Watch the full White House briefing with Press Secretary Jen Psaki

President Joe Biden’s press secretary verbally slapped two of ex-President Donald Trump’s cherished policies, calling his would-be Mexican border wall a waste of billions of dollars, and saying his Muslim-focused travel ban was based on religious bias.

Jen Psaki, in her first White House briefing, coolly made those digs at Trump’s policies as she went through a slew of executive actions that Biden signed within hours of being sworn in as president.

One of those orders repealed Trump’s ban on travel from a number of nations whose residents are primarily Muslims.

Psaki called the policy the “Muslim ban,” saying it was “rooted in religious animus and xenophobia.”

In another order, Biden halted federal funding and construction of the southern border wall, whose erection Trump falsely claimed would be paid for by Mexico.

Psaki also tartly said Biden terminated “the so-called national emergency used to wastefully divert billions [of dollars] for wall construction.”

Turn to CNBC TV for the latest stock market news and analysis. From market futures to live price updates CNBC is the leader in business news worldwide.


Connect with CNBC News Online

#CNBC
#CNBCTV

[Ding_Bat]

Hey Jen, why don’t you just “circle back to us”?

[markjamesmenorca]

The atmosphere has drastically changed. We all know why.

[Joe-niwj]

Here’s a fun drinking game to play. Take a shot every time she says “I’ll have to circle back”

[homeskillet]

"What's the president's favourite flavour of milkshake?"
"I'll have to circle back on that one".

[nanettesc]

Did anyone ask her if she promises not to lie, like they did with Kayleigh on her first day?

[proassassin]

I can't imagine the relief the reporters must be feeling in that room.

[wdmadsen]

Nice to see a smart person responsible. Always tell the truth.

[kikinnit]

It’s weird watching kaleighs polar opposite putting on the press briefings - it’s like being in bazaro world

[ralerts]

At 4:06 she was about to say President Obama XD!

[miguelcerda]

republican or democrat, press briefings should be daily and sometimes uncomfortable. Thank you.

[danny]

I was going to comment on this video but I will "circle back" and let you know what I think in 4 years

[anastasiostapsas]

Flawless, truthful, intelligent and informative. What else could you hope for. There will be stumbles but there won't be bald faced lies.

[karalynne]

What a breath of fresh air! Truth matters.

[nathanielgriffith]

How, in the world, did she get this position?

[icommentalots]

Wait how come she's not yelling at the press

[rafaelgalindo]

Suddenly media is not attacking or making offensive questions....

[aubrey]

She's not yelling about the size of the inauguration. This is so refreshing 😌

[mulila]

The Word circle will be censured in a minute, just wait.

[cheesemakerkeesee]

"There will be times we will see things differently" no, there won't the media will always fall in line

[staroftheshow]

First day and she did great. No lies here 🙏🏿