Politics

The Biggest Takeaways From Sean Spicer’s Press Briefing Just Now

Kaitlan Collins Contributor
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WASHINGTON — Sean Spicer briefed reporters from the White House on Monday, where the press secretary answered questions on whether the government will shut down Friday if funding for the border wall isn’t included in the spending bill.

(Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

On the potential of a government shutdown this Friday

“They are currently negotiating, and we feel very confident they will come to an agreement by Friday.”

On sanctions against Syria

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin announced at the briefing that there will be 271 sanctions imposed on employees at the scientific studies and research center in Syria, which Mnuchin said is a government agency responsible for building chemical weapons.

On if the president still feels DACA is illegal

After Trump said immigrants who were granted amnesty through Barack Obama’s 2012 immigration executive action Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals should “rest easy” — a complete reversal from his campaign pledge — Spicer said, “Everything he’s done has been consistent.”

“I think he’s been consistent about two things: 1) that he’s had a heart. He wants to make sure he does what’s in the interest of children in particular. But secondly, I think the president’s priorities since he took office have been very clear — that the focus would be on folks who presented a danger to public safety and that’s what it’s been. I think he is someone who understands the issue and the priorities that need to get laid out, so everything he has done has been consistent with what he has said from the get-go.”

Does he still think it’s illegal? “I think his comments that he made last week, that he understands that in a lot of cases this involves families and small children who have been here and he has a heart.”

On tax reform

Trump has said the plan will be released in detail on Wednesday.

“We’re waiting till Wednesday till he has the details that he wants to share out.”

On the 100-days benchmark

“When you think about what he’s started — tax reform, health care, immigration, trade — it’s been a hugely successful first 100 days.”

“He has signed a record number of executive orders.”

On the potential of a new health care bill

“We feel very good about the direction healthcare is going…I think the vote will be scheduled when they determine they have the votes and they feel confident.”