One of President Obama’s top advisers said on Wednesday that Donald Trump’s electoral win was “soul-crushing.”

Valerie Jarrett offered that dramatic assessment during a “Women Rule” event hosted by Politico.

“Obviously we were surprised by the outcome of the election. It kind of was like — I’m not sure what the right analogy would be — but like a punch in the stomach, let’s say. Soul-crushing might be another description,” Jarrett said. “But that’s the democracy that we have. The people get to decide and the elections matter and we have to get about the business of doing our job.”

Jarrett, who is considered Obama’s most influential aide, went on to say that the mood at the White House has improved in the weeks since Trump’s victory.

“He sets the tone and he’s upbeat. He’s excited about what we’ve accomplished,” Jarrett said of Obama. “And so I think the mood is a lot better today than it was the day after the election, that’s for sure.”

She also commented on Trump’s recent comments that he likes Obama and enjoys talking to him about the presidential transition.

“I understand why he likes him,” said Jarrett. “I guess I wish he’d gotten to know him sooner and had spent some time with him.” And I also think it reflects on President Obama’s attitude, which is he’s being very open and available and accessible.”

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