Trump denies trying to get security clearance for his children

Donald Trump says he is not trying to get security clearance for his children, which would allow them access to classified government information.

"I am not trying to get 'top level security clearance' for my children. This was a typically false news story," the Republican President-elect posted on Twitter.

Trump was referring to media reports that he was seeking security clearance for his three oldest children - Donald Jr., Eric and Ivanka - as well as Ivanka's husband, Jared Kushner.

Trump spokesman Jason Miller said he also was not trying to get clearance for Kushner.

"No paperwork has been completed or sent," the spokesman said.

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Clearances for the family members would allow Trump to discuss matters of national security with them. Federal law prohibits him from hiring family members to serve in his administration, but all four played important advisory roles through the campaign.

Trump has insisted that to avoid conflicts of interest, his children would run his sprawling business operations once he assumed the presidency.

He has also hit out at reports that world leaders can not reach him in Trump Tower, pointing to his phone calls with Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and New Zealand's John Key.

The New York Times wrote that Trump's transition plans were in disarray and American allies were scrambling to figure out how and when to contact him since last week's election victory.

At times world leaders were patched through to Trump in his luxury Manhattan office tower with little warning, the newspaper quoting a Western diplomat, reported.

In what is a positive sign for nervous US allies like Australia and New Zealand, Trump announced he is "always available to" foreign leaders.

"The failing @nytimes story is so totally wrong on transition," Trump wrote on Twitter on Wednesday.

"It is going so smoothly.

"Also, I have spoken to many foreign leaders.

"I have recieved (sic) and taken calls from many foreign leaders despite what the failing @nytimes said.

"Russia, U.K., China, Saudi Arabia, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and more.

"I am always available to them.

"@nytimes is just upset that they looked like fools in their coverage of me."

Turnbull called Trump after last week's election win and Mr Trump reached out to Mr Key after this week's devastating Kaikoura earthquake.

"He was very knowledgeable about what was going on, he offered his condolences and support for the people of New Zealand," Key said.

Trump has been highly-critical of the New York Times' coverage of his election campaign and win.