Psaki SLAMS Kellyanne Conway + Sean Spicer

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki doesn't hold back when asked about Gov. Greg Abbott (R-TX) saying it's okay to end abortion restrictions for rape because he's going to eliminate rape -- or when she's asked about removing Trump's political appointees from positions where they had no relevant experience.

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Q: A couple questions on Texas. The governor there was asked about the lack of an exception for rape or incest in the abortion law. And I don’t know if you heard those comments, but he said — his answer to that question was that “Texas will work tirelessly to make sure that we eliminate…rapists off the street.” I’m just wondering if the White House has a response to that.

MS. PSAKI: Well, if Governor Abbott has a means of eliminating all rapists or all rape from the United States, then there’ll be bipartisan support for that. But given there has never in the history of the country, in the world, been any leader who’s ever been able to eliminate rape, eliminate rapists from our streets, it’s even more imperative — it’s one of the many reasons, I should say, not the only reason — why women in Texas should have access to healthcare.

So, it does not change our objectives; it does not change our commitment. The Department of Justice — the Attorney General announced a step on Monday. Our Department of Justice is continuing to look at legal options. Our Department of Health and Human Services is also continuing to look at all options. And the President has made clear that it’s a priority to do everything we can to ensure women in Texas have access to healthcare.

Q And I want to push a little bit on that front. Just looking at options, you know, for women who are in Texas right now who might be in need of having an abortion, who perhaps are looking at this White House for a Hail Mary intervention —

MS. PSAKI: Yeah.

Q — the clock is ticking for them. The clock is literally ticking for them today. So, in terms of their decision making, can this administration offer any help to them now? What would you tell these women who are looking to this White House to help them? Is help on the way?

MS. PSAKI: Well, we would tell them first that this law is a violation of your rights, and we are going to do everything we can to provide assistance as quickly as we can. One of the reasons why the Department of Health and Human Services is a key component here is obviously because they oversee the nation’s healthcare systems, but they are going to look for ways to make sure we are providing access to healthcare to women in Texas.

I noted that the Department of Justice announced a step that they were taking on Monday. Clearly, this law is — or this bill that was signed into law is something we strongly oppose, and there’s an urgency to looking for and announcing actions to help women now. And certainly, we understand that women are looking at their choices right now — today, tomorrow, last week — and we are hopeful we will have more to convey to them directly.

Q But in terms of tangible help that’s on the way, would the White House support the FDA lifting restrictions on mifepristone, the abortion — so-called abortion pill?

MS. PSAKI: This is a decision that the FDA has to make on their own based on science. And certainly we believe in the independence of the FDA to make these decisions, and we know that there are a number of advocates who have called for that, but we’ll leave that decision to the FDA.

...

Q Quick question: Can the White House confirm that it has asked appointees from the last administration to resign from various boards, including the West Point Advisory Board and the Naval Academy Board, and why?

MS. PSAKI: Yes, we have. And the President’s objective is what any president’s objective is: is — was to ensure you have nominees and people serving on these boards who are qualified to serve on them and who are aligned with your values. And so, yes, that was an ask that was made.

Q Is there any concern that because a lot of these appointees do go across administrations, that there is a risk of politicizing these non- — traditionally non-controversial positions?

MS. PSAKI: Well, I will let others evaluate whether they think Kellyanne Conway and Sean Spicer and others were qualified or not political to serve on these boards.

But the President’s qualification requirements are not your party registration; they are whether you’re qualified to serve and whether you’re aligned with the values of this administration.

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