Trump rules out independent probe into alleged Russia meddling
US President Donald Trump says he wants "to get to the bottom" of questions about alleged Russian influence in the 2016 election, but rules out an independent investigation.
In an interview with Fox News on Saturday night, Trump denied allegations of collusion between his campaign and Russia prior to the November presidential election.
"Everybody's convinced, they say there is no collusion," Trump said. "There is no collusion. We had nothing to do with Russia."
However, the president said it was "very important" that the issue of any foreign interference with the election was resolved.
"I want to get to the bottom if Russia or anybody is trying to tamper or play with our election," he said.
Asked whether he would allow an independent commission to investigate the issue, Trump said, “I don’t think you need it.”
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The president said the current investigations happening in Congress were sufficient as they were being conducted by “very ethical, very smart” people.
Trump said he would allow the congressional probes to last as long as they should because “I don’t want it ever to be a question again.”
"Let them do it," he said. "If it takes longer, it takes longer, but let them do the job right."
In the wide-ranging interview, Trump also defended his decision to fire FBI Director James Comey earlier this week.
The president said the Democrats were being "hypocrites" for their criticism about Comey's dismissal as they themselves were displeased with the FBI’s handling of the investigations into Hillary Clinton’s emails.
Trump’s surprise decision to dismiss Comey has brought the issue of alleged Russian meddling back into focus. Congressional critics questioned whether the move was connected to the investigation into the issue.
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