Trump: I Misspoke on Russia, Said Opposite of What I Meant

President says he accepts that Russia meddled, but reiterates there was 'no collusion'
By Newser Editors,  Newser Staff
Posted Jul 17, 2018 1:45 PM CDT
Updated Jul 17, 2018 2:21 PM CDT
Trump: I Accept Conclusion About Russian 'Meddling'
President Trump says he accepts the conclusion that Russia meddled in the US election.   (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

Amid a furious backlash, President Trump is clarifying his remarks about Russian interference in the 2016 election. Trump told reporters Tuesday that he does, in fact, accept the conclusion of US intelligence agencies that Moscow meddled—but he reiterated his assertion that there was no collusion with his campaign. Trump also now says that he misspoke during his Monday news conference with Vladimir Putin, reports the AP. In that news conference, when asked whether he believed Putin or US intel agencies in regard to Russian interference, Trump said, "I don't see any reason why it would be" Russia. Now Trump says he meant to say "wouldn't"—not "would"—in that response.

A tweet from Fox News reporter Chad Pergram has these comments from the president in regard to the issue: "I have full faith and support for America’s intelligence agencies," said Trump. "I always have. ... I accept our interest community conclusion that meddling took place. There was no collusion at all." Trump has been under fire from both political parties over his Monday comments, and he took the press to task for "going crazy" with fake news. (More President Trump stories.)

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