Trump transition team contacts Pentagon, State Department

US President-elect Donald Trump's transition team has contacted the Department of Defence and the State Department along with National Security Council of the White House to ensure a smooth transfer of power.
"The State Department is now in contact with the President-elect's transition representatives. We look forward to supporting their work and preparations, in keeping with the President's priority of ensuring a smooth transition," State Department Spokesman John Kirby said yesterday.
Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook said representatives of the President-elect's transition team contacted the department a short time ago to arrange initial briefings.
"We expect the first will take place on Friday. As (Defence) Secretary (Ashton) Carter has said, we will do everything we can to help ensure a seamless and efficient transition," Cook said.

The Trump Transition team made the move to contact the outgoing Obama administration for a smooth transition, a week after President Barack Obama met Trump.
Meanwhile, Trump continues with his meetings and consultations as part of his effort to build up his team.

More than a week after winning the election, he is yet to announce a major cabinet appointee.
Among others, Trump met Alabama Senator Jeff Sessions, former secretary of state Henry Kissinger and South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley.
During his meeting with Kissinger, Trump discussed China, Russia, Iran, the European Union and other events and issues around the world, said a statement issued by the presidential transition team.

"I have tremendous respect for Dr Kissinger and appreciate him sharing his thoughts with me," said Trump.
"While nothing has been finalised and he is still talking with others as he forms his cabinet, the President-elect has been unbelievably impressed with Senator Sessions and his phenomenal record as Alabama's Attorney General and US Attorney," the transition team said after Trump met Sessions.
Vice President-elect Mike Pence addressed a meeting of the House Republican Conference, during which he shared an update on the Presidential Transition, which he is chairing.
He said substantial progress is being made with decisions on key appointments and, solicited feedback and suggestions from Conference members on additional appointments and communicated a desire to receive additional input.

Pence reaffirmed the commitment of the Trump administration to pursue a legislative strategy focused on tax reform and tax relief, in addition to repealing and replacing Obamacare, securing border, rebuilding infrastructure and other priority items to create jobs and increase security.
Meanwhile, media reports said Trump is planning to meet his bitter critic and 2012 Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney who was highly critical of him this summer.
Anthony Scaramucci, a member of the transition team executive committee, denied reports about any differences in the transition team.
"It is really not true... What we are seeing is a very orderly group of people working on behalf of the American people," Scaramucci said.