RNC Chairman Reince Priebus Advises Anti-Trump Protesters to 'Take a Deep Breath'
— -- Republican National Committee chairman Reince Priebus today said he understands that many people are upset over Donald Trump's election victory, but advised protesters to "take a deep breath."
"It’s the other side now that doesn’t want to accept the fact that they lost the election," Priebus said on ABC News’ "Good Morning America." "So look, I think everyone needs to just take a deep breath, take the weekend -- today’s Veterans Day -- count our blessings and let's come back on Monday."
On his often controversial Twitter account, Trump Thursday night blamed the demonstrations against his election victory on "professional protesters" who he said have been "incited by the media." Several hours later, however, the Republican President-elect followed up with another tweet, saying, "Love the fact that the small groups of protesters last night have passion for our great country. We will all come together and be proud!"
When asked on “GMA” today about Trump's tweets, Priebus said, "There are such things as professional protesters, but I’m sure the vast majority of people are just very disappointed with the outcome of the election. So I’ll give them that and I’ll also say I understand the First Amendment of the Bill of Rights. But this election’s over now and we have a president-elect who's done everything he can do over the last 48 hours to say let’s bring people together."
Priebus attempted to assure people that the president-elect they have seen in the past two days, calling for unity after the election and meeting with the country's leaders, is "exactly the man that I've gotten to know."
Trump "genuinely enjoyed" meeting with President Obama Thursday and was "very impressed" with him, Priebus said.
"You had a 10-minute meeting that went 90 minutes because both of these buys probably had a great time together. And I can tell you, personally, President-elect Trump in private is the kind of guy that most people would want to have a beer with, although he doesn’t drink. And I'm sure President Obama’s the same way," Priebus said. "That was not show."
In addition to meeting with Obama Thursday, Trump met with GOP House Speaker Paul Ryan, with whom he has had a tumultuous relationship.
"They both indicated back to me that they had a great day and mutual admiration," Priebus said on "GMA" this morning.
When asked today on “GMA” whether Trump would want Ryan to remain speaker of the House, the RNC chairman replied, "I mean, all those details I'm sure are in the affirmative, but I don't speak for President-elect Trump."
Trump praised Priebus during his election victory speech and even pulled the RNC chairman up on stage with him. But Priebus declined to speculate this morning on whether he will serve in Trump's administration.
"Well, I don’t have any updates … on transition," Priebus said. "I’m at the RNC, as you know, and I appreciate it."
