Press Briefing by Press Secretary Sarah Sanders and OMB Acting Director Russell Vought | Eastern North Carolina Now

    MS. SANDERS: I think that the chances that Congress will do its job based on historical precedent over the last couple of months are probably unlikely, but that doesn't mean we're not hopeful that they will work with us, look for ways that we can reduce spending, and grow - protect our military, do things like that, which you see in the President's budget. We'd love for them to work with us on that.

    Q And, Sarah, can you tell us a little bit about what the thinking was to put that in?

    MS. SANDERS: I'm not aware of any specific policy changes on that front or anything on there. I'll let you know if we have something.

    One last question.

    Q Sarah, why did the President write a check to Michael Cohen for $35,000 in August of 2017 while he was here in the White House? What was that money for?


    MS. SANDERS: I'm not aware of those specific checks.

    Q He testified about this. He specifically accused the President of engaging in a conspiracy to conceal campaign finance violations. He presented the check.

    MS. SANDERS: The President has been clear that there wasn't a campaign violation. Beyond that, I can't get in -

    Q But the President has also said he didn't know about these hush money payments.

    MS. SANDERS: Beyond that -

    Q His story has changed.

    MS. SANDERS: Again, I would refer you back to the President's comments. That's not something I'm a part of. And I would refer you to the President's outside counsel beyond his comments.

    Q But this is something he did during his time in the White House. Does the White House deny that the President is "Individual 1"?

    MS. SANDERS: I'm sorry?

    Q "Individual 1," in the Southern District of New York, (inaudible) Michael Cohen?

    MS. SANDERS: Again, I'm not going to comment on that - an ongoing case. That's not something I would be a part of here at the White House. And I would refer you to outside counsel.

    What I can tell you is the President has stated his position and made it clear.

    Thanks so much, guys.

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