WASHINGTON, DC – Today, after President Trump said he believed Russian President Vladimir Putin’s insistence that Russia did not attempt to meddle in the 2016 U.S. presidential election by stating: “Every time he [Putin] sees me he says, 'I didn't do that,' and I really believe, that when he tells me that, he means it,” U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the Ranking Member of the Armed Services Committee and a ex officio member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, issued the following statement:

"President Trump seems to have a difficult relationship with the truth, and this type of reckless rhetoric undermines both his credibility and U.S. national security.

"It is deeply disturbing that the President of the United States continues to trust the word of Vladimir Putin over the unanimous judgment of U.S. intelligence agencies.  That is a slap in the face of the brave men and women who risk their lives to gather intelligence and defend our nation.

"As we continue to learn more about President Trump's ties to Russia, and his campaign’s political ties to the Kremlin, the dark red cloud hovering over this Administration grows more ominous.

"President Trump should be concerned about Russia’s hostile interference in our election.  The fact that he is not should concern all Americans.  If President Trump prevents us from taking steps to thwart future attacks on our democracy, it will harm U.S. national security.

"This is why the independent investigation into Trump’s ties to Russia must continue and the American people deserve to know the facts."