Promising to allow pastors to endorse politicians from the pulpit ... verbal jousts with foreign leaders and countries ... a very public pot shot at Arnold Schwarznegger ... and threatening university funding over free speech. All of these issue were part of the Donald Trump's 14th day as President. Here's a quick look at five things Trump said Thursday and what they mean:
1. Iran is on notice
What he said: President Trump tweeted early Thursday and put Iran "on notice," echoing comments from his top national security adviser that the U.S. will act against Iran unless it stops testing ballistic missiles and supporting Houthi rebels in Yemen.
Iran has been formally PUT ON NOTICE for firing a ballistic missile.Should have been thankful for the terrible deal the U.S. made with them!
-- Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 2, 2017What it means: The White House isn't saying what it means. In practice, it is anyone's guess, but it certainly appears he plans to be more public and direct with Iran than President Obama.
2. Saving religious freedom
What he said: Warning that religious freedom is "under threat," Trump vowed to repeal the Johnson Amendment, an IRS rule barring pastors from endorsing candidates from the pulpit.
"I will get rid of and totally destroy the Johnson Amendment and allow our representatives of faith to speak freely and without fear of retribution," Trump said during remarks at the National Prayer Breakfast.
What it means: The only way to abolish the amendment would require an act by Congress. Trump can, however, direct the IRS to disregard the rule. The tax code does allow a wide range of political activity by houses of worship, including speaking out on social issues and organizing congregants to vote. But churches cannot endorse a candidate or engage in partisan politics.
3. Taking a dig at Arnold
What he said: The president took a dig at Arnold Schwarzenegger, the new host of "The Apprentice," the reality TV show Trump previously headlined. He said that since Schwarzenegger took over, the show's rating have been down and he asked those attending the National Prayer Breakfast for help. "I want to just pray for Arnold, if we can, for those ratings," said the president.
What it means: Not much, maybe at an attempt at levity. But Schwarzenegger had an immediate comeback and posted it in a Twitter video: "Hey Donald, I have a great idea. Why don't we switch jobs? You take over TV, since you're such an expert in ratings, and I'll take over your job, and then people can finally sleep comfortably again."
The National Prayer Breakfast? pic.twitter.com/KYUqEZbJIE
-- Arnold (@Schwarzenegger) February 2, 20174. I love Australia, not Obama
What he said: Trump originally on Wednesday put out a Tweet describing a deal to resettle 1,600 refugees, mostly Muslim, with Australia as "dumb" and signaled he was unwilling to move forward. The phone call with the Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull was described as tense and was abruptly cut short. But he later toned down his language: "I have a lot of respect for Australia, I love Australia as a country -- but we have a problem." He continued to blast the Obama administration over the deal.
What it means: The White House suggested Thursday that the agreement would continue. White House spokesman Sean Spicer said any of the refugees who come to the United States would undergo "extreme vetting," but provided no details.
5. Free speech, or no federal funds
What he said:
If U.C. Berkeley does not allow free speech and practices violence on innocent people with a different point of view - NO FEDERAL FUNDS?
-- Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 2, 2017What it means: It is largely rhetoric. The president doesn't have the authority to withhold the funds, according to Bloomberg. Congress would have to pass a law altering the rules governing how federal funds are dispersed to colleges and universities. The dustup started when angry protestors turned violent Wednesday night and forced the cancellation of an appearance by a conservative speaker.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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