Donald Trump says he sticks with LePage through thick and thin

President Donald Trump, joined by Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke, left, and Vice President Mike Pence right speaks at the Interior Department in Washington on Wednesday, April 26, 2017, before signing an Antiquities Executive Order. The president is asking for a review of the designation of tens of millions of acres of land as “national monuments.” To the far left is Maine Gov. Paul LePage.

During a signing ceremony at the White House Wednesday, President Donald Trump took note of the pounds shed by Maine Gov. Paul LePage.

Trump said LePage “has lost a lot of weight.”

“I knew him when he was heavy and now I know him when he was thin, and I like him both ways,” the president said.

LePage was there as Trump signed an executive order to review the national monuments created since 1996 that have protected millions of acres.

LePage had surgery last fall to lose about 50 pounds after his doctor warned of health complications if he remained at his weight.

LePage opposed President Barack Obama’s creation of the 87,500-acre Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument east of Baxter State Park. LePage holds out hope the decision can be overturned, but some in the region see a potential economic boost.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.