‘We stand ready to work with the new President’
Gov. Arnold I. Palacios says his administration stands ready to work with President-elect Donald J. Trump and is committed to supporting the country’s interests.
Last week, Trump literally trumped incumbent Vice President Kamala Harris in the presidential race last Nov. 5.
In a statement from Palacios yesterday, he said his administration stands ready to work with Trump and to maintain open communication with him and the federal government.
“I extend my congratulations to President-Elect Donald Trump on his election as the 47th President of the United States. We stand ready to work with the new President and his team to advance the country’s and the CNMI’s interests. Additionally, I am committed to maintaining an open line of communication with the President and the federal government to ensure that the Commonwealth’s goals and priorities are included in the new administration’s agenda,” he said.
Palacios said he is committed to supporting the country’s interests in ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific.
“As I’ve emphasized many times in presentations to members of the United States Congress and in other national forums, the CNMI is committed to supporting the country’s interests in ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific region, a priority that transcends party lines,” he said.
Palacios adds that as governor, his utmost priority is the well-being of the Commonwealth.
“As governor, my foremost commitment is to the well-being of our Commonwealth, its economic development, and the improvement of the standard of living of the people of the Northern Mariana Islands.”
Palacios says he is hopeful that President-elect Trump’s administration will be mutually beneficial for the Commonwealth as well as the United States.
“I am hopeful that the new administration led by President-elect Trump will bring new opportunities to collaborate in identifying and implementing innovative and effective solutions that mutually benefit the United States and the CNMI,” he said.
According to Saipan Tribune archives, Trump was elected the 47th president of the United States last Wednesday, an extraordinary comeback for a former president who refused to accept defeat four years ago, sparked a violent insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, was convicted of felony charges and survived two assassination attempts.
With a win in Wisconsin, Trump cleared the 270 electoral votes needed to clinch the presidency.
As president, Trump vowed to pursue an agenda centered on dramatically reshaping the federal government and pursuing retribution against his perceived enemies.
Meanwhile, Kimberlyn King-Hinds, who won the U.S. delegate race in the CNMI last week, said she’s looking forward to working with the incoming Republican Party majority in the 119th U.S. Congress beginning in January.
“With a Republican majority, there’s an opportunity for us to unify around policies that will help uplift our communities. I understand that for some, this outcome brings mixed emotions, and I want to assure everyone that my focus remains on addressing the challenges our people face,” she said.
The CNMI Republican Party bet, who won during the CNMI general elections with about 40% of the vote, assured her constituents that she will have the people of the islands’ best interest when she begins her two-year term come January 2025. She also promised to work hand in hand with her fellow congressmen and congresswomen along with President-elect Trump.
“Now more than ever, I’m committed to advocating for the CNMI’s unique needs within our party’s broader goals. I look forward to working with my colleagues and president of the United States in ways that strengthen our region and deliver real support to our community. My job is to bring results to our community regardless of who the president is.”
Arnold I. Palacios
