Here are some of the key stories CNBC is following this hour:

At the White House this morning, President Donald Trump met with sheriffs from around the country who had supported his candidacy. The president stressed national security during the meeting, claiming that his controversial travel ban was pivotal to the protection of the U.S.

Moving south, the National Weather Service confirmed tornadoes in lower Louisiana. East New Orleans suffered downed powerlines and sever property damage, but no injuries or fatalities were reported.