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Posted: 2016-11-29T20:09:30Z | Updated: 2016-11-29T21:26:13Z

WASHINGTON House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) declined to express an opinion Tuesday about whether President-elect Donald Trump s talks with world leaders about his business interests violate the Constitution.

But McCarthy did have some advice for Democrats , telling reporters they should back off calls for Congress to investigate how Trump and his transition team are separating the president-elects business interests from the demands of the nation.

Trump has reportedly spoken with a number of foreign leaders about various projects around the world. A part of the Constitution known as the Emoluments Clause bars presidents from getting anything of value from a foreign government unless Congress approves.

Asked if that section of the nations founding document raised any concerns for him regarding Trump, McCarthy sidestepped.

I think its a great question for Donald McGahn, whos going to be the legal counsel, McCarthy told reporters, referring to the lawyer Trump has named as White House counsel .

When asked whether its actually Congress responsibility to ensure the executive is following the rules, McCarthy countered with a question of his own about whether Trump is really breaking the rules.

I think the Constitution is an issue, he said. But are you telling me theres something that meets the criteria, currently, in the actions of what hes doing?

When it was pointed out that Trump has spoken about his business concerns with foreign leaders, and that foreign diplomats have suggested theyd stay in Trump hotels to curry favor , McCarthy professed ignorance.

Is someone saying thats happened? McCarthy said. Can [diplomats] not stay at the hotel?

Ultimately, McCarthy counseled reporters and Democrats who have asked for oversight to give Trump time.

I take anything in the Constitution very seriously. I dont want to leave any misinterpretation to you, McCarthy said. But Im just saying, he hasnt been sworn in yet.

He has a very big business, the congressman went on. I assume, especially when we have people who come to Congress and they have a business it takes them a while, and what Ethics Committee does, it gives them a chance to set it up in the proper way. And that may mean making different changes. So I dont think we expected him the first day to be able to change his entire business structure, but I think there will be a process.

McCarthy also did not want to say hed definitely hold hearings about how Trump is handling potential conflicts once hes sworn in and the Trump administration is up and running.

I never think in Congress that you just pick, to go in the instance that youre going after someone, and theres not something there, McCarthy said.

Why dont you give him a opportunity, when hes just now appointed a legal counsel, to go through, put it in order and display that to the American people of what the structure is before were saying Trump needs to be investigated? he asked.

And, likely to the amazement of Democrats who have complained about endless probes into Hillary Clinton s behavior, McCarthy argued that its time to back off on investigations.

I think for too long, some of these rules have been used that way, and I think its been a bad thing, and its harmed the ability for people all to work together, McCarthy said. Lets take a deep breath. Were going into a new year, weve got big problems before us.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) also declined to assert a congressional role at this stage.

Im sure the transition team is taking a look at all of those issues as we move towards Jan. 20, he said Tuesday.

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When pressed on what Trump should do to avoid conflicts, McConnell added: I dont have any advice to offer him today. I know they are considering the issue that you raise, and well hear what they recommend as we move towards Inauguration Day.

This article has been updated to include McConnells comments.