text: President Trump pushed back Thursday on concerns about a lack of nominees for key positions at the State Department, arguing it wouldn't affect his agenda. 
   
   "Let me tell you, the one that matters is me, I'm the only one that matters because when it comes to it that's what the policy is going to be," Trump said on Fox News when pressed about vacancies by Laura Ingraham. 
   
   "We don't need all the people that they want," Trump continued. "Don't forget, I'm a business person and I tell my people 'well you don't need to fill slots, don't fill them.'" 
   
   ADVERTISEMENT 
   
   A number of top positions remain unfilled at the State Department, among other agencies, including officials overseeing Southeast Asia and arms control. 
   
   Trump has fallen behind his four predecessors in the number of appointments confirmed by the Senate by this time, while he also has fewer nominations sent compared to the four previous administrations, according to an appointee tracker from The Washington Post and Partnership for Public Service. 
   
   The president blamed Senate Democrats for more nominees not being approved, though he acknowledged that he has focused on nominating fewer people. 
   
   "We're filling up roles. And, don't forget, Schumer and the Democrats are just obstructing. You can't get anything through. We have almost about half the number of people coming through as Obama had. They are obstructing," Trump said. 
   
   
   
   "We have to get our people in. But in addition to that, we don’t need all of the people, you know, it’s called cost saving. ... There's nothing wrong with cost saving." 
   
   "Rex is in there working hard, he’s doing his best, he’s doing the best he can," Trump added. 
   
   Tillerson has himself pushed back on reports of low morale at the State Department, telling Bloomberg recently, "I'm not seeing it, I'm not getting it." 
   
   Trump defended his decision not to appoint nominees for certain State Department positions on Thursday night, telling Fox, "We have some people that I'm not happy with their thinking process." ||||| President Trump talked to Laura Ingraham about the Fusion GPS dossier on him, the U.S. Justice Department, chain migration and DACA, Bernie Sanders and the DNC primary, and much more in an interview aired on Thursday's broadcast of FOX News Channel's The Ingraham Angle. Full transcript below clips of quotes. 
   
   
   
   "I think it's like a major story," Trump said about interim DNC chairwoman Donna Brazile's revelation that the DNC stacked the deck against Bernie Sanders in the 2016 Democratic primary. "Now, I don't know if the mainstream fake media, because they are fake and phony, but I just don't know if they are going to pick it up. I want to tell you, that is a big story what you're saying. It's illegal, number one. And it's really unfair to Bernie Sanders. I'm not a Bernie Sanders fan. Although I must say that I got a lot of his votes when he was thrown out. Many of those people voted for me because of trade, because I agreed with him on trade. We're just doing more about it than he can do and we're doing a lot about it. But I thought that was terrible." 
   
   
   
   Trump on dossier: 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   INGRAHAM: Hillary Clinton said last night that paying for the dossier – she defended it, basically. She said it’s different from meeting with Russians; like meeting with Russians. She’s trying to make a comparison to say – she totally defended it. 
   
   
   
   TRUMP: Well, she talked about oppo research is wonderful; oppo research – but not when it comes to us; okay? Oppo research for us, of course, is no good; no. 
   
   
   
   That dossier which is totally fake and made up – it’s like a novel – but that dossier is a disgrace and it should not have been allowed to be used. And then I hear the kind of money they spent. 
   
   
   
   INGRAHAM: $9 million. 
   
   
   
   TRUMP: I mean, it’s inconceivable. It’s absolutely inconceivable – it’s horrible. 
   
   INGRAHAM: The justice system a "joke" and a "laughing stock," you said the other day. What were you referring to with that? 
   
   
   
   TRUMP: Well, when I look at immigration and I look at this whole thing, coming in by lottery and then we can’t' do anything about it quickly, and I look at what's going on with justice when it comes to so many different topics, I really feel... 
   
   
   
   (CROSSTALK) 
   
   
   
   INGRAHAM: Criminal justice, you're talking about criminal justice issues? 
   
   
   
   TRUMP: A lot of justice. This guy would be tied up forever in the court system. You look at some of the cases that are going on forever and you have them dead to rights? Now, the justice system has to go quicker and it has to be, really, stronger and fairer. Probably has to be fairer too. 
   
   INGRAHAM: Will it be part of a Dreamer deal, a DACA deal? 
   
   
   
   TRUMP: Yes. It'll be part of a DACA deal. 
   
   
   
   INGRAHAM: And if it... 
   
   
   
   TRUMP: DACA's a lot different than Dreamer. 
   
   
   
   INGRAHAM: That means for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals? Will -- will you require that, if any amnesty talks will -- will require chain migration to end? 
   
   
   
   TRUMP: I don't think any Republican would vote for anything having to do with leaving chain migration. Chain migration is a disaster for this country and it's horrible. 
   
   .@POTUS on the economy: "The thing I'm most proud about... companies are starting to come back into our country." @IngrahamAngle pic.twitter.com/EESAOrU7k4 — Fox News (@FoxNews) November 3, 2017 
   
   INGRAHAM: Mr. President, it’s good to see you. 
   
   
   
   TRUMP: Thank you. 
   
   
   
   INGRAHAM: Today the tax plan announced. And it’s interesting – you’re getting hit from the left and some on the right. Rand Paul is going to vote for it, I think, but he said it’s not significant because the upper-income tier doesn’t get a lot of tax-rate relief, or any. And then Ron Wyden calls it basically a middle-class con job. It’s not really a tax cut for the middle class. So, left and right. 
   
   
   
   TRUMP: Well, they’re big tax cuts – the biggest cuts in the history of our country, actually. We have reform, we have simplification. 
   
   
   
   And honestly, I’m surprised a little bit to hear what you’re saying because we’ve really gotten great reviews – people are loving it. Even a certain newspaper that I don’t like very much came out today and they gave Schumer four Pinocchios. And they said, because he was not telling the truth when it came to the middle class because he said it’s for the rich and it’s really not for the rich; it’s for the middle class and it’s for jobs. And I would say, maybe even in that order. 
   
   
   
   So, the middle class is a big beneficiary. Jobs and companies are big beneficiaries – but the companies really create the jobs. And we really have, Laura, we’ve had tremendous receptivity to a point that I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything quite like it. So, – and I do think Rand Paul, by the way, who I like, I think he’s going to vote for it. 
   
   
   
   INGRAHAM: Hillary Clinton said last night that paying for the dossier – she defended it, basically. She said it’s different from meeting with Russians; like meeting with Russians. She’s trying to make a comparison to say – she totally defended it. 
   
   
   
   TRUMP: Well, she talked about oppo research is wonderful; oppo research – but not when it comes to us; okay? Oppo research for us, of course, is no good; no. 
   
   
   
   That dossier which is totally fake and made up – it’s like a novel – but that dossier is a disgrace and it should not have been allowed to be used. And then I hear the kind of money they spent. 
   
   
   
   INGRAHAM: $9 million. 
   
   
   
   TRUMP: I mean, it’s inconceivable. It’s absolutely inconceivable – it’s horrible. 
   
   
   
   INGRAHAM: Donna Brazile, in her new book, writes about the DNC, Democrat primary rigging and talks about corruption, internal corruption and unethical finances. And she tags Hillary Clinton. Are you surprised about this... 
   
   
   
   TRUMP: I think it's... 
   
   
   
   INGRAHAM: ... given what you said about Bernie Sanders, being -- being given the short shrift? 
   
   
   
   TRUMP: I think it's an -- you know, like, it's a major story. Now I don't know if the mainstream fake media -- because they are fake and phony, but I just don't know if they're gonna pick it up. But I want to tell you, that is a big story, what she's (ph) saying. It's illegal, number one, and it's really very unfair to Bernie Sanders. 
   
   
   
   I'm not a Bernie Sanders fan, although I must say, I got a lot of his votes. When he was thrown out, many of those people voted for me because of trade. Because I agreed with him on (ph) trade. We're just doing more about it than he can do and we're doing a lot about it. But that was -- I thought that was terrible. 
   
   
   
   INGRAHAM: The justice system a "joke" and a "laughing stock," you said the other day. What were you referring to with that? 
   
   
   
   TRUMP: Well, when I look at immigration and I look at this whole thing, coming in by lottery and then we can’t' do anything about it quickly, and I look at what's going on with justice when it comes to so many different topics, I really feel... 
   
   
   
   (CROSSTALK) 
   
   
   
   INGRAHAM: Criminal justice, you're talking about criminal justice issues? 
   
   
   
   TRUMP: A lot of justice. This guy would be tied up forever in the court system. You look at some of the cases that are going on forever and you have them dead (ph) to (ph) right (ph)? Now, the justice system has to go quicker and it has to be, really, stronger and fairer. Probably has to be fairer too. 
   
   
   
   But it's very sad. When you look at a lottery system and you have people coming into the country through the form of a lottery, and, you know, the country (ph) is (ph)... 
   
   
   
   (CROSSTALK) 
   
   
   
   INGRAHAM: Fifty thousand? 
   
   
   
   TRUMP: ... just so you understand, the countries aren't putting their finest in there. They're not putting their best and their greatest and their finest in there. And this kid came in through a lottery system that's gonna end, and it's gonna end fast. In fact, I've already instructed Congress. They must end it. And I think we're gonna get, even, Democrat support on this. 
   
   
   
   INGRAHAM: You had a DACA talk today for the Dreamers... 
   
   
   
   TRUMP: I did. 
   
   
   
   INGRAHAM: ... your base and what you campaigned on was, real common-sense policies. You talked about e-verify, building the... 
   
   
   
   TRUMP: Right. 
   
   
   
   INGRAHAM: ... wall, chain migration, which is a huge problem. 
   
   
   
   TRUMP: All of those things are happening. Chain migration... 
   
   
   
   INGRAHAM: And is that gonna be part of any DACA deal? So if the... 
   
   
   
   TRUMP: Yeah. 
   
   
   
   INGRAHAM: ... Democrats want Dreamer help, they're gonna have to do... 
   
   
   
   TRUMP: Yeah, we're going... 
   
   
   
   INGRAHAM: ... they're gonna have to do either (inaudible) by (ph) chain migration? 
   
   
   
   TRUMP: Sure, sure. Chain migration's one of the most important things. And most people, frankly... 
   
   
   
   INGRAHAM: Is that a requirement for you? 
   
   
   
   TRUMP: ... until yesterday, most people had never heard of chain migration. I gave a form (ph) of a press conference and I started talking about chain migration. And this horrible animal -- he's an animal, as far as I'm concerned -- 23 people have touched him, maybe came in because he was in. And he was only in with a green card, supposedly. 
   
   
   
   But chain migration, where his whole family comes in, his mother can come in, his father, his grandmother. Everybody comes in. Chain migration is a disaster for this country and it's gonna end. Now, I've been talking about it for a while but I think the public, until yesterday, probably never heard about chain migration. 
   
   
   
   INGRAHAM: Well, the Republicans didn't want to touch it for a long time. You've -- you've... 
   
   
   
   TRUMP: Well, they're touching it now... 
   
   
   
   INGRAHAM: ... held up a mirror to what the Republicans weren't (ph) doing (ph), too. 
   
   
   
   TRUMP: ... you know? They're touching it now. It's become a very, very strong point right now. 
   
   
   
   INGRAHAM: Will it be part of a Dreamer deal, a DAD deal? 
   
   
   
   TRUMP: Yes. It'll be part of a DACA deal. 
   
   
   
   INGRAHAM: And if it... 
   
   
   
   TRUMP: DACA's a lot different than Dreamer. 
   
   
   
   INGRAHAM: That (ph) means (ph) for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals? 
   
   
   
   TRUMP: Yeah. 
   
   
   
   INGRAHAM: Will -- will you require that, if any amnesty talks will -- will require chain migration to end? 
   
   
   
   TRUMP: I don't think any Republican would vote for anything having to do with leaving chain migration. Chain migration is a disaster for this country and it's horrible. I mean, just take a look at him. Twenty-three people -- potentially, 23 people... 
   
   
   
   INGRAHAM: Is that verified? 
   
   
   
   TRUMP: It's what I heard, it's what I gave. Whether it's 23 or whether it's two, as far as I'm concerned, it's too (ph) much (ph), OK? 
   
   
   
   (CROSSTALK) 
   
   
   
   INGRAHAM: It's a big difference, two or 23. 
   
   
   
   TRUMP: No, no, I know that. But I hear it's 23. It's a lot of people. 
   
   
   
   INGRAHAM: The wall. I mean, I was at rallies, that's what people -- they want that wall built. 
   
   
   
   TRUMP: Well, it's one of the things. But we're gonna have a wall... 
   
   
   
   INGRAHAM: But -- but Paul Ryan said... 
   
   
   
   TRUMP: ... and in fact, we (ph) just (ph)... 
   
   
   
   INGRAHAM: ... 1.4 billion, he would -- he would start. Perhaps that number's been thrown out. But that's... 
   
   
   
   TRUMP: Phase one... 
   
   
   
   INGRAHAM: ... that's a pittance. 
   
   
   
   TRUMP: ... phase one, during the first -- well, first of all, they say the wall's gonna cost $40 billion. It's not gonna cost anywhere near that... 
   
   
   
   (CROSSTALK) 
   
   
   
   INGRAHAM: But (ph) half (ph) that (ph)... 
   
   
   
   TRUMP: ... but the Democrats are saying. We're talking about less than half. Also, you don't have a wall -- you have 2,000 miles. You have mountains, you have rivers, you have things that you don't put the wall and (ph) and you don't need (inaudible) and never was planned for that. 
   
   
   
   No (ph), I think for $18 billion or less, we're gonna have a great wall. We're doing prototypes right now. We're gonna make the choice. We have the people from Border Patrol and ICE working with us very closely because, ultimately, they're the ones that are gonna have to use it. 
   
   
   
   One of the things that's come up pretty strongly is, we want to have vision (ph) through the wall because you want to see what's on the other side of the wall. You know, you think we're gonna build a nice, simple concrete wall but it's not that simple. No, we're having the wall. We have to have the wall. 
   
   
   
   We need the wall for another reason, drugs. Drugs are pouring into our country. A lot of them are coming in through the southern border and the wall will be a tremendous tool to help facilitate the ending of the drugs coming in. No, the wall is actually coming along pretty well. That will also be a part of DADA or whatever. It... 
   
   
   
   INGRAHAM: But a down payment, or a guaranteed funding (ph)? 
   
   
   
   TRUMP: No. Well, look. When we get the down payment, we're gonna have a guarantee, believe me. We're not taking a down payment... 
   
   
   
   INGRAHAM: Yeah. 
   
   
   
   TRUMP: ... and then say, where's the rest... 
   
   
   
   INGRAHAM: But that's a -- that could be a scam as well. 
   
   
   
   TRUMP: ... of the money? Because, you know, you don't spend all the money immediately... 
   
   
   
   INGRAHAM: Yeah. 
   
   
   
   TRUMP: ... so we can put it back. But when we take a down payment, I'm gonna say, "I want to make sure the rest of the money is coming." 
   
   
   
   INGRAHAM: You're heading off to Asia. Huge trip. 
   
   
   
   TRUMP: Yeah. 
   
   
   
   INGRAHAM: A lot's (ph) at (ph) stake (ph). You (ph) got North Korea, a deal with the Chinese. You're gonna stop in Seoul. Your State Department still has some unfilled positions. I know I mentioned this before on -- on Fox. Your Asia desk is being run by a career diplomat. Not your person, not your vision. 
   
   
   
   Are you worried that the State Department doesn't have enough Donald Trump nominees in there to push your vision through? Because other State Departments, including Reagan's, at this time, undermined his agenda. 
   
   
   
   TRUMP: Yeah (ph). 
   
   
   
   INGRAHAM: And there -- there's a concern that the State Department currently is undermining your agenda. 
   
   
   
   TRUMP: So we don't need all the people that they want. You know, don't forget, I'm a businessperson and I tell my people, "When (ph) you don't need to fill slots, don't fill them." But we have some people that I'm not happy with there. (inaudible) processed (ph)... 
   
   
   
   (CROSSTALK) 
   
   
   
   INGRAHAM: But Assistant Secretary of State, you're not getting rid of that position. 
   
   
   
   TRUMP: All right. But let me tell you. The one that matters is me. I'm the only one that matters because, when it comes to it, that's what the policy is going to be. You've seen that, you've seen it strongly. We're filling up roles. And, don't forget, Schumer and the Democrats are just obstructing. You can't get anything through. We have almost about half the number of people coming through as Obama had. They are obstructing. 
   
   
   
   Now, what we’re doing – and the Senate has been so obstruct (ph). They're working much longer hours, we have to get our people in. But in addition to that, we don’t need all of the people, you know, it’s called cost saving – you know, in the old days... 
   
   
   
   INGRAHAM: But you want your vision pushed. 
   
   
   
   TRUMP: I want my vision, but my vision is my vision. Anyway, it’s called cost saving. There's nothing wrong with cost saving. Rex is in there working hard, he’s doing his best, he’s doing the best he can. 
   
   
   
   INGRAHAM: Is he going to be with you for the duration? 
   
   
   
   TRUMP: Well, we’ll see. I don’t know who’s going to be – duration, I think the duration – I'll tell you this. I don’t think any president in nine months has done the job that we’ve done, and that includes bills being passed by Congress. You look at what's passed by the senate, by the House, I think we’re close to 70 bills, maybe over 70 bills. It almost a record. You look at all of the deregulation, you look at Supreme Court Justice Gorsuch, you look at all of the other district judges – federal district judges and court of appeals judges, I don’t think – and then of course, take a look at the economy. Take a look. 
   
   
   
   INGRAHAM: Look at the economy. Look at the economy, are you getting the credit for this economic revival without tax cuts through – yeah, without Obamacare repeal yet, and this is a stunning economic revival in 10 months. 
   
   
   
   TRUMP: One of the greatest in the history of our country, and I'm in here now 10 months, and we are setting record after record, day after day. I think we hit another one today. No, I'm not getting enough credit for it, because a lot of the reason is enthusiasm level, business level, and also the fact that I've cut regulations to the extent that I've cut them. I mean, I can tell you jobs that were never going to get built are now being built. Take a look at the pipelines – the Keystone Pipelines, the Dakota Access Pipelines... 
   
   
   
   INGRAHAM: Made a big announcement today too, another company coming back from Singapore. 
   
   
   
   TRUMP: We have another one, that’s right. We have a big one, we have a Broadcom, which is one of the Fortune 100 companies. They are now leaving Asia and they're coming – they're moving back into the United States. No, I don’t get the credit, but you know, frankly, I think ultimately I will, because there's not much they can do about it. I mean, everyday we’re hitting new highs, very important GDP. You take a look, GDP, 3.2, and now 3, and last one was after four or five really, obviously possible hurricanes, and that’s the equivalent of a point, so that would have been a 4. 
   
   
   
   A 4 was unthinkable, and each time we go up a point, that’s $2.5 trillion and thousands – I mean millions of jobs, actually. So look, the news is fake. I must say, Fox has treated me fairly, not necessarily well, but they’ve treated me very fairly. But so much of the news is fake. And you know, the other day, somebody said, what's the biggest surprise? I said, you know, after I thought after I won, the news would get fair, and actually, they got worse. They really are, whether its CNN or CBS or NBC or ABC, local news has been great. 
   
   
   
   INGRAHAM: Even Bryan Cranston, that actor who wasn’t a fan of yours, said, I want him to be successful. And he said to Hollywood celebrities who are not supporting you, shut the blank up, basically, which was nice to see. There are other images out there that aren’t nice to see, that are being put on album covers, put on magazines, late night TV. Hollywood depravity in our children, how big of a problem do you think it is? 
   
   
   
   TRUMP: Well, I think Hollywood depravity period is not only for children, for everything. I look at what's happening with that, and I look at what's happening with that, and frankly, if they said some of the things about Obama, you would have people – politically correct people say, you can't say that, but with me, it’s allowed. 
   
   
   
   I think it’s disgraceful but we power forward and again, we have one of the great economies ever, and believe me, that’s because of our decisions. When you think about Keystone, that was dead. When you think about Dakota, that was 42,000 jobs right there, that was just one small thing they did right at the very beginning, and we’ve done many of them. And now, the things I'm most proud about, companies are starting to come back into our country. They were leaving... 
   
   
   
   INGRAHAM: Repatriating. 
   
   
   
   TRUMP: They are coming back. And one of the things about our taxes – you talk about repatriation. We’re bringing in probably – I think the number is going to be over $4 trillion coming back into our country so it’s going to be put to work. 
   
   
   
   INGRAHAM: Speaking of, are you going to do China enforcement on this trip? Tell China intellectual property theft, subsidies, dumping in our country – 
   
   
   
   TRUMP: Yeah. 
   
   
   
   INGRAHAM: Are you going to be tough on the enforcement side, given what they’re doing to this country? 
   
   
   
   TRUMP: You have to understand something – very important. We have a problem called North Korea. 
   
   
   
   INGRAHAM: Are you going to tie (inaudible) with Korea? With South Korea’s trade deficit? 
   
   
   
   TRUMP: Well, we’re going to see. But we have one problem that’s a very big problem – it’s called North Korea. China has been helpful. We are talking trade with China, but I am also – 
   
   
   
   INGRAHAM: It sounds like it. Not just one thing. 
   
   
   
   TRUMP: And President Xi has been pretty terrific. Most people have been saying whether it’s cutting the banking system off from North Korea, whether it’s cutting the oil down to North Korea, cutting supplies down. And I must tell you North Korea is a thing that I think we will solve and if we don’t solve it, it’s not going to be very pleasant for them. It’s not going to be very pleasant, I guess, for anybody; but China is helping us. 
   
   
   
   INGRAHAM: Japan is worried. 
   
   
   
   TRUMP: Well, of course they’re worried. They should be worried. You know, they’re very close to North Korea. 
   
   
   
   INGRAHAM: And they want a nuclear pledge from the United States if they go after Japan. 
   
   
   
   TRUMP: Well, you know Japan is a warrior nation. And I tell China and I tell everyone else that, listen, you’re going to have yourself a big problem with Japan pretty soon if you allow this to continue with North Korea. 
   
   
   
   INGRAHAM: Are we going to make any pledges to Japan to defend them in a nuclear capacity? 
   
   
   
   TRUMP: Well, look, they’re an ally – they’re an ally. The Prime Minister is a very good friend of mine. Prime Minister Abe – I’ve become very close. I’ve become very, very, close to President Xi of China. I think a lot of good things are going to happen. I think it’s a very important trip. I think this is one of the more important trips that a president has made. 
   
   
   
   INGRAHAM: You don’t like traveling, though. You’re not a big man of traveling. 
   
   
   
   TRUMP: Well, I don’t love it, but I think it’s important. I’m going to China. I’m going to Japan. South Korea. I’ve been going to Vietnam where we have a tremendous trade conference – trade. And we’re starting to do well in trade. Look, NAFTA is a disaster. NAFTA is killing us. And we’re renegotiating it. 
   
   
   
   INGRAHAM: You’ve going to talk to Putin – are you going to talk to him on this trip. 
   
   
   
   TRUMP: We may have a meeting with Putin. And, again – Putin is very important because they can help us with North Korea. 
   
   
   
   INGRAHAM: Syria. 
   
   
   
   TRUMP: They can help us with Syria. We have to talk about Ukraine 
   
   
   
   
   
   INGRAHAM: Can we just ask a fun question? One fun question? 
   
   
   
   Are you having fun in this job? 
   
   
   
   TRUMP: I am. I love it. 
   
   
   
   INGRAHAM: Is it – 
   
   
   
   TRUMP: Well, there’s been a lot of false reporting that I’m angry about things. 
   
   
   
   INGRAHAM: I’ve never seen you angry – I’ve known you for 14 years. 
   
   
   
   TRUMP: No. I think the press is fake. A lot of the media is fake. But – so, you could say there’s a certain anger there. But it’s not really anger. It’s really amazement how dishonest – when you get right down to it – how dishonest the news is. But – 
   
   
   
   INGRAHAM: Your family is adjusting well? 
   
   
   
   TRUMP: I am – well, I think my family has been treated unfairly. I think that Ivanka has been treated very unfairly, frankly. Melania is really just powering through it. She’s been incredible. People love Ivanka. People love Melania – and, you know, they go through it. But I do think the family has been treated a little bit unfairly. 
   
   
   
   In the end what is very nice is we really have – I don’t think – I’m not saying this in a braggadocios way – I don’t think over a period of nine or 10 months there’s been any president in the beginning of their presidency that’s done anywhere close when you think about regulations, and Supreme Court and so many different things – and stock markets and the economy. 
   
   
   
   INGRAHAM: I like the fact that you’re impatient for change in a city that is slow-moving and has – moves at a glacial pace. And that’s something you got from the business world. You’re impatient for change. 
   
   
   
   TRUMP: And the most important thing that we’re going to be doing is tax cuts. Tax cuts – if we get this through and I think we will – you’re going to see this economy take off like a rocket ship. 
   
   
   
   INGRAHAM: Thank you so much, Mr. President. I really appreciate all the time. 
   
   
   
   TRUMP: Thank you very much. Appreciate it. Thank you. 
   
   Trump on Justice Department:Trump on DACA:Trump said the allegations of a Democratic "rigged primary" is "very unfair" to Bernie Sanders:Trump: "The thing I'm most proud about... companies are starting to come back into our country"Full transcript, via FOX News: ||||| Alternate Representative of the United States of America for Special Political Affairs in the United Nations, with the Rank of Ambassador 
   
   Alternate Representative of the United States of America for Special Political Affairs in the United Nations, with the Rank of Ambassador 
   
   Serves as the second most senior American diplomat before the U.N. General Assembly and the Security Council in New York, and serves as the permanent representative in his or her absence Download for more information 
   
   Leads the U.S. delegation to the U.N., representing the U.S. particularly in the U.N. Security Council; advances U.S. interests around international peace and security, and advances international cooperation to solve global problems of an economic, social, cultural or humanitarian nature Download for more information 
   
   U.S. Representative to the United Nations Agencies for Food and Agriculture 
   
   U.S. Representative to the United Nations Agencies for Food and Agriculture 
   
   U.S. representative to the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, with rank of ambassador 
   
   U.S. representative to the Office of the United Nations and International Organizations in Geneva 
   
   U.S. representative to the Office of the United Nations and International Organizations in Geneva 
   
   U.S. representative to the Conference on Disarmament, with the rank of ambassador 
   
   Special representative of the president for nuclear nonproliferation, with the rank of ambassador 
   
   Special representative of the president for nuclear nonproliferation, with the rank of ambassador 
   
   Special envoy to promote religious freedom of religious minorities in the Near East and South Central Asia with the rank of ambassador 
   
   Representative to the United Nations for management and reform 
   
   Representative to the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations 
   
   Conducts multilateral diplomacy with seven major international organizations in Vienna, including the International Atomic Energy Agency and the Preparatory Commission of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty Organization, to design and implement global approaches to reduce global threats Download for more information 
   
   Representative of the United States to the Vienna office of the United Nations and representative of the United States to the International Atomic Energy Agency 
   
   Representative of the United States to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe 
   
   Representative of the United States to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe 
   
   Representative of the United States to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development 
   
   Representative of the United States to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development 
   
   Manages all aspects of U.S. relations with the European Union and the U.S. Mission to the European Union (USEU), which hosts representatives from 10 U.S. government agencies and various departments, who report to the USEU chief of mission Download for more information 
   
   Representative of the United States to the European Union 
   
   Representative of the United States to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations 
   
   Representative of the U.S. on the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization, with rank of ambassador 
   
   Promotes democracy and democratic institutions, ensures free and fair elections, and supports the efforts of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights to promote and protect these rights in the member states Download for more information 
   
   Permanent representative of the United States to the Organization of American States 
   
   Permanent representative of the United States on the Council of the North Atlantic Treaty Organizations 
   
   Serves as the liaison with foreign governments that have a presence in the U.S., and ensures equity in benefits, privileges and services provided to foreign diplomatic personnel assigned here and U.S. personnel assigned overseas; enforces the Foreign Missions Act Download for more information 
   
   Leads the country's global engagement against human trafficking, and supports the coordination of anti-trafficking efforts across government; pursues policies, partnerships and practices that help prosecute traffickers, protect victims and prevent trafficking Download for more information 
   
   Director of the Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking with the rank of ambassador at large 
   
   Oversees recruitment, assignment evaluation, promotion, discipline, career development and retirement policies and programs for the department's foreign and civil service employees; leads a team of 800 civil and foreign service employees; negotiates with department unions Download for more information 
   
   Forges partnerships with foreign governments, multilateral organizations and nonstate actors to advance the U.S.'s counterterrorism objectives and national security; serves as an adviser to department officials on counterterrorism policy, strategy, threats and operations Download for more information 
   
   Advises department and White House officials on the protocol policies and practices involved in planning, hosting and officiating official events for visiting chiefs of state and heads of government; serves as the president's official liaison to the Washington diplomatic corps Download for more information 
   
   Manages U.S. interests in the region by supporting democracy, trade and sustainable economic development, and by fostering cooperation on regional issues, such as narcotics, migration, border security, civil liberties and human rights, social inclusion and justice, anti-corruption and more Download for more information 
   
   Advances U.S. humanitarian, population and migration policies; guides programs related to the protection and assistance of refugees and other victims of conflict; draws policy attention to and enhances international cooperation on migration, population and reproductive health care issues Download for more information 
   
   Serves as State's principal liaison to the Department of Defense; provides policy direction on international security, security assistance programs, military operations, defense strategy and plans, and commercial defense trade Download for more information 
   
   Handles U.S. foreign policy and diplomatic relations with countries in the region and focuses on issues including Iraq, Middle East peace, terrorism and weapons of mass destruction, and political and economic reform; provides instructions to ambassadors in the region Download for more information 
   
   Referred to Foreign Relations committee as requested by a member of the Senate 
   
   Placed on Senate Executive Calendar in the Privileged Nomination section 
   
   Referred to Foreign Relations committee as requested by a member of the Senate 
   
   Placed on Senate Executive Calendar in the Privileged Nomination section 
   
   Coordinates legislative activity, acting as State's "diplomat to Congress," advises the secretary and other department principals on legislative strategy, and reviews proposed legislation and foreign policy statements Download for more information 
   
   Assists the secretary and undersecretary for arms control and international security in directing international security and nonproliferation issues; develops and implements policies to curb the proliferation of WMD; represents the U.S. in bilateral and multilateral negotiations Download for more information 
   
   Develops and implements U.S. policy in the U.N., its specialized agencies on world health, food and agriculture and more, and other international organizations; helps coordinate information, instructions and policy in international organizations and develop strategies to get their support Download for more information 
   
   Formulates policies to combat international crime and administers programs to reduce illegal drug importation; oversees a budget that in fiscal 2015 was $1.292 billion; leads production of the annual International Narcotics Control Strategy Report Download for more information 
   
   Serves as intelligence adviser to department principals, supervises all department intelligence activities, and represents State within the intelligence community, serving as the primary liaison with the director of national intelligence Download for more information 
   
   Oversees and advises on U.S. foreign policy and relations with European and Eurasian states; works with regional organizations, such as NATO, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the E.U. and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, to enhance the U.S.'s work Download for more information 
   
   Serves as the secretary's principal adviser on incorporating energy security strategy, policy, operations and programs into U.S. foreign policy, and leads the department in a government-wide effort to promote international energy security Download for more information 
   
   Oversees a wide range of academic, cultural, private sector, professional, youth and sports exchange programs to increase mutual understanding between Americans and people of other countries; builds private-public partnerships to bring resources to enhance the bureau's work Download for more information 
   
   Promotes economic security and prosperity at home and abroad, and a coherent economic policy across the U.S. government; serves as State's senior economic official; provides guidance to the department's 1,600 economic officers around the world Download for more information 
   
   Directs, coordinates and supervises U.S. government activities in the region on political, economic, consular, public diplomacy and administrative management issues; conducts diplomacy and negotiates with East Asian and Pacific governments Download for more information 
   
   Oversees the department's security programs for protecting U.S. government employees and facilities overseas from terrorist, criminal or technical attack; ensures the integrity of classified national security information produced and stored in these facilities Download for more information 
   
   Helps newly formed democracies implement democratic principles, helps advocates establish democracies in their countries, and develops policies to address governments that deny citizens the right to choose their leaders in fair elections; oversees publication of State's annual Human Rights Report Download for more information 
   
   Protects the lives and interests of U.S. citizens abroad and strengthens the security of U.S. borders; leads 13,000 consular professionals in nearly 300 locations worldwide; manages a budget of approximately $4.3 billion; administers the department's visa and passport programs Download for more information 
   
   Serves as senior adviser on conflict and instability issues in fragile states, and works to advance U.S. national security, by breaking cycles of violent conflict and mitigating crises; advances our understanding of violent conflict through monitoring, analysis and targeted in-country efforts Download for more information 
   
   Directs policy and resources on matters of verification of compliance with international arms control, nonproliferation and disarmament agreements; coordinates missile defense cooperation, and diplomatic efforts to support national security space activities and cyber confidence-building measures Download for more information 
   
   Focuses on the development and management of U.S. policy concerning the African continent; works to strengthen democratic institutions, support economic growth and development, advance peace and security, and promote opportunity and development Download for more information 
   
   Serves as the principal foreign policy adviser to the secretary and deputy secretaries in the formulation, conduct and coordination of a comprehensive outreach and public affairs strategy that supports key diplomatic policies, priorities and initiatives worldwide Download for more information 
   
   Serve as the department's fourth-highest official and as day-to-day manager of overall regional and bilateral policy issues; oversees the bureaus of Africa, East Asia and the Pacific, Europe and Eurasia, the Near East, South and Central Asia, the Western Hemisphere and International Organizations Download for more information 
   
   Oversees the department's people, resources, facilities, technology and security, and serves as one of the secretary's principal advisers on management issues and allocation of department operating resources, including control of positions, funds and other worldwide department resources Download for more information 
   
   Coordinates U.S. foreign policy on transnational issues, including humanitarian efforts; human rights and labor issues; combating terrorism, trafficking in persons and illicit drug activity; and the documentation of war crimes and atrocities Download for more information 
   
   Manages global U.S. security policy in areas of nonproliferation, arms control, regional security and defense relations, arms transfers and security assistance; oversees negotiation, implementation and verification of international arms control and security agreements Download for more information 
   
   Advises on domestic and international legal issues arising in the department's work, assists State's principals and policy officers in formulating and implementing U.S. foreign policies, and promotes development of international law and its institutions as a fundamental element of those policies Download for more information 
   
   Serves as chief operating officer of a department that has about $26 billion in outlays and 10,000 total employment, and as the secretary's principal adviser on overall supervision and direction of State's resource allocation and management activities Download for more information 
   
   Serves as the department's principal deputy, as acting secretary in the secretary's absence and as the secretary's principal adviser, and assists in the formulation and conduct of U.S. foreign policy, playing a senior role in international affairs and diplomatic relations Download for more information 
   
   Serves as chief foreign policy adviser, foreign policy coordinator, senior negotiator and senior Cabinet officer, and leads the department, which had nearly $26.5 billion in budget outlays in fiscal 2015, and 10,500 nonseasonal full time permanent employees in fiscal 2016 
   
   Serves as chief foreign policy adviser, foreign policy coordinator, senior negotiator and senior Cabinet officer, and leads the department, which had nearly $26.5 billion in budget outlays in fiscal 2015, and 10,500 nonseasonal full time permanent employees in fiscal 2016 
   
   Referred to Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry committee as requested by a member of the Senate 
   
   Placed on Senate Executive Calendar in the Privileged Nomination section 
   
   Coordinates all congressional matters and acts as the department's liaison with members of Congress, House and Senate committees and their staffs, as well as with state, county, local and tribal government officials and other stakeholders involved in USDA issues Download for more information 
   
   Assists the secretary in leading and coordinating USDA's civil rights programs; works on matters related to compliance with applicable laws and equal employment opportunity Download for more information 
   
   Identifies challenges in rural communities and examines ways the department's rural development programs can help with utilities, housing, emergency and health services, agriculture and energy 
   
   Serves as the department's chief scientist, is responsible for distributing research grant funding, and oversees department programs that finance research and education through USDA-owned research facilities, land-grant universities and the private sector Download for more information 
   
   Serves as the department's chief scientist, is responsible for distributing research grant funding, and oversees department programs that finance research and education through USDA-owned research facilities, land-grant universities and the private sector Download for more information 
   
   Promotes the conservation and sustainable use of the nation's natural resources, oversees the nearly 40,000 employees of the Forest Service and Natural Resources Conservation Service, and advises the secretary on natural resource conservation policy Download for more information 
   
   Assists the secretary to facilitate domestic and international marketing of U.S. agricultural products, pursues improved agricultural productivity and competitiveness, and ensures the health and welfare of animals and plants Download for more information 
   
   Ensures commercial supply of meat, poultry and egg products is safe and properly labeled and packaged, in part by overseeing U.S. food inspectors; supervises policies and programs of the Food Safety and Inspection Service, which is responsible for food safety in interstate commerce or when exported Download for more information 
   
   Provides policy direction and leadership to keep U.S. farmers and ranchers in business as they face weather and market uncertainties; oversees USDA agencies delivering commodity, credit, conservation, and disaster and emergency assistance programs to improve the agricultural economy's stability Download for more information 
   
   Operates as USDA's chief law officer, providing legal services for all USDA programs, operations and activities; oversees 300 legal professionals working at headquarters, in four regional offices and in field offices throughout the country Download for more information 
   
   Functions as chief operation officer of the nearly 100,000-employee agency, managing day-to-day operations and, depending on his or her strengths, interacting frequently with Congress, industry, food safety advocates and other stakeholders; may travel domestically and abroad to advance USDA's goals Download for more information 
   
   Oversees the USDA and its nearly 100,000 employees, providing leadership on issues concerning food, agriculture, natural resources, rural development, nutrition and related issues 
   
   Oversees the bureau, which is the leading source of data on the social and economic activities and characteristics of the U.S. population, and coordinates its statistical programs and scientific activities with those of other federal statistical agencies Download for more information 
   
   Director general for the United States and Foreign Commercial Service and assistant secretary for global markets 
   
   Serves as CEO of the U.S. Commercial and Foreign Commercial Service, oversees the management of staff across the U.S. and in more than 70 other countries, engages governments on trade promotion and policy issues and advocates for U.S. business interests abroad Download for more information 
   
   Director general for the United States and Foreign Commercial Service and assistant secretary for global markets 
   
   Serves as the deputy administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and performs duties prescribed by the undersecretary for oceans and atmosphere 
   
   Referred to Commerce, Science, and Transportation committee as requested by a member of the Senate 
   
   Placed on Senate Executive Calendar in the Privileged Nomination section 
   
   Provides guidance and oversight of the department's congressional relations and activities, and develops a plan to collect, coordinate and distribute information on those congressional interactions to the secretary and the department Download for more information 
   
   Serves as the department's primary liaison with U.S. industry and trade associations, to help address industry concerns and support U.S. competitiveness, and advises on trade and investment policy and issues that affect the global competitiveness of U.S. businesses Download for more information 
   
   Assists the undersecretary for industry and security with developing policy and administering programs for enforcing anti-boycott and export-control laws and regulations Download for more information 
   
   Assists and advises the undersecretary for industry and security in developing policies on export administration issues Download for more information 
   
   Provides direction to the department on matters related to weather, water, climate, and ocean observations and forecasts Download for more information 
   
   Ensures access to enforcement and compliance services to remedy unfair trade practices, negotiates with foreign manufacturers or governments to address these unfair practices, represents commercial interests in trade and investment negotiations, and ensures compliance with certain trade arrangements 
   
   Oversees the department's domestic economic development activities and proposes policies related to improving undeveloped or underdeveloped portions of the country, for example by designating or terminating economic development districts Download for more information 
   
   Oversees the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, which works to expand broadband Internet access and adoption in the U.S. and expand the use of spectrum Download for more information 
   
   Advises the secretary on technological development and oversees the National Institute of Standards and Technology which, with a $964 million budget and 3,400 employees, works to promote American innovation and industrial competitiveness Download for more information 
   
   Undersecretary for oceans and atmosphere and administrator, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 
   
   Oversees the 11,000-employee, nearly $6 billion agency, whose mission is to advance data, research and understanding of the ocean, coasts, Great Lakes, weather, atmosphere and related ecosystems, for the benefit of businesses and individuals Download for more information 
   
   Undersecretary for oceans and atmosphere and administrator, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 
   
   Works to strengthen the competitiveness of U.S. industry, promotes trade and investment, and seeks to ensure fair trade by enforcing trade laws and agreements Download for more information 
   
   Leads an agency of more than 12,000 employees, who are mostly technical professionals and lawyers, in examining patent and trademark applications, guides domestic and international intellectual property policy, and provides information to help businesses Download for more information 
   
   Undersecretary for intellectual property and director, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office 
   
   Seeks to advance U.S. national security, foreign policy and economic objectives by ensuring the system for export control and treaty compliance is effective, and promoting continued U.S. technology leadership Download for more information 
   
   Leads the Economics and Statistics Administration, providing economic analysis to the department's leadership, and oversees multiple offices, including the Census Bureau and the Bureau of Economic Analysis Download for more information 
   
   Referred to Commerce, Science, and Transportation committee as requested by a member of the Senate 
   
   Placed on Senate Executive Calendar in the Privileged Nomination section 
   
   Oversees the department's facilities and financial and human resources; establishes policies for implementing administrative functions, such as accounting and financial management systems, and monitors how they are carried out; and implements department and government-wide management initiatives Download for more information 
   
   Serves as the department's chief legal officer, providing legal services to the secretary and the department's operating units, and managing the work of more than 325 lawyers Download for more information 
   
   Serves as chief operating officer of a department that in fiscal 2015 had nearly $9 billion in outlays and about 35,000 employees, and carries out the secretary's strategic plan by managing department operations Download for more information 
   
   Serves as chief operating officer of a department that in fiscal 2015 had nearly $9 billion in outlays and about 35,000 employees, and carries out the secretary's strategic plan by managing department operations Download for more information 
   
   Oversees a department that in fiscal 2015 had nearly $9 billion in outlays and about 35,000 employees in its mission to create conditions for economic growth and opportunity and advises president on federal policy and programs affecting industrial and commercial segments of the national economy 
   
   Department of Defense 60 position s 
   
   Confirmed and resigned Details Gen. Jim Mattis Secretary Serves as the principal national policy adviser to the president in his role as commander in chief, and leads the department, which has more than 2.1 million active and reserve service members, 742,000 civilian personnel and, in fiscal 2016, had a budget of about $576 billion Download for more information Nomination timeline Appointment announced » Referred to Armed Services committee Reported out favorably Confirmed Resigned Gen. Jim Mattis Details 
   
   No nominee Secretary — 
   
   Confirmed Details Heather Wilson Secretary of the Air Force Oversees all the affairs of the Department of the Air Force, including activities to organize, train, equip and provide for the welfare of the department's nearly 660,000 active duty, guard, reserve and civilian airmen, and their families Download for more information Nomination timeline Appointment announced Referred to Armed Services committee Reported out favorably Confirmed Heather Wilson Details 
   
   Withdrawn Details Vincent Viola Secretary of the Army Leads and oversees all matters related to the Department of the Army: manpower, personnel, reserve affairs, installations, environmental issues, communications, financial management, and weapons systems and equipment acquisition Download for more information Nomination timeline Appointment announced » Referred to Armed Services committee Withdrawn by president Vincent Viola Details 
   
   Confirmed Details Mark T. Esper Secretary of the Army Leads and oversees all matters related to the Department of the Army: manpower, personnel, reserve affairs, installations, environmental issues, communications, financial management, and weapons systems and equipment acquisition Download for more information Nomination timeline Appointment announced Referred to Armed Services committee Reported out favorably Confirmed Mark T. Esper Details 
   
   Confirmed Details Richard V. Spencer Secretary of the Navy Oversees all the affairs of the Department of the Navy, with its annual budget of more than $170 billion and nearly 900,000 sailors, marines and civilians, which includes recruiting, organizing, supplying, equipping, training, mobilizing and demobilizing forces Download for more information Nomination timeline Appointment announced Referred to Armed Services committee Reported out favorably Confirmed Richard V. Spencer Details 
   
   Confirmed Details Patrick Shanahan Deputy secretary Serves as chief operating officer of a department that had a $576 billion budget in fiscal 2016 and has more than 2.1 million active and reserve service members and 742,000 civilian personnel; acts as the department's chief management officer, a position Congress created in 2016 Download for more information Nomination timeline Appointment announced Referred to Armed Services committee Reported out favorably Confirmed Patrick Shanahan Details 
   
   Confirmed Details Paul C. Ney Jr. General counsel Serves as the principal legal adviser to the secretary of defense and as the director of the Defense Legal Services Agency, which provides legal advice and services for the defense agencies and the department's field activities Download for more information Nomination timeline Appointment announced Referred to Armed Services committee Reported out favorably Confirmed Paul C. Ney Jr. Details 
   
   Withdrawn Details David G. Ehrhart General counsel of the Air Force Serves as the Air Force's chief legal and ethics officer, and collaborates with the judge advocate general to provide the department legal advice, Air Force senior leaders to resolve crises, make acquisitions and carry out special projects, and other DOD general counsel on issues of common concern Download for more information Nomination timeline Appointment announced Referred to Armed Services committee Withdrawn by president David G. Ehrhart Details 
   
   Confirmed Details Thomas E. Ayres General counsel of the Air Force Nomination timeline Appointment announced Referred to Armed Services committee Reported out favorably Confirmed Thomas E. Ayres Details 
   
   Withdrawn Details Ryan Dean Newman General counsel of the Army Coordinates legal and policy advice to staff at Army headquarters; determines the Army's position on legal questions or procedures, and serves as the Army's designated ethics official Download for more information Nomination timeline Appointment announced Referred to Armed Services committee Withdrawn by president Ryan Dean Newman Details 
   
   Confirmed Details James E. McPherson General counsel of the Army Coordinates legal and policy advice to staff at Army headquarters; determines the Army's position on legal questions or procedures, and serves as the Army's designated ethics official Download for more information Nomination timeline Appointment announced Referred to Armed Services committee Reported out favorably Confirmed James E. McPherson Details 
   
   Returned Details Charles Douglas Stimson General counsel of the Navy Serves as the Navy's chief legal officer, providing legal advice and services to both the Navy and Marine Corps; assists in overseeing the Naval Criminal Investigative Service; provides solutions to legal issues in areas that include acquisition law, business and commercial law, and more Download for more information Nomination timeline Appointment announced Referred to Armed Services committee Reported out favorably Returned to president Appointment announced Referred to Armed Services committee Reported out favorably Returned to president Charles Douglas Stimson Details 
   
   No nominee General counsel of the Navy — 
   
   Confirmed Details David Norquist Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller) and Chief Financial Officer Serves as the principal adviser to the secretary of defense on all budgetary and fiscal matters, including the development and execution of the department's annual budget, which was $576 billion in fiscal 2016 Download for more information Nomination timeline Appointment announced Referred to Armed Services committee Reported out favorably Confirmed David Norquist Details 
   
   Confirmed and resigned Details John H. Gibson II Chief Management Officer Nomination timeline Appointment announced Referred to Armed Services committee Reported out favorably Confirmed Resigned John H. Gibson II Details 
   
   No nominee Chief Management Officer — 
   
   Confirmed and resigned Details John H. Gibson II Deputy chief management officer Assists deputy secretary in his or her chief management officer role, overseeing business operations and strategic planning, including performance management measures and management of the department's IT portfolio investments; serves as performance improvement officer and chief information officer Download for more information Nomination timeline Appointment announced Referred to Armed Services committee Reported out favorably Confirmed Resigned John H. Gibson II Details 
   
   No nominee Deputy chief management officer — 
   
   Confirmed Details Ellen M. Lord Undersecretary for acquisition, technology and logistics Functions as DOD's chief administrative officer, overseeing military construction and the management of installations, occupational health, utilities and energy, as well as directing business management modernization, document services, and nuclear, chemical and biological defense programs Download for more information Nomination timeline Appointment announced Referred to Armed Services committee Reported out favorably Confirmed Ellen M. Lord Details 
   
   Confirmed Details Joseph Kernan Undersecretary for intelligence Oversees all DOD intelligence organizations: the National Security Agency, Defense Intelligence Agency, National Geospatial Intelligence Agency, National Reconnaissance Office, Defense Security Service and intelligence components of the combatant commands and military services Download for more information Nomination timeline Appointment announced Referred to Armed Services committee Reported out favorably Confirmed Joseph Kernan Details 
   
   Confirmed and resigned Details Robert L. Wilkie Undersecretary for personnel and readiness Serves as the secretary's senior policy adviser on recruitment, career development, and pay and benefits for military personnel, Guard and Reserve personnel, and DOD civilians; oversees the overall state of military readiness Download for more information Nomination timeline Appointment announced Referred to Armed Services committee Reported out favorably Confirmed Resigned Robert L. Wilkie Details 
   
   No nominee Undersecretary for personnel and readiness — 
   
   Confirmed Details John C. Rood Undersecretary for policy Serves as the principal adviser to the DOD secretary on the formation of national security and defense policy, oversees contingency planning by the combat commanders, and serves as the primary liaison to foreign senior defense officials Download for more information Nomination timeline Appointment announced Referred to Armed Services committee Reported out favorably Confirmed John C. Rood Details 
   
   Confirmed Details Michael D. Griffin Under Secretary for Research and Engineering Nomination timeline Appointment announced Referred to Armed Services committee Reported out favorably Confirmed Michael D. Griffin Details 
   
   Confirmed Details Matthew P. Donovan Undersecretary of the Air Force Serves as chief management officer of the Air Force Department, overseeing the management of nearly 700,000 military and civilian personnel, and a budget of about $167 billion; serves as acting secretary in the secretary's absence Download for more information Nomination timeline Appointment announced Referred to Armed Services committee Reported out favorably Confirmed Matthew P. Donovan Details 
   
   Confirmed Details Ryan McCarthy Undersecretary of the Army Serves as the deputy and principal assistant to the Army secretary and as chief management officer responsible for developing and submitting to the secretary a comprehensive business transformation plan with measurable performance goals Download for more information Nomination timeline Appointment announced Referred to Armed Services committee Reported out favorably Confirmed Ryan McCarthy Details 
   
   Confirmed Details Thomas B. Modly Undersecretary of the Navy Serves as the Navy secretary's principal assistant and chief of staff, chief operating officer and chief management officer; is responsible for Navy affairs, on behalf of the secretary, including acquisition, finance, personnel, legislative affairs, and research and development Download for more information Nomination timeline Appointment announced Referred to Armed Services committee Reported out favorably Confirmed Thomas B. Modly Details 
   
   Confirmed Details Lisa Porter Deputy Under Secretary for Research and Engineering Nomination timeline Appointment announced Referred to Armed Services committee Reported out favorably Confirmed Lisa Porter Details 
   
   Confirmed Details Alan Ray Shaffer Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment Nomination timeline Appointment announced Referred to Armed Services committee Reported out favorably Confirmed Alan Ray Shaffer Details 
   
   Confirmed Details Elaine McCusker Principal deputy undersecretary (comptroller) Assists the undersecretary of defense (comptroller) in providing the secretary with advice on all budgetary and financial matters, including on developing and executing the annual budget of more than $500 billion, and in overseeing efforts to achieve audit readiness Download for more information Nomination timeline Appointment announced Referred to Armed Services committee Reported out favorably Confirmed Elaine McCusker Details 
   
   Returned Details Michael D. Griffin Principal deputy undersecretary for acquisition, technology, and logistics Serves as the first assistant to the undersecretary of defense for acquisition, technology and logistics and assists with duties in those areas as well as with nuclear, chemical and biological weapons; operational energy; and installations and environment Download for more information Nomination timeline Appointment announced Referred to Armed Services committee Returned to president Michael D. Griffin Details 
   
   No nominee Principal deputy undersecretary for acquisition, technology, and logistics — 
   
   Confirmed Details Kari A. Bingen Principal deputy undersecretary for intelligence Advises and assists the undersecretary for intelligence and the secretary on intelligence planning, policy and resources, helping to ensure full intelligence support for ongoing operations; acts for the undersecretary when needed Download for more information Nomination timeline Appointment announced Referred to Armed Services committee Reported out favorably Confirmed Kari A. Bingen Details 
   
   Withdrawn Details Anthony Kurta Principal deputy undersecretary for personnel and readiness Serves as first assistant to the undersecretary for personnel and readiness, and oversees the overall state of military readiness; assists the undersecretary in advising the secretary in areas such as total force management, National Guard and Reserve Component affairs, and health affairs Download for more information Nomination timeline Appointment announced Referred to Armed Services committee Reported out favorably Withdrawn by president Anthony Kurta Details 
   
   No nominee Principal deputy undersecretary for personnel and readiness — 
   
   Confirmed Details David Trachtenberg Principal deputy undersecretary for policy Assists the undersecretary of defense for policy, and provides advice and assistance to the defense secretary on matters such as strategy formulation and policy planning, and campaign and contingency planning and assessment; acts for the undersecretary when needed Download for more information Nomination timeline Appointment announced Referred to Armed Services committee Reported out favorably Confirmed David Trachtenberg Details 
   
   Confirmed Details Kevin Fahey Assistant secretary for acquisition Oversees the DOD acquisition system, major defense acquisitions programs and acquisition issues related to space, intelligence, cyber and information systems; oversees the Defense Acquisition University and the Defense Contract Management Agency Download for more information Nomination timeline Appointment announced Referred to Armed Services committee Reported out favorably Confirmed Kevin Fahey Details 
   
   Confirmed Details Randall G. Schriver Assistant secretary for Asian and Pacific security affairs Oversees international security strategy and policy on issues of DOD interest relating to the nations and international organizations of the Asia-Pacific region, and its governments and defense establishments; oversees security cooperation programs in the region, including foreign military sales Download for more information Nomination timeline Appointment announced Referred to Armed Services committee Reported out favorably Confirmed Randall G. Schriver Details 
   
   Confirmed Details Lucian Niemeyer Assistant secretary for energy, installations and environment Serves as principal adviser to the secretary and undersecretary for acquisition, technology and logistics on energy, installations, operational energy plans and programs, and environmental matters; leads alternative fuel activities, encouraging collaboration with USDA and other relevant agencies Download for more information Nomination timeline Appointment announced Referred to Armed Services committee Reported out favorably Confirmed Lucian Niemeyer Details 
   
   Confirmed Details John P. Roth Assistant secretary for financial management and comptroller, Department of the Air Force Provides the Air Force with financial management and analytical services, which includes supervising and directing preparation of Air Force budget estimates for an agency with a budget of about $167 billion and nearly 700,000 military and civilian personnel Download for more information Nomination timeline Appointment announced Placed on Senate Executive Calendar in the Privileged Nomination section Referred to Armed Services committee as requested by a member of the Senate Committee requested information was received (Armed Services) Confirmed John P. Roth Details 
   
   Returned Details Dean L. Winslow Assistant secretary for health affairs Functions as the military and DOD's top health care official and principal adviser to the secretary on health issues; oversees the Military Health System, which has a budget of more than $50 billion, more than 135,000 patients in the U.S., and 10 million patients in 100 countries Download for more information Nomination timeline Appointment announced Referred to Armed Services committee Hearing held Returned to president Dean L. Winslow Details 
   
   Returned Details Thomas McCaffery Assistant secretary for health affairs Functions as the military and DOD's top health care official and principal adviser to the secretary on health issues; oversees the Military Health System, which has a budget of more than $50 billion, more than 135,000 patients in the U.S., and 10 million patients in 100 countries Download for more information Nomination timeline Appointment announced Referred to Armed Services committee Reported out favorably Returned to president Thomas McCaffery Details 
   
   No nominee Assistant secretary for health affairs — 
   
   Confirmed Details Kenneth Rapuano Assistant Secretary for Homeland Defense and Global Security Advises the secretary and undersecretary for policy on implementing policy and strategy related to national and global security issues, such as countering weapons of mass destruction, cyber operations, homeland defense activities, antiterrorism and force protection Download for more information Nomination timeline Appointment announced Referred to Armed Services committee Reported out favorably Confirmed Kenneth Rapuano Details 
   
   Confirmed and resigned Details Robert Story Karem Assistant secretary for international security affairs Serves as principal adviser on security strategy and policy issues related to nations and international organizations of Europe (including NATO), Russia, the Middle East, Africa and the Western Hemisphere; oversees security cooperation programs, including foreign military sales, in these regions Download for more information Nomination timeline Appointment announced Referred to Armed Services committee Reported out favorably Confirmed Resigned Robert Story Karem Details 
   
   No nominee Assistant secretary for international security affairs — 
   
   Confirmed Details Robert R. Hood Assistant secretary for legislative affairs Supervises DOD's legislative affairs, developing and overseeing a legislative strategy that supports the administration's policy agenda and the department's legislative program, priorities and policies Download for more information Nomination timeline Appointment announced Placed on Senate Executive Calendar in the Privileged Nomination section Referred to Armed Services committee as requested by a member of the Senate Committee requested information was received (Armed Services) Confirmed Robert R. Hood Details 
   
   Confirmed and resigned Details Robert H. McMahon Assistant secretary for logistics and materiel readiness Serves as the principal logistics official in DOD, directing policy and procedure for DOD's logistics, maintenance, materiel readiness, strategic mobility and support for maintaining the operations needed to accomplish the mission Download for more information Nomination timeline Appointment announced Referred to Armed Services committee Reported out favorably Confirmed Resigned Robert H. McMahon Details 
   
   No nominee Assistant secretary for logistics and materiel readiness — 
   
   Confirmed Details James N. Stewart Assistant secretary for manpower and reserve affairs Serves as principal adviser to the secretary and the undersecretary for personnel and readiness on matters relating to military and civilian personnel policies and programs, military community and family policy, reserve component affairs, and force planning and requirements Download for more information Nomination timeline Appointment announced Referred to Armed Services committee Reported out favorably Confirmed James N. Stewart Details 
   
   Confirmed Details Guy B. Roberts Assistant secretary for nuclear, chemical and biological defense Develops policies and makes recommendations on nuclear energy, nuclear weapons, and chemical and biological matters; serves as staff director of the Nuclear Weapons Council; functions as primary contact for Congress, other agencies and the public Download for more information Nomination timeline Appointment announced Referred to Armed Services committee Reported out favorably Confirmed Guy B. Roberts Details 
   
   Returned Details Veronica Daigle Assistant Secretary for Readiness Nomination timeline Appointment announced Referred to Armed Services committee Reported out favorably Returned to president Veronica Daigle Details 
   
   No nominee Assistant Secretary for Readiness — 
   
   No nominee Assistant secretary for research and engineering — 
   
   No nominee Assistant secretary for reserve affairs — 
   
   Confirmed Details Owen West Assistant secretary for special operations/low intensity conflict Oversees special operations and low-intensity conflict activities, including counterterrorism; unconventional warfare; direct action; special reconnaissance; foreign internal defense; civil affairs, information and psychological operations; and counter-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction Download for more information Nomination timeline Appointment announced Referred to Armed Services committee Reported out favorably Confirmed Owen West Details 
   
   Confirmed Details James H. Anderson Assistant secretary for strategy, plans and capabilities Advises the secretary and the undersecretary for policy on national security and defense strategy; the forces and contingency plans needed to implement defense strategy; nuclear deterrence and missile defense policy; and security cooperation plans and policies Download for more information Nomination timeline Appointment announced Referred to Armed Services committee Reported out favorably Confirmed James H. Anderson Details 
   
   Confirmed Details Robert H. McMahon Assistant Secretary for Sustainment Nomination timeline Appointment announced Referred to Armed Services committee Reported out favorably Confirmed Robert H. McMahon Details 
   
   Confirmed Details William Roper Assistant secretary of the Air Force for acquisition, technology, logistics Oversees Air Force research, development and non-space acquisition activities; formulates and executes the $210 billion Air Force investment strategy to acquire systems and support services to provide combat capability to joint warfighting commanders Download for more information Nomination timeline Appointment announced Referred to Armed Services committee Reported out favorably Confirmed William Roper Details 
   
   Confirmed Details John Henderson Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Installations, Environment, and Energy Oversees Air Force acquisition, purchase, lease and disposal of real property; manages assets, like military construction, family housing, airfields and ranges; promotes sound environmental policies on maintaining Air Force fleet and installations; oversees personnel and logistical combat capability Download for more information Nomination timeline Appointment announced Referred to Armed Services committee Reported out favorably Confirmed John Henderson Details 
   
   Confirmed Details Shon J. Manasco Assistant secretary of the Air Force for manpower and reserve affairs Oversees Air Force manpower, military and civilian personnel issues, Reserve component affairs, and readiness support, including areas such as equal opportunity, health program benefits and entitlements, the U.S. Air Force Academy, and sexual-assault prevention and response programs Download for more information Nomination timeline Appointment announced Referred to Armed Services committee Reported out favorably Confirmed Shon J. Manasco Details 
   
   Confirmed Details Bruce D. Jette Assistant secretary of the Army for acquisition, logistics, and technology Oversees Army acquisitions; manages the Army Acquisition Corps and Army Acquisition Workforce; serves as the Army's science adviser, senior research and development official, and senior procurement executive; oversees all Army logistics matters Download for more information Nomination timeline Appointment announced Referred to Armed Services committee Reported out favorably Confirmed Bruce D. Jette Details 
   
   Confirmed Details R.D. James Assistant secretary of the Army for civil works Oversees Army Department functions related to the Army Corps of Engineers' Civil Works Program, developing and directing implementation of policy, legislative and financial programs and annual budget; directs conservation and development of national water resources, such as flood management and more Download for more information Nomination timeline Appointment announced Referred to Armed Services committee Reported out favorably (Armed Services) Referred to Environment and Public Works committee Reported out favorably (Environment and Public Works) Confirmed R.D. James Details 
   
   Confirmed Details John E. Whitley Assistant secretary of the Army for financial management and comptroller, Department of the Army Provides the Army with financial management and analytical services, which includes formulating and defending its estimated $147 billion budget to Congress, and providing reliable financial information for leaders to use in their decision-making Download for more information Nomination timeline Appointment announced Placed on Senate Executive Calendar in the Privileged Nomination section Referred to Armed Services committee as requested by a member of the Senate Committee requested information was received (Armed Services) Confirmed John E. Whitley Details 
   
   Confirmed Details Alex A. Beehler Assistant secretary of the Army for installations, energy and environment Oversees all Army matters on infrastructure, Army installations and contingency bases, energy, and environmental programs to enable global Army operations; ensures operational readiness and safety of more than 120 U.S. Army installations worldwide Download for more information Nomination timeline Appointment announced Referred to Armed Services committee Returned to president Appointment announced Referred to Armed Services committee Reported out favorably Confirmed Alex A. Beehler Details 
   
   Confirmed Details Casey Wardynski Assistant secretary of the Army for manpower and reserve affairs Sets the strategic direction for the Army; oversees human resources issues for military, civilian and contractor personnel, which includes training, readiness, mobilization, military health affairs, force structure, manpower management, equal employment opportunity and other critical matters Download for more information Nomination timeline Appointment announced Referred to Armed Services committee Reported out favorably Confirmed Casey Wardynski Details 
   
   Confirmed Details Phyllis L. Bayer Assistant secretary of the Navy for energy, installations, and environment Oversees all Navy functions related to installations, safety, energy and environment; oversees effective management of Navy and Marine Corps real property, housing and other facilities of more than 87,000 buildings and 4,552,000 acres, with a plant replacement value of more than $230 billion Download for more information Nomination timeline Appointment announced Referred to Armed Services committee Returned to president Appointment announced Referred to Armed Services committee Reported out favorably Confirmed Phyllis L. Bayer Details 
   
   Confirmed Details Thomas Harker Assistant secretary of the Navy for financial management and comptroller, Department of the Navy Directs financial activities of the Navy, with its annual budget of more than $170 billion and nearly 900,000 sailors, Marines and civilians; formulates and defends the Navy's budget; advises the Navy's senior leadership on all financial matters Download for more information Nomination timeline Appointment announced Placed on Senate Executive Calendar in the Privileged Nomination section Referred to Armed Services committee as requested by a member of the Senate Committee requested information was received (Armed Services) Confirmed Thomas Harker Details 
   
   Confirmed Details Gregory J. Slavonic Assistant secretary of the Navy for manpower and reserve affairs Develops military and civilian human resources policies and programs for active, reserve and retired military personnel and civilians, and advises senior Navy leaders on the implications of policy decisions on personnel Download for more information Nomination timeline Appointment announced Referred to Armed Services committee Reported out favorably Confirmed Gregory J. Slavonic Details 
   
   Confirmed Details James F. Geurts Assistant secretary of the Navy for research, development, and acquisition Supervises research, development and acquisition of Navy and Marine Corps platforms and warfare systems, and oversees more than 100,000 people and an annual budget of more than $50 billion Download for more information Nomination timeline Appointment announced Referred to Armed Services committee Reported out favorably Confirmed James F. Geurts Details 
   
   Confirmed Details Robert Behler Director for operational test and evaluation Provides independent assessments to the secretary and the undersecretary of defense for acquisition, technology and logistics on operational test and evaluation, and live-fire test and evaluation; manages a budget of approximately $200 million Download for more information Nomination timeline Appointment announced Referred to Armed Services committee Reported out favorably Confirmed Robert Behler Details 
   
   Confirmed Details Robert Daigle Director, Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation Analyzes DOD's plans, programs and budgets in relation to U.S. defense objectives, projected threats, allied contributions and estimated costs and resource constraints; advises senior DOD officials on all aspects of the defense program Download for more information Nomination timeline Appointment announced Referred to Armed Services committee Reported out favorably Confirmed Robert Daigle Details 
   
   No nominee Inspector general —
target: – President Trump sat down with Laura Ingraham Thursday night, and when the Fox News host pressed him on why there are still so many vacancies for top posts in the State Department, he seemed nonplussed. "Let me tell you, the one that matters is me," Trump said, per the Hill. "I'm the only one that matters because when it comes to it that's what the policy is going to be." He also reminded Ingraham that he comes from the business world and that he often tells his own teams, "When you don't need to fill slots, don't fill them." He also put some of the blame on "[Chuck] Schumer and the Democrats" for "obstructing" nominees he's made for these positions, though a Washington Post/Partnership for Public Service tracker points out he's made far fewer nominations than the four presidents before him by this time in their tenure. Trump did touch upon one slot that's filled at State: Rex Tillerson's post. Per Politico, the president was asked if the secretary of state would remain with his administration "for the duration," to which Trump replied: "We'll see. I don't know who's going to be [here for the] duration." He did add that Tillerson was "working hard" and "doing his best." Also receiving mentions from Trump: Pyongyang and Putin. Trump called North Korea a "thing that I think we will solve," per Fox News. "If we don't solve it, it's not going to be very pleasant for them. It's not going to be very pleasant, I guess, for anybody," he said, without giving further details. As for the Russian president, Trump noted he wouldn't be against meeting with him during his upcoming trip to Asia. "Putin is very important because they can help us with North Korea," he said. RealClearPolitics has clips from the interview.