[Wolf Blitzer, Cnn:] Happening now, cashing in on credit. President Trump reverses course deciding to sign the GOP tax bill in front of the news media today instead of in January as originally planned. The President boasting of his accomplishments and complaining he gets no credit. Does he have any regrets from his first year in office? The inner circle, the Russia investigation focuses on one of the President's longest serving aides. The woman who has been his gatekeeper over at Trump Tower in New York for more than 30 years, she answers questions from the House Intelligence Committee with the Deputy FBI Director now corroborating James Comey's accounts of his conversations with the President. Is the Russia probe about to enter a new phase? Also, breaking news, anthrax missiles. As the U.N. votes on new sanctions against North Korea, South Korea reports the Kim Jong-un regime has more than a dozen biological agents, including anthrax that could be made weapon-ready within a matter of days. Is Kim Jong-un contemplating a horrifying attack? And Christmas allowed. A new app from a pro-Trump group thanks the President for things like taxes, the economy, supporting Israel and, quote, letting us say Merry Christmas again. Is that among his most significant accomplishments? I'm Wolf Blitzer. You're in THE SITUATION ROOM. President Trump's Christmas holiday is underway. He's now over at his resort at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida, leaving Washington after signing the GOP tax bill in a hastily-arranged ceremony. White House sources tell CNN the President actually wanted to hold a year-end news conference like so many of his predecessors but was persuaded not to do so by top aides. Instead, the President used the signing ceremony to tout his achievements and to complain that he doesn't get enough credit for them. And we're also following beaking news. The House Intelligence Committee Russia investigators are interviewing one of the President's longest-serving aides, Rhona Graff. For more than three decades, she's been his gatekeeper in New York where the interview was held over the objection of Democrats on the committee. And the United Nations Security Council has voted unanimously to impose harsh new sanctions on North Korea in response to its ballistic missile tests. President Trump praised the move in a tweet just moments ago and added, quote, the world wants peace, not death. And now there is new concern about the Kim Jong-un regime's ability to use those missiles to deliver biological weapons, including anthrax and smallpox. We're covering all of that much more this hour with out guess including Congressman Ted Lieu of the Judiciary and Foreign Affairs Committees. And our correspondents and specialists are also standing by. Let's begin with the news on President Trump. Our senior White House Correspondent, Jeff Zeleny is joining us from the White House right now. Jeff, we now know he wanted to hold a year-end news conference but his aides talked him out of it. What are you hearing?
[Jeff Zeleny, Cnn Senior Whitehouse Correspondent:] Wolf, that is what we are told tonight by administration officials. The President wanted to do what many Presidents do and hold year-end news conference. But some aides worried the Russia investigation and other matters could overshadow the conversation. So instead, the President invited a few reporters into the Oval Office as his aides stood by and watched as he signed the tax bill into law.
[Donald Trump, President Of The United States:] So this is the bill right here. And we're very proud of it.
[Zeleny:] President Trump signing the tax bill into law today, his final Oval Office act throughout the year. Injecting a burst of reality show drama into the moment, the President hastily summoning reporters after White House aides said he would sign the bill privately. But from his seat at the resolute desk, the President making a rare acknowledgment of a favorite pastime, watching television.
[Trump:] We're going to wait until January 7th or 8th and do a big formal ceremony, but every one of the networks was saying will he keep his promise, will he sign it for Christmas before Christmas? And so I immediately called, I said let's get it ready.
[Zeleny:] The President hoping to end 2017 on a high note, presiding over the first major overhaul of the U.S. tax system in three decades. He downplayed concerns of the laws unpopularity with many Americans or that it could be a weight on Republicans in the midterm elections.
[Trump:] I think it's selling itself. It's becoming very popular. But I think it will really you'll see something on February 1st when they open up the paycheck. That's when you're going to start to see it.
[Zeleny:] Even as he blasted Democrats for standing in unison against the bill, the President said he believes his rivals will come aboard next year to support a major infrastructure plan.
[Trump:] The Democrats very much regret it. They wanted to be a part of it. It just doesn't work out. I really do believe we're going to have a lot of bipartisan work done and maybe we start with infrastructure. Because I really believe infrastructure can be bipartisan.
[Zeleny:] It's an open question whether bipartisanship is wishful thinking or a New Year's resolution. As he reflected on his first year in office, the President complained about not getting credit for his accomplishments.
[Trump:] Harry Truman had more legislative approvals than any other President and a record long-held. And we beat him on legislative approvals of which I get no credit.
[Zeleny:] We asked the President if things would have gone smoother if he started with infrastructure rather than trying to repeal Obamacare?
[Trump:] I could have started with infrastructure. I actually wanted to save the easy one for the one down the road. So, we'll be having that done pretty quickly.
[Zeleny:] When asked whether he had any regrets from the start of his presidency, Mr. Trump shook his head no. Yet Politico reported a memo from the President's handpick RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel suggests the GOP is in danger of losing its majority in Congress next year. As Republicans brace to defend seats in the House and Senate
[Unidentified Male:] Roy Moore
[Zeleny:] The role of the President's former Chief Strategist Steve Bannon remains a critical question. At a year-end news conference on Capitol Hill today, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made clear he blames Bannon for losing a Republican seat in Alabama.
[Sen. Mitch Mcconnell , Majority Leader:] Well, let me just say this. The political genius on display throwing away a seat in the reddest state in America is hard to ignore.
[Zeleny:] At the White House, there was no traditional year-end news conference, like most presidents have done.
[Barack Obama, Fmr. President Of The United States:] All I want for Christmas is to take your questions.
[Ronald Reagan, Fmr. President Of The United States:] With the holiday season upon us, I'm delighted to see Americans giving each other the best Christmas present possible, a strong economy.
[Zeleny:] In fact, President Trump has not held a formal solo news conference since February. He was initially planning one to tout his accomplishments, CNN has learned, but some advisers argued against it to avoid being besiege with questions about the Russia investigation.
[Trump:] Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
[Zeleny:] That tension was clear in the Oval Office today as aides tried again and again to escort reporters out, even as the President seemed eager to talk. A few hours later, Mr. Trump arriving in Sunsplash, Florida with a bounce in his step, greeting supporters as he started a 10-day Christmas break.
[Obama:] Merry Christmas.
[Zeleny:] Even though President Obama and other presidents have long celebrated Christmas, Mr. Trump has taken credit for shining a new spotlight on the holiday, with one of his super pacs launching this ad.
[Unidentified Female:] Thank you, President Trump, for letting us say, Merry Christmas again.
[Zeleny:] So that ad playing from one of the Trump super pacs, thanking the President allowing people to say Merry Christmas. Well, of course, Wolf, that has always been allowed. But it was one of the biggest applause lines at Trump campaign rallies throughout last year and, indeed, this year as well when he travels across the country. He has seized upon that to talk about Christmas. But, Wolf, he is at Mar-a-Lago now for a 10-day holiday vacation. He calls it a working vacation, of course, keeping an eye on North Korea and other threats. But as of now, he is flying a bit high from the tax bill he signed into law. Of course we'll be talking about that all next year as it's a central figure in the midterm election campaign. Wolf?
[Blitzer:] Certainly will be. Jeff Zeleny at the White House, thanks very much. There's breaking news in the Russia investigation. The House Intelligence Committee interviewing President Trump's assistant and gatekeeper for more than three decades, Rhona Graff. Our Senior Congressional Correspondent Manu Raju is here. He's working this story for us. Manu, a lot of Democrats objected to this interview. The fact to it was taking place for example in New York.
[Manu Raju, Cnn Senior Congressional Correspondent:] Yes, that's right, because this investigation could be coming to an end and that's what Democrats in the House particularly are concerned about. They see these interviews being stacked in the way that is meant to expedite the investigation. What you're hearing from members of Democrats who are concerned about the fact that this is happening on a Friday before Christmas, where most members will not be attending and it's happening in New York. They're saying, well, why couldn't we wait until January when we're back in session? Republicans say, look, we want to get through all the witnesses as quickly as possible. And she is an important witness. Why? Because she is a longtime personal assistant to the President. She worked in the Trump Organization for roughly three decades. And she presumably knows about any contacts that may have occurred, including that meeting that occurred in June 2016 with Donald Trump Jr. and those Trump associates in Trump Tower. Because, Wolf, in that e-mail exchange between Rob Goldstone, the British publicist and Donald Trump Jr. setting up the meeting. Goldstone references Rhona Graff and says, I can contact Rhona Graff instead if you want me to take this directly to your father Donald Trump. It's uncertain whether or not he went that route. But undoubtedly, she will be asked this question at his interview today by the committee.
[Blitzer:] The staff members are talking to her, not the lawmakers?
[Raju:] There's some members may attend. We have get we have work that some members have attended this, but not the full committee for certain. Most of them are out of town.
[Blitzer:] There are also new developments involving Paul Manafort's Deputy Rick Gates who is facing charges in the Russia probe.
[Raju:] Yes, that's right. Apparently, a federal judge is concerned that perhaps he may have violated his gag order. This because of a lobbyist a controversial lobbyist by the name of Jack Burkman played a video of him talking to donors essentially talking about thanking them for their help in their case. The question of that the judge is wondering is that whether or not this violated the gag order. And also side note that this lobbyist is a rather controversial person, someone who promoted this conspiracy theory about the death of that DNC staffer Seth Rich. So some questions there as well, but one question is whether or not he did anything that the court would not approve of which is to violate this gag order.
[Blitzer:] Let's see what happens on that front as well. Manu, thank you very much. Let's get some more on all of these. The Democratic Congressman Ted Lieu of California is joining us. He is a member of both the Judiciary and the Foreign Affairs Committees. Congressman, thanks for joining us.
[Rep. Ted Lieu,  Judiciary Committee:] Thank you, Wolf.
[Blitzer:] So President Trump's longtime Secretary Rhona Graff has been interviewed by the House Intelligence Committee. She was his gatekeeper, as you know. Some called her his rolodex. How useful could her testimony be to investigators?
[Lieu:] Well, let me first say happy holidays to you and to your viewers. In regards to your question, I'm pleased that the House Intelligence Committee is continuing to do interviews. I think it would be tragic if speaker Ryan shutdown the committee. And I think they're going to look pretty silly because I can guarantee you, the Senate Committees and Special Counsel Mueller's going to keep on going and they're going to keep revealing additional evidence, additional facts. So I really hope that the House Committee on intelligence does not shutdown.
[Blitzer:] Yes, there's a lot of concern, including Adam Schiff, your California colleague, who is the Ranking Democrat on that committee, because nothing so far is scheduled for next year. They're wrapping things up right now. Let's see what happens on that front. Does your committee, Congressman, the Judiciary Committee, want to interview Rhona Graff as well?
[Lieu:] I would be happy to interview her. I do know that we did have a confidential interview of Andrew McCabe yesterday with the FBI. And I would be happy if he came back in an open public hearing, because I think America would like to know what he said.
[Blitzer:] Because CNN has learned that Andrew McCabe, the Deputy Director of the FBI, is one of the people who were briefed contemporaneously by the fired FBI Director James Comey after his conversations with President Trump. You're on that Judiciary Committee and as you correctly point out, McCabe appeared there this week. He appeared before other committees behind closed doors as well. Do you believe McCabe could corroborate Comey's account?
[Lieu:] So I don't want to comment on what he said because it was a confidential testimony hearing, but I would be happy if Republicans called him back to an open hearing. I think America would like to know what he said.
[Blitzer:] How do you see all of the attacks on McCabe? Because there's some concern that there's a push to get rid of him by some Republicans.
[Lieu:] As a former prosecutor, I have to say it's disgraceful, the attacks by the Republicans on law enforcement, on FBI agents, on prosecutors. So publicly they've attacked him because his wife engaged in political contributions. So let me just say, the FBI director Christopher Wray gave over $39,000 exclusively to Republicans and I trust Director Wray to do the right thing, to act impartially, because it's offensive and demeaning to say that if you're an FBI agent you somehow can't do your job just because you exercised your First Amendment right, to make political contributions. It's even a farther stretch to that say your spouse engaged in certain conduct regarding political contributions and somehow that affects your bias.
[Blitzer:] His wife was running for state office in Virginia and received a lot of contributions from the Virginia Governor Democrat Terry McAuliffe pac in Virginia. That's the accusation against the Deputy Director Andrew McCabe. But does he also have to answer for some of those anti-Trump text messages that were sent by two FBI agents and both of those agents, their responsibilities have changed as a result. They've been dropped from the Mueller probe.
[Lieu:] So he did not send those text messages. And when Robert Mueller found out about those text messages, he removed the FBI agent that sent those messages. And keep in mind, Robert Mueller is a Republican appointed previously by Republican President. And Special Counsel Mueller did absolutely the right thing by removing that agent. And we need to let the Special Counsel investigation continue forward. And when you see all of these attacks to smear Mueller's team, my question is, what are people afraid of?
[Blitzer:] Well, what do you think they're afraid of?
[Lieu:] So, when Special Counsel Mueller was appointed, Republicans praised him. Republicans like Newt Gingrich and others. Now they're attacking him. The only thing that's changed is two guilty pleas plus two additional indictments. So they're afraid, I think, of facts and evidence that Mueller is uncovering and that is not a good justification to try to smear his team.
[Blitzer:] Are there outstanding questions, Congressman, about the handling of the Clinton e-mail investigation, or are those questions a distraction from the current Russia probe?
[Lieu:] I believe it's a distraction. And last time I checked, Hillary Clinton is not President. Donald Trump is President. Our intelligence communities and agencies assessed that Russia attacked America last year in the cyber world. They did an influence campaign to undermine the democracy and help Donald Trump get elected.
[Blitzer:] How much was the Hillary Clinton e-mail investigation a focus of the interview with the Deputy Director of the FBI, McCabe?
[Lieu:] Again, I don't want to comment on his testimony, but I'm just going to say, again, I think if he testified openly and publicly that Americans would be interested to know what he said.
[Blitzer:] Well, explain that, if you can elaborate a little bit.
[Lieu:] Yes, absolutely. He would give you immense confidence in the FBI. And, by the way, I want to thank the FBI today for thwarting a terrorist attack on Pier 39 in California. The FBI is one of our nation's preeminent law enforcement agencies and it is a dear service for Republicans and allies of the President to attack the credibility of 37,000 people of the
[Fbi. Blitzer:] Yes. We're going to have a lot more on that breaking story later here in THE SITUATION ROOM as well. Congressman, stand by. There are more developments unfolding right now. We'll take a quick break. We'll resume the interview right after this.