The Latest: Trump says he may 'hold up' South Korea deal
The Latest on President Donald Trump (all times local):
9:10 p.m.
President Donald Trump is threatening to "hold up" the trade agreement his administration finalized this week with South Korea to gain more leverage for talks with North Korea.
Trump highlighted the newly completed renegotiation of the trade agreement during a speech in Ohio Thursday about roads, bridges and other infrastructure in Ohio.
But he added that the trade deal "it's a very strong card and I want to make sure everyone is treated fairly."
Trump's remark comes as the two Koreas have announced plans to hold bilateral meetings next month in advance of a possible meeting between Trump and North Korea's Kim Jong Un by the end of May.
__
2:55 p.m.
President Donald Trump says his $200 billion federal infrastructure initiative is "probably" going to be delayed until after the November midterm elections.
Trump predicts the plan will unleash $1.5 trillion in infrastructure investment. But he says: "You're probably going to have to wait until after the election."
It's a concession by the president to the political realities in Washington. Lawmakers are increasingly focused on their re-elections this fall in what is set to be a difficult campaign cycle for Republicans.
Trump is claiming Democrats don't want to work with him on infrastructure because they don't want to give him any additional "wins" after his tax bill passed in December.
___
2:25 p.m.
President Donald Trump is threatening to "hold up" the trade agreement his administration just finalized with South Korea to provide more leverage for talks with North Korea.
Speaking in Ohio, Trump highlighted the renegotiation of the Korea-U.S. free trade agreement. He added: "I may hold it up until after a deal is made with North Korea."
Trump says the "rhetoric has calmed down" with North Korea, as the two countries have announced plans to meet next month in advance of a possible meeting between Trump and North Korea's Kim Jong-un.
Trump says he may hold up the agreement "because it's a very strong card and I want to make sure everyone is treated fairly."
The renegotiation is set to be the first trade agreement concluded by the Trump administration.
___
2:20 p.m.
President Donald Trump is making a push for his infrastructure plan in Ohio. Thursday marks his first public appearance in nearly a week.
Speaking at a union training site in Richfield, Ohio, Trump called on Congress to fund his proposal for $200 billion in spending, in hopes of triggering $1.5 trillion in infrastructure investment.
Trump says: "We will transform our roads and bridges from a source of endless frustration into a source of incredible pride."
___
12:40 p.m.
President Donald Trump is bidding farewell to one of his longest-serving aides as he departs for Ohio.
The president appeared alongside outgoing communications director Hope Hicks outside the Oval Office on Hicks' last day at the White House.
Trump pointed at Hicks, waved to the cameras, and gave Hicks a handshake and a kiss on the cheek before heading to Marine One.
Hicks has been one of the president's most trusted, loyal and influential staffers. She held a portfolio that extended well beyond her job title.
She worked for the Trump organization before serving as the Trump campaign's one-woman press shop and has been working at the White House since Trump's inauguration.
A bitter fight is underway to fill the communications director role.
___
12:30 a.m.
President Donald Trump is emerging from relative seclusion to promote rebuilding the nation's roads and bridges.
Trump is visiting Richfield, Ohio, on Thursday to push his plan to use $200 billion in federal money to spur at least $1.5 trillion in spending on infrastructure. The president unveiled the proposal in February and cast it as able to garner bipartisan support, but it has bogged down in Congress.
Trump has kept a low profile since Sunday's "60 Minutes" interview with adult-film actress Stormy Daniels, who says the married Trump had sex with her before he was president. Trump, through his representatives, has denied the 2006 affair.
The Ohio speech will be Trump's first substantive public appearance since last Friday.