National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster said his responsibilities to President Donald Trump do not place him "in an impossible situation," pushing back at warnings he will be asked to defend the indefensible.
In an interview with ABC News' "This Week" aired Sunday, McMaster said he has "no difficulty" giving Trump his "best, candid advice."
"I don't think I'm in an impossible situation," he said in answer to comments from retired Army Lt. Colonel John Nagl during an NPR interview.
"Nobody elected me to make policy," he said. "What my job is is to give the president options, to integrate the efforts across all of our agencies and departments. And then once the president makes decisions, to help him execute those decisions to protect and advance the interests of the American people. So, I find no difficulty at all serving our nation and serving the president in my current capacity."
He also said he does not believe Trump expects him to only give him advice he wants to hear.
"I don't think the president expects that from me," he said. "Certainly, I don't think I would be fulfilling my duties and responsibilities unless I gave him not just my candid advice . . . [but] to integrate and coordinate to give him the best advice from across our government and with our key multinational partners."
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