President Donald Trump on Monday addressed members of the Special Forces team that raided ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi's compound, but only one team member could show his snout to the press.
Conan, the heroic dog who was injured when al-Baghdadi blew himself up, was brought to reporters for a few minutes during a visit to the White House. Vice President Mike Pence happily petted Conan while Trump explained that the Belgian Malinois was the "ultimate fighter."
"Conan is a tough cookie, and nobody's gonna mess with him," Trump said.
"I got to see how fast Conan can move, and I said, what chance would a strong man have, really strong, tough, a fighter, what chance would this person have against Conan without the guns?" Trump said. "The answer is pretty much none. He would have no chance."
Trump thanked reporters for coming to see them, while also joking that Conan could easily dispatch any of them.
"You're very lucky he's not in a bad mood today," Trump said to Reuters reporter Jeff Mason, drawing laughs. "I want to thank you all."
Pence said Conan represents the bravery and prowess of the U.S. military, and cheered the fact that no lives were lost in the raid that took out al-Baghdadi.
"This dog was there, suffered some injury, we were able to complete the raid without any American casualty," Pence said. "I think having the Special Forces here today, who obviously can't come out to the public, but also having this extraordinary dog here today is all a reflection of our armed forces and the great job that they do."
Trump also said that Conan has not retired, and has been working on missions, recovering more quickly from its injuries than expected.