President Trump Donald John TrumpHR McMaster says president's policy to withdraw troops from Afghanistan is 'unwise' Cast of 'Parks and Rec' reunite for virtual town hall to address Wisconsin voters Biden says Trump should step down over coronavirus response MORE said Saturday that he hopes top White House economic adviser Gary Cohn will stay in his administration for "a long time."

"I hope so," Trump said during a press conference at Camp David, when asked if Cohn would stay on.

"Where is Gary?" Trump continued, turning toward Vice President Pence and top congressional Republicans standing by his side at the presidential retreat.

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Cohn, who was in the audience, said he did not hear the question. Trump invited Cohn to the lectern, saying his chief economic adviser was pleased with the passage of the GOP tax bill last month.

"Now, if he leaves, I'm going to say: 'I'm very happy that he left.' OK? All right?" Trump continued, to laughs. "Come here, Gary."

"Are you happy, Gary? He just passed a very big bill. I think he's pretty happy," Trump said.

"Yes, I'm happy. How's that?" Cohn responded with a smile, shaking Trump's hand.

Reporter: "Will Gary Cohn remain in your administration?"



President Trump brings Gary Cohn to podium: "Gary, hopefully, will be staying for a long time." pic.twitter.com/N3Ni0HVplW — NBC News (@NBCNews) January 6, 2018

Speculation mounted this week that Cohn might leave his White House post after the passage of the tax overhaul. The bill was a top issue for Cohn, who helped negotiate its provisions with Republicans in Congress.

Cohn also reportedly came close to resigning last summer when Trump pointed blame at "many sides" for the violence at a white nationalist rally in Charlottesville, Va.

"Gary, hopefully, will be staying for a long time," Trump reiterated Saturday.