President-elect Donald TrumpDonald TrumpGOP prepares for battle over Dodd-Frank 'SNL' is sure Trump is 'watching' Trump aide on Tillerson's ties to Russia: Having relationships isn't a bad thing MORE is pushing back against criticism that he receives intelligence briefings only once a week.
"First of all, these are very good people that are giving me the briefings. And I say, 'If something should change from this point, immediately call me. I'm available on one-minute's notice.'"
A report published last week said the president-elect receives on average only one presidential intelligence briefing a week. That number is far lower than his predecessors, according to the Reuters report.
Trump suggested during the interview it isn't necessary for him to receive the presidential briefings daily.
"I'm, like, a smart person," the president-elect said during the interview.
"I don't have to be told the same thing in the same words every single day for the next eight years. Could be eight years — but eight years. I don't need that."
In the meantime, he said his generals and Vice President-elect Mike PenceMike (Michael) Richard PenceTrump on intelligence briefings: 'I get it when I need it' How did we end up with a ‘commander in tweet’? How did we end up with a ‘commander in tweet’? MORE are getting briefed frequently.
"And I'm being briefed also. But if they're going to come in and tell me the exact same thing that they tell me — you know, it doesn't change, necessarily," he said.
"Now, there will be times where it might change. I mean, there will be some very fluid situations. I'll be there not every day, but more than that. But I don't need to be told, Chris, the same thing every day, every morning — same words. 'Sir, nothing has changed. Let's go over it again.' I don't need that."