US President Donald Trump said Russia does not pose a threat to the United States, contradicting his director of national intelligence on a critical security issue and deepening a political controversy that began at his summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Trump, besieged with criticism over his perceived deference to Putin at the summit, for a second day sought to do damage control on the crisis, stating that no one had been tougher than he on Russia.
"There has never been a president as tough on Russia as I have been," Trump told reporters before a Cabinet meeting at the White House.
The president said his administration is “doing very well” in countering Russia, citing U.S. sanctions on Moscow and the expulsion of Russian nationals accused of being spies.
"I think President Putin knows that better than anybody, certainly a lot better than the media. He understands it, and he's not happy about it," the Hill cited Trump as saying.
But seconds later, Trump said "no" when asked if Russia still poses a threat to the U.S.
