White House Gaggle

By Adam Sharon
White House Gaggle
May 5, 2004
By: Adam Sharon

President’s Schedule

President Bush was interviewed this morning by Al Hurra, the US sponsored pan Arab network based in Virginia and Al Arabiya. The President will respond to the allegations of torture committed by US personnel in Iraq. He then will meet with the Prime Minister of Singapore in the Oval Office. This afternoon, President Bush will make remarks for Cinco de Mayo, the Mexican national holiday, in the East Room. In the evening, he will depart for a Washington hotel and attend the Republican National Committee gala.

Interviews with Arab Networks

Press Secretary Scott McClellan told reporters that the gaggle would be shortened today, as the President was being interviewed at 10am by two Arab networks. McClellan stated that the news transcripts would be released to the press soon after the interviews were finished.

Torture

Press Secretary McClellan did not take many questions this morning, given the President would address these issues during his interviews. McClellan did however say that the President would not ask for nor accept the resignation of Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld. McClellan added that the President had full confidence with the commanders on the ground in Iraq. The President, McClellan concluded, was deeply disturbed by the images of tortured prisoners.