Donald Trump on Thursday reignited the political storm that has threatened to engulf his presidency by insisting he has the right to use dirt provided by foreign governments on political opponents without informing the FBI.
In an interview aired late Wednesday by ABC News television, Trump was asked about taking help similar to the research offered by Russian operatives to his 2016 campaign about rival Hillary Clinton.
"There's nothing wrong with listening," Trump said, adding that he'd only "maybe" contact the FBI if he "thought there was something wrong."
When ABC interviewer George Stephanopoulos pointed out that FBI Director Christopher Wray recently said that any foreign meddling in US elections should be reported, Trump responded: "The FBI director is wrong."
A torrent of criticism erupted Thursday, including from vital Republican ally Senator Lindsey Graham, who said the president had made "a mistake."
Senior Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer called Trump's comments "shocking."
"The hypocrisy here knows no bounds," Trump spokesman Hogan Gidley said, branding criticism of the president "absolutely ridiculous."
One of Trump's fiercest Democratic opponents, House intelligence committee chairman Adam Schiff, called the president's comments on taking foreign help "a dereliction of duty."
Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content