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Pence and Spicer Lead Trump Transition Team News Briefing. Aired 10-10:30a ET

Aired January 19, 2017 - 10:00   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

MIKE PENCE (R), VICE PRESIDENT-ELECT: Let me say I -- I've been much honored to serve as chair of the transition effort, but all that we have accomplished here, credit goes to a great team.

[10:00:00]

Our volunteers, literally hundreds and hundreds of volunteers who put in -- in hours and hours to support this effort, our executive committee, our vice chairs, our staff. But really, the credit I can tell you goes to our president-elect.

Sometimes people stop me on the street they say -- they say how you holding up, "I can't imagine how busy you are," and I just tell them, "Well, you just have to understand the energy and the enthusiasm of Donald Trump is contagious."

And it's been his energy and his expectation that's driven this transition effort. And I'm proud to say to be at place where we've named our entire cabinet before we reach that historic day tomorrow. Our job really was to make sure the president-elect had the opportunity to make decisions, to assemble the team around him that will make America great again and I'm humbled to have been a small part of that.

Our job is to be ready on day one. The American people can be confident that we will be. So, let me say to all of you, we look forward to seeing you tomorrow. It's going to be a very humbling and moving day for the president elect his family and for mine. But let me tell you, we are all -- we are all ready to go to work.

In fact we can't wait to get to work for the American people to make America great again. So thank you very much and we'll provide that information for you at the end of the briefing.

Thanks.

QUESTION: Can I ask you how many nominees you expect to have confirmed by the end of the month (ph)?

SEAN SPICER, WHITE HOUSE PRESS SECRETARY FOR PRESIDENT-ELECT TRUMP: Thank you Mr. Vice President-elect. I think he speaks for all of us when we say we are truly excited for tomorrow. There's a historic change coming and it is infectious.

The entire team is looking forward to this now that we are 24 hours out of this. So the -- the president-elect continues to make edits and additions to his inaugural address. We will -- we will have further updates for you on that, but I know it was asked yesterday, in the speech -- it's going to be a very personal and sincere statement about his vision for the country. He will discuss what it means to be an American, the challenges that we face as members of the middle class -- that they face. He'll talk about infrastructure and education, our manufacturing base. I think it's going to be less of an agenda and more of a philosophical document. A vision of where he sees the country, the proper role of government, the role of citizens.

So look forward to that tomorrow. With respect to the action on Capitol Hill that the vice president elect was mentioning, I think the nominees continue to go up to Capitol hill and impress the American people and the United States Senator with the caliber and quality of people that the president-elect has chosen.

Shelly Moore Capito of West Virginia said of Scott Pruitt, he's the best choice for the EPA, he'll help restore the EPA to its original lawful mission. As leader McConnell mentioned of Wilbur Ross, he has the experience to help turn the country around. John Thune said his business know-how will make him a great commerce secretary.

Senator Marco Rubio of Florida said, Governor Nikki Haley will stand up for American values at the U.N. Arizona Governor Doug Ducey said that Dr. Tom Price is someone that American's can finally work towards a patient centered health care.

Today we've got more activity up on Capitol Hill. Energy Secretary Nominee Rick Perry and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin will both be up there on Capitol Hill testifying. I think no one understands the intersection of the American economy and the American industry -- energy industry -- than former Governor Rick Perry of Texas. He's well known to the senate and to the American people. There's a great deal of reform coming to Washington and nothing sends the message stronger than nominating a leader like Rick Perry to take the helm will do.

Over his 30 year career in finance, Steven Mnuchin has established a reputation of being a solution oriented leader, a dedicated team builder and an excellent communicator. These qualities will serve him well as he works with Congress and the administration to hamper out a tax package that will spur economic growth, create jobs and help hard working Americans and allow businesses to compete on a global basis.

I mentioned yesterday that we will have further staff announcements today, both on the commission staff, the special assistants, deputy assistants and assistants to the president. We'll also release some of the non-commissioned support staff as well.

This morning, as the vice president elect noted, we have officially filed the cabinet with the announcement of Sonny Perdue as the next secretary of Agriculture.

A few more staff announcements, personnel notes that I want to get through, we will announce today that Dab Kern will remain at the White House as the deputy assistant to the president and director of the White House Military Office. Dab has been serving -- Dab has been serving in an acting role during the Obama Administration, the president-elect intends to make that a permanent position for him.

The president-elect understands how it is important to ensure the continuity of government.

SPICER: So in the addition to the appointments that we've announced and will announce, the president-elect has asked over 50 individuals to stay in critical posts throughout the government.

[10:05:06]

Included in this group are Robert Work, currently the deputy secretary of defense; Chuck Rosenberg the DEA administrator; Nick Rasmussen, the director of the National Counterterrorism Center; Tom Shannon, the undersecretary of state for political affairs; Susan Coppedge in the Department of State, which is the office to monitor and combat trafficking of persons; Brett McGurk, who is the special envoy for the global coalition to counter ISIS; Kody Kinsley, the assistant secretary of management, Department of Treasury; Adam Szubin, who is the acting undersecretary for terrorism and financial intelligence in the Department of the Treasury -- are just some of the individuals who will be staying aboard through the time being, until a replacement can be named.

Here is the rundown for events that are occurring today and tomorrow. Please keep in mind that all timing is approximate and continue to check the official schedule.

Today at 12:30 the president-elect, Chief of Staff Reince Priebus, Mr. Tom Barrack, the chairman of the Presidential Inaugural Committee, Sarah Armstrong, the CEO of the Presidential Inaugural Committee, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, White House Majority Kevin McCarthy, and Cabinet designees and White House Senior of staff will attend a leadership luncheon at the Trump International Hotel. That's a pool event.

At 3:00 pm, there will be a presidential -- the president-elect, the vice president-elect and their families will attend a wreath- laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery.

At 4:00 pm, the president-elect, the vice president-elect and their families will attend the Make America Great Again rally and concert at the Lincoln Memorial.

Tomorrow, big day for everyone, it's the next Inauguration Day -- it's Inauguration Day. It will begin with the president-elect, his family, the vice president-elect and his family, Cabinet designees, family and friends attending an 8:30 church service at Saint John's Church, located at 1525 H Street, right across from the White House.

At 9:30, the president-elect, and his family, the vice president- elect, and his family will attend a White House tea on the South Portico of the White House. At 10:30, they will travel to the Capitol for the swearing in.

At 11:00, the president-elect, the Trump family, the vice president- elect and his family will attend the swearing-in at -- on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol.

At 1:00 pm, the president-elect, the vice president-elect, the first lady, Melania Trump, the second lady, Karen Pence, will attend a joint congressional inaugural committee luncheon at the U.S. Capitol.

At 2:30 pm, they will attend a military review, located at the U.S. Capitol on the East Front.

And at 3:00, they will attend the inaugural parade in stands just outside of the White House.

At 7:00 pm, President Trump, Vice President Pence, First Lady Melania, Second Lady Karen Pence will attend the Liberty and Freedom Ball at the Washington Convention Center at -- off Mount Vernon Ave. Following that they'll attend the Military Ball, which is at the National Building Museum.

On Saturday at approximately 10:00 am, the president, the vice president and their families will attend the National Prayer Service at the Washington National Cathedral.

Over the weekend, the incoming staff will be located here at the PTT to help support the transition.

On the eve of the inauguration, one point that's important, we have over 536 beachhead team members. These are the individuals that are being placed into agencies and departments throughout the department throughout the government. They have been identified to support those things.

This is an unprecedented number of individuals that are going to be ready on day one, as far back as we can see. And I think that is important as well as the individuals I (inaudible) to ensure continuity of government and to ensure that we're ready on day one to get things happening.

We intend to have the first briefing at the White House on Monday in the James Brady Briefing Room. A time will be announced.

As a logistical note, I would just say that during this weekend we intend to -- we've worked with the White House Correspondents Association to ensure that a pool camera is located here. Should there be a need for any briefing, that -- this would be location where it would take place in order to facilitate much easier logistics of getting in and out.

I know some of you are interested in getting your passes. We're working with the current White House, they've been very helpful. Make sure you e-mail our team; we'll help facilitate reporters who don't have hard passes to get in and out of the White House complex throughout the weekend and on Monday. Obviously the greater leeway that we have in terms of timing is appreciated.

With respect to the Cabinet, before I turn it over, I think that there's no question -- we've noted before -- the high quality and caliber of the individuals that the president-elect has selected to lead his government. I think even the Senate leadership on the Democratic side admitted so much that they talked about going after just a few of them.

And it's -- I think what's a shame right now is to see some of those individuals who we would call consensus candidates, people who they didn't even find a problem with, people like Secretary Elaine Chao, Ben Carson, Nikki Haley, suddenly not be part of Senator Schumer's list that he will work with us to get done on day one.

[10:10:10]

It's disappointing. These were people that are highly qualified, that were considered quote/unquote, "consensus candidates," prior to a few weeks ago. And I think that it really speaks volumes that the Democratic leadership is not working with us to ensure a continuity of government.

This was not the precedent that was set by Senate Republicans when they worked with the Obama administration in 2008, to ensure that President Obama, despite political differences, got the Cabinet of his choosing because they were qualified individuals. I expect the same standard for our individuals.

And I think Senator Schumer should do the same, recognize that this is more about continuity of government and insuring that these qualified individuals get voted on as soon as possible, so that we can lead this country forward.

With that, I'll be glad to take some of your questions.

John Roberts (ph)?

QUESTION: Hey Sean. Yesterday, you promised that you would be able to shed a little more light on the first orders that the incoming president will sign...

SPICER: Right.

QUESTION: ... on Friday and maybe give us some idea of what's coming up on Monday.

SPICER: Yeah I'm gonna have to continue to update you on that. The president-elect is continuing to get briefed on some of the orders that he wants to do in the sequencing thereof.

I think we've talked about that for a few months, now. Obamacare, the fight against ISIS. He talked about immigration, key issues that have been important to him throughout the campaign that will continue to be important to him in this administration.

He is committed to not just day one, but day two, day three, of enacting an agenda of real change. And I think that you're gonna see that in the days and weeks to come. What he's trying to do, is ensure a proper sequencing.

Staff is continuing to meet with him about that. But again, I think you'll see some activity on -- on both tomorrow, over the weekend and then Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday. So it's gonna be a robust, not just day one, but I think first week, first month and probably first term.

QUESTION: Do you know how many of tomorrow's orders are simply processed...

(CROSSTALK)

SPICER: ... I don't wanna go there yet. I think the president- elect is still working through which ones he wants to deal with tomorrow, versus Monday or Tuesday. We'll try to get a readout of those, going forward. But it is -- it is a work in progress. There's a lot to be done.

QUESTION: Sean...

SPICER: Yes?

QUESTION: (OFF-MIKE)

SPICER: Yep?

QUESTION: (OFF-MIKE) I would like to know if we are going to the White House Press Corps, are gonna still work at the White -- at the West Wing?

SPICER: Yeah I think that's been asked and answered. I mean, as you can tell by today, there is a tremendous interest -- frankly an unprecedented interest, in covering this president. The demand and enthusiasm to understand the agenda that he has and what he's gonna be doing is -- is, you know, frankly unprecedented.

We have tried to be accommodating and looked at additional room space. As we've announced previously, we're gonna continue. As I noted, we'll host the first meeting in the James Brady Briefing Room.

It's gonna be a little cramped, I imagine. But that's where we'll -- we'll hold at least the first couple of briefings, for now. So I hope that answers.

Cecilia (ph)?

(CROSSTALK)

QUESTION: Can you confirm that the president-elect has the plans to go to the CIA in the near future? And is this, for lack of a better term, to make nice after everything that's happened?

SPICER: I would say there's no -- I'm sorry? Yeah so, Cecilia (ph) asked whether or not he had plans to go to the CIA.

I am sure that at some point, shortly, he will visit not just the CIA but a lot of the departments. I mentioned yesterday during the briefing that the president continues to be humbled by the people who serve this nation and the work that they do so many times, without the proper recognition for the sacrifices that they make, in terms of time.

So many of them could be making more in the private sector, but they continue to serve this government. And I think the enthusiasm to serve in government and be part of this administration, has gotten greater by the day.

There are so many people that have submitted a resume or said I wanna go back into public service or join the military, because they've been inspired by the president-elect's message. And -- and so I think not just CIA, but several departments, he's gonna visit and make sure that he tells them how much he appreciates their service to our country, their commitment to acting an agenda of change and recognize how much they really do for this country.

So its not just gonna be the CIA, but I think you're gonna see a lot of activity throughout, not just the first week, first month and the first year of making that a priority to thank so many of the people who serve our government. And -- and again, not just federal servants, but so many people who volunteer their time in various ways, to serve this nation, both paid and unpaid.

(CROSSTALK)

QUESTION: ... feel that there needs to be some sense mending, if you will, on behalf of the -- with the intelligence community?

SPICER: No, I -- I think he has been very clear, his statement that he put out the Friday that he got the briefing. He respects the work and diligence of the intelligence community.

The men and women who so often serve in the intelligence community without recognition because of the very nature of the work they do, is something that he has a true understanding of the sacrifice that they make.

And so he has been very, very clear that while he may have differences sometimes with the leadership of the intelligence community, that the work of the individuals, men and women who tirelessly support the analysis and -- and readings of the intelligence community is something that he will continue to show his support for and his thanks.

[10:15:10]

(CROSSTALK)

SPICER: Kristen (ph)?

QUESTION: Thanks, Sean. Your list of Cabinet picks is the first since 1988 that doesn't include any Hispanics. I know you got a question about this yesterday, as well. What do you say to Hispanics' groups who are concerned about that? And what do you say more broadly about the criticism that's been undercut to President-elect Trump's argument that he intends to serve all Americans?

SPICER: Well, he is here to serve all -- I mean, thank you for the question.

I think when you look at the totality of his administration -- the people that he's talked to, the people that he's met with, the people that he is appointing -- you see a president who is committed to uniting this country, who's brining the best and the brightest together.

But -- but look at the cabinet; Elaine Chao, Dr. Ben Carson, Governor Nikki Haley the first Indian-American. I -- I think that he's -- one -- the number one thing that I think Americans should focus on, is he hiring the best and the brightest? Is he hiring people who are committed to enacting real change, respecting taxpayers, bringing about an agenda that will create jobs, lift up wages?

And I think that what you're seeing and what you're going to continue to see, not just through the cabinet, but through the entire thing, is a diversity in gender and a diversity in thinking and a diversity of ideology. So, it's not just about, you know, skin color or ethnic heritage. But if you look at the totality of this Cabinet -- an Indian-American, an African-American, you know, Asian-American -- it's -- it's about -- it's about a lot of things.

And I think you can start to pick out one group and say where does the percentage of that. But you look at the totality of the people that he's meeting with, the people he's bringing in for senior staff positions, Cabinets, sub-cabinet deputy. We're going to have 5,000 positions, and it's not -- so -- so I think that you can pick out one subset.

But if you look at the totality of the diversity that he is bringing in this, I would -- I would say that it's probably something to hold up second to none. QUESTION: But given that salacious comments about Latinos, about immigration -- such a hot button topic during the campaign. Why not make that a priority and...

(CROSSTALK)

SPICER: It is a -- no, no -- again...

QUESTION: ... sending that signal.

SPICER: Right, and I think it is a priority, but I think that it's very -- it's a very narrow way to look at it and say that if you don't appoint people to this particular position, that's a problem. I just mentioned, you know, the level of diversity that's throughout, not just the Cabinet, but his staff and the other appointments that he's going to make.

I guarantee you that when we've continued to -- as we continue to announce this, that problem will be something that people look at and respect the level of diversity throughout his entire administration.

Yes, sir?

QUESTION: Almost three (inaudible) Italy (inaudible) President Trump (inaudible) do you think that as president (inaudible) should consider re-inviting Russia to the meeting (ph)?

SPICER: Well, that's up to them to decide. I'm not going to get ahead of what the Italian government.

Steve Holland?

QUESTION: How -- how many nominees do you expect to have in the next few days, confirmed? And -- and what conversations are you having with Senator Schumer, Senator McConnell to get the process moving?

SPICER: I think the vice -- the vice president's been in contact with Senate leadership. I know Senator McConnell's been working tirelessly to get the situation going. There is really no excuse for the delay tactics, and frankly the partisanship that's being exhibited by the Democrats.

There's a time and place for it, I get it. But again, I think if you hold them to the standard that they were held in '08, you recognize the fact that they are continuing to employ delay tactics after delay tactic, which isn't good for the government. I mean, I cited yesterday a poll which over 50 percent of the American people believe that the national economic and security teams should be confirmed immediately.

And the idea that they're delaying that further calls into question their desire to have a -- a government of continuity. And it sends not just a signal to the folks in the United States but, frankly, around the world that we're not -- that they're questioning the ability of continuity of government. We've taken the proper steps to ensure, as I mentioned earlier, critical positions were filled. We have a plan to ensure that in every department there is a key individual ready to go. So -- but I think it's disappointing that they have chosen to do this. And again, I noted this before.

But if you look at the questions that are being asked in these confirmation hearings, it's not about substance, it's not about policy, it's not about the -- the issues in front of that department. It's about partisan hacks -- I mean, partisan attacks and -- and ethical questions.

That's not -- these people have had their paperwork in, their quality and caliber and integrity is unquestionable. And I think to see some of these attacks and the focus not be on issues like schools and teachers and homeland security is -- is a problem. There are so many issues facing this country that we need to get moving on.

And the idea that Democrats would use these stall tactics is just -- it's not -- it's not in the country's best interest.

Yes, ma'am?

QUESTION: Do you think that anybody will be confirmed on Monday?

QUESTION: Question on...

SPICER: I hope so. I mean, yes, we're -- Senator McConnell has been working tirelessly to get as many nominees confirmed as possible so that we're ready to go. And as soon as Senator Schumer and other Democrats are willing to work with him -- but again, you look at the comments they made.

[10:20:00]

They came out with their so-called hit list. They're individuals as I mentioned, Secretary Chao, Dr. Ben Carson, Governor Nikki Halley, that weren't on their political hit list. They are consensus candidates. And while every one of them is unbelievably qualified to lead this country in their respective department the idea that they're expanding this list and slowing down the continuity of government is unacceptable.

They -- they owe an explanation on those three individuals at the least. Why are they delaying Elaine Chao? Why are they not moving on Dr. Ben Carson? Why are they not moving on Governor Nikki Haley? The other one -- there is no question their qualifications, and I would agree that they should move all of them. But those individuals weren't on their political hit list. Why are they holding up those three individuals in particular?

Yes ma'am?

QUESTION: The question on trade, global trade in specifically. As you're probably aware, the Chinese president lauded his merits of free trade this week. I'll ask you two questions about trade. What is your message to Beijing about the role that America's going to play in global trade?

And secondly, are you willing to work with Beijing in places where you have commonalities as well as confront them in places you don't?

SPICER: Yeah, I think the president's message on trade has been fairly clear. He is going to fight for American workers and American manufacturing. And that's going to be the number one thing that guides him going forward. And so, he has talked about bilateral deals, making sure -- but he's going to that make sure every deal he cuts -- just like he did in business -- puts American -- American workers and American manufacturing, American services, America first.

And so whether it's China or any other country, that's going to be the priority. But with respect to China alone, it's huge market place for American workers and small businesses. You look at the commitment that Ali Baba made the other day when they met with him, talking about increasing access to small businesses.

It's important that individuals who might have a craft or a product that they're working at home at or maybe it's just a small business, have the opportunity to access those market places that at one point might be too far for them to reach, but through the technology that we have available to us now.

And so, he's going to continue to fight whether it's the Chinese market or -- or other places around the globe for market access. But again the guiding principle is always going to be the American worker and American manufacturing. Yeah?

QUESTION: (inaudible) from WHDH TV Boston. Getting back to your idea that the president wants to work with and for people who weren't with him in the election, how long will he continue trying when the other side is boycotting the inaugural and in your own words, not helping with nominations, until he says I'm just going to work with the people who got me there?

SPICER: I don't think that's going to happen. I mean, if you look at the people he's meeting with, he's got a commitment of uniting this country, bringing people together, Republicans, Democrats, people that were for him, against him, agnostic during the campaign. But he has continued to meet with people who have ideas on how to move the country forward, how to create jobs, how to reinvigorate our manufacturing base. And if people have a good idea about how to do that, he's not really concerned with what they have said or done in the past if their commitment is about the future.

QUESTION: (inaudible) anyone he's already brought into the fold?

SPICER: Sure, he had an entire meeting with the tech industry. We sat down with 25 tech titans.

QUESTION: (OFF-MIKE)

SPICER: I think, you know, look at some individuals he met, I don't think some of the individuals -- and I'm not going to get into past statements they may have made, but I think if you start Googling, you'll find folks who may have not been entirely focused on supporting him or supported another candidate.

And that's -- again, I think it has shown through his actions in terms of who he's appointed, who he's met with. This is about moving the country forward. I think he has shown a deep concern for putting -- getting America back on track and he is really not concerned with the past.

Major Garret (ph)?

QUESTION: Sean, can you reconcile the vice president-elect's statements that you're ready on day one with your comments that there are continuity of government issues...

SPICER: Yeah.

QUESTION: ... aided by the stall of certain Democrats? You can't have it both ways.

SPICER: Sure you can. Absolutely. Sure, I think there is a difference. As I've noted, we have appointed over 50 people in critical positions to maintain their office until we can find a successor for this administration. So, we have looked through the entire government and found areas where there is a critical need to maintain someone.

In an area where a department -- for example, the secretary won't be available. There is a continuity in government place to ensure that the highest level person assumes those duties as acting. So...

QUESTION: (OFF-MIKE) those are place holder people until your Cabinet secretaries are confirmed, and they can't carry out...

SPICER: Sure they can.

QUESTION: ... mandate of the president...

SPICER: No, no, there's a difference -- right. But there's a difference between enacting an agenda and making sure if there's issue or concern -- continuity of government is if there is an attack or some kind of weather incident that occurs where each departments have to be called into action to support the American people, we're ready to go. Make no mistake; we are ready to go on day one.

So, there's a big difference between being ready to go and start enacting things some of the things. There are -- there are limitations to what individuals can do in terms of enacting the agenda, but in terms of being ready to go and being able to respond to an incident, we're ready to go at 12:01 tomorrow.

QUESTION: (OFF-MIKE) are you going to keep him for the entire duration of the...

SPICER: Well, we'll have to evaluate that. Right now, our -- our -- our focus was on continuity of government and case-by-case basis we'll work with those individuals and the departments.

[10:25:03]

SPICER: Yes?

QUESTION: Shannon (ph) (inaudible) Bloomberg.

On trade, is the president-elect going to wait until his Cabinet is all in place before beginning negotiations with Mexico and Canada on NAFTA? Or if the USTR and the secretary of Commerce are not in place, will the president go and contact those country's presidents to begin talks directly?

SPICER: I think, I'm not going to get ahead of him, but I will tell you that he is -- part of what he announced in the executive order list around the Thanksgiving time included the actions on both TPP and NAFTA that will be done by executive order.

So I think you will see those happen very shortly. When and where is going to -- in terms of where that Cabinet piece falls in -- some of it has to do with frankly with Senate Democrats, but I don't think he's going to wait. He's made it very clear that some of those things are huge priorities for him.

QUESTION: Sean.

SPICER: Yes?

QUESTION: (Inaudible) I'm just wondering you said yesterday that there will be a couple of visits next week...

SPICER: Right.

QUESTION: ... Theresa May, Britain's (inaudible) top of the list as far as (inaudible)

(CROSSTALK)

SPICER: No, I -- I was talking specifically about agencies and departments.

QUESTION: There are no foreign leaders expected next week?

SPICER: I -- I -- I'm not -- nothing is expected next week in terms of foreign leader visits. They'll -- we'll have an update on that at some point.

Phil Rocker (ph). QUESTION: Yeah, you talked about some the agencies and the contingency plan, but can you just address the National Security Council in the White House? Only a couple of people, I believe, have been appointed so far. Are there going to be more appointments before tomorrow or over the weekend or what are you doing to make sure that's...

SPICER: Yeah, I -- I -- I'm not sure that that's true -- I mean we have a great group of folks who's been in constant contact with the National Security Council and the Homeland Security Council. So you've got General Flynn and K.T. McFarland on the national security front, Tom Bossert on the homeland security front.

And as I mentioned there's several individuals within both the Homeland Security Council and the National Security Council that are being held over in critical positions and they're working with it.

The other issue is that there's a lot of individuals who are detailed and are going to be staying on board. The contact and level of support back and forth in the National Security Council alone has been tremendous. We've had reams of briefings and people that have come over and met with the national -- the incoming National Security Council.

That is one area where frankly they have been very, very aggressive and robust with both meeting with their counterparts and ensuring that the team is ready to go day one.

Katie (ph).

QUESTION: Ethics experts and former White House lawyers have expressed deep concern over Donald Trump's plan to separate himself from his business. The OG director said that handing over control to his sons is not enough, he called it wholly inadequate.

Given that he hasn't released his taxes, given that 74 percent of Americans want him to release his taxes, will he at least give a list of who he is in debt to and, if not, why not?

SPICER: I think that question has been asked and answered a hundred times. He still didn't...

(CROSSTALK)

SPICER: Katie (ph)...

QUESTION: (OFF-MIKE)

SPICER: No, I get that, I heard the question.

So -- I think the president-elect has made it very clear. He has no conflicts by law, he has gone above and beyond, in terms of making sure that he separates himself from his business, hands it over to his kids and then put in place a very, very rigorous plan to ensure that no conflicts of interest occur. He has gone above and beyond what is ever required of him. He has no conflicts by law. So what he has done is extraordinary, to ensure that his focus is entirely on the -- on helping this country move forward.

Francesca (ph).

QUESTION: (OFF-MIKE)

(CROSSTALK)

SPICER: Francesca (ph). Thank you. Thank you.

Francesca (ph)

QUESTION: Could you give us a little bit more color or information on how the, then president, plans to spend his first weekend at the White House and some more information on what he plans to do during his first week?

And also clarify that those departmental meetings that were coming up, like the CIA, will also be taking place next week?

SPICER: Well, I -- as I mentioned to Celia (ph) I don't -- I'm not going to get into the schedule at this point in terms of what he's doing, but yeah he'll -- as I read out the schedule so far as to what he's doing -- he's gonna, you know, there'll be time carved out for executive order signings as he chooses.

There's a lot that going to occur over the weekend in terms of meeting with staff, getting prepared and then as of -- as we get closer to Monday we'll have an update on the schedule in terms of where he might be going or other signing that he'll be conducting.

Yes ma'am. Yeah?

QUESTION: I was wondering, there's a lot of rumors going around about the first executive orders. Can you clarify whether or not he'll issue an immigration executive order on Monday or sometime next week?

I know you said -- you promised that you would give us more details, I know you've already gone over the ones that deal with logistics and government operations... SPICER: Right.

QUESTION: ... but there's a lot of concern about what he'll come up with in terms of immigration.

SPICER: Well, look -- I -- a, as I said earlier, we're going to have an update on the schedule. The president-elect is still working with the team to decide how he wants to sequence these things. But I would refer you back to the video again. I mean he laid out very clearly what his top priorities are going to be. And I think it should be no surprise to anybody that immigration, job creation, manufacturing, tax reform are all at the top of that list.

[10:30:00]

And so, it's just, frankly, a question of sequencing. But right now he is committed to getting those things done and we're working on the timing.