President Trump Donald John TrumpBiden on Trump's refusal to commit to peaceful transfer of power: 'What country are we in?' Romney: 'Unthinkable and unacceptable' to not commit to peaceful transition of power Two Louisville police officers shot amid Breonna Taylor grand jury protests MORE on Thursday addressed the children of White House staffers and members of the press corps, urging them to stay away from drugs and alcohol and offering praise for the work their parents do.

The president spoke on the South Lawn as part of Take Your Kids to Work Day, in which dozens of children got tours of the White House and participated in a mock press briefing.

"Never take drugs, don't drink alcohol, don't smoke. Enjoy your life," Trump advised the children.

ADVERTISEMENT

The president, who does not drink alcohol or smoke, said he used to give the same message to his own kids.

Trump repeated the wisdom again to conclude his remarks, encouraging the children that if they "keep learning, you keep trying, and you keep dreaming, one day you might be standing exactly right here where I’m standing."

"It's not that easy," he added with a chuckle.

The president offered praise for the parents in attendance as well, including White House staffers and members of the press corps. The president has a combative relationship with the media and has labeled specific outlets and reporters "fake news" and "the enemy of the people" multiple times in the past week alone.

"They report. They let you know how we’re doing. And oftentimes they report correctly," Trump said with a laugh. "Actually, most of the time. Your parents all the time."

"All the time, or most of the time?" Trump asked the kids.

"All the time," the children responded.

"Alright, all the time. See, I agree. For purposes of this speech, I agree," Trump said.

"But they are," he continued. "And they are protecting all of your families and they’re getting the word out and they want to get the word out fairly and honestly. Your parents are serving our entire nation and I’m sure you will agree with me they’re doing to make a better future for you."

Press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sarah Elizabeth SandersSarah Sanders on Trump's reported war dead criticism: 'Those comments didn't happen' Sarah Sanders memoir reportedly says Trump joked she should hook up with Kim Jong Un McEnany stamps her brand on White House press operation MORE Sanders and Vice President Pence took questions from children in the James S. Brady briefing room earlier in the day as part of the White House events set up for children.

It marked the first time since March 11 that Sanders fielded questions from the podium. The 45-day stretch is the longest the Trump White House has gone without holding a press briefing.