Donald Trump says his sons will run his businesses when he becomes President
The President-elect postpones a major news conference on how he'll deal with his business empire once he enters the White House.
Tuesday 13 December 2016 11:24, UK
Donald Trump has said that two of his sons will run his businesses when he takes office, so he can focus on being president.
The President-elect has been under pressure to step away from his sprawling property and licensing empire to avoid possible conflicts of interest.
He had been due to detail his plans on Thursday - in what would have been his first news conference since winning the White House on 8 November.
But he postponed the event until next month and, instead, tweeted that his children Don and Eric would run his companies for him.
Mr Trump added that 'no deals' would be done as long as he is in the White House.
The President-elect has faced questions over his holdings, which include hotels, golf courses, a business licensing the Trump name for use around the world and royalties from the television show The Apprentice.
No new date has been given for the news conference, but it is due to take place at some point in January.
Mr Trump has made no announcement about whether his daughter Ivanka will be involved in running his businesses, fueling speculation that she may get a role in his administration instead.
Spokesman Sean Spicer said the announcement was being delayed so the President-elect could focus on recruiting his Cabinet.
He said: "With so many iconic properties and successful entities, moving the announcement to January ensures the proper protocols are put in place so his sole focus will remain on the country and achieving his ambitious agenda."
Meanwhile, Mr Trump named his choice for the position of Secretary of State on Tuesday - .
Mr Tillerson - who has worked closely with Vladimir Putin on oil and gas exploration - is a controversial figure at a time when US intelligence sources are accusing Russian hackers of intervening on Mr Trump's behalf during the election campaign.
The top two Republicans in congress - Mitch McConnell and Paul Ryan - have risked the President-elect's wrath by backing calls for investigations into the alleged attacks.