Ladies and gentlemen, the president of the United States and misses trump. Yo[applause] pres. Trump we would like to welcome everyone to the white house. A special place. This is one of those places you never forget. It is my immense privilege to present our nations highest honors for contributions to american art and culture, the National Medal of arts and the National Humanities medal. Congratulatingin each of the participants in their phenomenal achievement. Congratulations to all. [applause] with us today are Vice President mike pence, secretary steven ,nuchin, secretary betsy devos the chairman of the joint chiefs. F staff did a very great shout job. That. Ad of isis is dead. Thank you very much please stand up. [applause] also with us as a friend of ours and the great congressman and a warrior in his own right, congressman phil roe. Thank you very much. Along with the chairman of the National Endowment for the arts and the chairman for the National Endowment of the humanities. Thank you very much. Appreciate it. [applause] great nations produce great thinkers, artists, musicians, and scholars. They make our world a more beautiful place. Each of todays recipients has made outstanding contributions to american society, culture, and life. They exemplify the genius talent of our exceptional nation. [applause] pres. Trump i went to hear that whole song but maybe we need to get it moving a little bit. Voight isfriend jon americas greatest Living Legend in sinema. Captivated many and hollywood blockbusters. One of his films is the greatest boxing movies of all time, the champ. Everyone was crying at that movie but not me, but it was not easy. Really great job. That was incredible. John is an actor of extended sing astonishing range. Played one of the leading roles and deliverance. He became an Investigative Reporter tracking down nazi criminals in the odessa files. In pearl harbor he was so great. And he masterfully played Howard Cosell in ali. Ofcaptures the imagination audiences and dominates almost every single scene he is in. He won the Academy Award for best actor, earned for Oscar Nominations and for golden globes. You are an amazing artist and a beloved icon of american film. Congratulations on receiving the National Medal of arts. It is a tremendous achievement and you deserve it. E love having you here thank you very much. Congratulations. [applause] Sharon Rockefeller has been a strong advocate for the arts and public broadcasting. Virginia,lady of west she thought for education. Currently chairman of the board of trustees for the National Gallery of art. Has helps the institution acquire breathtaking works of beauty. Some of the best anywhere in the world. She has also served as president of the washington Educational Telecommunications association. As oneped establish wtea of the preeminent public Broadcasting Networks in the nation. Produced programming. May be i will start getting some of those good programming. They tend to be on the other sides of things. Maybe now i have a better chance. As you receive the National Medal of arts, we thank you for enriching the lives of millions. Thank you very much here. [applause] incredible job. Arthur friend of mine, author james patterson. He has authored or coauthored 277 books and sold more than 400 million copies worldwide. I always tell james id do not talk about the books that i have done when i am in his presence because he has outdone me by a lot. You sold a lot more books than me or anyone. Maybe the bible has you by a little bit. The most prolific and highly talented 218 of his titles have earned a spot on the New York Times bestseller list. 95 of them have been ranked number one. Invisible,ross to james has entertained children and adults alike with gripping ion and running the street mystery. Ling i know him so well and he is a special man with a special family. Congratulations on receiving the National Humanities medal. [applause] fantastic job. [applause] i like the music better. Go ahead. Pres. Trump she is one of the most acclaimed musicians in america. She picked up a fiddle for the five,time at the age of signed her first record at 14, a career spanning over three decades. She has received more than 25 awards for gospel, country, and bluegrass. She has sold more than 12 million records worldwide. One more grammys than any woman in history. That is pretty good. That is a big statement. Locale shy she is. Today we proudly present her with the National Medal of arts. I want to thank you very much for sharing your wonderful gift with the world. [applause] Patrick Oconnell is a pregnant preeminent culinary artists. He showcases the brilliance of american technique and the depths of american ingredients and the limitless potential of american high cuisine. Opened the inn and the small town of washington, virginia. He performed the gas station into one of the most renowned dining establishments on earth. It has been one of the handful in america to receive three michelin stars. As we award you the National Humanities medal, very special, very powerful award, we thank you and your entire team for the enduring contribution to american culture. I think we will have to stop by very soon. Sounds good to me. I have heard incredible things. [applause] i would like to acknowledge the extremely talented white house chefs here this afternoon. Where is tommy . What a job you do. You do to get a job as far as im concerned. He once worked under patrick. Has mademont institute invaluable contributions to the history of american conservative thought. It educates mines and informs americans about the founding principles that have made our country the greatest nation anywhere on earth through publications, seminars, and scholarships. They fight to recover the american idea. I know it well. By teaching about the declaration of independence, the constitution, the writings of abraham lincoln, whose bedroom is right above us. It is a great thing to see that bedroom. Isnt that something . It is something very special. The Claremont Institute helps preserve our national institutions. Excepting the National Humanities medal is the thank youpresident for being here. [applause] she is an extraordinary philanthropist and supporter of education in the arts. With her husband, she has given over 130 Million Dollars to universities and cultural institutions in texas. Maintain one of the best archives on latin American History anywhere in the world. Teresa was also the first hispanic american to receive a doctorate in health and physical education from the university of texas in austin. She has also served as a member of the National Council on the arts. Teresa, we are so honored to have you. And its a great privilege to present you the National Humanities medal. Thank you very much, terry set. Teresa. [applause] pres. Trump thank you very much. So, next, i have the honor to recognize not just one, but 6,656 tremendous artists and patriots, the musicians of the United States military. That is really something, the job you do. Thank you very much. Forming 136 bands worldwide, these aweinspiring men and women in uniform perform over 35,000 times each year, from concert halls to warzones. They touch the hearts of Service Members of the frontlines, wounded veterans in hospitals, gold star families at military funerals, and americans everywhere. They are not just magnificent performers and they really are the finest anywhere in the world theyre also courageous warriors. Were joined this afternoon by the premier band commanders. And accepting the National Medal of arts on behalf of all military musicians, is now 21yearold, then 19yearold, when he joined, Staff Sergeant jan knutson, the youngest premier band musician in the United States military. Thank you very much, Staff Sergeant. We appreciate it that youre here. I will say that i have had the privilege of listening to along with the first lady and many of the people in the room Vice President some of the greatest music ive ever listened to. These are incredibly talented musicians. Many of them could be in the great concert halls of the world, but this is what they want and this is where they want to be. And they wouldnt trade it for anything. I think we can say that with surety. The recipients of todays awards have uplifted the mind, spirit, and soul of this country. You have made the life of our nation more rewarding, entertaining, and fulfilling. You have brought joy, comfort, and meaning to the homes and hearts of countless americans. I want to congratulate you all, and i want to congratulate your loved ones. Were immensely grateful for everything youve done for our country. And i would like to ask the military aide to come forward and to please read the citations. Thank you. Alison krauss, for making extraordinary contributions to american music, blending bluegrass, folk, gospel, and country into a unique style. She has entertained and enriched the souls of millions. Sharon percy rockefeller, [applause] sharon percy rockefeller,for being a renowned champion of the arts, a generous supporter of charity, and a pioneer of new ideas and approaches in the field of public policy. Yo[applause] the musicians of the United States military, for personifying excellence in music and service to country. From concert halls to warzones, these extraordinary patriots have inspired and uplifted their fellow americans over generations with their incredible courage and breathtaking musical talent. [applause] jon voight, for his exceptional capacity as an actor to portray deeply complex characters. Captivating audiences, he has given us insights into the richness of the human mind and heart. [applause] the Claremont Institute, for championing the nations founding principles and enriching american mind. S. Its publications and Public Events have deepened our understanding and appreciation of american freedom, democracy, justice, and rule of law. Teresa lozano long, for supporting the arts and improving educational opportunities. Through scholarship and philanthropy, she has helped americas children and young adults learn the skills they need to succeed. [applause] patrick j. Oconnell, for being one of the greatest chefs of our time. Through the inn at little washington, he has raised the culinary arts to new heights of excellence by embracing regional flavors and celebrating local farmers. [applause] james patterson, for being one of the most successful american authors of our time. His prodigious imagination has resulted in fascinating works that have been enjoyed by millions. His championship of literacy in america has inspired many to realize their potential. [applause] [applause] ladies and gentlemen, please remain in your seats until the president , mrs. Trump have to part of their room. Announcer cspans washington journal. Live every day with news and policy issues that impact you. Coming up this morning, a discussion on form with American FarmBureau Federation executive Vice President deal dale moore. Then a talk on 2020 and impeachment with the contributing writer of the nation. And we discussed g. O. P. Tax cuts with grover norquist. Be sure to watch. Cspans washington journal live at 7 00 eastern this morning. Join the discussion. The media marketplace has shifted dramatically in the last dozen years or so. The s. E. C. Has failed to keep pace. We have these rules in place that basically assume the entire media marketplace is rebroadcast television stations a night and a daily newspaper that is on your doorstep every morning. As we are talking, it is a different market. Fcc commissioner brandon carr. Tonight on the communicators, on cspan two. Next, president ial candidate Bernie Sanders campaign from portsmouth, new hampshire, heart of what his campaign is calling a three day worker appreciation tour. Hes in the Granite State through monday. New hampshire holds the first in the nation primary on tuesday, february 11. [applause] february 11. [applause]