A trio of Republican senators reacted sharply today to US President Donald Trump's latest apparent defence of Russian President Vladimir Putin, rejecting Trump's suggestion in an interview that America cannot claim moral superiority to Putin's Russia.
Trump's remarks came in an interview with Fox News Channel's Bill O'Reilly that was previewed yesterday and is set to be broadcast in full today before the Super Bowl.
US investigators said they have corroborated some of the communications in a 35-page Russian dossier reported CNN.
It was reported last year that Russian operatives have a raft of comprising material on Donald Trump that they are holding to use against him.
US intelligence chiefs briefed Trump and then outgoingPresident Barack Obama on the damaging allegations.
The allegations included reports that the Russian regime "has been cultivating, supporting and assisting Trump for at least five years" and that Trump was allegedly involved in "perverted sexual acts" during a visit to Moscow.
President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump talk with reporters on board Air Force One. Photo / AP
However none of the newly corroborated information relates to the allegations above but instead relates to conversations between foreign nationals. The dossier details about a dozen conversations between senior Russian officials and other Russian individuals.
CNN reports the corroboration, based on intercepted communications, has given US intelligence and law enforcement "greater confidence" in the credibility of some aspects of the dossier as investigations continue.
When reached for comment today, White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer said, "We continue to be disgusted by CNN's fake news reporting."
Spicer later called back and said, "This is more fake news. It is about time CNN focused on the success the President has had bringing back jobs, protecting the nation, and strengthening relationships with Japan and other nations. The President won the election because of his vision and message for the nation."
Spokespeople for the FBI, Department of Justice, CIA and Office of the Director of National Intelligence declined to comment.
Trump dismissed the entire dossier last month during his only news conference as President-elect, saying in January, "It's all fake news. It's phony stuff. It didn't happen."
