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. ”
