Trump accepts US intel assessment on Russian meddling

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON (AA) - Facing widespread backlash, President Donald Trump sought to backpedal Tuesday from remarks in which he appeared to side with Russian President Vladimir Putin's denials of responsibility for a widespread influence campaign in the 2016 election.

In addressing reporters at the White House, Trump said he misspoke during a joint press conference with Putin in Helsinki, Finland, following hours of closed-door consultations.

At the conclusion of the summit Monday, Trump told reporters that while he has "great confidence" in the U.S. intelligence community, but "President Putin was extremely strong and powerful in his denial today."

Putin "just said it’s not Russia," Trump said. "I don’t see any reason why it would be."

Trump said the comments needed "some clarification," and said he meant to say "wouldn't" instead of "would."