Top defense committee Democrat promises to hold Trump 'accountable'

Rep. Adam Smith (D-WA), the top Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, says he will fight President-elect Donald Trump "every step of the way" if he governs the same way he campaigned.

"President-elect Trump ran the most bitter, divisive, and negative presidential campaign in history.  Now he claims he wants to change his tone," Smith said. "For the sake of our country, I hope he does."

Trump, who defeated former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, has vowed to dramatically increase military spending, but has also pushed a policy of greater military restraint, sometimes calling into question the U.S. commitment to NATO and other allies around the world.

Smith promised to hold Trump's administration accountable from day one.

"I would like to see his agenda create good jobs, increase equality and equity, and respect the rights of all Americans; particularly women, communities of color, LGBTQ individuals, people with disabilities, and immigrants," Smith said. "However, if he continues to divide us as a nation, I will fight him every step of the way."

Trump will assume command of the U.S. military when he is sworn in on Jan. 20.