State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert on Thursday thanked the journalists charged with covering the agency, applauding what she called their "dedication to the facts."

"I just wanted to say thank you so much for a terrific 2017," Nauert said at a department press briefing.

"I am truly honored to be working with you each and every day. Your professionalism, your dedication to the facts is really something that has been so impressive, and I just wanted to thank you all for the job that you do."

Nauert's comments came in contrast to 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's own comments about the press, which he has frequently criticized as "fake news" and unfair to his administration.

ADVERTISEMENT

Nauert also thanked State Department employees who have served in acting roles during the first year of the Trump administration. Many key posts at the agency remain without nominees.

"We've had so many acting people that have stepped up and done very difficult jobs, and I just wanted to thank them and their families for supporting them in the work," she said.