing Saudi Arabia. We're protecting Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia -- I have many friends in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia would not be there, wolf, it wouldn't be there maybe for a month if W took our military out. The only reason they're sort of protected and totally protected is because we're protecting them. Saudi Arabia was making a billion dollars a day when the oil price was higher, now they're still making a fortune. Why aren't they paying us?" [Situation Room, CNN, 5/4/16] Trump On Former Defense Secretary Robert Gates: "I Don't Like People To Write Books And Criticize Everything. I Don't Think He Understands And I Don't Think He Understands The World Loyalty." BLITZER: "Another military question, the former defense secretary Robert Gates who is a Republican he said your lack of understanding of the complexities of international affairs is worrisome and he added this, you don't understand the difference between a business negotiation and a negotiation with sovereign powers." TRUMP: "Well, I don't think Gates understands and he was also very disloyal to numerous people he worked for. I don't like people to write books and criticize everything. I don't think he understands and I don't think he understands the world loyalty. I really believe I understand it much better than he does. Our country right now is a debtor nation." [Situation Room, CNN, 5/4/16] Trump Said He Had A Better Understanding Of International Affairs Than Former Defense Secretary Robert Gates: "I Really Believe I Understand It Much Better Than He Does." BLITZER: "Another military question, the former defense secretary Robert Gates who is a Republican he said your lack of understanding of the complexities of international affairs is worrisome and he added this, you don't understand the difference between a business negotiation and a negotiation with sovereign powers." TRUMP: "Well, I don't think Gates understands and he was also very disloyal to numerous people he worked for. I don't like people to write books and criticize everything. I don't think he understands and I don't think he understands the world loyalty. I really believe I understand it much better than he does. Our country right now is a debtor nation." [Situation Room, CNN, 5/4/16] Muslim Ban HEADLINE: "UK's Cameron: Trump Deserves Respect But Is Wrong On Muslims." [Associated Press, 5/5/16 ] British Prime Minister Cameron On Trump's Muslim Ban: "I'm Very Clear That The Policy Idea That Was Put Forward Was Wrong, Is Wrong And Will Remain Wrong." "British Prime Minister David Cameron has toned down his comments on Donald Trump, saying the Republican presidential hopeful deserves respect - but was wrong to call for a ban on Muslims entering the U.S. After Trump proposed the temporary ban on Muslims last year in the wake of attacks by extremists, Cameron called the comments 'divisive, stupid and wrong.' Asked at a news conference Thursday if he wanted to apologize for calling Trump's remarks stupid, Cameron said that anyone who came through the 'grueling' race to select their party's nominee 'certainly deserves our respect.' But on Trump's suggestion about banning Muslims, Cameron said 'I'm very clear that the policy idea that was put forward was wrong, is wrong and will remain wrong.'"[Associated Press, 5/5/16 ] Trump Stood Behind His Proposal To Ban Foreign Muslims From Entering The United States. "Also in his interview with NBC's Lester Holt, Trump said he stood by his proposal to ban Muslim foreigners from entering the United States. 'I do. We have to be vigilant. We have to be strong.'" [NBC News, 5/4/16 ] Hillary Clinton Trump Compared Hillary Clinton's Inability To Lock Up The Democratic Nomination To "A Football Team That Can't Get It Over The Line." TRUMP: "Well, I think what has happened, there's been a little flip. And I'm even surprised by it. I thought that I would be going longer and she would be going shorter. She can't put it away. That's like a football team that can't get the ball over the line. I put it away. She can't put it away. So, I thought that I would be out there and she'd be campaigning against me. I didn't realize. So, yes, I will be campaigning against her while she's campaigning" [Situation Room, CNN, 5/4/16] Trump Said "[Hillary Clinton] Is Unqualified Because Of The Fact That Her Judgement Is So Bad." "Now finding himself the nominee, Trump immediately pivoted to the general election. 'So now I'm going to be focused on Hillary and you'll be dealing with me and we'll see what happens,' he said, predicting most of the Republican Party would unify behind him. 'And I think we have a very strong case against Hillary. As far as the Republican Party coming together, it will, maybe not 100%, but it'll come together 99% and the 1% I don't want and it won't have any impact.' Trump made clear that he would echo Bernie Sanders' criticism of Hillary Clinton in the coming race. 'Bernie actually said she's unqualified because she's got bad judgement and it's true,' Trump said. 'She's unqualified because of the fact that her judgement is so bad.'" [TIME, 5/4/16 ] Trump On Campaigning Against Hillary Clinton: "If She Wants To Go The Low Road, I'm Fine With That." O'REILLY: "All right. Now, tone, tone, if history is any barometer, the Clinton campaign will go after you through surrogates. Move On, these sleazy left wing websites are going to tear you up. Are you going to respond to that if Hillary Clinton takes the high road and doesn't do any of that?" TRUMP: "Well, I'm going to be able to figure it out. I mean, we have had 17 people just now and I figured that out and I will be able to figure it out with Hillary. It depends on where she is coming from. If she wants to go the low road, I'm fine with that. And if she wants to go the high road, which probably I would prefer, I would be fine with that." O'REILLY: "All right. Wait, wait, wait, but, wait, you're fine with the low road? Most people don't want to go on the low road?" TRUMP: "No, I can handle the low road if I have to do it. I mean, we've had some low roads over the last few months." [O'Reilly Factor, Fox News, 5/4/16] Trump: "I Can Handle The Low Road If I Have To Do It. I Mean, We've Had Some Low Roads Over The Last Few Months." TRUMP: "Well, I'm going to be able to figure it out. I mean, we have had 17 people just now and I figured that out and I will be able to figure it out with Hillary. It depends on where she is coming from. If she wants to go the low road, I'm fine with that. And if she wants to go the high road, which probably I would prefer, I would be fine with that." O'REILLY: "All right. Wait, wait, wait, but, wait, you're fine with the low road? Most people don't want to go on the low road?" TRUMP: "No, I can handle the low road if I have to do it. I mean, we've had some low roads over the last few months." [O'Reilly Factor, Fox News, 5/4/16] Trump: "I'm A Counterpuncher More Than Anything Else... Like Certain Boxers, They Are Better Counterpunchers. I Have Been Very Successful." BLITZER: "The same strategy that you used to get rid of the other Republican candidates, you want to use now against Hillary Clinton?" TRUMP: "Well, I would say yes. I mean, and, again, a lot is going to depend how they treat me. If they treat me in a certain level, I am not looking to do more. You have seen I'm a counterpuncher more than anything else. I don't like -- I don't really like hitting people first, because I don't know how. I guess I have always felt that I am better -- like certain boxers, they are better counterpunchers. I have been very successful. I have only been doing it for 10 months, Wolf. Somebody in your world gave me credit the other day. They said, he has really been effective. We have never seen anything like it every before." [Situation Room, CNN, 5/4/16] Trump Claimed Hillary Clinton Started The Birther Movement Against Obama. TRUMP: "Do you know who started the birther movement? Do you know who started it? Do you know who questioned his birth certificate? One of the first? Hillary Clinton. She's the one that started it. She brought it up years before it was brought up by me. And, you know, so she can talk. Look, here is a person under investigation by the FBI, she's only going to get the nomination because it's a rigged deal and frankly maybe she won't even be able to run. I think she probably will because I think the Democrats will work it so that nothing happens to her even though everything happened to other people that did far less." [Situation Room, CNN, 5/4/16] Trump Said He Would Raise Hillary Clinton's Role In The Birther Movement As A Campaign Issue. TRUMP: "Do you know who started the birther movement? Do you know who started it? Do you know who questioned his birth certificate? One of the first? Hillary Clinton. She's the one that started it. She brought it up years before it was brought up by me. And, you know, so she can talk. Look, here is a person under investigation by the FBI, she's only going to get the nomination because it's a rigged deal and frankly maybe she won't even be able to run. I think she probably will because I think the Democrats will work it so that nothing happens to her even though everything happened to other people that did far less" BLITZER: "Let me clarify the whole birther thing where do you stand on that?" TRUMP: "I don't talk about it anymore. I don't want to waste my time talk being it anymore." BLITZER: "She's going to raise this issue against you." TRUMP: "I'm going to raise it against her." [Situation Room, CNN, 5/4/16] Trump Said He Had Confidence In James Comey In Handling The Clinton Investigation. TRUMP: "Hillary Clinton. She's the one that started it. She brought it up years before it was brought up by me. And, you know, so she can talk. Look, here is a person under investigation by the FBI, she's only going to get the nomination because it's a rigged deal and frankly maybe she won't even be able to run. I think she probably will because I think the Democrats will work it so that nothing happens to her even though everything happened to other people that did far less." BLITZER: "James Comey the FBI director he is a serious guy. You have confidence in him. If he thinks there are allegations that she may have violated, broken the law he will recommend that." TRUMP: "I hope so." BLITZER: "You have confidence in him." TRUMP: "I do have confidence in him. I don't know him." [Situation Room, CNN, 5/4/16] Trump: Hillary Clinton "Will Be Easier To Beat Because She Has Got So Much Baggage." TRUMP: "I am watching now Hillary fighting Bernie. This will go on for a long time. I was supposed to go out into July and everything collapsed on the other side and I ended up winning. Long prior to what it was thought I would. So I am now watching her fight it out. She's going to win again because the system is rigged and he cannot win. Unless she gets indicted which is a possibility but I think she is being protected by the Democrats. I don't think she'll be indicted even though she should be. She should be because she is so guilty. Other people, as you know, who did far less, have had their lives destroyed. She did as much as you can possibly do on that front, and she will skate away with it. It's a disgrace, okay. But that's the only thing that's going to stop her, if the system is honest and if the Democrats don't protect her. Otherwise she is going to win the -- she is going to win the nomination over the next month or so because he can't win. It is such a crooked system. And again, she is fighting -- he is fighting crooked Hillary. So whether I want to go against him or her, it doesn't matter. I will say this. She, I think, in a certain way, will be easier to beat because she has got so much baggage." [Squawk Box, CNBC, 5/5/16] Trump: Hillary Clinton "Is Being Protected By The Democrats. I Don't Think She'll Be Indicted Even Though She Should Be. She Should Be Because She Is So Guilty." TRUMP: "She's going to win again because the system is rigged and he cannot win. Unless she gets indicted which is a possibility but I think she is being protected by the Democrats. I don't think she'll be indicted even though she should be. She should be because she is so guilty. Other people, as you know, who did far less, have had their lives destroyed. She did as much as you can possibly do on that front, and she will skate away with it. It's a disgrace, okay. But that's the only thing that's going to stop her, if the system is honest and if the Democrats don't protect her. Otherwise she is going to win the -- she is going to win the nomination over the next month or so because he can't win. It is such a crooked system. And again, she is fighting -- he is fighting crooked Hillary. So whether I want to go against him or her, it doesn't matter. I will say this. She, I think, in a certain way, will be easier to beat because she has got so much baggage." [Squawk Box, CNBC, 5/5/16] Trump Said There Should Be More Than The Three Scheduled General Election Debates. TRUMP: "Well, you know, I had the debates, and I never debated professionally before. And a lot of these guys were debate champions and all of that. That's why they're politicians. All talk, no action. I had the debates. And every single poll -- there are seven polls. They polled the debates. Who won the debates. Like drudge, a fantastic guy, by the way. Drudge and 'Time' magazine and 'Slate.' They have only polls. And every single -- I had 11 debates, and every single debate and every single poll, I won. In other words, every single poll had me winning every single debate. I sort of like debating, I have to be honest. I was on center stage on every debate, meaning I was the number one person. And I mean, for -- this is since like July. And after the debate started. I was on center stage. I don't mind the debates. I think the debates are a good thing. Hillary is not a bad debater. I watched her. She is not a bad debater, but I think the debates will be positive for me. I sort of wish we had more than three. We have three. There are three scheduled. I think we should perhaps have more than three if you want to know the truth, because there is a lot going on." [Squawk Box, CNBC, 5/5/16] Infrastructure Trump: "I Am An Infrastructure Person. I Know About Infrastructure Like Nobody That's Ever Run For Office In The History Of The Presidency." TRUMP: "I am an infrastructure person. I know about infrastructure like nobody that's ever run for office in the history of the presidency. If there is a strength with me. Maybe my greatest strength is the economy, jobs and building. I know how to build! I know how to build quickly and on budget and all of that. And you know, I look at the way they give out their contracts for these jobs. It's -- it's just -- I mean, I know people they get a road contract and they end up going out and buying a mansion because they're going to make a fortune on it. It's ridiculous. There is so much waste, fraud and abuse in our system. I will be able to stop it." [Squawk Box, CNBC, 5/5/16] Trump Said The Military Bought Equipment From Politically-Connected Companies "That They Didn't Even Want." TRUMP: "I am an infrastructure person. I know about infrastructure like nobody that's ever run for office in the history of the presidency. If there is a strength with me. Maybe my greatest strength is the economy, jobs and building. I know how to build! I know how to build quickly and on budget and all of that. And you know, I look at the way they give out their contracts for these jobs. It's -- it's just -- I mean, I know people they get a road contract and they end up going out and buying a mansion because they're going to make a fortune on it. It's ridiculous. There is so much waste, fraud and abuse in our system. I will be able to stop it. Nobody else even knows really what I am talking about, but I will be able to stop it. And I think it will be one of my strengths. I think the military will be my strength. Speaking of the military, when they bid out, they bid out and it's so much politics in that. They bid out to companies that are politically connected and they get equipment that they don't even want. They want to get other equipment but that company -- it might make better equipment but the company isn't politically as astute and therefore they get the equipment that they don't even want. The whole thing is -- it's got to be -- it's got to be redone. And it -- it can be -- it could be such a beautiful picture, but we are really behind the eight-ball. But we do have to rebuild our infrastructure. And one of the things we should be doing and thinking about doing is buying back debt, really buying back debt, doing a great job with it, but we have to fund in some way the infrastructure." [Squawk Box, CNBC, 5/5/16] Media HEADLINE: "NBC Relocates 'Nightly News' To Trump Tower, For A Night." [New York Times, 5/4/16 ] NBC Relocated Its Nightly News Broadcast To Trump Tower, An Unusual Move For An Evening News Program. "On the day that Donald J. Trump became the presumptive Republican nominee for president, NBC came to him. In an unusual move on Wednesday, NBC relocated its flagship 'Nightly News' broadcast six blocks north to Trump Tower, where Lester Holt conducted a live interview with Mr. Trump in his 26th-floor executive office. Mr. Holt anchored the rest of the broadcast from the building's gold-and-marble lobby- a signature Trump tableau - introducing segments about a Canadian wildfire and defective airbags as tourists milled behind him. NBC plans to extend the same offer of broadcasting 'Nightly News' from the home or headquarters of the eventual Democratic nominee, a network spokesman said Wednesday night. News anchors frequently interview presidential candidates in their homes or campaign offices. Earlier Wednesday, Wolf Blitzer taped a conversation with Mr. Trump in the downstairs bar of the Trump Tower atrium, which was broadcast later in the day on CNN. But few in the industry could recount another instance where an evening newscast - considered the symbol of a network news brand - shifted its entire broadcast to a candidate's home turf." [New York Times, 5/4/16 ] Trump: "We Want To Raise Up To $1 Billion, Maybe Even Over That. I'm Not Even Sure That Is Necessary Because I Have A Big Voice. I Go On Shows Like Yours. I Explain The Truth. And People Seem To Along With It." TRUMP: "As far as the campaign, I'm making decisions right now, but will work with the Republican National Committee, raise a lot of money and go out and beat Hillary. We'll try to raise over $1 billion, which is what is going to be necessary. I hear the Democrats want to raise up to $2 billion. But we want to raise up to $1 billion, maybe even over that. I'm not even sure that is necessary because I have a big voice. I go on shows like yours. I explain the truth. And people seem to along with it." [NBC Nightly News, NBC, 5/4/16] Labor HEADLINE: "Donald Trump Hints At Changing Stance On Minimum Wage." [CBS News, 5/5/16 ] Trump Said He Was Open To Raising The Federal Minimum Wage: "I'm Looking At That Because I'm Very Different From Most Republicans. You Have To Have Something That You Can Live On." BLITZER: "American workers, you say they deserve to earn more money, right?" TRUMP: "I want them to earn more money." BLITZER: "Bernie Sanders says he wants $15 an hour minimum wage. And he has really gone after you lately for saying you're happy with $7.25 the current federal minimum wage." TRUMP: "I'm looking at that because I'm very different from most Republicans. You have to have something that you can live on, but what I'm really looking to do is get people great jobs so they make much more money than that, so they make more money than the $15. If you start playing around too much with the lower level, the lower level number, you're not going to be competitive." BLITZER: "Hillary Clinton says she's ready to go to $12, Bernie Sanders says $15." TRUMP: "She's doing that because she's -- she's--" TRUMP: "If you were president what would you recommend?" TRUMP: "I'm looking at it." BLITZER: "You're open to raising the minimum wage." TRUMP: "I'm hope to doing something with it. What I do like is bring our jobs back." [Situation Room, CNN, 5/4/16] Puerto Rico HEADLINE: "Add Puerto Rico's Debt Crisis To The List Of Issues Donald Trump Doesn't Understand." [Vox, 5/5/16 ] Trump Was Unaware That Puerto Rico Could Not Legally File For Bankruptcy. "Trump is so busy here being defensive about his business record that he's not understanding what the question is. He seems to think that Puerto Rico legally can file for bankruptcy and the problem is they haven't done so, and that what they need is a smarter leader/negotiator at the helm who can clean up the balance sheet the way he would have in one of his real estate deals. But the whole political issue is that a) Puerto Rico can't do this, legally speaking, and b) the political party that Trump leads is blocking the Obama administration from changing the law. But Trump has no idea what's going on and doesn't seem to be listening to Blitzer's questions." [Vox, 5/5/16 ] Trump Said He Would Not Bail Out Puerto Rico. WOLF BLITZER: "They're prevented from using the bankruptcy laws, Puerto Rico, as opposed to all the US states. You've used those bankruptcy laws over the years." TRUMP: "I'm the king - I understand. By the way--" BLITZER: "Should Puerto Rico have an opportunity to use the bankruptcy laws?" TRUMP: "As a very successful person I would buy companies, throw them in a chapter, bankrupt it, negotiate - I would do great deals, I didn't use them for myself, I used them as a businessperson. Many of the top people in my category use the laws. I know more about debt than practically anybody, I love debt. I also love reducing debt, and I know how to do it better than anybody. I will tell you with Puerto Rico they have too much debt. You can't just restructure; you have to use the laws, cut the debt way down, and get back to business, because they can't survive with the kind of debt they have. I would not bail out if I were - if I were in that position I wouldn't bail them out." WOLF BLITZER: "Would you let them have a bankruptcy option?" TRUMP: "They're going to have no choice. if they're not going to pay the bill they're not going to pay the interest on the bonds--" BLITZER: "They can't." TRUMP: "They can't. You can't - you know, the expression you can't take it out of the grave if they don't have it. Whether they officially declare or not, but ultimately what they have to do is cut the debt way down. They're never going to pay that debt off, they have to cut it way down, and the United States is going to be in that position very soon because they have too much debt." [Situation Room, CNN, 5/4/16] Trump: "I Will Tell You With Puerto Rico They Have Too Much Debt. You Can't Just Restructure... If I Were In That Position I Wouldn't Bail Them Out." WOLF BLITZER: "They're prevented from using the bankruptcy laws, Puerto Rico, as opposed to all the US states. You've used those bankruptcy laws over the years." TRUMP: "I'm the king - I understand. By the way--" BLITZER: "Should Puerto Rico have an opportunity to use the bankruptcy laws?" TRUMP: "As a very successful person I would buy companies, throw them in a chapter, bankrupt it, negotiate - I would do great deals, I didn't use them for myself, I used them as a businessperson. Many of the top people in my category use the laws. I know more about debt than practically anybody, I love debt. I also love reducing debt, and I know how to do it better than anybody. I will tell you with Puerto Rico they have too much debt. You can't just restructure; you have to use the laws, cut the debt way down, and get back to business, because they can't survive with the kind of debt they have. I would not bail out if I were - if I were in that position I wouldn't bail them out." WOLF BLITZER: "Would you let them have a bankruptcy option?" TRUMP: "They're going to have no choice. If they're not going to pay the bill they're not going to pay the interest on the bonds--" BLITZER: "They can't." TRUMP: "They can't. You can't - you know, the expression you can't take it out of the grave if they don't have it. Whether they officially declare or not, but ultimately what they have to do is cut the debt way down. They're never going to pay that debt off, they have to cut it way down, and the United States is going to be in that position very soon because they have too much debt." [Situation Room, CNN, 5/4/16]