iStock/Thinkstock(WASHINGTON) — Republican National Committee chairman Reince Priebus said Donald Trump recognizes that he needs to change his tone now that he’s the presumptive Republican nominee.
“I think Donald Trump gets it completely about being presidential and gracious and I can tell you that’s how he acts toward me in private,” Priebus told ABC’s Rick Klein, following his meeting with Trump and House Speaker Paul Ryan.
“I think he understands that getting to that place is important,” Priebus added. “But you know Donald Trump also has to be Donald Trump, I mean that’s what got him there.”
The RNC chairman said it’s important for Trump to focus his “energy” on Democratic front-runner Hillary Clinton.
“Bringing this party together is something we’re all working towards and today was an important step in that direction,” Priebus said.
After today’s 45-minute private meeting with Trump and Ryan, which he also attended, Priebus described the mood as “cooperative.”
“There was a good spirit in the room,” he said.
Priebus dodged a question on whether Trump should release his tax returns. Trump said yesterday he would release them once an ongoing audit is completed.
“I don’t know the rules on audits and I’m not going to get into that,” he said. “Every candidate can make their own decision.”
Priebus also would not say whether Trump needs to nix his proposed ban on Muslims entering the U.S., which Priebus spoke out against last year. In an interview with Fox News’ Brian Kilmeade Wednesday, Trump softened slightly on his plan, saying that the ban was, “just a suggestion until we find out what’s going on.”
“Look you know what my position is on it, but that’s his decision,” Priebus said. “Obviously I’ve been clear on that and it’s something that he’s got to work through.”
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