President Donald Trump is defending his son Don Jr. after emails were released showing him interested in taking damning information about Hillary Clinton from an alleged Russian government source.
"My son is a high-quality person, and I applaud his transparency," the President said in a written statement read by Deputy Press Secretary Sarah Huckbee-Sanders Tuesday.
Tuesday morning, Don Jr. released a series of emails, one of which states, "this is obviously very high level and sensitive information but is part of Russia and its government's support for Mr. Trump."
Here's my statement and the full email chain pic.twitter.com/x050r5n5LQ
— Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) July 11, 2017
Here is page 4 (which did not post due to space constraints). pic.twitter.com/z1Xi4nr2gq
— Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) July 11, 2017
Earlier today Trump's personal attorney denied the President had any knowledge of the meeting, which took place in June 2016. Vice President Mike Pence wasn't on the ticket at the time and also denies knowledge of the meeting.
During the daily press briefing, which was held off camera, Huckabee-Sanders repeatedly referred to outside counsel when asked about Donald Jr.'s disclosure. She also referred questions to Donald Jr.'s attornies. During Monday's briefing, Huckabee-Sanders said there has been no collusion between any Trump campaign officials and Russian government operatives.
.@SHSanders45 is repeatedly referring qs to outside counsel.
— Zeke Miller (@ZekeJMiller) July 11, 2017
.@SHSanders45 says “I do” when asked if she still stands by no collusion statement from yesterday
— Zeke Miller (@ZekeJMiller) July 11, 2017
.@SHSanders45 says she doesn’t know that last time @POTUS spoke with DJT Jr
— Zeke Miller (@ZekeJMiller) July 11, 2017