US director of intelligence Dan Coats says he meant no disrespect to President Donald Trump when he responded to news of a second planned Trump summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Coats issued a statement seeking to control the damage from an interview he gave at the Aspen Institute security forum in Colorado on Thursday in which he expressed surprise when the news broke that Trump was planning another Putin summit.
"Some press coverage has mis-characterised my intentions in responding to breaking news presented to me during a live interview. My admittedly awkward response was in no way meant to be disrespectful or criticise the actions of the president," Coats said.
"I and the entire intel(ligence) community are committed to providing the best possible intelligence to inform and support President Trump's ongoing efforts to prevent Russian meddling in our upcoming elections, to build strong relationships internationally in order to maintain peace, denuclearise dangerous regimes and protect our nation and our allies," Coats said.
Coats was on stage at the Aspen Institute when he was informed about the second summit.
"Say that again. Did I hear you?" he asked, appearing amused. "OK, that's going to be special."
President Donald J. Trump (L) and Russian President Vladimir Putin (R) shake hands during a joint press conference Source: REX/Shutterstock
Trump has drawn heavy criticism from both Republicans and Democrats over his summit last Monday in Helsinki, Finland, with Putin, when he seemed reluctant to blame Russia for meddling in the 2016 US presidential election.
