Spicer: Trump Sanctions on Russia 'Well-Founded and Appropriate'

Russian matters aren't likely getting into the daily operations of the West Wing, as the administration and staff are focused on implementing President Donald Trump's agenda, former White House press secretary Sean Spicer said Friday, but the new round of sanctions were necessary.

"The sanctions the president instituted were well-founded and appropriate," Spicer told Fox News' "America's Newsroom." "The president's making it very clear actions won't be tolerated."

Trump made it clear he wanted a more solid relationship with Russia, but Russia has been deemed as a "bad actor" with its cyber attacks on American targets.

Thursday, the Trump administration accused Russia of staging a concerted operation to hack the United States' U.S. energy grid and other critical infrastructure including aviation. 

"If they continue not only in terms of our elections but hacks on institutions and businesses I think you'll see the president continue to take bold and swift actions to make sure the United States won't sit idly by," said Spicer.

There have been some differences in the language used by Trump and other administration members against Putin, but Spicer said that he believes that's because the president "wants to make sure he maintains a relationship with heads of state."

The team wants to make it clear to Russia and other countries that when it comes to the United States' economic and national security it will "put America first," said Spicer.

Meanwhile, there have been several shakeups in the Trump White House, including when Spicer was let go, and he said there is a learning curve, including with him.

"I think that's true with any new boss but I've been around this my whole life, and this is a disruptor putting an end to business as usual," said Spicer. "You have a lot of people coming in who are used to being in charge and it's different to be subservient to a boss when they climb the corporate ladder in certain responsibilities. There's a learning curve on both sides and the president, as president, has the right to ensure he has the people around him that understand how to implement his agenda properly."

• NYT: Trump Speaks Out Against Russia; More Must Be Done
• San Diego Newspaper Lauds Trump's 'Baby Steps' on Russia Sanctions