"A lot of what we do ... is trying to keep up with the President"

National Security Advisor H.R. McMaster kicked off Sean Spicer's briefing Friday discuss Trump's upcoming foreign trip, stating the president will bring a "message of hope and tolerance" to the Middle East:

• Afghanistan troop levels: "The president has not made a decision," said McMaster, adding "America First didn't mean America alone — ever."
• The council's duties: "A lot of what we do at the National Security Council is trying to keep up with the President."
• Trump on Russia: The president has made clear "he will confront Russian disruptive behavior" but is "also looking for areas of cooperation" with Moscow, said McMaster.