The Trump administration is applauding the January jobs reports.

This comes as the President signs executive order taking aim at Dodd-Frank financial overhaul.

Last month's jobs report, which showed the U.S. economy adding 227,000 jobs and the unemployment rate at 4.8 percent.

The report also says that more Americans started looking for work, although not all of them found jobs immediately.

"Today's report reflects the consumer confidence that the Trump presidency has inspired," said White House press secretay Sean Spicer.

"President Trump campaigned on how to make America work again. Even before he took office, the markets knew he would deliver on that promise."

President Donald Trump also signed an executive order that will direct the Treasury secretary to review the 2010 Dodd-Frank financial overhaul.

It's Trump's first step at scaling back regulations on financial services.

Trump has called the law a "disaster" and said it failed to address some of the causes of the 2008-2009 financial crisis.

Washington DC - 3 February 2017

1. SOUNDBITE (English) Sean Spicer, White House Press Secretary:

"The economy added more than 227,000 new jobs, significantly more than the 175,000 that had been expected. Today's report reflects the consumer confidence that the Trump presidency has inspired. According to a recent Gallup poll, economic confidence is at a new high and ADP showed strong private sector hiring. President Trump campaigned on how to make America work again. Even before he took office, the markets knew he would deliver on that promise."

++SEPARATED BY WHITE FLASH+++

2. SOUNDBITE (English) Sean Spicer, White House Press Secretary:

"The president's already taken significant steps to turn our economy around and he is looking forward to ensuring that every American who wants a job has the opportunity to find one. While the president's definitely pleased that the job growth has far surpassed expectations and that the labor force participation is rising, he also recognizes that there is a lot more work to be done."

++SEPARATED BY WHITE FLASH+++

3. SOUNDBITE (English) Sean Spicer, White House Press Secretary:

"The Dodd-Frank Act is a disastrous policy that's hindering our markets, reducing the availability of credit and crippling our economy's ability to grow and create jobs. It imposed hundreds of new regulations and financial -- on financial institutions, while establishing unaccountable and unconstitutional new agency that does not adequately protect consumers. Perhaps worst of all, despite all of this overreaching, Dodd-Frank did not address the causes of the financial crisis, something we all know must be done. It did not solve the too big to fail and we must determine conclusively that the failure of a large bank will never again leave taxpayers on the hook."

The Trump administration is applauding the January jobs reports.

This comes as the President signs executive order taking aim at Dodd-Frank financial overhaul.

Last month's jobs report, which showed the U.S. economy adding 227,000 jobs and the unemployment rate at 4.8 percent.

The report also says that more Americans started looking for work, although not all of them found jobs immediately.

"Today's report reflects the consumer confidence that the Trump presidency has inspired," said White House press secretay Sean Spicer.

"President Trump campaigned on how to make America work again. Even before he took office, the markets knew he would deliver on that promise."

President Donald Trump also signed an executive order that will direct the Treasury secretary to review the 2010 Dodd-Frank financial overhaul.

It's Trump's first step at scaling back regulations on financial services.

Trump has called the law a "disaster" and said it failed to address some of the causes of the 2008-2009 financial crisis.

Washington DC - 3 February 2017

1. Cutaway of White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer walking in to press briefing

2. SOUNDBITE (English) Sean Spicer, White House Press Secretary:

"The economy added more than 227,000 new jobs, significantly more than the 175,000 that had been expected. Today's report reflects the consumer confidence that the Trump presidency has inspired. According to a recent Gallup poll, economic confidence is at a new high and ADP showed strong private sector hiring. President Trump campaigned on how to make America work again. Even before he took office, the markets knew he would deliver on that promise."

3. Cutaway

4. SOUNDBITE (English) Sean Spicer, White House Press Secretary:

"The president's already taken significant steps to turn our economy around and he is looking forward to ensuring that every American who wants a job has the opportunity to find one. While the president's definitely pleased that the job growth has far surpassed expectations and that the labor force participation is rising, he also recognizes that there is a lot more work to be done."

5. Cutaway

6. SOUNDBITE (English) Sean Spicer, White House Press Secretary:

"The Dodd-Frank Act is a disastrous policy that's hindering our markets, reducing the availability of credit and crippling our economy's ability to grow and create jobs. It imposed hundreds of new regulations and financial -- on financial institutions, while establishing unaccountable and unconstitutional new agency that does not adequately protect consumers. Perhaps worst of all, despite all of this overreaching, Dodd-Frank did not address the causes of the financial crisis, something we all know must be done. It did not solve the too big to fail and we must determine conclusively that the failure of a large bank will never again leave taxpayers on the hook."

7. Cutaway

8. SOUNDBITE (English) Sean Spicer, White House Press Secretary:

"They did have a very productive and candid conversation. We have tremendous amount of respect for the people of Australia, for Prime Minister Trunbull and a followup on the call, but we are going to continue to work through this. We are going to honor the commitments that we made in some way, meaning that we are going to vet these people in accordance with the agreement that happened and we are going to continue to have further updates as we do."

9. Cutaway

10. SOUNDBITE (English) Sean Spicer, White House Press Secretary:

"The President is commited to peace, that's his goal and I think when the President and Prime Minister meet here on the 15th that obviously be the topic at that. At the end of the day the goal is peace. I think that is what you have to keep in mind, I think that is going to be a subject that they discuss when they meet on the 15th and that's as far as I want to go on that."

11. Cutaway

12. SOUNDBITE (English) Sean Spicer, White House Press Secretary:

"I think the statement is very clear about that, we don't think the existence of current settlements is an impedement to peace, but I think the construction or expansion of existing settlements beyond the borders is not going to be helpful moving forward."

13. Spicer leaving briefing

RESTRICTION SUMMARY: AP CLIENTS ONLY

SHOTLIST:

ASSOCIATED PRESS - AP CLIENTS ONLY

Washington, DC - 19 April 2017

1. White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer walks to podium

2. Cutaway of reporter

3 . SOUNDBITE (English) Sean Spicer, White House Press Secretary:

"The president is directing an interagency review of the deal to review that, and we have 90 days before the next one comes up, and we'll have more. But, right now we're undergoing a 90 day review, and I think the statement the secretary of state made to Congress clearly stated that the president is directing the National Security Council to lead an interagency review of the plan and evaluate whether suspension sanctions related to Iran, pursuant to the JCPOA (Iran nuclear deal) are in the vital interest of our national security. The letter clearly lays out what the president is going to do to make sure they are living up to their agreement."

4. Reverse angle of Spicer at podium

5. SOUNDBITE (English) Sean Spicer, White House Press Secretary:

(Reporter, off-camera: "Is the president concerned that Iran may be cheating on the JCPOA? David Albright, the noted weapons inspector, says they're developing a new centrifuge which he thinks could be a violation.")

"And I think that's why he's asking for this review. If he didn't, if he thought everything was fine, he would have allowed this to move forward. He's doing the prudent thing by asking for a review of the current deal and what's happening."

6. Cutaway of reporter

7. Wide of Spicer at the podium

8. SOUNDBITE (English) Sean Spicer, White House Press Secretary:

(Reporter, off-camera: "The president has said that he would like to see the nuclear deal renegotiated with Iran. How specifically does he plan to get a new deal? Is that something he still wants to do?")

"Well, again, that's why we're undergoing this interagency review. Part of this is to get the entire team to look at it in the next 90 days, review that is required under the deal. So we will have recommendations presented to the president on where the deal stands and how to act further."

9. Cutaway of reporters

10. Wide of Spicer speaking to reporters

11. SOUNDBITE (English) Sean Spicer, White House Press Secretary:

"While we're on the topic of upcoming events, I'd like to note the president will welcome Palestinian President Abbas for a visit to Washington on May 3rd. They will use the visit to affirm the commitment of the United States and the Palestinian leadership to pursuing and ultimately concluding a conflict-ending settlement between the Palestinians and Israel.

12. Spicer exiting briefing room

STORYLINE:

White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer said on Wednesday that the US administration is "doing the prudent thing" by conducting a 90-day interagency review of the Iran nuclear deal to make sure Iran is living up to its side of the agreement.

"Part of this is to get the entire team to look at it the next 90 days, review that is required under the deal," Spicer said. "So we will have recommendations presented to the president on where the deal stands and how to act further."

The Trump administration has notified Congress that Iran is complying with the terms of the 2015 nuclear deal negotiated by former President Barack Obama, and says the U.S. has extended the sanctions relief given to the Islamic republic in exchange for curbs on its atomic program.

However, in a letter sent late Tuesday to House Speaker Paul Ryan, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said the administration has undertaken a full review of the agreement, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.

The certification of Iran's compliance, which must be sent to Congress every 90 days, is the first issued by the Trump administration.

The deadline for this certification was midnight.

As a candidate in the 2016 presidential election, Donald Trump was an outspoken critic of the deal but had offered conflicting opinions on whether he would try to scrap it, modify it or keep it in place with more strenuous enforcement.

Tuesday's determination suggested that while Trump agreed with findings by the U.N.'s nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency, that Iran is keeping to its end of the bargain, he is looking for another way to ratchet up pressure on Tehran.

Spicer also told reporters at the briefing that Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas was scheduled to visit Washington early in May and hold talks with Trump.

===========================================================

Clients are reminded:

(i) to check the terms of their licence agreements for use of content outside news programming and that further advice and assistance can be obtained from the AP Archive on: Tel +44 (0) 20 7482 7482 Email: info@aparchive.com

(ii) they should check with the applicable collecting society in their Territory regarding the clearance of any sound recording or performance included within the AP Television News service

(iii) they have editorial responsibility for the use of all and any content included within the AP Television News service and for libel, privacy, compliance and third party rights applicable to their Territory.

The Trump administration is applauding the January jobs reports.

White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer on Friday addressed last month's job report, which showed the U.S. economy adding 227,000 jobs and the unemployment rate at 4.8 percent.

The report also says that more Americans started looking for work, although not all of them found jobs immediately.

Trump also signed an executive order that will direct the Treasury secretary to review the 2010 Dodd-Frank financial overhaul.

It's Trump's first step at scaling back regulations on financial services.

Trump has called the law a "disaster" and said it failed to address some of the causes of the 2008-2009 financial crisis.

Washington DC - 3 February 2017

1. White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer walking in to press briefing

2. SOUNDBITE (English) Sean Spicer, White House Press Secretary:

"The economy added more than 227,000 new jobs, significantly more than the 175,000 that had been expected. Today's report reflects the consumer confidence that the Trump presidency has inspired. According to a recent Gallup poll, economic confidence is at a new high and ADP showed strong private sector hiring. President Trump campaigned on how to make America work again. Even before he took office, the markets knew he would deliver on that promise."

3. Cutaway

4. SOUNDBITE (English) Sean Spicer, White House Press Secretary:

"The president has already taken significant steps to turn our economy around and he is looking forward to ensuring that every American who wants a job has the opportunity to find one. While the president's definitely pleased that the job growth has far surpassed expectations and that the labor force participation is rising, he also recognizes that there is a lot more work to be done."

5. Cutaway

6. SOUNDBITE (English) Sean Spicer, White House Press Secretary:

"The Dodd-Frank Act is a disastrous policy that's hindering our markets, reducing the availability of credit and crippling our economy's ability to grow and create jobs. It imposed hundreds of new regulations on financial institutions while establishing unaccountable and unconstitutional new agency that does not adequately protect consumers. Perhaps worst of all, despite all of this overreaching, Dodd-Frank did not address the causes of the financial crisis, something we all know must be done. It did not solve the too big to fail and we must determine conclusively that the failure of a large bank will never again leave taxpayers on the hook."

7. Cutaway

8. SOUNDBITE (English) Sean Spicer, White House Press Secretary:

"They did have a very productive and candid conversation. We have tremendous amount of respect for the people of Australia, for Prime Minister Trunbull and it was a follow-up on the call, but we are going to continue to work through this. We are going to honor the commitments that we've made in some way, meaning that we are going to vet these people in accordance with the agreement that happened and we are going to continue to have further updates as we do."

9. Cutaway

10. SOUNDBITE (English) Sean Spicer, White House Press Secretary:

"The president is committed to peace, that's his goal and I think when the president and Prime Minister Netanyahu meet here on the 15th that obviously be the topic at that. At the end of the day the goal is peace. I think that is what you have to keep in mind, I think that is going to be a subject that they discuss when they meet on the 15th and that's as far as I want to go on that."

11. Cutaway

12. SOUNDBITE (English) Sean Spicer, White House Press Secretary:

"I think the statement is very clear about that, we don't believe that the existence of current settlements is an impediment to peace, but I think the construction or expansion of existing settlements beyond the current borders is not going to be helpful moving forward."

13. Spicer leaving briefing

RESTRICTION SUMMARY: AP CLIENTS ONLY

SHOTLIST:

ASSOCIATED PRESS - AP CLIENTS ONLY

Washington, DC - 19 April 2017

+++WHITE FLASHES BETWEEN SOUNDBITES+++

1. SOUNDBITE (English) Sean Spicer, White House Press Secretary:

"The president is directing an interagency review of the deal to review that, and we have 90 days before the next one comes up, and we'll have more. But, right now we're undergoing a 90 day review, and I think the statement the secretary of state made to Congress clearly stated that the president is directing the National Security Council to lead an interagency review of the plan and evaluate whether suspension sanctions related to Iran, pursuant to the JCPOA (Iran nuclear deal) are in the vital interest of our national security. The letter clearly lays out what the president is going to do make sure they are living up to their agreement."

+++WHITE FLASH+++

2. SOUNDBITE (English) Sean Spicer, White House Press Secretary:

"(Reporter) Is the president concerned that Iran may be cheating on the JCPOA? David Albright, the noted weapons inspector, says they're developing a new centrifuge which he says could be a violation.

(Spicer) And I think that's why he's asking for this review. If he didn't and he thought everything was fine, he would have allowed this to move forward. He's doing the prudent thing by asking for a review of the current deal and what's happening."

+++WHITE FLASH+++

3. SOUNDBITE (English) Sean Spicer, White House Press Secretary:

"(Reporter) The president has said that he would like to see the nuclear deal renegotiated with Iran. How specifically does he plan to get a new deal? Is that something he still wants to do?

(Spicer) Well, again, that's why we're undergoing this interagency review. Part of this is to get the entire team to look at it the next 90 days, review that is required under the deal. So we will have recommendations presented to the president on where the deal stands and how to act further."

STORYLINE:

White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer says the administration is "doing the prudent thing" by conducting a 90-day interagency review of the Iran nuclear deal to make sure Iran is living up to its side of the agreement.

"Part of this is to get the entire team to look at it the next 90 days, review that is required under the deal," Spicer said. "So we will have recommendations presented to the president on where the deal stands and how to act further."

The Trump administration has notified Congress that Iran is complying with the terms of the 2015 nuclear deal negotiated by former President Barack Obama, and says the U.S. has extended the sanctions relief given to the Islamic republic in exchange for curbs on its atomic program.

However, in a letter sent late Tuesday to House Speaker Paul Ryan, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said the administration has undertaken a full review of the agreement, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.

The certification of Iran's compliance, which must be sent to Congress every 90 days, is the first issued by the Trump administration. The deadline for this certification was midnight.

As a candidate in the 2016 presidential election, Trump was an outspoken critic of the deal but had offered conflicting opinions on whether he would try to scrap it, modify it or keep it in place with more strenuous enforcement.

Tuesday's determination suggested that while Trump agreed with findings by the U.N.'s nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency, that Iran is keeping to its end of the bargain, he is looking for another way to ratchet up pressure on Tehran.

===========================================================

Clients are reminded:

(i) to check the terms of their licence agreements for use of content outside news programming and that further advice and assistance can be obtained from the AP Archive on: Tel +44 (0) 20 7482 7482 Email: info@aparchive.com

(ii) they should check with the applicable collecting society in their Territory regarding the clearance of any sound recording or performance included within the AP Television News service

(iii) they have editorial responsibility for the use of all and any content included within the AP Television News service and for libel, privacy, compliance and third party rights applicable to their Territory.

RESTRICTION SUMMARY: AP CLIENTS ONLY

SHOTLIST:

ASSOCIATED PRESS - AP CLIENTS ONLY

Washington, DC - 19 April 2017

1. White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer walks to podium

2. Cutaway of reporter

3 . SOUNDBITE (English) Sean Spicer, White House Press Secretary:

"The president is directing an interagency review of the deal to review that, and we have 90 days before the next one comes up, and we'll have more. But, right now we're undergoing a 90 day review, and I think the statement the secretary of state made to Congress clearly stated that the president is directing the National Security Council to lead an interagency review of the plan and evaluate whether suspension sanctions related to Iran, pursuant to the JCPOA (Iran nuclear deal) are in the vital interest of our national security. The letter clearly lays out what the president is going to do make sure they are living up to their agreement."

4. Reverse angle of Spicer at podium

5. SOUNDBITE (English) Sean Spicer, White House Press Secretary:

"(Reporter, off-camera Is the president concerned that Iran may be cheating on the JCPOA? David Albright, the noted weapons inspector, says they're developing a new centrifuge which he says could be a violation.)

And I think that's why he's asking for this review. If he didn't and he thought everything was fine, he would have allowed this to move forward. He's doing the prudent thing by asking for a review of the current deal and what's happening."

6. Cutaway of reporter

7. Wide of Spicer at the podium

8. SOUNDBITE (English) Sean Spicer, White House Press Secretary:

"(Reporter, off-camera: The president has said that he would like to see the nuclear deal renegotiated with Iran. How specifically does he plan to get a new deal? Is that something he still wants to do?)

Well, again, that's why we're undergoing this interagency review. Part of this is to get the entire team to look at it the next 90 days, review that is required under the deal. So we will have recommendations presented to the president on where the deal stands and how to act further."

9. Cutaway of reporters

10. Wide of Spicer speaking to reporters

11. SOUNDBITE (English) Sean Spicer, White House Press Secretary:

"While we're on the topic of upcoming events, I'd like to note the president will welcome Palestinian President Abbas for a visit on May 3rd. They will use the visit to affirm the commitment of the United States and the Palestinian leadership to pursuing and ultimately concluding a conflict-ending settlement between the Palestinians and Israel.

12. Spicer exiting briefing room

STORYLINE:

White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer says the administration is "doing the prudent thing" by conducting a 90-day interagency review of the Iran nuclear deal to make sure Iran is living up to its side of the agreement.

"Part of this is to get the entire team to look at it the next 90 days, review that is required under the deal," Spicer said. "So we will have recommendations presented to the president on where the deal stands and how to act further."

The Trump administration has notified Congress that Iran is complying with the terms of the 2015 nuclear deal negotiated by former President Barack Obama, and says the U.S. has extended the sanctions relief given to the Islamic republic in exchange for curbs on its atomic program.

However, in a letter sent late Tuesday to House Speaker Paul Ryan, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said the administration has undertaken a full review of the agreement, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.

The certification of Iran's compliance, which must be sent to Congress every 90 days, is the first issued by the Trump administration. The deadline for this certification was midnight.

As a candidate in the 2016 presidential election, Trump was an outspoken critic of the deal but had offered conflicting opinions on whether he would try to scrap it, modify it or keep it in place with more strenuous enforcement.

Tuesday's determination suggested that while Trump agreed with findings by the U.N.'s nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency, that Iran is keeping to its end of the bargain, he is looking for another way to ratchet up pressure on Tehran.

===========================================================

Clients are reminded:

(i) to check the terms of their licence agreements for use of content outside news programming and that further advice and assistance can be obtained from the AP Archive on: Tel +44 (0) 20 7482 7482 Email: info@aparchive.com

(ii) they should check with the applicable collecting society in their Territory regarding the clearance of any sound recording or performance included within the AP Television News service

(iii) they have editorial responsibility for the use of all and any content included within the AP Television News service and for libel, privacy, compliance and third party rights applicable to their Territory.

US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said on Tuesday that "there maybe some small increase in the price of lumber" after the Trump administration moved on Monday to impose a 20 percent tariff on softwood lumber entering the United States from Canada.

The move escalated an intensifying trade dispute between the two countries.

The president announced the decision during a gathering with conservative media outlets at the White House on Monday evening.

During the White House news briefing on Tuesday, Ross said he did not think "a trade war," would follow the Trump administration's actions.

The Canadian government, meanwhile, rejected the assessment, calling the duty "unfair and punitive."

Meanwhile, the White House is refusing to provide lawmakers with information and documents clearance and payments from organizations tied to the Russian and Turkish governments.

The White House was responding to requests made last month by the House Oversight committee.

The committee made six requests, and the White House cited reasons it could not comply with each of them.

Trump has said he fired Michael Flynn because of misleading comments he made to the vice president about his discussions with the Russian ambassador during the transition.

Flynn is among the Trump associates being investigated by Congress and the FBI for possible ties between the Trump campaign and Russia.

Washington, DC - 25 April 2017

1. Side, US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross at briefing room podium

2. SOUNDBITE (English) Wilbur Ross, US Commerce Secretary:

"There is roughly 15 billion dollars worth of hardwood, err, softwood lumber used in houses in this country and about 31.5 percent of that comes from the Canadians, so that is roughly five billion dollars a year. 20 percent tariff on that is essentially a billion dollars a year and the retrospective 90 day feature adds another 250 million to that on a one time basis. Softwood lumber, as they say, is the fundamental use in single family houses. We do not think that the price of lumber will go up by anything like the 20 percent, but there maybe some small increase in the price of lumber for the house."

3. Side, Ross speaking

4. SOUNDBITE (English) Wilbur Ross, US Commerce Secretary:

"They are a close ally, they are an important ally. They generally are a good neighbor. That doesn't mean they don't have to play by the rules."

(Reporter off camera: "What do you mean by generally a good neighbor?")

"Well, things like this I don't regard as being a good neighbor, dumping lumber and there is a feeling in the dairy industry that they are a little bit abrupt in the action they took the week before."

5. Cutaway reporters

6. SOUNDBITE (English) Wilbur Ross, US Commerce Secretary:

(Reporter off camera: "Is there a risk this could provoke retaliation on the part of the Canadians we could see a trade war between the United States and Canada?") "Well, I know that that would be a stimulatory thing for all your readership, but we don't think that is going to happen."

(Reporter off camera: "I mean, this is isolated - this is dairy and softwood and ...") "We think so and we certainly hope so and we look forward to constructive discussions with the Canadians as we get into NAFTA."

7. Side, Sean Spicer at podium

8. SOUNDBITE (English) Sean Spicer, White House Press Secretary:

"I will correct you on that. The committee sent a form letter to several agencies, including the White House asking to find those documents. The documents in question, the Department of Defense possessed and sent over to them. The documents that occurred before he worked here, would be up to him to turn over. So, my understanding is that the committee has the documents that they were looking for ..."

9. Wide, briefing room

10. SOUNDBITE (English) Sean Spicer, White House Press Secretary:

"I understand that. And right now, to ask the White House to produce documents that were not in the possession of the White House is ridiculous."

11. Cutaway, reporters

The Department of Defense has presented its preliminary plan to defeat the Islamic State group. White House press secretary Sean Spicer says the plan was delivered to the White House by Defense Secretary Jim Mattis. The president is expected to address some of the details of that plan in his address to Congress tomorrow.

Questions about Trump advisers' contacts with Russian intelligence agents were revived by revelations that chief of staff Reince Priebus discussed the matter with high-level FBI officials, despite an ongoing investigation into those contacts.

Washington DC - 27 February 2017

1. SOUNDBITE: (English) Sean Spicer, White House Press Secretary:

"As you might already know the Department of Defense presented its preliminary plan to the White House today to defeat ISIS. This plan has been delivered by Secretary Mattis who is currently breaking the principals on the option presented today and seeking their input and feedback."

2. SOUNDBITE: (English) Sean Spicer, White House Press Secretary:

"The New York Times published a story about what they called 'contacts' between members of the Trump campaign and Russian officials. The FBI deputy director was at a meeting here at the White House that morning. After the meeting concluded, he asked the chief of staff to stand back a second he wanted to tell him that the report in the New York Times was "bs." For viewers at home, I think we can pretty much figure out what that means. But I'll leave it at that. At that time the chief of staff said "thank you for sharing that with me, can we let other people know that's the story is not accurate?" Throughout the day they went back and forth to see what they thought was appropriate. Finally they came to the conclusion that they did not want to get into the process of knocking down every story that they had issues with."

3. SOUNDBITE: (English) Sean Spicer, White House Press Secretary:

(Reporter question off camera): "You don't think there is something strange, or something odd about the White House press secretary getting the CIA director on the phone to knock down a story about an investigation?"

(Sean Spicer): "No. No. But you see, respectfully, you are using words like "knock down." There was a story in the newspaper, hold on, no, no. There were reporters coming to us saying there is a story out there, "what is your take on it?" And our answer was we don't believe it is accurate. We don't believe it's false. But obviously that's our take on it."

4. SOUNDBITE: (English) Sean Spicer, White House Press Secretary:

(Reporter question off camera): "Do you now categorically deny there were no contacts between the Russians and anyone on the campaign?"

(Sean Spicer): "I guess my point is is that you've had the intelligence community look at Russia's involvement in the election. You've had the House and the Senate both do the same. And so what I am trying to ascertain is that at what point how many people have to say there is nothing there before you realize there is nothing there?"

The Department of Defense has presented its preliminary plan to defeat the Islamic State group. White House press secretary Sean Spicer says the plan was delivered to the White House by Defense Secretary Jim Mattis. The president is expected to address some of the details of that plan in his address to Congress tomorrow.

Questions about Trump advisers' contacts with Russian intelligence agents were revived by revelations that chief of staff Reince Priebus discussed the matter with high-level FBI officials, despite an ongoing investigation into those contacts.

Washington DC - 27 February 2017

1. White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer

2. SOUNDBITE: (English) Sean Spicer, White House Press Secretary:

"The New York Times published a story about what they called 'contacts' between members of the Trump campaign and Russian officials. The FBI deputy director was at a meeting here at the White House that morning. After the meeting concluded, he asked the chief of staff to stand back a second he wanted to tell him that the report in the New York Times was "bs." For viewers at home, I think we can pretty much figure out what that means. But I'll leave it at that. At that time the chief of staff said "thank you for sharing that with me, can we let other people know that's the story is not accurate?" Throughout the day they went back and forth to see what they thought was appropriate. Finally they came to the conclusion that they did not want to get into the process of knocking down every story that they had issues with."

3. Spicer speaking

4. SOUNDBITE: (English) Sean Spicer, White House Press Secretary:

(Reporter question off camera): "You don't think there is something strange, or something odd about the White House press secretary getting the CIA director on the phone to knock down a story about an investigation?"

(Sean Spicer): "No. No. But you see, respectfully, you are using words like "knock down." There was a story in the newspaper, hold on, no, no. There were reporters coming to us saying there is a story out there, "what is your take on it?" And our answer was we don't believe it is accurate. We don't believe it's false. But obviously that's our take on it. And reporters were saying to us "well is there anybody that you can point to substantiate this claim?" Now remember, this all started with the FBI coming to us, bringing it to our attention saying that the story in the Times was not accurate, in fact it was "bs." And all we did was simply say "that's great, could you tell other reporters the same thing you are telling us?"

5. Spicer speaking

6. SOUNDBITE: (English) Sean Spicer, White House Press Secretary:

(Reporter question off camera): "Do you now categorically deny there were no contacts between the Russians and anyone on the campaign?"

(Sean Spicer): "I guess my point is is that you've had the intelligence community look at Russia's involvement in the election. You've had the House and the Senate both do the same. And so what I am trying to ascertain is that at what point how many people have to say there is nothing there before you realize there is nothing there? I cannot say unequivocally, all I am saying is the people who have done the investigating about Russia over all, and its activities in the United States, specifically now with respect to our election, haven't provided anything that lead me to believe, or should leave you to believe, and I continue to see reports coming from different media sources saying that when they checked in with law enforcement or intelligence community sources, there is nothing more then what has been previously reported over and over again."

7. Spicer speaking

8. SOUNDBITE: (English) Sean Spicer, White House Press Secretary:

(Reporter question off camera): "Just to follow up on that, did you personally reach out to Pompeo?"

(Sean Spicer): "I'm not going to discuss what we did internally. I'm just going to say that when we shared, we did our job about making sure that when people had, reporters had questions, we let them know which subject matter experts were available to discuss the accuracy of a newspaper story."

9. Spicer speaking

10. SOUNDBITE: (English) Sean Spicer, White House Press Secretary:

"As you might already know the Department of Defense presented its preliminary plan to the White House today to defeat ISIS. This plan has been delivered by Secretary Mattis who is currently breaking the principals on the option presented today and seeking their input and feedback. Finally I wanted to note the president continues to be deeply disappointed and concerned by the reports of further vandalism at Jewish cemeteries. The cowardly destruction in Philadelphia this weekend comes on top of similar accounts from Missouri and threats made to Jewish community centers around the country. The president continues to condemn these and any other form of anti-Semitic and hateful acts in the strongest terms."

11. Spicer speaking

The US Department of Defence has presented its preliminary plan to defeat the Islamic State group (IS).

White House press secretary Sean Spicer on Monday said the plan was delivered to the White House by Defence Secretary James Mattis.

The president is expected to address some of the details of that plan in his address to Congress tomorrow.

Questions about Trump advisers' contacts with Russian intelligence agents were revived in Monday's briefing by revelations that Chief of Staff Reince Priebus discussed the matter with high-level FBI officials, despite an ongoing investigation into those contacts.

Washington DC - 27 February 2017

1. White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer

2. SOUNDBITE: (English) Sean Spicer, White House Press Secretary:

"The New York Times published a story about what they called 'contacts' between members of the Trump campaign and Russian officials. The FBI deputy director was at a meeting here at the White House that morning. After the meeting concluded, he asked the chief of staff to stand back a second he wanted to tell him that the report in the New York Times was 'BS.' For viewers at home, I think we can pretty much figure out what that means. But I'll leave it at that. At that time the chief of staff said "thank you for sharing that with me, can we let other people know that's the story is not accurate?" Throughout the day they went back and forth to see what they thought was appropriate. Finally they came to the conclusion that they did not want to get into the process of knocking down every story that they had issues with."

3. Spicer speaking

4. SOUNDBITE: (English) Sean Spicer, White House Press Secretary:

(Reporter question off camera): "You don't think there is something strange, or something odd about the White House press secretary getting the CIA director on the phone to knock down a story about an investigation?"

(Sean Spicer): "No. No. But you see, respectfully, you are using words like 'knock down.' There was a story in the newspaper, hold on, no, no. There were reporters coming to us saying there is a story out there, 'what is your take on it?' And our answer was we don't believe it is accurate. We don't believe it's false. But obviously that's our take on it. And reporters were saying to us "well is there anybody that you can point to substantiate this claim?" Now remember, this all started with the FBI coming to us, bringing it to our attention saying that the story in the Times was not accurate, in fact it was 'BS.' And all we did was simply say "that's great, could you tell other reporters the same thing you are telling us?"

5. Spicer speaking

6. SOUNDBITE: (English) Sean Spicer, White House Press Secretary:

(Reporter question off camera): "Do you now categorically deny there were no contacts between the Russians and anyone on the campaign?"

(Sean Spicer): "I guess my point is that you've had the intelligence community look at Russia's involvement in the election. You've had the House and the Senate both do the same. And so what I am trying to ascertain is that at what point how many people have to say there is nothing there before you realize there is nothing there? I cannot say unequivocally, all I am saying is the people who have done the investigating about Russia over all, and its activities in the United States, specifically now with respect to our election, haven't provided anything that lead me to believe, or should leave you to believe, and I continue to see reports coming from different media sources saying that when they checked in with law enforcement or intelligence community sources, there is nothing more then what has been previously reported over and over again."

7. Spicer speaking

8. SOUNDBITE: (English) Sean Spicer, White House Press Secretary:

(Reporter question off camera): "Just to follow up on that, did you personally reach out to Pompeo?"

(Sean Spicer): "I'm not going to discuss what we did internally. I'm just going to say that when we shared, we did our job about making sure that when people had, reporters had questions, we let them know which subject matter experts were available to discuss the accuracy of a newspaper story."

9. Spicer speaking

10. SOUNDBITE: (English) Sean Spicer, White House Press Secretary:

"As you might already know the Department of Defense presented its preliminary plan to the White House today to defeat ISIS. This plan has been delivered by Secretary Mattis who is currently breaking the principals on the option presented today and seeking their input and feedback. Finally I wanted to note the president continues to be deeply disappointed and concerned by the reports of further vandalism at Jewish cemeteries. The cowardly destruction in Philadelphia this weekend comes on top of similar accounts from Missouri and threats made to Jewish community centers around the country. The president continues to condemn these and any other form of anti-Semitic and hateful acts in the strongest terms."

11. Spicer speaking

Incoming White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer gave a brief preview of US President-elect Donald Trump's inaugural address and also talked about priorities for the first days of Trump's administration.

Spicer says to expect a busy first month and beyond.

POOL

Washington DC - 19 January 2017

++SOUNDBITES SEPARATED BY BLACK++

1. SOUNDBITE (English): Sean Spicer, Incoming White House Press Secretary:

"The president-elect continues to make edits and additions to his inaugural address. We will, we will have further updates 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, 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."

2. SOUNDBITE (English): Sean Spicer, Incoming White House Press Secretary:

"Yeah, I'm going to have to continue to update you on that. The president-elect is continuing to get briefed on some of the orders he wants to do and 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 going 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 both tomorrow, over the weekend and then Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday. So, it's going to be a robust, not just day one, but I think first week, first month and probably first term."

Incoming White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer gave a brief preview of President-elect Donald Trump's inaugural address and also talked about priorities for the first days of Trump's administration.

Spicer says to expect a busy first month and beyond.

POOL

Washington - 19 January 2017

++SOUNDBITES SEPARATED BY BLACK++

1. SOUNDBITE (English): Sean Spicer, Incoming White House Press Secretary:

"The president-elect continues to make edits and additions to his inaugural address. We will, we will have further updates on that, but I know it was asked yesterday, in the speech, it's gonna 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, they face. He'll talk about infrastructure and education. Our manufacturing base. I think it's gonna be less of an agenda and more of a philosophical document, as vision of where he sees the country, the proper role of government, the role of citizens. So look forward to that tomorrow."

2. SOUNDBITE (English): Sean Spicer, Incoming White House Press Secretary:

"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 he wants to do and 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 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."

Incoming White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer gave a brief preview of President-elect Donald Trump's inaugural address and also talked about priorities for the first days of Trump's administration.

Spicer says to expect a busy first month and beyond.

POOL

Washington - 19 January 2017

++SOUNDBITES SEPARATED BY BLACK++

1. SOUNDBITE (English): Sean Spicer, Incoming White House Press Secretary:

"The president-elect continues to make edits and additions to his inaugural address. We will, we will have further updates on that, but I know it was asked yesterday, in the speech, it's gonna 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, they face. He'll talk about infrastructure and education. Our manufacturing base. I think it's gonna be less of an agenda and more of a philosophical document, as vision of where he sees the country, the proper role of government, the role of citizens. So look forward to that tomorrow."

2. SOUNDBITE (English): Sean Spicer, Incoming White House Press Secretary:

"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 he wants to do and 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 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."

The White House said on Thursday that President Donald Trump is "unbelievably disappointed" that the Obama administration agreed to a deal with Australia to allow mostly Muslim refugees to be resettled in the US.

White House Spokesman Sean Spicer suggested Trump will allow the deal to go forward.

He said any refugees who come to the US as part of the deal will go through "extreme vetting".

Trump expressed his anger over the deal in a recent phone call with Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.

Asked Thursday about continuing the deal, Trump said "we'll see what happens".

Washington, DC - 2 February 2017

1. SOUNDBITE (English) Sean Spicer, White House Press Secretary:

"The president had a very cordial conversation with Prime Minister Turnbull (Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull), where they went through an extensive discussion of this deal. The president is unbelievably disappointed in the previous administrations deal that was made and how poorly it was crafted, and the threat to national security he put the United States under. He has tremendous respect for the prime minister and for the Australian people and has agreed to continue to review that deal, and ensure that as part of the deal, which was always part of it, that we would go through a very, very extreme vetting process, to ensure that every single person that is being offered up is coming here with peaceful intentions, and poses no threat to the United States. So he has ensured that while he has respect for the Australian people, and respect for Prime Minister Turnbull, that we do not pose a threat to the United States of America - that the deal that was cut with the last administration is something that he is extremely, extremely upset with. He does not like it, but out of respect for him he's going to allow that process, continue to study and allow to move forward, under the conditions that have been set. That there will be extreme vetting on every single one of those individuals."

++BLACK FRAMES++

2. SOUNDBITE (English) Sean Spicer, White House Press Secretary:

"Guys I'll be out tomorrow, I just want to make sure we all get to see the president now." (++journalists should more questions++)

VOICEOVER:

President Donald Trump is giving himself too much credit sending criminal foreigners out of the country.

He's getting too much credit from one of the few women with a top White House job for elevating women in the administration. An AP Fact Check finds some exaggerated claims by Trump and counselor Kellyanne Conway.

TRUMP: "We're getting gang members out, we're getting drug lords out, we're getting really bad dudes out of this country, at a rate nobody has ever seen before. ... It's a military operation because what has been allowed to come into our country, when you see gang violence that you've read about like never before and all of the things, much of that is people who are here illegally. And they're rough and they're tough, but they're not tough like our people. So we're getting them out."

THE FACTS: Trump is broadly embellishing his brief track record on immigration and wrongly branding the deportation effort a military operation.

The number of people expelled from the country since Trump took office Jan. 20 has not been released. No available data supports his claim that immigrants in the country illegally are being expelled at a rate "nobody has ever seen before." Deportations were brisk when Barack Obama was president.

Conway at a conference of the Conservative Political Action Committee: "He has been promoting and elevating women in the Trump Corporation — in the Trump campaign, in the Trump Cabinet, certainly in the Trump White House. It's just a very natural affinity for him."

THE FACTS: No such elevation of women has taken place, when Trump's choices for the Cabinet and top White House aides are compared with those of other presidents in recent decades. Indeed, there's been backsliding.

Cabinet: Trump has nominated four women for Cabinet or Cabinet-level jobs. That's fewer than Democrats Barack Obama (seven) and Bill Clinton (six) had for their first Cabinets, and the same number as Republican George W. Bush chose out of the gate.

++GRAPHICS AND MUSIC THROUGHOUT++

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Washington - 23 February 2017

1. SOUNDBITE: (English) President Donald Trump:

"All of a sudden for the first time we're getting gang members out, we're getting drug lords out, we're getting really bad dudes out of this country and at a rate that nobody has ever seen before."

ASSOCIATED PRESS

2. Image of White House logo

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Washington - 23 February 2017

3. Trump at the White House

Handout: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement - AP CLIENTS ONLY

Los Angeles - 7 February 2017

4. Various photos showing foreign nationals being arrested during a targeted enforcement operation

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Washington - 21 September 2016

5. Demonstrators rally in front of the White House in favor of immigration reform

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Washington - 23 February 2017

6. SOUNDBITE: (English) President Donald Trump:

"It's a military operation because what has been allowed to come into our country when you see gang violence that you've read about like never before and all of the things, much of the things that is people here illegally, and they're rough and they're tough but they're not tough like our people."

7. Sean Spicer at Press Briefing

8. SOUNDBITE: (English) Sean Spicer, White House Press Secretary:

"The President was using that as an adjective. It's happening with precision."

POOL

Oxon Hill, Maryland 23 February 2017

9. SOUNDBITE: (English) Kellyanne Conway, Counselor to the President:

"Donald Trump is someone who is not fully understood for how compassionate and what a great boss he is to women. He has been promoting and elevating women in the Trump Corporation, in the Trump campaign, in the Trump Cabinet, certainly in the Trump White House. It's just a very natural affinity for him."

ASSOCIATED PRESS

10. Graphic of the White House

11. Graphic of women appointed by Trump

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Yangon, Myanmar - 19 November 2012

12. President Barack Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton disembark Air Force One

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Washington - 17 November 2008

13. President George W. Bush and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice walk to the Oval Office

ASSOCIATED PRESS

14. Image of White House logo

Incoming White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer defended the fact that Donald Trump did not appoint any Hispanics to his Cabinet, the first time that has happened in 30 years.

At a news conference Thursday, Spicer said President-elect Trump is bringing "the best and the brightest together," and listed the other minority members of his cabinet, including Housing and Urban Development pick, Dr. Ben Carson, who is African American and his choice for Transportation Secretary, Elaine Chao, who is Asian American.

He also urged people to "stay tuned," saying there are five thousand jobs still to be filled.

Spicer also defended Trump's repeated visits this week to his luxury Washington, DC hotel, saying it 's not "a shocker" that Trump wants to spend time there.

Washington, DC - 19 January 2017

1. Sean Spicer walking into news conference

(++FRAME OF BLACK BETWEEN SHOTS++)

2. SOUNDBITE (English) Sean Spicer, Incoming White House Press Secretary:

"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's appointing, you see a president who is committed to uniting this country, who is bringing the best and the brightest together. But look at the Cabinet: Elaine Chao, Dr. Ben Carson, Gov. Nikki Haley, the first Indian-American. 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 are going to continue to see, not just in 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 you look at the totality of this Cabinet, an Indian American, African American, you know, Asian American, it's about a lot of things. And I think you can pick out one group and say where is the percentage of that. But if you look at the totality of the people he's meeting with, the people he's bringing in for senior staff positions, Cabinet, sub Cabinet, deputies

(++FRAME OF BLACK BETWEEN BITES++)

3. SOUNDBITE (English) Sean Spicer, Incoming White House Press Secretary:

"He continues to put together an amazingly diverse cabinet. So, if you're looking specifically for Hispanics, I think as we move forward, we've got five thousand jobs to fill. There is going to be a tremendous number of Hispanic Americans to fill those posts and I just caution people to stay tuned. lots of great things are coming."

(++FRAME OF BLACK BETWEEN BITES++)

4. SOUNDBITE (English) Sean Spicer, Incoming White House Press Secretary:

"That he's going to his own hotel? I mean, I think that's pretty smart. Again, I think the idea that he's going to his own hotel shouldn't be a shocker. It's a beautiful place, it's somewhere that he's very proud of and I think it's symbolic of the kind of government that he's going to run: on time, under budget, excuse me, ahead of time, under budget. Same kind of theme that the vice president-elect expressed earlier about this transition: 20 percent under budget, 1.2 million dollars returned to the Treasury. He's very proud. It's an absolutely stunning hotel. I encourage you to go there if you haven't been by. But I don't think the idea that President-elect Trump is having a reception at the Trump hotel should be a shocker to anybody."

Incoming White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer defended the fact that Donald Trump did not appoint any Hispanics to his Cabinet, the first time that has happened in 30 years.

At a news conference Thursday, Spicer said President-elect Trump is bringing "the best and the brightest together," and listed the other minority members of his cabinet, including Housing and Urban Development pick, Dr. Ben Carson, who is African American and his choice for Transportation Secretary, Elaine Chao, who is Asian American.

He also urged people to "stay tuned," saying there are five thousand jobs still to be filled.

Spicer also defended Trump's repeated visits this week to his luxury Washington, DC hotel, saying it 's not "a shocker" that Trump wants to spend time there.

AP TELEVISION

Washington, DC - 19 January 2017

1. Sean Spicer walking into news conference

(++FRAME OF BLACK BETWEEN SHOTS++)

2. SOUNDBITE (English) Sean Spicer, Incoming White House Press Secretary:

"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's appointing, you see a president who is committed to uniting this country, who is bringing the best and the brightest together. But look at the Cabinet: Elaine Chao, Dr. Ben Carson, Gov. Nikki Haley, the first Indian-American. 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 are going to continue to see, not just in 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 you look at the totality of this Cabinet, an Indian American, African American, you know, Asian American, it's about a lot of things. And I think you can pick out one group and say where is the percentage of that. But if you look at the totality of the people he's meeting with, the people he's bringing in for senior staff positions, Cabinet, sub Cabinet, deputies

(++FRAME OF BLACK BETWEEN BITES++)

3. SOUNDBITE (English) Sean Spicer, Incoming White House Press Secretary:

"He continues to put together an amazingly diverse cabinet. So, if you're looking specifically for Hispanics, I think as we move forward, we've got five thousand jobs to fill. There is going to be a tremendous number of Hispanic Americans to fill those posts and I just caution people to stay tuned. lots of great things are coming."

(++FRAME OF BLACK BETWEEN BITES++)

4. SOUNDBITE (English) Sean Spicer, Incoming White House Press Secretary:

"That he's going to his own hotel? I mean, I think that's pretty smart. Again, I think the idea that he's going to his own hotel shouldn't be a shocker. It's a beautiful place, it's somewhere that he's very proud of and I think it's symbolic of the kind of government that he's going to run: on time, under budget, excuse me, ahead of time, under budget. Same kind of theme that the vice president-elect expressed earlier about this transition: 20 percent under budget, 1.2 million dollars returned to the Treasury. He's very proud. It's an absolutely stunning hotel. I encourage you to go there if you haven't been by. But I don't think the idea that President-elect Trump is having a reception at the Trump hotel should be a shocker to anybody."

Incoming White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer defended the fact that Donald Trump did not nominate any Hispanics to his Cabinet, the first time that has happened in 30 years.

At a news conference Thursday, Spicer said President-elect Trump is bringing "the best and the brightest together," and listed the other minority members of his cabinet, including Housing and Urban Development pick, Dr. Ben Carson, who is African American and his choice for Transportation Secretary, Elaine Chao, who is Asian American.

He also urged people to "stay tuned," saying there are five thousand jobs still to be filled.

Spicer also defended Trump's repeated visits this week to his luxury Washington, DC hotel, saying it 's not "a shocker" that Trump wants to spend time there.

Washington, DC - 19 January 2017

1. Sean Spicer walking into news conference

(++FRAME OF BLACK BETWEEN SHOTS++)

2. SOUNDBITE (English) Sean Spicer, Incoming White House Press Secretary:

"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's appointing, you see a president who is committed to uniting this country, who is bringing the best and the brightest together. But look at the Cabinet: Elaine Chao, Dr. Ben Carson, Gov. Nikki Haley, the first Indian-American. 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 tax payers, bringing about an agenda that will create jobs, lift up wages. And I think that what you're seeing and what you are going to continue to see, not just in 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 you look at the totality of this Cabinet, an Indian American, African American, you know, Asian American, it's about a lot of things. And I think you can pick out one group and say where is the percentage of that. But if you look at the totality of the people he's meeting with, the people he's bringing in for senior staff positions, Cabinet, sub Cabinet, deputies.

(++FRAME OF BLACK BETWEEN BITES++)

3. SOUNDBITE (English) Sean Spicer, Incoming White House Press Secretary:

"He continues to put together an amazingly diverse cabinet. So, if you're looking specifically for Hispanics, I think as we move forward, we've got five thousand jobs to fill. There is going to be a tremendous number of Hispanic Americans to fill those posts and I just caution people to stay tuned, lots of great things are coming."

(++FRAME OF BLACK BETWEEN BITES++)

4. SOUNDBITE (English) Sean Spicer, Incoming White House Press Secretary:

"That he's going to his own hotel? I mean, I think that's pretty smart. Again, I think the idea that he's going to his own hotel shouldn't be a shocker. It's a beautiful place, it's somewhere that he's very proud of and I think it's symbolic of the kind of government that he's going to run: on time, under budget, excuse me, ahead of time, under budget. Same kind of theme that the vice president-elect expressed earlier about this transition: 20 percent under budget, 1.2 million dollars returned to the Treasury. He's very proud. It's an absolutely stunning hotel. I encourage you to go there if you haven't been by. But I don't think the idea that President-elect Trump is having a reception at the Trump hotel should be a shocker to anybody."

White House press secretary Sean Spicer says that the results of President Donald Trump's meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping earlier this month "are paying off" with respect to North Korea.

The Trump administration has repeatedly called on China to increase pressure on North Korea to comply with U.N. demands that it halt nuclear and missile tests.

China is urging a return to negotiations over North Korea's pursuit of nuclear weapons after Vice President Mike Pence warned that the U.S. has lost its patience with the regime.

Pence said during a Monday visit to South Korea that the North needs to abandon its weapons program and stop testing ballistic missiles.

Spicer said that during his visit to South Korea, Pence reassured the U.S. ally that "under President Trump, our iron clad alliance will be even stronger."

A North Korea missile exploded during launch in the latest test on Sunday.

Washington - 17 April 2017

1. Various of White House press briefing

2. SOUNDBITE: (English) Sean Spicer, White House Press Secretary:

"But, I think with respect to North Korea in particular, the president had a really good meeting with President Xi down in Mar-a-Lago where I think he's spoken extensively about the relationship that they made down there and that they continue to work to improve and the results of that are paying off. I think you see China playing a much more active role with respect to North Korea. Both politically and economically, they can continue to apply pressure to achieve results and I think we're going to continue to urge China to exhibit its influence in the region to get better results."

3. Various of White House press briefing

4. SOUNDBITE: (English) Sean Spicer, White House Press Secretary:

"Let's not get ahead of ourselves, I think we've had a very productive direction that we've seen China move in and I think there's an agreement by everyone so far that a nuclear capable North Korea is not in anybody's best interest and I think we're going to continue to work with the Chinese, in particular, on this case."

5. Various of White House press briefing

6. SOUNDBITE: (English) Sean Spicer, White House Press Secretary:

"The Vice President is delivering a message to the people of the Republic of Korea on behalf of the president that even in these troubled times, the United States stands with them for a free and secure future. Under President Trump, our iron clad alliance will be even stronger. Our nations will be safer and the Asia-Pacific region will be more secure."

7. Various of White House press briefing

White House press secretary Sean Spicer says that the results of President Donald Trump's meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping earlier this month "are paying off" with respect to North Korea.

The Trump administration has repeatedly called on China to increase pressure on North Korea to comply with U.N. demands that it halt nuclear and missile tests.

China is urging a return to negotiations over North Korea's pursuit of nuclear weapons after Vice President Mike Pence warned that the U.S. has lost its patience with the regime.

Pence said during a Monday visit to South Korea that the North needs to abandon its weapons program and stop testing ballistic missiles.

Spicer said that during his visit to South Korea, Pence reassured the U.S. ally that "under President Trump, our iron clad alliance will be even stronger."

A North Korea missile exploded during launch in the latest test on Sunday.

Washington - 17 April 2017

1. Various of White House press briefing

2. SOUNDBITE: (English) Sean Spicer, White House Press Secretary:

"But, I think with respect to North Korea in particular, the president had a really good meeting with President Xi down in Mar-a-Lago where I think he's spoken extensively about the relationship that they made down there and that they continue to work to improve and the results of that are paying off. I think you see China playing a much more active role with respect to North Korea. Both politically and economically, they can continue to apply pressure to achieve results and I think we're going to continue to urge China to exhibit its influence in the region to get better results."

3. Various of White House press briefing

4. SOUNDBITE: (English) Sean Spicer, White House Press Secretary:

"Let's not get ahead of ourselves, I think we've had a very productive direction that we've seen China move in and I think there's an agreement by everyone so far that a nuclear capable North Korea is not in anybody's best interest and I think we're going to continue to work with the Chinese, in particular, on this case."

5. Various of White House press briefing

6. SOUNDBITE: (English) Sean Spicer, White House Press Secretary:

"The Vice President is delivering a message to the people of the Republic of Korea on behalf of the president that even in these troubled times, the United States stands with them for a free and secure future. Under President Trump, our iron clad alliance will be even stronger. Our nations will be safer and the Asia-Pacific region will be more secure."

7. Various of White House press briefing