"The deal is terrible," Trump told reporters on the South Lawn of the White House after his announcement earlier today.
The big quote: "We will see what happens with Iran. We're very unhappy with Iran. They have not treated us with the kind of respect that they should be treating. They should have thanked Barack Obama for making that kind of deal. … They were gone. They were economically gone. He gave them 1.7 billion in cash, and they should be 'thank you, President Obama.' They didn't say that."
President Trump announced Friday that he was decertifying the Iran nuclear deal, stating that he will not support a "fanatical regime that has spread chaos and death around the world." Simultaneously, his administration issued sanctions against Iran's Revolutionary Guard for supporting terrorism, a move which reveals Trump has every intention of letting the deal implode.
Key quote: "In the event we are not able to reach a solution working with Congress and our allies, then the agreement will be terminated... our participation can be canceled by me, as president, at any time."
President Trump announced Friday that he is decertifying the Iran deal, and issued new sanctions on Iran's Revolutionary Guard. But he did not withdraw the U.S. from the agreement, instead punting the decision to Congress. This was expected, and comes despite criticism from U.S. allies and other member countries who insist that Iran is fulfilling its obligations, and warn that any change in the agreement could lead to a new nuclear buildup in the Middle East.
Why it matters: The world is already facing a mounting nuclear problem with North Korea. It doesn't want to risk another one with Iran. Trump argues, however, that the deal has emboldened Iran and is counter to U.S. interests.
Secretary of State Rex Tillerson confirmed Friday that President Trump will use the Congressional The Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act (INARA) to decertify the Iran deal, stating that it is not "vital to the national security interests of the United States," per AP. Tillerson also made clear that Trump will not withdraw the U.S. from the agreement, instead punting the decision to Congress.
President Trump will extend the March 5 deadline to end protections for Dreamers if Congress fails to find a DACA fix, reports the Washington Post. Sen. James Lankford (R-OK) told the Post that Trump said he was willing to "give it some more time" to find a "legislative solution" to the Obama-era program.
Why it matters: The bipartisan push to find a legislative fix to DACA came into question Sunday night when Trump issued a series of hardline immigration demands, including construction of the border wall, that he insisted must be enforced to allow Dreamers remain in the U.S. However, his conversation with Lankford suggests Trump is still committed to protecting Dreamers.
"Xi Jinping has more clout than Donald Trump," The Economist writes in its cover editorial. "The world should be wary Do not expect Mr Xi to change China, or the world, for the better."
